Shenandoah Valley

Understand

The Shenandoah Valley is formed by two mountain ranges, the Blue Ridge on the east and the Appalachian on the west. Another mountain ridge, the Massanutten, runs down the middle, as does the Shenandoah River. The Shenandoah Valley is believed to have been named by a lost Native American tribe. The meaning of the name is disputed, but the most popular interpretation is “daughter of the stars”.

Intrepid Englishmen began to explore and settle the valley in the early 18th century. Germans and Scots-Irish first entered the valley from the north in the 1730s. A young George Washington worked in the area as a surveyor for Lord Fairfax. Locals such as Daniel Morgan, Peter Muhlenberg, and George Rogers Clark distinguished themselves during the War of Independence. During the American Civil War, the Shenandoah Valley was the site of many battles, primarily because the region’s moniker, “the breadbasket of the Confederacy”. If Union troops could control the valley, they would cut off a large portion of the Confederate troops’ rations. Most notably, during the Peninsula campaign, the first large scale Northern offensive to capture Richmond, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson and his men managed to draw away vastly superior Union numbers, that ended up unable to aid McClellan's ultimately failed attempt to capture Richmond. The city of Winchester, at the northern end of the valley, traded hands over 80 times during the war. The most important battle fought in the region was the Battle of New Market.

Getting there

By car Interstate 66 West from Washington, D.C. Interstate 64 West from Richmond, Virginia Interstate 64 East from West Virginia

By bus Greyhound operates bus stations in Charlottesville, and Lynchburg. Buses connect with Washington, D.C., and Richmond, with transfers available for further destinations.

By train Amtrak operates train stations located in Staunton, Clifton Forge, and Charlottesville. Trains connect with Washington, D.C., and Chicago.

By plane Washington Dulles International Airport, with scheduled commercial flights from many cities around the world. It is about a one-hour drive (65 mi, 106 km) from the northern area of the Shenandoah Valley. Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport in Charlottesville is a small airport with scheduled commercial service from several cities in the U.S. It is about a 30-minute drive (35 miles, 55 km) from the central area of the Shenandoah Valley. Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD IATA) in Weyers Cave. Luray Caverns Airport (W45) near Luray is a small general aviation airport with no commercial flights.

Getting around

A car is essential for touring the region.

Interstate 81 runs the length of the valley Skyline Drive, one of the most scenic routes in the country, is in Shenandoah National Park.

See

1 Luray Caverns, 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, ☏ +1 540 743-6551. Luray Caverns in Luray is the most famous of the Shenandoah Valley's many caverns. $34 Adult, $32 Senior. $17 Child. (updated Feb 2024) There are many lovely waterfalls in the area, including Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah National Park, 2 White Rock Falls, 3 Wigwam Falls, 4 Crabtree Falls and 5 Apple Orchard Falls. Most require a hike of up to 3 miles (5 km), which may be moderate or difficult. Proper footwear and water are highly advisable. 6 New Market Battlefield and Virginia Museum of the Civil War, 8895 George Collins Pkwy, New Market, ☏ +1 866 515-1864. New Market Battlefield and Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market is the site of a famous Civil War battle, in which the young cadets of the Virginia Military Institute marched for four days to challenge and defeat Union troops moving down the valley. A state park, two museums, and a yearly reenactment bring their story to life. (updated Feb 2024) 7 Natural Bridge, 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge (Natural Bridge State Park, near Route 11), ☏ +1 540 291-1326. Daily 8AM-8PM. Worshipped by the Monacan Indians, owned by Thomas Jefferson, and defaced by a young George Washington, this limestone arch is a natural wonder and historic site rolled into one. A beautiful area to walk around. (updated Jun 2021) Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum in Winchester is an interactive, hands-on museum for families, which focuses on the science, mathematics, humanities and the arts.

Do

The Shenandoah National Park provides many opportunities for hiking, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail, fishing, and horseback riding. Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in Winchester is held each spring, usually in late April or early May. This festival includes carnivals, pageants, parades, and a circus as part of the celebrations. Jefferson Pools in Warm Springs is named after early visitor Thomas Jefferson. These 98 °F (37 °C) hot springs offer year-round soaking in two historic bath houses. 8 Shenandoah River Outfitters, 6502 S Page Valley Rd, Luray, ☏ +1 540 743-4159. Offers a wide range of water activities on the Shenandoah River. (updated Feb 2024)

Eat

1 Griffin Tavern, 659 Zachary Taylor Hwy, Flint Hill (Route 522), ☏ +1 540-675 3227. Restaurant in the style of an English pub. The menu includes burgers, shepherds pie, and fish and chips. (updated Jun 2021) Shenandoah Valley Apples Though many of the valley's orchards have shut down, you can still find excellent apple cider, apple sauce, and fresh, crunchy apples in autumn. White House Foods, based in Winchester, processes many of these products. 2 Orleans Market & Pub, 6855 Leeds Manor Rd, Marshall (Route 688), ☏ +1 540 364 2774. F Sa 8AM-10PM, Su 9AM-7PM, M Tu 8AM-7PM, W Th 8AM-9PM. Simple, inexpensive sandwiches with live outdoor music on many Friday evenings and Saturday evenings. (updated Jun 2021) 3 Hunter's Head Tavern, 9048 John S Mosby Hwy, Upperville (Route 50), ☏ +1 540 592 9020. Daily 11:30AM-9:30PM. English-style restaurant and pub with a lush backyard patio. (updated Jun 2021)

Drink & nightlife

Much of the area is included in The Shenandoah Valley American Viticultural Area and is home to 40 wineries The Blue Ridge Whiskey & Wine loop connects local wineries & distilleries.

Go next

Washington, D.C. Richmond Roanoke Potomac Highlands of West Virginia