Exploring the great outdoors is one of life’s most fulfilling activities. Whether you are headed out on a family vacation or just want to get away from your ordinary routine, there’s nothing like the peace, serenity and ever-changing surroundings found in nature. Every day, there is more evidence that supports physical positive effects on your brain regarding memory, endorphin levels and the physical aspect of immersing yourself in the forest – exploring, hiking, climbing, biking, kayaking.
The best part about exploring Virginia offers a variety of terrains for every type of adventure seeker. If you are looking for an easy hike or a more challenging off-road experience – Virginia, has it! Here are some of the best places to explore in Virginia:
- Exploring George Washington National Forest: The Best of What Virginia’s Green Spaces Have to Offer
- Running away from your daily life and enjoying endless adventures sounds like a dream. But what if you could make it a reality? Virginia offers a variety of unique places to explore and adventures to embark on, all just waiting for the perfect adventure seeker. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and get ready for an overland adventure in Virginia.
This guide will introduce you to some of our favorite overseas destinations, such as the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. In addition, we’ll give you some helpful tips to ensure that your journey goes smoothly – no matter where you go!
The state of Virginia
Virginia is home to a wide variety of spectacular views and memorable adventures. A few minutes outside of both northern and southern Virginia, travelers can find their way into the Shenandoah National Park or the George Washington National Forest. These are just two destinations on our list for those looking for an active vacation.
George Washington National Forest
One of Virginia’s most popular green spaces is George Washington National Forest. Spanning a whopping 2,075,411 acres of land, this forest is home to plenty of amazing outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, and mountain biking. The forest is particularly well known for the breathtaking views and for being the only location in Virginia where you can find red spruce trees.
The best times to explore this nature preserve are from late spring to early fall as temperatures range between 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Though it’s recommended that visitors come prepared with water, food, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Coming prepared with the right safety gear will make your experience at GWNF more enjoyable and will ensure that you don’t run into any dangerous situations.
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a large, protected area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It spans almost 150 miles, and its history stretches back to 1878. The park, was originally created by President Ulysses S. Grant as a forest reserve, was given national park status in 1926.
In addition to being one of the oldest national parks, Shenandoah National Park is also one of Virginia’s most visited places for visitors interested in nature, hiking trails, and mountain climbing. There are more than four hundred miles of scenic driving routes that provide visitors with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and plenty of hiking opportunities throughout the park.
Blue Ridge Parkway
An Outdoor Adventure
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic byway that runs from the Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This popular destination offers a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
While it may sound like you have to travel far to reach the Blue Ridge Parkway, this destination is close. The Parkway starts at Shenandoah National Park and ends in Cherokee, North Carolina. And with all these awesome adventures just waiting for you, how can you resist?
Conclusion
The George Washington National Forest is a national forest in Virginia, United States. With a total of 463,723 acres, the George Washington National Forest is the smaller of the two national forests in Virginia. This forest was created by combining four previously designated national forests. Today, George Washington National Forest is one of only 3 remaining original 8 national forests.
The George Washington National Forest offers visitors a variety of outdoor opportunities including hiking, camping, and fishing. There are also many opportunities to explore the history of the forest.
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