Front Royal, VA - The Canoe Capital of Virginia:
Warren County is known as the Canoe Capital of Virginia, thanks in part to the 39 miles of scenic waterways better known as the North and South forks of the Shenandoah River that meet just west of the town of Front Royal, and the main river that continues toward Clarke County, northward.
The North and South forks of the river meet at Riverton, west of Front Royal, where it heads north to Clarke County, and ultimately, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where it meets the Potomac River. In Warren County the river offers calm waters for a leisurely canoe ride and rapids ideal for kayaking. Boating, rafting and tubing also are popular.
Skyline Drive / Shenandoah National Park:
Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park bring more visitors to Warren County than any other attraction. The park and drive extend 105 miles over mountain tops from Afton in the south to Front Royal in the north, and parallel a 95-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail. The park draws more than 2 million visitors a year; about 500,000 of them enter at the Front Royal entrance on US 340, about a quarter-mile south of the town.
The 195,000-acre park combines protected mountain land with trails and beautiful views. The park's trails, varying from short walks to 12-hour hikes, intersect with waterfalls, streams, old home sites and scenic vistas. Wildflowers, more than 205 species of birds, white-tailed deer and black bear abound.
Admission to the park is $10 per car and $5 for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. An annual park pass is available for $20.
Fishing the Shenandoah River :
Fishing: The South Fork of the Shenandoah River is one of the nation's best for smallmouth and largemouth bass, rockbass, redbreast sunfish, bluegill, muskellunge and channel catfish. The North Fork, meanwhile, offers anglers smallmouth bass and redbreast sunfish, and the mainstream offers all species except muskellunge.
State residents age 16 and over are required to obtain a fishing license before fishing on inland waters. Nonresidents over age 12 need a license. All persons needing a license also need to purchase a National Forest stamp when fishing in waters within the boundary of the Washington and Jefferson National Forest, except on the North and South forks of the Shenandoah River. Licenses are sold at authorized agents located throughout the county, but not at the county clerk's office.
Golf:
Shenandoah Valley Golf Club, located at 134 Golf Club Circle, Front Royal, features three nine-hole courses. Public course. The facility also features a pro shop, banquet facilities and a snack bar. Call 540.636.4653 for more information.
Jackson's Chase at Pine Hills Golf Club, is an 18-hole public course laid out over several knolls once roamed by the Confederate Army under General Thomas A. 'Stonewall' Jackson. It is located at 65 Jackson's Chase Drive in Middletown. The facility features a pro shop, putting green, driving range and snack bar. For more information and tee times, call 540.635.7814
