Outdoor Activities

Hiking

Shenandoah National Park
North Entrance: Front Royal, VA | (540) 999-3500

This 105 mile long park lies astride the Blue Ridge Mountains with long vistas into the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Virginia’s Piedmont to the east. The Appalachian Trail roughly parallels the scenic Skyline Drive along the ridge top and there are other ridge top trails with side trails to overlooks and waterfalls. Open year round, weather permitting. If in doubt, call number above for current road conditions in park. For even more detailed information, go to Guide to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive.

Appalachian Trail (703) 242-0693 The Appalachian Trail is accessible in a few spots in our area outside the National Park.
George Washington National Forest Fort Valley Entrance: Waterlick, VA \| (540) 984-4101 Signal Knob is the distinctive peak most clearly visible from Vaucluse. The highlight of this challenging 9 to 12 mile hike is the view from a famous Civil War signal station site. The National Forest has many other well-marked trails throughthousands of acres of “mixed use” land (one of the “mixed uses” is hunting – we don’t recommend hiking in late fall and winter in areas where hunting may be taking place).
Sky Meadows State Park Paris, VA \| (540) 592-3556 The heart of this 1800-acre park was a gift to the Commonwealth of Virginia from Paul Mellon. Several short hikes leave from a restored 1840’s farmhouse and wind through a blend of pasture and woodlands. Canoeing Front Royal Canoe Company Front Royal, VA \| (800) 270-8808 Canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals on the Shenandoah River on novice to intermediate class waters. April through October. Shenandoah River Outfitters Luray, VA \| (800) 622-6632 Similar to Front Royal Canoe Company, but located further away from Vaucluse. Good if you want to start and end your trip from the Luray area.
Horseback Riding Marriott Ranch Hume, VA \| (877) 278-4574Guided trail rides on a 4200 acre working cattle ranch at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Front Royal. Open daily year round except Mondays. Reservations required. Private rides (walk, trot, and canter) are available Tuesday through Friday. The Wagon Wheel Ranch Winchester, VA \| (540)868-9427 - (540) 303-2687 Working Angus cattle ranch. Rides led by a rodeo champion, the ranch Herdsman or one of their cowboys. Horses are all working mounts. Double H Stable Reliance, VA \| (540) 636-4523 Trail rides on 450 acres of private trails. Trotting and cantering are welcome. Open year round. Reservations required.

Bicycling

Plan on bringing your own bikes (no rentals in area). We have maps available at the inn for several round trips through apple orchard country here in Frederick County and through horse country in neighboring Clarke County.

Golfing

Shenandoah Valley Golf Club
Front Royal, VA | (540) 636-4653
Area’s finest. 27-Hole course rated 4 stars and a “Great Value” by Golf Digest Magazine. Mountain views from every hole.

Rock Harbor Golf Course
Winchester, VA | (540) 722-7111
Distinctive rock boulders, water and orchards give this 18-hole course its character.

Blue Ridge Shadows Golf Club
Front Royal, VA | (540) 631-9661
Area's newest. 18 Holes. Washington Post says it has "a challenging layout and gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains."

Jackson’s Chase
Front Royal | (540) 635-7814
18 Holes. Gets its name from being the site of Civil War icon Stonewall Jackson’s “chase” of General Banks in 1862.

Appleland Sports Center
Stephens City, VA | (540) 868-0961
Close and fun. Triple decker driving range, 9 hole golf course, 18 hole miniature golf course, practice sand trap and putting green.

Appalachian Trail (703) 242-0693 The Appalachian Trail is accessible in a few spots in our area outside the National Park.
George Washington National Forest Fort Valley Entrance: Waterlick, VA \| (540) 984-4101 Signal Knob is the distinctive peak most clearly visible from Vaucluse. The highlight of this challenging 9 to 12 mile hike is the view from a famous Civil War signal station site. The National Forest has many other well-marked trails throughthousands of acres of “mixed use” land (one of the “mixed uses” is hunting – we don’t recommend hiking in late fall and winter in areas where hunting may be taking place).
Sky Meadows State Park Paris, VA \| (540) 592-3556 The heart of this 1800-acre park was a gift to the Commonwealth of Virginia from Paul Mellon. Several short hikes leave from a restored 1840’s farmhouse and wind through a blend of pasture and woodlands. Canoeing Front Royal Canoe Company Front Royal, VA \| (800) 270-8808 Canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals on the Shenandoah River on novice to intermediate class waters. April through October. Shenandoah River Outfitters Luray, VA \| (800) 622-6632 Similar to Front Royal Canoe Company, but located further away from Vaucluse. Good if you want to start and end your trip from the Luray area.
Horseback Riding Marriott Ranch Hume, VA \| (877) 278-4574Guided trail rides on a 4200 acre working cattle ranch at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Front Royal. Open daily year round except Mondays. Reservations required. Private rides (walk, trot, and canter) are available Tuesday through Friday. The Wagon Wheel Ranch Winchester, VA \| (540)868-9427 - (540) 303-2687 Working Angus cattle ranch. Rides led by a rodeo champion, the ranch Herdsman or one of their cowboys. Horses are all working mounts. Double H Stable Reliance, VA \| (540) 636-4523 Trail rides on 450 acres of private trails. Trotting and cantering are welcome. Open year round. Reservations required.

A Romantic Retreat in the Shenandoah Valley

(540) 869-0200

Outdoor Activities

Hiking

Appalachian Trail

Canoeing

Horseback Riding

Bicycling

Golfing