We went canoeing today and had a wonderful experience! We got there a bit early (9:20) but they…read moreopened right on time at 9:30 for us to pick up our canoes. The drive over to the start of our day trip was pleasant in an air conditioned van and the guide driving us pointed out baby deer and an eagle's nest which was awesome. The canoeing day itself was beautiful and the trip was just the right length for us. There were four adults in our group-- I think with kids you would want to ask for a closer drop off point because it was a LOT of paddling. The canoes were nice and they helped us carry them down to the launch point and gave us a run down of the rapids we would pass which was helpful to avoid overly shallow or rocky areas. We were the only ones canoeing that day which was so nice! I would love to do this again in the fall when the leaves are changing!

Loved the rafting and the beautiful spot they have on the James River. The campground has very…read moreclean portable toilets. There is ample shade so during the hot summer months, you're sheltered from the sun. We camped right on the water at Campsite 6 hearing the river as we slept. We could have camped up a bit as the site is large. We could swim from the site. Floating down the James River rafting was super beautiful and relaxing. Any age can do this really. Water was low but still fun.

We had an incredible time with Brian on the Smith River. He took the time to teach the beginners…read morehow to navigate their kayaks and educated us on wildlife along the way. Our crew had a blast! Professional, knowledgeable, and patient!

Spent a few days last week with Brian from Smith River Outfitters on the Smith River. This guy know…read morefly fishing and the Smith River. I was impressed with his knowledge of where to fish, what to use, and the habits of the wildlife on the river. Also find out the his company also does float trips and rental several different types of water craft for river use. It's not often one that a client gets the owner of the business as a guide, I was fortunate. If you decide to fish the Smith call his company and ask for him. He will put you on fish, keep you entertained and provide memories for a lifetime. Check out his web site the pictures are the real deal. I will fish with him again.

How beautiful! You really can't find hidden gems like this anymore. Just nature, no cell signal, no…read moreemails, just for real peace and quiet. I stayed in Cabin 12, a two bedroom cabin on a little hill. It was far enough away from the other cabins to feel private, but within sight enough to feel safe. There were trails to hike or bike all over, strolled a few, but the frigid weather kept it 3 miles or less, so glad there were plenty of loop options. As we (the dog came along as usual) were there in winter, a lot was shut down for the season, but there was a restaurant, camp store, marina, and swim beach that I bet are pretty busy come summer! The lake is beautiful against the rolling mountains. Town is close by for groceries, and the Falling Spring Falls are a must see! Hit up Covington and Clifton Forge for supplies and other random things to do if you are interested in a low-key vacay!

We had seen signs for this state park while occasionally traveling along I-64 in western Virginia…read more While pressed a bit for time, we decided to check it out with an eye towards deciding whether it would be worth a future camping trip. Yes, it would be! The state park (4,545 acres) is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains. It had been a traditional family park since 1936, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in development of parks nationwide. The park features mountain scenery, stream fishing, a 50-acre stocked lake, sandy swimming beach, cabins and campsites (including some lake-side), and 43 miles of hiking. There's also a well-stocked camp store and small grill. We were pleasantly surprised by the prices. One tip: when you reach the state park, there is a parking area on the right along the stream, with signage. The MAIN entrance, near the lake, is an additional four miles up the road.

James River State Park is my 34th park and a great one, but let me tell you, you do not camp on…read moreriverside. Some of the pictures one the website look like the are on the water or have a view of the water. They don't. That turned out OK for me. Probably saving lives by having campgrounds far from the actual River. Access can be reached by hiking to it or driving .5 miles to a landing. - When seeing the river on my hike, it looked so relieving! I was a hot, sweaty and stinky mess. I wanted to jump right in. The water was swiftly moving and I loved hearing the rapids AND the Osprey, overhead! What a great sight!, but that's not all! A turkey also walked out on the trail to say hello the turned around and walked away! That's what I'm here for! The adventure of Nature and wildlife. Speaking of the adventure for wildlife...remember the fish I boxed up from Ruby Tuesday's lunch? Ants got in it on the picnic table in mere seconds! So I tied the bag to the top of the water pump. Not too high but it wasnt on the ground or the table. In the middle of the night I heard clawing and snarling.. I unzipped my tent window and beamed my flashlight on a skunk! Oh..I'm in trouble..he must not have liked the flashlight because he started walking right at me to the tent! I was a little scared at 1am! I zipped up tight and shook my key chain, thought it was gone but he was back over there now fighting with a squirrel! The were screaming and hissing. A small stinch of the skunk was sprayed as a warning and I was frozen in my tent. Lol. In the morning I took it down and put it in the dumpster. Second night I slept in the car. About 3am I drove the campsite to the bathrooms and as soon as I pull out of my site, he crossed the road, right in front of me! I had to laugh. But be aware of skunks! They are vicious!! - Here, I used my iron skillet to make a bacon (canadian) and egg sandwich fire toasted sourdough. Delicious!

Cabins are clean, comfortable, and well maintained. Trails galore and a stargazing area! We will…read morereturn! Quiet. Beautiful. Close to historic areas for a day trip.

Visited in spring of '25. Our hosts were awesome and incredibly accommodating. The place is…read moregenuinely fabulous. If you like gravel biking, the Greenbrier River Trail is a short bike ride from the house and if you don't have your own, there's a rental/shuttle service in town at the one and only traffic light. We have ridden in October and saw a couple of bears on the ride. We also rode in the spring and didn't see any but Ann said she saw one while walking the trail with their baby. No issues with them though. I def want to visit again but we've had a couple of health issue that put our Wanders (and waders) on hold.

First time fly fisher person, here, and boy was I surprised how much I enjoyed fly fishing…read more Setting is perfect, the Lodge along Knapps Creek, is spacious and comfortable. Excellent morning coffee! Anne took me out and taught me some basics and before long, I was in waders and in Knapps Creek fishing. Caught my very first trout! Highly recommended excursion. You will be welcome and well-cared for.

Natural Bridge is an awesome stop! The gift shop is huge and has food and exhibits, there is a…read morehistoric hotel nearby, and the walk to the bridge is an easy hike, though you do have some stairs to contend with. Walking along the creek past the bridge is a saltpeter cave, worth the stop to cool down, a lost river, and some waterfalls. If you make it at Christmas, the bridge is lit up with spotlights and luminaries, and horse drawn carriage rides walk down the bridge trail. There are also caverns and other trails nearby, so grab a map and spend the day!!

Beautiful well maintained walk to the limestone bridge for $9 pp includes the cave and…read morewaterfall...but it started raining. There is a gift shop with loos and some souvenirs/shirts/snacks/drinks and protection from the rain. We hope to go back next time we're travelling through to see inside better weather.

Booked a trip in advance. Had to change the date and they were very accommodating. The day before…read morethe trip I had to change it from a half day in the morning to a half day in the afternoon. No problem! Mike did a great job getting me placed to catch smallmouth bass. I landed several, and missed more. Mike was very patient, gave me very helpful pointers, and retrieved my lures from the trees without comment. Would definitely book another trip with them!

Awesome guy and guide. Been on a bunch of trips always feel welcome and have a great time. And the…read moresmallmouth, musky and trout are always a bonus! Highly recommend!

Had a group of six, including three children…read more Captain Wendall was pleasant and very patient. He found us a lot of fish and we had a great haul and a great time. We caught 9 fish and some were 19lb monsters. An excellent time for sure.

it's beautiful and perfect for boating of any anykind but motor boats but people and dog are NOT…read moreallowed to swim in it!!! Makes no sense! Birds swim in it and poop in it has fish and boats are allowed! Also people do not clean up after themselves today I went and saw a bread bag and fishing line tied to a root and left! That kind of stuff is dangerous to wildlife and yet people and dogs can't swim there?! make it make sense!

Looking for an easy spot to social distance outdoors? Look no further! While there is no swimming…read morein this lake, it's the perfect spot to kayak, canoe, or paddle board. We rented paddle boards from Rivanna River Co and brought them over to the lake. The launch area is super easy for loading and unloading, and the lake is massive and provides plenty of room for everyone to have their own space. There was no entrance fee, plenty of parking, and gorgeous views. I'll definitely be back next time I need to beat the heat while getting some outdoors time in!

I'm a long time canoeist. These guys were great. We ended up running twice. This section of the…read moreShenandoah River is one of the top two that I've canoed. The staff is very personable and helpful. They did great with all the new paddlers.

Amazing experience for all skill levels. Perfect amount of time on the water! The views and rock…read morefaces were beautiful! our kids loves seeing the cranes, bald eagles, wood ducks and so so many turtles! Steven was amazing and helped us understand where to go. Easy transition on and off the water. Best part of our Massanutten trip!!