Winter Hiking and Biking Near Staunton

Are you sick of building your muscles and burning your calories at the gym? Have you spent the last few months battling over the best treadmill and breathing other people’s exhaled breath? Both your mind and body deserve the refresh you’ll get heading outside to exercise in the sunshine and fresh air. Staunton has plenty of in-town and nearby trails and biking routes, making outdoor recreation a stellar option, even in the coldest winter months. Our mix of in-town parks and nearby mountain trails has winter hiking and biking options for different skill levels and all types of weather. 

Winter Hiking Destinations

Seeking solitude and amazing views? Winter means fewer people and fewer leaves on the trees!

Wilderness Hikes

• More than 500 miles of trails in all lengths and ranges of difficulty wind through Shenandoah National Park. Some of our favorite winter hikes in the Southern District include Blackrock Summit and Little Calf Mountain, both easy trails leading to dramatic views. If you’re interested in photographing frozen waterfalls, the Jones Run and Doyle River Falls loop provide icy drama (that you can view from a safe distance).
• George Washington and Jefferson National Forest is a vast expanse of public land with lots of trails. Some good bets for winter include Trimble Mountain with views of Big and Little Bald Mountains, Dobie Mountain, which has a scenic overlook and a chance to spot an old plane wreck, and the 8-mile slog up Elliot Knob, which will destroy your quads but will pay off with phenomenal views. Families with young children will like Augusta Springs Wetland, a small natural area with educational signage and boardwalks to navigate marshy areas.

In-Town Options

• Staunton’s Betsy Bell Wilderness perches on a hill high above a shopping center, but you’d never know it’s so close to such a busy area. It’s a good, short hike through the woods with two nice overlooks to catch a glimpse of the distant Blue Ridge and the city from above.
• You won’t be hiking, exactly, on Bells Lane, but as this paved country road meanders through farmland, you’ll feel connected to nature. With a total length of four miles and some serious hills, it’s a favorite destination for runners, walkers, and birders hoping to get their heart rates up, especially when snow covers other hiking spots. 
• The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail burrows under Afton Mountain, connecting Waynesboro and Crozet via an old railroad bed. Open to hikers and bikers, the trail is mainly flat, but very dramatic (and dark) for the mile you’re underground.

Winter Biking Destinations

Cyclists agree that the Queen City is a marvelous place to start a ride. 

Mountain Biking

• The Stokesville area is a popular destination for mountain bikers looking for challenging terrain and epic rides like 36-mile Southern Traverse.
• Staunton’s Montgomery Hall Park maintains 5 miles of easy/intermediate singletrack that loops through the forest. Though mostly smooth and free of obstacles, the trails have short, steep sections, ideal for building skills in colder weather. The park has plenty of parking, restrooms, and a bike-repair station. 
• Riders can visit Harrisonburg’s Rocktown Trails at Hillendale Park for more urban off-road biking. This park’s trail system includes loops clearly marked for various abilities as well as a pump track.
• Massanutten Resort’s Bike Park closes in winter for ski season, but intermediate and advanced riders can still access rocky terrain on the 30-mile Western Slope trail network.

Road Biking

• Road bikers who want to give their quads a serious burn can train along stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. These high-elevation roads are especially scenic in winter, but may be inaccessible due to weather-related closures.
• The Middlebrook M&M ride follows rural roads for 13 miles. It offers gentle climbs and excellent views of North Mountain.
• Hop onto a route like the scenic 22-mile Staunton Frog Pond Smoky Row or the 45-mile Staunton Badger Road Loop with its incredible views of the mountains.

Biking with Kids

• Gypsy Hill Park’s 1.3-mile paved loop is a good way to get the littles used to pedaling. The loop is open to pedestrians, bikes, and cars, but drivers move slowly and know to be cautious. You’ll see the duck pond as you circle the park, and it’s a nice spot to head as the ride winds down. 
• Waynesboro’s South River Greenway is a safe option for family excursions. The paved multiuse trail hugs the South River and provides level terrain and interesting vistas of both urban and natural environments. 
• Built on an old railroad bed, the 7-mile Chessie Nature Trail follows the Maury River, connecting Lexington and Buena Vista. The trail is wide and flat, making it a good choice for a family bike adventure.
• 1.4 miles of sidewalks and gravel pathways connect the Mountain View and Grand Caverns parks. This flat stretch through Grottoes gives you a scenic view of the mountains, and access to the South River and the fitness trail in Grand Caverns Park.

For more bike routes of all types, see Bike the Valley – Shenandoah Valley’s Ride Guide. 

Winter Tips and Preparation

Winter weather can be unpredictable!

• Check current and upcoming conditions as well as road and park closings as you plan your adventure. 
• Dress in layers, plan for slippery surfaces, charge your phone, and let someone you trust know where you’re headed.
• Keep an eye on the time and carry a flashlight.
• Shop local Staunton businesses for winter technical gear, hiking poles, micro spikes, a new bike, or other supplies. You’ll find a big selection of high-quality clothing, boots and gear at Wilderness Adventure. And if you’re one of those people who does everything in running shoes and skimpy shorts, Sole Focus Running has you covered. Black Dog Bikes sells bikes, gear, and accessories. They can also service or upgrade your bike. 

Tune up your gears and lace up your boots: we hope we’ve given you some good ideas for winter hiking and biking destinations to visit once you’ve shoveled out your driveway!