Seven Bends

Seven Bends SP https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends Seven Bends State Park is located in the geographically unique Seven Bends area of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The par provides public access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and features two hand-carry boat launches, picnic areas, one single family-sized picnic shelter, vault restrooms, and 8 miles of hiking trails. The park provides water and land based outdoor recreational and educational opportunities while protecting and interpreting the spectacular scenic viewshed and geological, natural and historical resources of the storied seven bends area.

WELCOME TO SEVEN BENDS STATE PARK. PARKING – All vehicles must be parked in designated ar- To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that you observe the following: eas. Lock valuables in your trunk and keep your vehicle locked when unattended. Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in designated areas only. Please note there is a parking fee charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Self-pay parking information is available at the contact station. GROUP EVENTS – A Special Use Permit is required for all The park consists of multiple parcels surrounded by private property. Please be respectful of the privacy of our neighbors and stay on Virginia State Parks property at all times. barrier-free as possible. Universally accessible facilities are available throughout Virginia State Parks. Please check the park’s website for details. PRESERVE – Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals. group events that involve amplified sound, catering, equipment rentals and vendor deliveries. PARK ACCESSIBILITY – We strive to make each park as EMERGENCY – For fire or medical emergencies, dial 911. For a law enforcement or critical maintenance issue, call 800-933-7275 and select the appropriate option. For more information, visit www.virginiastateparks.gov or contact the park office. ALCOHOL – State law permits alcohol use only in private INFORMATION – For more information on Virginia State areas or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Parks or to make a cabin or campsite reservation, call 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov. PETS – Pets are permitted in enclosed areas or on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pets must be attended at all times. Pets are not allowed inside facilities; service dogs are not considered pets. The Customer Service Center is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on all state holidays. DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT – Drones, other unmanned aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400. LITTER – Please help us keep the park clean by plac- ing litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and recycle centers or carrying out your trash. The releasing of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be deflated and disposed of as trash. In an effort to reduce the impact on landfills, we encourage the use of Leave No Trace Principles including pack it in – pack it out. DIRECTIONS BETWEEN PARK ENTRANCES – General directions to drive from the S. Hollingsworth Rd. entrance to the Lupton Rd. entrance are as follows: Head north on S. Hollingsworth Rd./State Route 609 for 1.5 miles. Turn left on to E. Reservoir Rd./State Route 670. Drive for 0.6 miles and turn right onto S. Water Dr. Continue for 0.7 miles and turn right on Hollingsworth Rd. After 0.4 miles, continue straight onto Lupton Rd./State Route 667. After 0.2 miles, turn right to stay on Lupton Rd./ State Route 667 and continue for 0.7 miles until you reach the park. TRAIL INFORMATION DIFFICULTY SCALE grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished when left. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on open fires. EASY - From .5 to 1 mile; grades are short, typically fewer than 100 feet and less than 10 percent of the trail length; easily accomplished by all users, including the elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities, with little risk of injury or fatigue. POLLUTION – Help reduce pollution. Dump stations, MODERATE laundry sinks and slop sinks, where available, are for the proper disposal of wastewater. Please, no boat, RV or car washing. - From 1 to 5 miles; steepness and grade lengths vary; at least 60 percent of the length is fairly flat; healthy people can accomplish the trail with little risk of injury or fatigue. SWIMMING – There are no designated swimming areas in DIFFICULT FIRE – Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to the park. FISHING – A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required. Seven Bends State Park TRAIL GUIDE VIRGINIA STATE PARKS ARE A TONIC FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT. Museums, visitor centers and nearby historic sites make state parks cultural treasures. The recreational opportunities in state parks are endless and easy to see – from swimming and boating to horseshoes and hiking, there’s always something to do in a Virginia State Park. 2111 South Hollingsworth Road Woodstock, Virginia 22664 540-622-6840 sevenbends@dcr.virginia.gov - Trail length is greater than 5 miles; more than 70 percent of the trail is on a grade; experienced hikers only or groups of three to five people recommended; there is a risk of overexertion

SHENANDOAH VALLEY Massanutten Resort Tubing—McGaheysville JUMP Feel like a kid again (and bring your own) at Valley Jump Park, a trampoline park in Penn Laird. Featuring 7,000 square feet of open jump and obstacle courses, it's the ultimate stop for a ton of fun during your travels. Looking to sightsee from a different perspective? Skydive Shenandoah offers both single and tandem skydiving over the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and expansive farmlands. SHENANDOAH VALLEY 116 116 S TA B L E C R A F T B R E W I N G ( WAY N E S B O R O ) : T R AV E L I N G N E W LY W E D S / S H E N A N D O A H R I V E R S TAT E PA R K ( B E N T O N V I L L E ) : T O N Y H A L L We guarantee rush hour in the Shenandoah Valley is unlike anywhere else, intersecting breathtaking scenery and outdoor recreation with diverse shopping, restaurants and of course, fabulous vineyards. For a first-hand view of how local geology has shaped both the land and the iconic Seven Bends of the Shenandoah River, head to Seven Bends State Park. More than 1,000 acres include over four miles of river frontage, hiking and mountain biking trails, plus meadows, forests and other natural assets just waiting to be explored. SARAH HAUSER The SHENANDOAH VALLEY reveals stunning natural beauty with each changing season. With the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and Alleghenies to the west, its rich agricultural roots have created ample opportunity to reconnect with both the land and the locals – at pick-your own farms, family-owned wineries and breweries, and authentic farm-to-table experiences. Straddling Interstate 81 for approximately 140 miles, this region is the ideal getaway for friends and families seeking fresh-air fun, coupling world-class outdoor assets and mountain-centric resorts. EXPLORE Shenandoah River State Park—Bentonville TOUR Adventurers need apply to explore the Fields of Gold Farm Trail. Discover the homegrown side of Virginia, where agriculture first got its roots. From pond to patch and everything in between, local farmers share their experiences and offer the trip of a lifetime for lucky visitors. Get a taste of agri-tourism events like cutting your own Christmas tree at Every Soul Acres or picking your own blueberries at Hickory Hill Farm. Take home stone-ground, preservative-free flours, grits and cornmeal found at Virginia’s oldest, continuously operating commercial grist mill, Wade’s Mill, a registered Virginia Landmark also on the National Register of Historic Places. Stable Craft Brewing—Waynesboro SIP Taste some of the best craft beverages in the Shenandoah Valley along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail and Shenandoah Spirits Trail. Choose from nearly 50 sites to experience patio sunsets, family-friendly atmospheres (welcoming kids and dogs) and tasty beverages to enjoy with friends. Sample from 16 brews at Stable Craft Brewing, located at Hermitage Hill Farm and Stables (a real working farm you can tour), complete with incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Or, try Winchester Ciderworks, a marriage of old world tradition with new world know-how, featuring locally grown apples from the Shenandoah Valley. PLAY The fun never stops for two great resorts in the area, offering year-round entertainment for families of all ages and sizes. At Bryce Resort, guests can go snow or grass skiing; practice the bike trails with beginner, intermediate and expert trails; play the 18-hole golf course; horseback ride; play tennis; or boat, canoe and paddle on a 45-acre lake. Thrill-seekers can zoom through the skies on their 11 zipline platforms, traversing the slopes and through the woods, too! At Massanutten Resort, enjoy a round of golf, see if you can get out of their escape room and splash around the water park. Plus, head to the family adventure park for activities like snow and summer tubing, quick flight free falling and a Ridge Rappel & Climbing Excursion. VIRGINIA .ORG 117 u O F F E R S A C C E S S F O R P E O P L E W H O A R E B L I N D O R H AV E L O W V I S I O N b c BUSES/GROUP S WELCOME P E T - F R I E N D LY FA C I L I T Y $ P R O V I D E S P R I N T E D M AT E R I A L I N B R A I L L E D PROVIDES DES CRIPTIONS BY A TRAINED AUDIO DES CRIBER P R O V I D E S A D E V I C E U S E D F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N W I T H A N D B E T W E E N H E A R I N G I M PA I R E D ADMISSION REQUIRED I s W PROVIDES SIGN LANGUAGE PROVIDES ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS ADA-COMPLIANT Clear Brook 50 Winchester 340 522 White Post Strasburg Bryce Mountain 81 7 Millwood 33 66 Front Royal 250 Luray Glen Maury Park 101 Maury Park Dr., 540-261-7321; bvcity.org/ glen-maury-park. 315-acre park offering camping, golf, pool, ball fields, playground, picnic pavilions, hike/bike trails, fishing and access to Maury River. bj 340 Staunton Historic Dayton Tourist Information Center 382 High St., 540-879-2616; heritagecenter.com. BUENA VISTA 340 81 BROWNSBURG Buena Vista Visitor Center 595 East 29th St. I-81 Exit 18

Environmental Education Virginia State Parks are premier environmental education sites. Schools, scouts, groups and individuals are encouraged to come learn more about their world. Backyard Classroom programs, incorporating Virginia’s Standards of Learning, promote lifelong learning. They also help young people enjoy, appreciate and understand the outdoors. Programs & Festivals Master new outdoor cooking recipes. Pan for gold or tour a cave. Learn or improve outdoor skills. Enjoy a rangerled hike, eagle tour or owl prowl. Workshops and events are as diverse as the parks. VIRGINIA Discounts Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming. The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays. STATE PARKS You can also receive a 25 percent discount on weekend cabins if you make a reservation on Thursday or Friday, based on availability. Just ask for the discount on the phone when you make the reservation. Park Accessibility Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible. Contact the Customer Service Center or individual parks for more information before your trip. Pets Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping. There’s plenty of history, too. Immerse yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War or the Underground Railroad. When it comes to festivals, you’ll find music, arts and crafts, local food and beverage, classic cars and more. Up-to-theminute, comprehensive information is available at www.virginiastateparks.gov. Nature & History All parks have trails, many with signs explaining the environment. Wander trails at First Landing through cypress swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along ridges and ravines through rare oldgrowth forest. Overlooks at Hungry Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful geological forces that shaped the land. See how rivers shaped some parks, such as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge, Powhatan and Westmoreland. www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275) www.virginiastateparks.gov Shenandoah River Seven Bends Sky Meadows 540-622-6840 540-622-6840 540-592-3556 CT • CT • Douthat 540-862-8100 T Natural Bridge 540-291-1326 Smith Mountain Lake 540-297-6066 • 540-854-5503 703-730-8205 703-339-2385 540-288-1400 • B/E/H • B/H • B/E/H/U VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS • • FP • • • • B/E/H H • FP • • B/H • • • B/E/H/U • H/U NORTHERN VIRGINIA Lake Anna Leesylvania Mason Neck Widewater • • • FP CT • • • • B/H/U • • • UD CT CHESAPEAKE BAY Belle Isle Caledon Machicomoco Westmoreland 804-462-5030 540-663-3861 804-642-2419 804-493-8821 • • • B/E/H/U • • B/H • CT • • FP • B/H • FP • P B/H/U COASTAL Chippokes Plantation False Cape­­­­ First Landing York River 757-294-3728 757-426-7128 757-412-2300 757-566-3036 • • P B/E/H/U • • B/H/U • • • B/H • • • FP • • B/E/H/U EASTERN SHORE Photo courtesy Jackie Jamison Kiptopeke CENTRAL VIRGINIA Bear Creek Lake­ High Bridge Trail Holliday Lake James River Pocahontas Powhatan Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Twin Lakes (Cedar Crest Conference Center) Boa t La unc h Boa t Re nta ls Fish in g Day Use O nl y Play grou nds Swi mm in g Trai ls BLUE RIDGE HIGHLANDS SHENANDOAH VALLEY 757-331-2267 • • • FP • • H/U/B 804-492-4410 434-315-0457 434-248-6308 434-933-4355 804-796-4255 804-598-7148 804-561-7510 434-392-3435 434-767-2398 T • • • • B/E/H T • • • • • • • • T • • • • • CT • • 540-643-2500 276-579-7092 276-781-7400 276-781-7425 276-699-6778 276-699-6778 • • • FP • • • T • • • CT • • • • B/H/U B/E/H • B/H/U B/E/H/U • SOUTHERN VIRGINIA Fairy Stone Occoneechee Staunton River Battlefield Staunton River 276-930-2424 434-374-2210 434-454-4312 434-572-4623 T • • • 276-865-4413 276-254-5487 276-940-2674 276-940-2696 276-523-1322 276-445-3065 T • • • • • • • B/E/H • B/H/U • • P B/E/H • • P B/E/H HEART OF APPALACHIA Breaks Interstate Clinch River Natural Tunnel (Cove Ridge Conference Center) Southwest Virginia Museum Wilderness Road CT • • • • B/H • P B/H/U H/U • B/E/H TABLE LEGEND­­­: B Biking CT Car-top Boat Launch E Equestrian FP Fishing Pier H Hiking P Pool Swimming T Electric Motors Only U Universally Accessible UD Under Development B/E/H B/E/H/U P • B/E/H/U B/E/H H • • Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable for reunions, weddings and special events. Some parks even have equestrian campsites. B/E/H/U B/E/H/U • T Claytor Lake Grayson Highlands Hungry Mother (Hemlock Haven Conference Center) New River Trail Shot Tower With lodges, cabins, yurts and campsites, the fun doesn’t end at sundown. Many cabins are available year-round, and most campgrounds ar

Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville Small Towns, Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make these small towns in Virginia worth exploring. Character WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM T KYLE LAFERRIERE 10 he phrase “small town” evokes nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly and stocked with locally-owned businesses. These are communities where you can get off the crowded highway, park the car and walk, ride a bike or even kayak through downtown. Small, family-run businesses offer one-of- a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer locally-grown produce and seafood spring through fall. With almost 200 incorporated towns, dozens more villages and hamlets, plus nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street Communities, the hard part is deciding which Virginia towns to visit. VIRGINIA .ORG 11 Here are some of our favorites, d ending starting in southwest Virginia, an metown with a shameless plug for our ho on the Eastern Shore. High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville Harrisonburg Big Stone Gap 12 Farmville HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN / SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor drama, performed Thursday through Saturday nights, late June through August. Before you go, be sure to read the Big Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or watch the Hollywood film by the same name starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. Upon arrival, you can visit places featured in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as the outdoor drama. Fine, well-preserved period homes house The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House. Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique and curio shops round out this small town gem. Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State Singing Convention, June This formerly industrial town has been reinvented for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers. The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer four-mile Farmville Blueway. The railroad that once carried coal now carries hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long High Bridge Trail State Park. Repurposed tobacco packing houses and lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up local beer, live music, games for the kids and a pet-friendly beer garden. Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and the soon-to-open second location of James River Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination for craft beverage lovers. Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May Set amidst the vast playground of the idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg has been called “one of the best mountain bike towns in America” by National Geographic. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and artisans have blended the past with the present to create a lively melting pot that is distinctive to this college town. Named Virginia’s first Culinary District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural diversity serves up fare from around the world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food. Bar.Food features “global comfort food,” while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café. The arts scene is equally diverse, epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market, a community of small businesses under one roof in an historic building. Named for James Madison, fourth president and the “Father of the Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel Madison and James Madison University (JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend a youthful vitality to this historic town. Fun Festival: Harrisonburg International Festival, September VIRGINIA .ORG 13 Within Virginia’s larger cities, find pockets of uniqueness that make you feel like you’re in a small town! ROANOKE’S HISTORIC GRANDIN VILLAGE This walkable urban village is eclectic and family-friendly at the same time. Spend Saturday morning at the Community Market, dine on an outdoor patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in a first-run or classic film at the 1930s Grandin Theatre. RICHMOND’S SCOTT’S ADDITION One of the hottest, newly revitalized neighborhoods in the state capital. Warehouses converted to breweries, cideries and distilleries, bold street murals, a cinema and a retro bowling alley make this a happening night scene. Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake Country at Virginia’s only lakeside town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens of fishing tournaments yearl