Shared by Ben Himelright, as Guest Blogger.

There are many fun outdoor activities to engage in to enjoy the autumn shift at Virginia State Parks. Below is my top list of ways to see the season changes from Shenandoah River State Park.

There is nothing quite like the Shenandoah Valley in the autumn months

Hiking

Virginia is full of scenic places to hike, some easier than others, but all equally beautiful in their own way. Visiting your local State Park is a fantastic way to get out and experience the forest. When visiting, I always request a trail map of the park, so trailheads can be found with ease. Shenandoah River State Park has a myriad of wonderful trails with difficulty ranging from “beginner” to “hiking veteran”. My favorite trail is Bluebell Trail during the springtime. It’s easy, relatively flat, and loaded with luminous bluebell flowers. In autumn this trail forms a lovely canopy that is breathtaking in the fall colors. It follows the Shenandoah River making the crisp autumn air doubly delicious when coupled with river mist.

Cottonwood Trail is also an excellent beginner’s hike with some neat wetland areas and a unique boardwalk loop. Cottonwood offers up-close encounters with multiple streams flowing inside the park and an easygoing, boardwalk stroll, perfect for leaf-peeping.

One of the more difficult trails is Allen’s Mountain Trail. I’ve hiked the whole thing and it’s a true incline straight to the top of the Park. The highest point in the park is Allen’s Mountain Trail. It is a more challenging trail but you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the area. The top of the trail flattens out for a breather and opens up into a lovely hardwood forest.  In the fall, these leaves will be well worth your climb (and the cooler air will be an added bonus!).

Lastly, Wildcat Ledge is one of the most difficult, and yet most popular views in Shenandoah River State Park. This trail is still on my bucket list as the tales of how pretty the view is from the top are too tempting to miss. The trail is an appropriate challenge for all hiking connoisseurs and rewards you profusely with a one-of-a-kind view of the valley.

If hiking isn’t your thing, that’s okay. Shenandoah River State Park has a lovely overlook on your drive into the park on the left side. Culler’s Overlook is clearly marked and offers a stunning view high above the Shenandoah River, and when coupled with the Autumn Leaves, is truly breathtaking.

Biking and Horseback Riding

All of the hiking trails in Shenandoah River State Park double as Biking trails, but only select trails are fit for Horseback Riding. You are welcome, of course, to bike the hiking trails listed above. Allen’s Mountain Trail offers a steep, biking challenge, while Bluebell Trail offers a leisurely ride. There are so many biking opportunities to take advantage of, you may have to come back multiple days.

Bear Bottom Loop Trail and Big Oak Trail are some of the parks smoothest, most shaded trails. These trails are ideal for horseback riding due to their modest inclines and declines. The best part, of course, are timing the season right to catch the leaves changing colors. The canopy engulfs these trails which makes for excellent autumn riding. The orange glow achieved by these trails in the fall season is seriously unparalleled and when biking or riding and allows for a real, unique, experience.

There are so many perfect ways to experience the autumn at Shenandoah River State Park, all with the benefits of exercising or education. For more information on Virginia State Parks events and facilities, or to reserve Primitive Campsites, RV Sites, or Cabins, call 1-800-933-PARK (1-800-933-7275)

Your local Virginia State Park may offer some unique experiences too, FIND YOUR PARK.