Shared by Guest Blogger Jinny Fox (Jinny is a member of the Friends Group at Shenandoah River State Park), as Guest Blogger.

A few years ago I would have described myself as a person who enjoyed hiking.  We hiked occasionally, mostly on vacations and usually dragging one or more of our reluctant children along.

Jinny, Dick, and Jake taking advantage of hiking at Shenandoah River State Park 

After moving to Warren County and discovering Shenandoah River State Park, I would now describe myself as an avid hiker!  You can find me almost daily out on the park trails with my two best friends (my husband Dick and our Golden Retriever Jake).

In a week at the park, you can hike a new circuit trail every day.  Most of the trails are gentle grades allowing even beginner hikers to enjoy the experience.  Depending on your level of fitness, you can combine trails to make longer circuit hikes. 

It is easy to forget the noise of the city and the stress of our work-a-day lives as you cruise through cool forests and catch views of the Shenandoah River, Massanutten Mountains, and an occasional glimpse of the Blue Ridge.

In the springtime, nothing compares with the Blue Bell Trail along the river bank!  A level hike along the quiet lowlands becomes an explosion of color when the Virginia Bluebells are in bloom.  The blossoms cover the floor of the flood plain on both sides of the trail and they are magnificent.  Small side trails made by fishermen lead to the banks of the river. 

In later spring, wonderful wildflowers such as Cutleaf Toothwart, Spring Beauty and Twinleaf abound.  A one mile hike from the Canoe Landing parking area takes you to the new RV campground.  This is a great beginner’s hike for small children.

Summer’s lushness allows for comfortable hikes on sun-dappled trails.  Occasionally we have encountered a black snake warming itself on the trail, a fat groundhog waddling along, or deer at dusk in the fields down by the Cullers Trail.  A few times we have seen black bears.  Seeing the wildlife is one of the special treats of hiking for us.

In the fall, our favorite hikes take us upwards through the beautiful autumn colors on Allen’s Mountain, Bear Bottom Loop and a circuit hike of the Culler’s Trail, Shale Barren, Red Tail Ridge, Tulip Poplar and Big Oak.

From Culler’s Overlook, sweeping views of the winding river with reflections of the trees along the banks combine with inspiring views of the Massanutten Mountain.  The Red Tail Ridge Trail has several great overlooks of the river as you wind around the natural contours in the landscape.  Frequently small deer families can be seen, and for bird lovers, the songs of the birds are ever present waiting to be identified.

Winter offers some of the best hiking.  While the trails can become slippery with frozen leaves, the absence of the leaves on the trees opens beautiful panoramas on most of the trails. For us, the greatest treat is a good snowfall.  The cross-country skis come out and we enjoy a paradise where the only footprints are usually from the critters. 

The Bluebell River Trail and Cullers Trail are excellent for cross-country skiing.  There is nothing like hiking in the pristine beauty and silence of a new snowfall.

Whether you are an experienced hiker or just beginning there is something for everyone to enjoy in the park. 

Sturdy shoes – in our case hiking boots – are essential.  The terrain is uneven in many places and tree roots and rocks abound.  We carry a day pack in which we have a small first aid kit (we have only used it once or twice) and plenty of drinking water, especially in the summer. 

We stay alert to what is in front of us to avoid stepping on the small critters like salamanders or turtles, and also to allow snakes or larger animals to spot us and move on. 

Every season is a great season to hike!  When asked which trail is our favorite, I would have to answer ALL of them!  The park is a great place to picnic, fish and kayak, but if you really want to fully enjoy all the park has to offer, get out your hiking boots and get walking.  Who knows, you just might become an avid hiker, too!

Thank you Jinny for sharing your hiking experience at Shenandoah River State Park!