Aerial view of the Shenandoah River

Whether you live in the Shenandoah Valley or you’re just passing through, Seven Bends State Park is an outdoor destination you don’t want to miss.

This 1,052-acre day-use park has two access points, roughly three miles apart, and is located a few miles from Historic Downtown Woodstock. The park is open every day from 6 a.m. to dusk and offers water- and land-based recreational and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

To learn more, check out our top five must-do activities and start planning your trip to Seven Bends today!

1. Go fishing

Wade fishing at Seven Bends

Situated in the seven bends section of the Shenandoah River’s North Fork, Seven Bends State Park’s unique geology and landscape make it a go-to fishing spot for catching smallmouth and largemouth bass, sunfish, fallfish and muskellunge. In addition, this section of the river is relatively small and shallow, making it a great location for wade angling.

A Virginia fishing license is required. Learn more about fishing at Virginia State Parks.

2. Check out the hiking and biking trails

Biking at Seven Bends

Seven Bends offers 8 miles of hiking and biking trails that range from easy to difficult. Just over two miles of them take you along the river. The remaining trails take you on the western slope of Powell Mountain, which is part of the Massanutten Mountain Range, and the Talus Trail connects you to the Massanutten Trail in the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest.

A trip to Seven Bends wouldn’t be complete without exploring Tale Trail, which can be found along the Lupton Picnic Area. Tale Trail features kiosks with pages of the children’s book Sadie and Kiko’s Spring Adventures at Seven Bends State Park. The book was written and illustrated by locals Lisa Currie and Susie Wilburn to promote reading and environmental protection of the park.

The book, which was translated into Spanish, is also available for purchase at Seven Bends’ merchandise trailer and local stores Travelers Treasures and Shenandoah Stuff. All proceeds from book sales go to Friends of Seven Bends State Park.
 

From left to right: Lisa Currie (author), Susie Wilburn (Illustrator) holding Sadie and Fabiana Borkowsky-French (Spanish Translator) holding Kiko

3. Get on the water

Kayaking on the Shenandoah River

Both access points at Seven Bends have car-top boat launches that are suitable for canoes and kayaks. The launches are approximately 3 river miles apart, creating a nice 1- to 2-hour float.

You can combine activities by planning out your trip to kayak from one access point the other then hike or bike back to your starting location. Not only does this give you the full Seven Bends experience, but it will also save you the trouble of having to bring multiple vehicles or shuttle.

If you’d like to explore the Shenandoah River with your very own guide, the park offers kayaking tours in the summer for ages 10 and up.

Log your paddling trip through our Wandering Waters Paddle Quest program! 

4. Explore River’s Way Natural Play Space and Outdoor Classroom

The swinging bridge and tower at River's Way

The River’s Way Natural Play Space and Outdoor Classroom at Seven Bends is a fun experience for visitors of all ages.

Located at the Hollingsworth access point, River’s Way features a walkway that’s a scaled replica of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, a miniature version of the Woodstock Tower and stations, created mostly with natural materials and native vegetation, that promote outdoor learning and play.

River’s Way was made possible by the Friends of Seven Bends State Park, Woodstock Lions Club, Garden Club of Virginia, Rotary Clubs of the Shenandoah Valley, BSA Troops #88 and #575, FdN Construction, C&S Landscaping, Woodstock Gardens, Valley Engineering and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners.

5. Attend an interpretative program or event

Visitors on a bird ID hike

With dozens of educational programs and special events planned every year, there is an activity for everyone at Seven Bends. The full schedule can be accessed online, but here are some highlights:

• Children’s Garden Workshops: These interactive programs cover different topics, such as seeds, bugs and composting.
• Bird ID Hikes: Join a local birder on an easy walk through the park to identify birds by sight and sound.
• Women In Nature: Women are invited to the park to learn about and participate in a variety of activities, including nature journaling, fly fishing, yoga, hiking, making clay mugs and kayaking.
• Beats on the Bend: This special event, typically held in the fall, includes live music, guided hikes and more.

---

Now that you have a list of activities to get you started, it’s time to plan your visit to Seven Bends State Park! Learn more: www.virginiastateparks.gov/seven-bends.