Four Places to Visit in Virginia before Fall
Summer may be drawing to a close, but there are still a few weekends left in the year for outdoor adventures with the whole family. Whether you want to take a new car on a test drive with the family or pack up the tried-and-true family vehicle, some of Virginia’s most spectacular destinations are within a few hours of home.
The Massanutten Storybook Trail
One of Virginia’s most family-friendly hikes is the Massanutten Storybook Trail, a beautiful and relatively easy hike in the Shenandoah National Park. While the drive up is fairly straightforward, the views overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains are not to be missed. More adventurous hikers can go off the paved path and follow various dirt trails to get a better view of the valley.
The Devil’s Bathtub
The Devil’s Bathtub is one of the most highly-rated destinations in Virginia. Located in the Jefferson National Forest, the Devil’s Fork Loop Trail is a natural obstacle course that involves crossing streams and creek beds. The hike culminates at the Devil’s Bathtub itself, a collection of natural swimming holes that are perfect for kids. The trip up to the trail head is gravelly, so it’s recommended that you bring an off road vehicle such as a ram or jeep.
The Richmond Regional Ride Center
If you’re an experienced in mountain biking (to the point that your jeep has all of the accouterments for a long-term trip) but you’re looking for family-friendly outing, the Richmond Regional Ride Center is the answer. The RRRC is integrated into the beautiful, forestedJames River Park System and has nearly 100 miles of off road cycling. Trails range from beginner-level to advanced, providing fun for everyone.
The Great Dismal Swamp
Don’t let the name fool you–the Great Dismal Swamp wildlife refuge is a spectacular protected wetland in Southeastern Virginia. Nearby Chesapeake Campground offers family-friendly and fully accessible camping and canoe rentals for use on Lake Drummond. With that said, you can always talk to your auto dealer or used car dealer about racks to mount a canoe or rooftop tents to make impromptu camping a breeze. The wildlife refuge is home to over 200 species of migratory birds and 65 varieties of butterflies, and hiking trails allow you to observe them in their natural habitat.
Talk to your used car dealer about finding a vehicle that works for your upcoming family adventures. A used car dealer can help you find the jeep or truck with everything you need to make all of your family vacations spectacular.