Life Outside Fall 2017 - 42

On the Road

U.S. 340: LURAY
TO FRONT
ROYAL

PAT & CHUCK BLACKLEY

You receive the kind, loving
gift of a guided trout-fishing
excursion from your wife, there's
some pressure to perform.
WHILE ITS PARALLEL-RUNNING COMPATRIOT U.S. 11 gets

a lot of attention, U.S. 340 is a bit more isolated, and has
much to offer. Heading north from Waynesboro, the road
winds along the South River, then the Shenandoah River's
South Fork, passing through quaint towns bordered
in by Massanutten Mountain and the Shenandoah
National Park.
EXPLORE
South River, Grand Caverns to Port Republic: With two
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
boat landings for put-in and takeout, this float offers
easy access and excellent scenery. At 4.1 miles long, it
winds through isolated forests and farmland, as well as
a couple of riverside hamlets, and takes up the better
part of an afternoon. Lots of riffles and a few small
rapids make for a fun but laidback time. Need a boat
or shuttle? Shenandoah River Adventures can provide
both. shenandoahriveradventures.com
Kaylor Knob, Massanutten: Just 11 1/2 miles east of Elkton,
this rocky, 3.4-mile hike offers views of the Shenandoah
National Park to the east and Harrisonburg to the west,
and is easy enough to be kid-friendly. To get there, head
east on U.S. 33 from Elkton for about 10 miles. Turn left
onto state Route 644 and follow to Resort Drive, where
you'll hang another left. Go 3 miles and turn right on Del
Webb Drive. In 2 miles, the lot will be on your left.
Virginia Canopy Tours, Bentonville: Offers hours-worth
of adventure zip-lining through rustic hardwood forests.
With views of the Shenandoah National Park, Massanutten
Mountain, and the Shenandoah River, there's eye-candy
galore. Suspended 90 feet above the forest floor, lines
reach speeds of around 40 miles per hour, and culminate
in a 1,035-foot descent from a high ridge. Starts at $89.
Tip: Kids zip for half-price on weekdays. zipthepark.com
Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville: Sixteenhundred acres of hardwoods and 5.2 miles of river-fronting
outdoor enjoyment. In addition to the ziplines, educational
opportunities, a "sky bridge," and eco-tours offer bonus

Fall 2017\\ LifeOutside Magazine

FLOATING IN THE SHENANDOAH
It's a gentle float, with just a few riffles and small rapids
for extra fun.

fun. Meanwhile, 24 miles of multi-use trail provide hike
and bike time in the woods, with a canoe livery facilitating
river trips. dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river
Double Bear Rocks, Luray: Hike to the summit of Pass
Mountain, head north on the Appalachian Trail. Along
the way, you'll pass a shelter, catch views of Mary's Rock,
then enjoy in a westward overlook featuring Strickler
Knob, Luray, and New Market Gap. To get there, follow
state Route 211 east from Luray, go 11.4 miles, and turn
right into the parking area across from the Pass Mountain
Trail trailhead.
EAT
Triple Crown Barbecue, Luray: Located just off the side
of U.S. 340 as you enter Luray, this roadside stand is
family-owned and operated, and is a local favorite. With
a deck and picnic tables, it's the perfect spot to enjoy an
authentically Southern outdoor meal. Try the Smoked
Sampler. shenandoahsmokehouse.com
DRINK
Basic City Beer Co., Waynesboro: Recently opened, this
microbrewery sits just outside of downtown Waynesboro
and 3.5 miles from the entrance to Skyline Drive. Offers a
cool ambience, outdoor seating, pub fare, a full schedule
of music, and 13 varieties of flagship and experimental
brews. basiccitybeer.com
STAY
Shenandoah River State Park, Bentonville: On top of being
a sweet divergence point for hiking, biking and floating,
the SRSP offers excellent camping and reasonably priced
cabins (starting at $74 a night). There are five cabins,
four bunkhouses, and 60 campsites for RVs and tents
available. dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river

-ERIC J. WALLACE

http://dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river http://www.shenandoahriveradventures.com http://www.shenandoahsmokehouse.com http://www.basiccitybeer.com http://www.zipthepark.com http://dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-river

Life Outside Fall 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Life Outside Fall 2017