Sites On This Loop
Description
Heading west out of the Shenandoah Valley into the Allegheny Mountains reveals the towering white pines and hemlocks of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. As the mountains rise to meet West Virginia, the visitor encounters a series of reservoirs created from several tributaries of the Shenandoah River, where the North River eventually ends. These small lakes add to the diversity of habitats found along the loop and make for excellent wildlife watching. Traveling these quiet back roads could expose wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and perhaps black bear as they cross roads or come to lakes for a drink. The hills host numerous nesting wood warblers in spring while fall brings raptors cruising south along the ridgelines high above the Shenandoah Valley. The numerous small lakes require extra special attention during migration when a number of unusual species of waterfowl may appear.
Loop Map
Services
Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce
540.949.8203
becarter@ntelos.net
Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services
540.432.8935
tourism@ci.harrisonburg.va.us
Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce
540.434.3862
christinem@hrchamber.org
Shenandoah Valley Travel Association
540.740.3132
info@svta.org