At Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, we are spoiled with opportunities to explore the world around us. Winchester is settled near the mountains of northwest Virginia, filled with beautiful natural spaces to take in, some of which are historical. Below is a list of local parks and trails to consider exploring!
Trails
Abrams Creek Wetlands
Located just outside of downtown Winchester, the wetlands preserve has paved trails open for walking or biking. Abrams Creek is a popular place to birdwatch. There are guided and self-guided tour options available.
Not far from SVWC is the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (MSV), which features static and revolving exhibitions, the Glen Burnie House, and exquisite gardens. Fields, woods, and wetlands surround the property, and miles of trails are available for walking, running, or biking. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk, and leashed dogs are welcome on the Trails.
Tuscarora Trail
The Tuscarora Trail is a long-distance trail stretching from Pennsylvania to Virginia. The sections nearest to SVWC are sections 14-16, stretching from Siler, VA to the West Virginia Border. Known as rugged and more remote than the Appalachian Trail, there are overlooks and trails that are easily accessed along the way.
Rose Hill Park
Rose Hill is outside of downtown Winchester and includes a 1.2-mile trail, playground, and picnic shelter. The walking path winds through the woods and afield where the 1862 Battle of Kernstown concluded. The park is a perfect blend of the natural and historical sites of our region.
Clearbrook Park
Located just 15 minutes north of SVWC in the town of Clear Brook, this park boasts paved walking paths, a fishing lake, volleyball courts, an outdoor pool, pickleball courts, a playground, and a vintage red caboose.
Historical Places
Cedar Creek & Belle Grove Plantation
25 minutes south of SVWC near Strasburg, VA, The Belle Grove Plantation is a National Historical Park and the site of the Battle of Cedar Creek. The plantation home was owned by James Madison’s brother-in-law. You can tour the home and the beautiful grounds, including a trail that follows a line of trenches that were built during the Battle of Cedar Creek.
Kernstown Battlefield
Kernstown is located just south of Winchester, and the site of the 388-acre park is filled with trails that follow the Civil War battle of Kernstown. The park also holds live history events, tours, and fundraisers. You can also take in the Pritchard House at the park.
Third Winchester Battlefield Park
This park is the site of the largest battle in the Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War and is comprised of over 600 acres of preserved land northeast of downtown Winchester. There aresix miles of picturesque walking trails that have signs and markers throughout.
Parks
Dinosaur Land
Dinosaur Land is a theme park filled with 50 large dinosaur statues. Built in 1963, this park showcases the ever-evolving understanding of the anatomy of various dinosaurs. A great place to take kids, this park has plenty to explore!
Arboretum
The State Arboretum of Virginia is located just 25 minutes east of Winchester in Boyce, VA. This is a peaceful and scenic park complete with a ginkgo grove, a community forest filled with native Virginia trees, and a boxwood garden.
Sky Meadows State Park
Sky Meadows is 35 minutes southeast of SVWC and has plenty of trails and camping spaces, which includes a section of the Appalachian Trail and plenty of overlooks.
There are a seemingly endless number of places to explore in the Shenandoah Valley. If you prefer not to walk, a road trip along Skyline Drive may be perfect to take in the natural beauty of the mountains.
At Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, we are proud of our region and enjoy outings to explore all that the Valley has to offer. To learn about our community’s connection to the world around us and our commitment to supporting your passions, click here to schedule a tour.
