Outdoor Activities

Madison is blessed with beautiful mountains and foothills with a wide variety of outdoor activities from trout fishing, horseback riding, to hunting, backpacking, and birding. The Shenandoah National Park is the jewel that crowns the Blue Ridge Mountains and can be explored on foot and by car. Many Bed and Breakfast establishments as well as other businesses cater to visitors interested in sampling outdoor pleasures.

Apple Picking

Make it a family tradition. Graves Mountain Farm - Pick-Your-Own Apple orchard opens September 19, 2009 for weekend only picking. 9am-4pm. With over 27 different varieties of apples you are sure to find a variety to tickle your taste buds. (Bags, baskets and/or boxes are provided.)

Camping

Shenandoah National Park: (540) 999-3500

Graves' Mountain Lodge: (540) 923-4231, FAX (540) 923-4312 

Shenandoah Hills Campground: 110 Campground Lane, Madison, VA 22727, (540) 948-4186, reservations: 1-800-321-4186

Madison County Parks and Recreation Department: (540) 948-6887

Camp Varsity: (540) 923-4922

Camp Shenandoah Springs: (540) 923-4300

Hayrides

Graves Mountain Lodge - Friday and Saturday evenings: Join us for a moonlight hayride. Hayride features tall-tales by the riverside bonfire, roasted marshmallows and the occasional wildlife sighting. 8pm, advance tickets $5 pp - pick up in GML main office. "Hee-Haw" enjoy the simple pleasures. 540-923-4231 http://www.gravesmountain.com


Horseback Riding and Stables

Graves MountainStables (540) 923-5130 or http://www.gravesmountain.com/horseback.htm



Hiking

Shenandoah National Park: (540) 999-3500

Old Rag Mountain

White Oak Canyon and Falls

Hoover Camp

Gaarfield Preserve (by reservation): (540) 923-4772


Walking Tours

Walking Tour of Madison: Main Street Guide


Driving Tours

Route 231 – (US Top 10 Scenic By-Way)

Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)

Civil War Trails: 1-888-CIVIL WAR

Fishing

Graves’ Mountain Lodge Trout Pond: (540) 923-4231

Rose River

Conway River

Rock Hunting – Unakite, blue & rose quartz, jasper, etc.

Rose River, Rose River Farm, http://www.roseriverfarm.com

Robinson River

Rapidan River

In addition, the Madison Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center offers a wide variety of brochures and maps to help plan outdoor activities. Call (540) 948-4455, write to P.O. Box 373, Madison, VA 22727 or e-mail tourism@madison-va.com