For a trip to Page, you can choose from a variety of focuses: extensive hiking trails, river trips or insights into railroad history. The options range from long routes in Shenandoah National Park to shorter trails and museums with highly specialized collections. First consider what you want to shape your stay; this will help you tailor your hotel search to your planned experiences without squeezing every stop into a fixed itinerary.
Hiking Trails, the River and Drives in the Park
Shenandoah National Park has 516 miles of hiking trails, including a 101-mile section of the Appalachian Trail. The 101-mile section of the Appalachian Trail runs along the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the park and crosses Skyline Drive several times. The figures show different scales: an extensive network of hiking trails and a long section of a well-known long-distance trail. For a shorter route, the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway offers a different kind of trail: it is two miles long, paved, designed for walking and cycling, and accessible to people with disabilities.
The Greenway follows Hawksbill Creek through historic Luray. Along the way, habitats for birds, butterflies, trout and other wildlife connect nature with the townscape. At Lake Arrowhead, a one-mile trail circles the lake; fishing is also possible there. Six picnic shelters are available to rent. These options differ in length and focus: the creek and habitats along the Greenway, a circuit around the lake and fishing at Lake Arrowhead.
There are various options on the water, too. Public access points on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River make rafting trips of different lengths possible in Page Valley. Outfitters in Page Valley arrange transportation and rent equipment. When planning, you can therefore consider your preferred trip length as a factor in your decision. Another way to combine scenery and a drive is to use the access point at Thornton Gap: from there, you can reach Skyline Drive and drive through Shenandoah National Park.
Cultural resources in Shenandoah National Park include Rapidan Camp and the Skyline Drive National Historic Landmark District; both are National Historic Landmarks. This makes it possible to explore the park not only through hiking routes, but also through designated historic sites.
Local History and Collections
Several places in Luray tell the story of different periods in the town’s history. The Luray Downtown Historic District encompasses the historic business center, with predominantly commercial buildings dating from the 1830s to the 1940s. The Luray Norfolk & Western Passenger Station was built in 1906 and recalls the city’s prosperous railroad era. The Car & Carriage Caravan Museum adds to this perspective with more than 140 transportation-related objects, including 50 motorized vehicles, from simple wagons and carriages to elaborate automobiles from the 1940s.
Stevens Cottage also connects architectural history with local history. Completed in 1891 as the office of the Shenandoah Land and Improvement Company, it is now a local history museum in the Shenandoah Historic District. The Town of Shenandoah Museum and Welcome Center displays an extensive collection about the N&W Railroad, the town’s history and the USS Shenandoah. Those interested in regional railroad history can also visit the Page County Railway Museum, which features exhibits, historic artifacts, photographs, memorabilia, timetables and interactive displays. The museum is located in a historic depot.
Other historical themes lead to the region’s industrial past. Redwell Furnace was probably established in 1787 and is considered the oldest iron furnace in Page County. The Redwell-Isabella Furnace Historic District includes pastureland, wooded areas and the elongated basin of Yager Spring. Catherine Furnace is now maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and is considered one of Virginia’s best examples of a once-common type of industry.
Regional Information and Hotel Search
For a taste of local products, farmers’ markets in Page Valley offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, Page Valley beef, fresh eggs, homemade goods and freshly baked specialties. The Luray-Page County Visitor Center helps visitors discover restaurants, shopping, attractions, hiking trails, entertainment and scenic experiences in Page Valley and Shenandoah Valley.
The different trail lengths and themes can help you set your priorities. Then compare the accommodations shown for Page based on your travel plans.
Explore more destinations: Shenandoah, Luray, Petersburg, Rileyville, Amelia County, Halifax, Essex County, Spotsylvania County.
For the main travel overview: Virginia.
