Skip to main content

Recreation

From lush woods and cold mountain streams to unique mountaintop balds, over 1.8 million acres of Appalachian forests in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky are yours to explore.

Hiking

Persons feet with brown hiking boots on a dirt path

George Washington and Jefferson National Forest has hundreds of miles of trails for hikers. From a smooth path through the deep forest to a challenging ascent of the Appalachian Trail. 

Biking

A person ride a mountain bike on a rocky trial

Whether you are looking for an easy afternoon ride or a challenging chain-breaking opportunity, explore George Washington National Forest on your e-bike, mountain or road bike. 

Horse Riding and Camping

A woman is riding her horse through Manzanita brush surrounded by the forest. She is traversing down a rocky narrow trail.

Enjoy the trails on a horse for the day or stay longer in one of many George Washington and Jefferson's many horse camps. 

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting

Fishing fly rod rests on a boat that is surrounded by a lake with a view of trees in the background at sunrise

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests provide multiple opportunities to hunt, fish and engage in shooting sport activities in a safe environment. 

Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV)

Side by side Off Highway Vehicle with two riders, one female and male on a dirt road with a forest behind them.

Off-Highway Vehicle recreation, including All-Terrain Vehicle and motorcycle use, is just one of the many uses allowed on National Forest lands.

Outdoor Science and Learning

A group of people sit along the rocks at the crest of a mountain beside a wooden building.

Outdoor learning interpretive sites on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest are varied, and each offers a unique insight to the National Forest. 

Picnicking

A picnic table with grassy open space in the background lining with trees.

Picnic areas abound on the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. From lakeside beaches to high-Appalachian Mountain views, whether it's a picnic table or a grassy landscape. 

Water Activities

View of a lake with cloudy skies and green hills in the background. A waist high wooden fence in the foreground separates the viewer from the water.

The cool, clean lakes, rivers and streams of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest can be a welcome relief from the heat and sun of the Virginia's summers. 

Winter Sports

Two people cross country skiing in a snow blanketed forest setting

Winter snowstorms to the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests bring multiple opportunities to enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

Recreation

Showing: 31 - 40 of 243 results

Bolar Loop Trail (Forest Trail #722)

Hiking
Residing on Lake Moomaw, one of the largest lakes in Virginia, Bolar Mountain Recreation Area affords an abundance of family friendly activities. Spend a leisurely day on the lake, then return to the…

Bolar Mountain Recreation Area

Site Open
Water Activities Picnicking Hiking Fishing
 Bolar Mountain Recreation Area at Lake Moomaw offers visitors a fun getaway on Lake Moomaw. The area provides opportunities for plenty of activities, including camping, boating, fishing and hiking,…

Bolar Picnic Trail Spur (Forest Trail #725)

Hiking
Residing on Lake Moomaw, one of the largest lakes in Virginia, Bolar Mountain Recreation Area affords an abundance of family friendly activities. Spend a leisurely day on the lake, then return to the…

Boley Field Group Campground

Site Closed
Biking Hiking Fishing
This large, open field located at the base of Brush Mountain is good for day use and group camping that require few amenities. Poverty Creek flows adjacent to the field’s picnic area. Hikers and…

Boy Scout Trail (Forest Trail # 5002)

Hiking
The Boy Scout Trail connects the Dragons Tooth Trail with the Appalachian Trail so that hikers may make a loop when hiking to Dragons Tooth. On the trip up to “The Tooth,” most hikers follow…

Braley Pond Day Use Area

Site Open
Picnicking Biking Hiking Fishing
Braley Pond Day Use Area is a very popular access to multiple trailheads including Ramsey's Draft Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy this area for picnicking, fishing, or camping overnight in…

Brandywine Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Water Activities Hiking Fishing Biking
Located on the 10-acre Brandywine Lake, this wooded recreation area affords access to multiple hiking and mountain biking trails, a swimming beach, and a campground with an onsite host.

Brushy Ridge (Forest Trail #456)

Hiking
Follow this trail across a stream and through mixed Appalachian hardwood forest as you climb Beards Mountain. Large rocks along the trail provide an intriguing setting and place for a good rest stop.…

Buck Run Trail (Forest Trail #598)

Buck Run Trail follows along a special ecologically rich forest that provides beautiful vistas, beaver ponds, spruce, fern, and cranberry bogs that are reminiscent of Canada. The trail leads to…