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.

Yoder's Country Market

2105 S Seminole Trail, Madison, VA

(540) 948-3000

Yoders has home-baked breads, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and a wide assortment of bulk foods, gifts and a petting zoo.

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Madison Vines RV Resort and Cottages

110 Campground Lane, Madison, VA 22727

(540) 948-4186

Under renovation! Beautiful wooded RV Park coming soon! For more info, please visit our website. 110 Campground Lane, Madison, VA 22727. (540) 948-4186

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Graves Mill Historical Park

52 Bluff Mountain Road, Graves Mill, Virginia

The Graves Mill Historical Park, an official Virginia Cultural Historical Site, offers a glimpse into the past commemorating the significance and history of the Village of Graves Mill. Within the Park is located a stone memorial and bronze plaque paying tribute to those 40 brave men from the community that served Virginia prior to and during the War Between The States. Also within the Park is a replica of the community�s intimate 1900�s post office building containing original post office furniture. Finally, a bronze plaque provides some of the earliest history of Graves Mill and the surrounding area. The Park was created as a result of the community�s participation within the national and worldwide Jamestown 2007 Community Program honoring the 400th Anniversary of our country. The directors of the Jamestown 2007 Community Program presented to Graves Mill, the Virginia 2007 Community Program��Legacy for 2057 Award', at the Jamestown Museum Awards Ceremony in March of 2008. The award was for the creation of the Graves Mill Historical Park and because of the contributions the community made towards the Jamestown 2007 Community Program. The Graves Mill Historical Park is located at 52 Bluff Mountain Road, Graves Mill, Virginia near the Shenandoah National Park boundary and the Virginia Game Commission property's.

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Apple Picking

Make it a family tradition. Graves Mountain Farm - Pick-Your-Own Apple orchard available in the fall opens 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.)

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Camping

Shenandoah National Park

(540) 999-3500

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Graves' Mountain Lodge

(540) 923-4231

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Madison Vines RV Resort and Cottages

110 Campground Lane, Madison, VA 22727

(540) 948-4186

Reservations: 1-800-321-4186

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Madison County Parks and Recreation Department

(540) 308-1247

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Camp Varsity

(540) 923-4922

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Camp Shenandoah Springs

(540) 923-4300

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Driving Tours

Route 231 � (US Top 10 Scenic By-Way)

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Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park)

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Civil War Trails

S Blue Ridge Turnpike, Rochelle, VA 22738

1-888-CIVIL WAR

Madison County was the site of two Civil War battles that have been chosen for inclusion in the Virginia Civil War Trails program. These are the James City Battlefield on Rt. 29, just south of the Culpeper-Madison County boundary line, and the Jack's Shop Battlefield located on Scenic Byway Rt. 231 at Rochelle. In addition, the old Blue Ridge Turnpike (most of the Scenic Byway follows this road) runs through Madison County and was the route General Jackson and his forces often took to travel to and from the Shenandoah Valley. Some of the towns along this route still preserve the areas that were used as campsites by Jackson's men. James City Confederate Major General J.E.B. Stuart left his encampment in Madison on October 10, 1863, traveled north to James City where he engaged Union Generals Kilpatrick and French at the historic crossroads town. Jack's Shop On September 22, 1863, J.E.B. Stuart left his headquarters at the Brampton estate in Orange County. As he moved toward Madison, he encountered two Union divisions under the commands of General John Burford and General Judson Kilpatrick that nearly surrounded him. This battle saw Stuart's Horse Artillery used effectively and a strategic plan by Stuart to withdraw southwards towards Liberty Mills, a ford on the Rapidan guarded by more Confederate forces. For more information, check www.civilwar-va.com or call 1-888-CIVIL WAR. Civil War Tour Package � Madison County Madison County was a focal point for several critical events during our Civil War including the Battle of Jack�s Shop, September 22, 1863, a very significant Cavalry Engagement, and the Battle of James City on October 10, 5407 Ridge View B&B offers you the opportunity to both learn about the extensive roll Madison County played in the Civil War and to enjoy this experience while staying at one of the finest Bed and Breakfasts in Virginia. When you arrive at Ridge View B&B you will enjoy some cheese, fruit, crackers, some fine Virginia Wine and then partake in a delightful 3 course casual dinner for two. Don�t forget to ask your hosts about any Civil War History associated with Ridge View. On Wednesday morning your adventure begins with a fulfilling breakfast. Then journey to the Ridge View B&B in Madison County to link up with your tour guide. Harold Woodward, renowned Madison County Historian and Author, who will then take you on a 5-6 hour guided tour that will cover the events and landmarks leading up to, during and following the Battle of Jack�s Shop. While on your tour you will enjoy a box lunch specially prepared for you and then return to another social event that evening at Mayhurst. Follow this with Dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in the area. On Thursday morning, after another excellent breakfast, you will again meet your tour guide for another full day of visiting locations such as the Confederate Hospitals associated with the Battle of Cedar Mountain, General Stuart�s HQ at Brampton Plantation and explore and learn about the Battle of James City in October, 1863. As on your first day, a box lunch will be provided. This evening you will, after another social hour, enjoy a Gourmet 5 Course Wine Pairing dinner at the famed Inn at Meander Plantation. As part of this evening�s �entertainment� there will be a presentation on additional Civil War topics by an expert on the era. After a final bounteous breakfast the next morning you will receive a Self-Guided Driving Tour Packet with information about other nearby Civil War sites including the Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum in Gordonsville, VA and other nearby Civil War sites. Additional Tours are also available � just ask your Innkeeper. This Package Includes: 3 nights (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) B&B accommodations for two 3 full breakfasts Wine, Cheese, Fruit and Snacks each evening Casual 3 Course Dinner the night you arrive Guided Civil War Tour ( two days) of major conflicts and sites specific to Madison and Green Counties by Harold Woodward (Renowned Historian and Author) Gourmet Wine Pairing Dinner at the famous Inn at Meander Plantation on Thursday evening with presentation of additional Civil War information 4 box lunches (2 each Wednesday and Thursday) Historical write-ups from each Inns at Montpelier Member B&B Signed copy of Harold Woodward�s book on the Battle of Jack�s Shop Commemorative envelope with special Civil War Post Mark All Applicable Taxes Maps and Handouts Minimum 15 day advanced booking required. Room selection subject to availability. Price is all inclusive and includes all taxes. Price does NOT include gratuities. Please contact any of the Inns of Montpelier http://www.innsatmontpelier.com to book this package, Ridge View B&B can be contacted at 540-672-7024, or 866-852-4266. Civil War Tour � Orange and Culpeper Counties 2011 is the 150th Anniversary of our Civil War. We offer you an opportunity to gain insights into those turbulent times with a 3 day, 3 night unique Civil War experience that includes guided Tours, luxurious accommodations, superior dining and lots of personal attention and pampering. Your experience begins on Sunday evening at when you will learn about the Civil War history of Mayhurst while you enjoy cheese, fruit, crackers and some fine Virginia Wine. Then partake in a casual dinner. On Monday take a Civil War Walking Tour of Historic Culpeper, VA guided by Virginia Morton, Historian and author of the Civil War Novel, "Walking through Culpeper". On Tuesday you are off on a day long Civil War tour with another professional guide. Then enjoy a Civil War Period Dinner at the famed Inn at Meander Plantation. On Wednesday you will receive a Self-Guided Driving Tour Packet with information about other nearby Civil War sites or you can schedule additional day long tours & accommodations. Package Includes: Three nights (Sunday - Tuesday) in a beautiful guestroom Evening Receptions Full breakfasts each morning Casual Dinner for two Sunday evening Culpeper Civil War Historical Walking Tour with Virginia Morton on Monday Lunch Basket for 2 on Tuesday Civil War Period Dinner at the Inn at Meander Plantation on Tuesday Evening Self-Guided Driving Tour Packet with information about other nearby Civil War sites, including Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg and The Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum in Gordonsville Signed copies of Historian and Author Frank Walker�s �Remembering Orange County� and Virginia Morton�s acclaimed novel �Walking Through Culpeper� All applicable Taxes. Historical write-up about each Inns at Montpelier Member B&B. Minimum 15 day advanced booking required. Room selection subject to availability.

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Fishing

Graves� Mountain Lodge Trout Pond

(540) 923-4231

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Rose River

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Conway River

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Rock Hunting

Unakite, blue & rose quartz, jasper, etc.

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Rose River, Rose River Farm

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Robinson River

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Rapidan River

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Guided Hikes

Blue Ridge Hiking Adventures

(Melanie Perl, Hiking Guide) Please email [email protected] or call 540-717-2821

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Hayrides

(540) 923-4231

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.

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Hiking

Shenandoah National Park

(540) 999-3500

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Old Rag Mountain

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White Oak Canyon and Falls

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Hoover Camp

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Horseback Riding and Stables

Fieldstone Trails, LLC

(540) 718-0360

Fieldstone Trails offers guided horseback rides at Blue Quartz Winery. Join us for an hour-long ride through the vineyard overlooking Old Rag Mountain. Head up to the bar for a beer or wine tasting after your ride. Contact us today for a reservation.

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(540) 923-5130

Graves Mountain Stables

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Walking Tours

Walking Tour of Madison: Main Street Guide

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