Harrisonburg, the Shenandoah Valley's Gem
In March of 2011, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy designated Harrisonburg as an official Appalachian Trail Community. This makes Harrisonburg the perfect place to begin exploring Virginia's great outdoors!
Blue Hole: A popular swimming hole located about 30 minutes from JMU, in the George Washington National Forrest; Blue Hole remains a JMU fan favorite. Blue Hole features a massive boulder, which acts as a diving platform into the ironically named “Dry River” and a clean freshwater stream to swim and wade in while taking a break from cliff jumping. A word of caution, if you decide to take a trip to Blue Hole this weekend, prepare to shiver, the water here is notoriously cold.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/The-Blue-Hole-at-JMU-216691945043507/timeline/
Reddish Knob: Home to some of the most gorgeous views of the Shenandoah Valley, Reddish Knob rises a whopping 4,379 ft. to make it the 6th highest peak in the state of Virginia. Located on the boarder of Augusta County, and West Virginia’s Pendleton County, Reddish Knob is yet another local favorite amongst JMU students. A long drive up a narrow, one-lane, mountain road rewards visitors with a parking lot destination which offers breathtaking 360 degree views. From James Madison University, Reddish Knob is about a 45 minute drive utilizing mainly route 257 out of Harrisonburg.
Union Tower: Keeping with the trend of local JMU favorites, Union Tower takes the cake when it comes to best places to take the leap. A 35 ft. tower located in the middle of a man made lake, creates the perfect setting to relax with friends and feed your wild side a bit. Just a word of advice though, a backflip from the top looks sweet, unless you don’t quite stick the landing... The lake also conveniently acts as a wonderful ie skating rink when the weather drops during the Winter months. Conveniently enough, Union Tower is located directly on route to Reddish Knob. About 15 minutes from the top of the mountain you’ll see this beautiful lake to your left. Sounds like I just planned your Saturday afternoon.
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