THE VALLEY
The Shenandoah Valley of Virginia runs from Winchester to Lexington and is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachian and Allegheny Plateaus to the west.

SKYLINE DRIVE

THE MOUNTAINS
The Massanutten Mountain range runs along the middle of the Shenandoah Valley between Front Royal and Harrisonburg.

THE RIVER
The Shenandoah River forms in Front Royal at the confluence of the North Fork and South Fork and flows northeast to join with the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, WV. The word Shenandoah is derived from a Native American expression for "Beautiful Daughter of the Stars."

THE HIGHWAY
The main road was U.S. Highway 11, The Valley Pike (or Valley Turnpike). It began as a migratory trail for tribes such as the Delaware and Catawba and became the major thoroughfare of wagons, and in time, motor vehicles. By the 20th century, the Valley Turnpike was a toll road, eventually becoming U.S. Highway 11. For much of the length, Interstate 81 parallels the old Valley Pike.

Follow this historic trail as you discover the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Our Guide runs from north to south starting in Winchester and ending in Lexington. It provides information about the towns, historic sites, shopping, outdoor activities and happenings.

For a list of Civil War Attractions please visit
Civil War in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley.

Winchester

Front Royal and Strasburg

Mount Jackson and New Market

Harrisonburg and Weyers Cave

Staunton and Waynesboro

Lexington