News, Events & links

upcoming special events

 

2023 marks our 20th anniversary season at WILD GUYde Adventures. Celebrate with us by taking the 20-Local-Adventures-in-2023. Challenge and win a WGA prize if you cross the finish line before Dec. 31. Click here for details.

 

Open Registration Events this Spring: Contact whichever of these Parks and Rec. Depts. is most convenient for you to register for these open-registration events:  Harrisonburg City, Rockingham County, Staunton City, Shenandoah County, Greene County, Orange County, or Stafford County.

  • Sun., March 19 (1 – 5 PM): Backcountry Navigation Clinic:  An afternoon of learning and practicing map and compass skills out in the George Washington Ntl. Forest; for day-hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, hunters, scout leaders, and anyone else who likes to wander off the beaten path; ages 14 and older (teens may attend unaccompanied, but their transportation must be provided by parent or guardian);  A personal clothing list, Medical Form/Participant Agreement, and driving directions to the activity meetup will be provided by WILD GUYde Adventures  after registration.
  • Sun., Feb. 26 (1-5 PM): Beginner Wild Caving near Franklin WV; an afternoon of learning basic caving safety, underground navigation, and some elementary limestone geology; ages 12 and older (children and teens may attend unaccompanied, but their transportation must be provided by a parent or guardian); all technical gear is provided; a personal suggested clothing list, Medical Form/Participant Agreement, and driving directions to the activity meetup will be supplied by WILD GUYde Adventures after registration.
  • March 31 – April 2: PCIA Top Rope Climbing Instructor course ($450).  This three day course prepares candidates for the one-day certification exam ($150).  This is for recreational climbers who are ready to add a guiding certification to their resume, or individuals leading climbing programs at camps, schools, and universities.  Contact [email protected] for details.

 

contact some of our fine friends for…

outdoor gear

other things to do

  • Harrisonburg Rockingham Chamber of Commerce in Harrisonburg, VA at www.HRChamber.org (540-434-3862)
  • Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitors’ Services in Harrisonburg, VA at www.visitharrisonburgva.com (540-432-8940)
  • Shenandoah Valley Travel Association www.VisitShenandoah.org (800-847-4878)
  • Luray Visitors’ Center and Page County Chamber of Commerce in Luray, VA (540-743-3915)
  • Peak Experiences Indoor Rock Climbing for rainy days in Richmond VA, visit Jay and Neil and staff at www.peakexperiences.com (804-897-6800)

Environmental Care Connections

  • Friends of Shenandoah Mountain, proposing federal protections for Shenandoah Mountain and its related drainage basins www.friendsofshenandoahmountain.org
  • WILD VIRGINA, advocating for natural protections in the George Washington National Forest www.wildvirginia.org (434-971-1553)
  • The Access Fund, advocating for environmental care and continued access to America’s climbing areas www.accessfund.org (888-8ME-MBER)
  • The Shenandoah National Park Trust, the official philanthropic partner of Shenandoah National Park www.snptrust.org/

lodging in the harrisonburg, VA Area

  • Trip Forth: Premium vacation rental properties on Massanutten Mountain, and comprehensive trip planning services for your stay. https://www.tripforth.com/ (888-811-7850)
  • Contact Vicki at the Waynesboro North 340 Campground for year-round camping with all the amenities at www.waynesboron340campground.com
    (540-943-9573)
  • Call Monica and John at Harrisonburg/Shenandoah Valley KOA Campground (year-round camping, with hot showers) at www.koa.com/where/va/46140 (540-896-8929 or 800-562-5406)
  • Call Marjorie, Duke, Tina or Paula at Shenandoah Valley Campground in Verona (April 1 – Nov. 6; pool, mini-golf, fishing, river fun, and more) at www.CampingisFun.com (800-310-2580)
  • Hone Quarry (year-round), Todd Lake (opens May 15), and North River USFS Campgrounds in the George Washington National Forest, west of Harrisonburg (seasonal, limited amenities, CHEAP!)
  • Camp Horizons (540-896-7600), Camp Overlook (540-269-2267), or Camp Brethren Woods (540-269-2741) for camping and cabin and bunkhouse lodging in the Shenandoah Valley
  • Natural Chimneys Regional Park Campground (April 1 – Oct. 30) at 540-245-5727 (office) or 540-350-2510 (park phone – seasonal)
  • Stokesville Campground (540-324-8281) http://stokesvillecampground.com/
  • Rivers Edge Campground, In Bergton VA (540-908-6576) campriversedgeva.com

lodging in the Luray, VA area

Lodging Near Franklin, Smoke Hole, & Seneca Rocks in West Virginia

  • Thorn Spring 4H Camp (call Jeff at 304-358-7737) for group lodging (campground and heated bunkhouse) near Franklin WV

  • Brandywine (May 1 – Dec. 15) and Seneca Shadows USFS Campgrounds near Brandywine WV and Seneca Rocks WV, respectively (seasonal and inexpensive)

  • NROCKS, near Circleville, WV, home of the Via Ferrata and Treetop Canopy Tour (lodge, cabins, and group camping) www.nrocks.com (877-435-4842)

  • Thompson’s Motel (304-358-2331) and the Franklin Inn/Fox’s Pizza Den (304-358-2118) in Franklin WV (inexpensive motel lodging; NO websites)

  • Franklin Inn (304-358-7654)
  • Brandywine Motel and Trailer Court (304-249-5136)
  • Star Hotel and Restaurant (304-358-3580)
  • Lodestar Mtn Inn: Group lodging above Smoke Hole Canyon (800-729-2239)