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 Fall: 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, or Orange County.

  • Sat., Oct. 7 (9 AM – 5 PM): Beginner Rock Climbing and Rappelling in the George Washington Ntl. Forest; a full day of learning to climb, belay, and rappel; 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.
  • Sun., Oct. 15 (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.
  • Sat., Dec. 2 (8:30 AM to noon): Beginner Wild Caving near Bridgewater VA; a morning 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.

 

 

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)