Find the top rated birding trails in Harrisonburg, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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If biking, Afton is a better starting point than the West start. It's neat to be able to basically coast the entire tunnel, as the grade helps considerably.
This is a relatively easy trail for all ages and abilities. West side from parking to entrance is more difficult but east side has very little grade to entrance. As others mentioned, parking is limited, but hikers are coming out regularly so it’s not much to wait for a space. We were there on Sunday afternoon and waited just 10 minutes for a parking space. Great family activity.
First... let me say I was nervous about the tunnel! But know that you can see “the light at the end of the tunnel” so I wasn’t claustrophobic,as I had feared. Know that they mean it when they say lights are required. Otherwise, you are not visible to other hikers even when you’re within arms length! We began at the Afton end and although we arrived before 10am all parking was taken. We ended up parking at the post office. As you exit the tunnel on the Waynesboro end there is a good uphill hike...a very distinct path/trail. The entire path is 2.5 one way. We saw plenty of dogs on the trail which was another question I had... we’re dogs allowed? As an added bonus it snowed! We saw
While this trail is good, you better get there early. Parking is incredibly limited and if you park out of the marked area, your car will get towed. Rude people abound.... Once in the tunnel, it is FULL of people with all manner of lights and kids shining flashlights in peoples eyes. There are better trails without the parking and crowd hassles.
Nicely maintained trail. The west side is a little steep. The actual tunnel is flat. Make sure to have a flashlight as it is pitch black in the tunnel. It’s a beautiful area and neat experience. Lots of history!
On my bucket list. 50 degree year round. Bring a light. Dark inside
The entire loop is walkable but only a small part can be biked. The two mile paved section along the river is good for biking. I usually just use it as a connector for a longer cycling route.
This is a good place for new cyclists to practice or for more experienced cyclists to connect through on a longer ride. The northern section is hilly but the southern end is more or less flat-ish.
I enjoyed riding here with my family. A little crowded but if I went earlier in the morning I am sure that would have been better.
The trail is great. Hard packed gravel or boardwalks take you from the parking area to the Monticello visitor center. There are 10 stunning wood boardwalks that take you along this tree lined path. It is a slight uphill all the way up - but then it’s a refreshing downhill back again. There are bathrooms and a small cafe at the Monticello visitor center as well.
We have been on this trail too many times to count. Perfect for walking, jogging, scooting for kids, or a short bike ride. If you are biking, you can create a loop with the wide, lightly trafficked downtown roads of Waynesboro (we come back to the trail on Short street to avoid the main downtown road which is more narrow). There are benches, dog bag stations, and a newly installed bike repair station on this trail. I can’t wait until they finish the remaining phases and it is longer. Probably not worth a long drive (yet) but if you are in the area it is lovely. Stay in town and visit a brewery or local eatery downtown.
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