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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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.
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.
If you start at riverside park, it’s a nice 2-2.5 mile ride before it goes dense and dark. If you have a MTB you’d be fine or if you’re looking to hike, again - great. We also tried the start point next to the Fontaine research center and it’s good for MTB.
The trails are nice paved for 1-2mi sections at the parks but you have to go on street with traffic or carry bike up steep rocky hills in woods between the parks. Sand before a bridge is prime for sliding down incline then missing the bridge will land you in ditch. Expect the paved paths in the parks easy level for everyone. The dirt path was thin but okay then you better be expert mountain biker for the steep cliff. parts.
This trail is nice for a short walk. It will be much nicer once they complete the expansion phases.
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