Shenandoah National Park’s North District

Spanning from the Front Royal entrance at milepost 0.6 to the Thornton Gap entrance at milepost 31.5, Shenandoah National Park's North District offers a distinct and somewhat quieter experience compared to the bustling Central District. While the Central District often steals the spotlight with iconic hikes like Old Rag and South River Falls, the North District has its own treasure trove of crowd-pleasing trails and attractions waiting to be discovered.

One such gem is the Little Devils Stairs-Small Waterfall trail, promising an enchanting journey through nature's wonders. Whether you're eager to delve into the rich history of the park, bask in the awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding mountains, or find solace in the crystal-clear waters of a dreamy swimming hole, the North District has something special for every nature enthusiast and adventurer.

10 Hikes Near Front Royal in Shenandoah National Park’s North District

Shenandoah National Park’s North District runs from the Front Royal entrance (milepost 0.6) to the Thornton Gap entrance (milepost 31.5).

This section is not nearly as popular as the Central District, which wows with hikes like Old Rag and South River Falls, but it’s got its own crowd-pleasing hikes.

gohikevirginia.com

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Dining

You can find some delightful restaurants and dining experiences. Here are a few dining options around Hume:

  • The Ashby Inn & Restaurant (Paris): A renowned fine dining establishment located in a historic inn. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and a carefully curated wine list.

  • Hunter's Head Tavern (Upperville): A traditional English-style pub and restaurant known for its hearty British and American cuisine. The pub has a cozy ambiance and a selection of British ales.

  • Red Fox Inn & Tavern (Middleburg): A historic inn and tavern with a menu that showcases Virginia's culinary traditions. It's a cozy spot with an extensive wine list.

  • Girasole (The Plains): An Italian restaurant offering a range of Italian dishes, including homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Gold Cup Wine Bar (The Plains): Located at the Salamander Resort & Spa, this wine bar offers a selection of wines, cocktails, and small plates in a chic and stylish setting.

  • The Front Porch Market & Grill (Marshall): A local favorite known for its casual, family-friendly atmosphere. They serve a variety of American comfort food, including burgers and barbecue.

  • Three Fox Vineyards (Delaplane): While not a traditional restaurant, Three Fox Vineyards offers wine tastings and picnic opportunities with stunning vineyard views. You can bring your own picnic or purchase snacks on-site.

Surrounding Towns

Hume, Virginia, is located in Fauquier County, which is known for its scenic beauty and historic charm. Here are some towns near Hume.

  • Marshall is a quaint and historic town with a picturesque main street. It's known for its charming shops, local art galleries, and cozy cafes.

  • Warrenton is the county seat of Fauquier County and offers a blend of history and modern amenities. It features historic architecture, parks, and a vibrant downtown area.

  • The Plains is a lovely equestrian community surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside. It's known for its horse farms and elegant estates.

  • Upperville is another equestrian-focused town known for its horse shows and fox-hunting traditions. It features charming stone buildings and beautiful landscapes.

  • Middleburg is a renowned destination for horse enthusiasts and history buffs. It offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and historic inns.

  • Delaplane is a small town with a focus on winemaking. It's home to several wineries and vineyards, making it a great destination for wine lovers.

  • Paris is a charming village nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and a scenic overlook.

Things To Do

The Wine Country Weekend (2 days)

Drive times are approximate.

Day 1 — Arrive & unwind

  • 3:00 PM: Check in (self check-in, keypad — no waiting on anyone). Settle into your suite; all six bedrooms have king beds with en-suite baths.
  • Afternoon: Arterra Wines — about 9 miles north on Leeds Manor Rd (~15 min). A boutique winery and art gallery (Hawkmoth Arts) making native-yeast, no-additive wines; an easy first tasting close to home.
  • Evening: Dinner in Middleburg or The Plains (short drive) — or stay in and fire up the BBQ grill on the patio.

Day 2 — Hike, taste, farewell

  • Morning: Sky Meadows State Park (13.9 mi, ~25 min) for rolling-meadow hikes, or Shenandoah National Park (15.4 mi, ~30 min) for bigger trails.
  • Afternoon: RdV Vineyards (6.3 mi, ~12 min) or Linden Vineyards (8.1 mi, ~15 min) — two of Virginia's most acclaimed wineries, both minutes away.
  • Evening: Farewell cookout at the villa — grill, fire pit, and the tavern room.

Seasonal note: the saltwater pool is closed October–May (heating available for a fee with advance notice). Visiting in winter? The weekend leans on the lit fireplaces, the 1787 log tavern room, and the piano room instead.

The Long Weekend (3 days)

Day 1 — Same as the 2-day arrival day above (Arterra Wines, dinner in town or at the villa).

Day 2 — Shenandoah day

  • Full day in Shenandoah National Park (15.4 mi, ~30 min): Skyline Drive overlooks, a waterfall hike, picnic lunch. Back at the villa by late afternoon — pool time in season, or fireplace time out of it.
  • Dinner: Field & Main (Marshall) or The Ashby Inn (Paris) — both short drives.

Day 3 — Checkout, then one more stop

  • 10:00 AM checkout. Leave bags in the car and pick one:
    • Luray Caverns (39.1 mi, ~1 hr) — the classic Shenandoah Valley day trip, easy on the way home for most DC-area guests.
    • Horse country — Great Meadow (~20 min), home of the Virginia Gold Cup; or a drive through Middleburg's hunt country.
  • Final tasting on the way out: Naked Mountain (3.1 mi, ~7 min) or Blue Valley Vineyard (9.6 mi, ~18 min).

Seasonal note: same as the 2-day — pool closed Oct–May; winter weekends center on fireplaces, the tavern room, winery tasting rooms, and caverns (open year-round).

Local Wedding Venues

Congratulations on embarking on the beautiful journey of planning your wedding! Nestled in the heart of Hume, Virginia, our collection of exquisite wedding venues is designed to transform your special day into an unforgettable celebration of love. From charming rustic barns to elegant vineyards and everything in between, local wedding venues offer the perfect backdrop for your unique love story.

Local Breweries

  • Death Ridge Brewery: If there is one thing that brings people together past and present, its a good beer. As Thomas Jefferson once said, "Beer, if drunk in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit and promotes health." Cheers!.

  • Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery welcomes our members and guests! Check out our menu offerings, vendors, and food & beverage.

  • Vibrissa: We began our journey when a few brave souls got the wild-assed idea that Historic Front Royal, with its vibrant outdoor culture, real people, and appreciation of everything unpretentious, was a natural beer town. Over a few brews, our founders decided to invest their time and resources to make great beer and food a reality.

  • Old Bust Head Brewing Company is an independent, solar-powered microbrewery in Fauquier County, Virginia, part of a unique farm called ‘Vint Hill’ that for 50 years operated as a top secret military listening post. We believe life should be both rich and sustainable.

  • Altered Suds: We started our business in 2019 with two main goals in mind - to brew damn good craft beer, and to have a cool place to drink it at. This is a brewery based on a life passion to make beer for beer drinkers, while providing a welcoming and laid back environment to get together.

For history lovers

You're staying inside it. Barbee's Tavern (c. 1787) is a contributing property in the Hume Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2008) and the Virginia Landmarks Register (2007). The village of Hume — once known as Barbee's Cross Roads — keeps its 19th-century character, with historic churches, the old Hume School, and former country stores in the district around you.