Located a short drive from the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, Waynesboro, Virginia is a trout angler’s dream in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Fish thrive in the mountain waters of George Washington National Forest and fly anglers especially enjoy the South River flowing through downtown Waynesboro for trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout. The 2.2-mile catch-and-release section, extending from Wayne Avenue bridge downstream to Second Street bridge, is one of two urban trout fisheries in Virginia. Further upstream, you’ll find the put-and-take section of the river at Ridgeview Park. While in town, visit the professionals at South River Fly Shop for fishing gear, advice, and guided excursions to the nearby South River or further out to the James and Jackson Rivers.

The outdoor fun doesn’t stop there. Check out great hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park, or explore the newly opened Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel, a unique hike that takes