Here’s a handy guide for getting to our DC Outpost and local spots to pick up any supplies you may need. While there’s a lot to do in the area, we suggest taking a break from planning in excess and simply enjoying the time away from your daily routine and hustle
Parking + Public Transportation
Wheels are your best bet to Getaway, and parking is easy—just pull up and park next to your tiny cabin. The best alternative is to take an Amtrak train to Charlottesville, then call Greene County Transit (which operates on weekdays) or a cab (iTaxi, 434-327-6622) to take you the rest of the way.
Walks in the Woods
Want to remove the walls between you and nature? Take a trip down one of these nearby hiking trails just a short drive away.
Hightop Mountain
Distance: 5.6 miles, about 3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
An easy hike up the highest peak in the South District of Shenandoah National Park, Hightop Mountain offers excellent view to the south and west from the second overlook.
White Oak Canyon Trail
Distance: 9.5 miles, about 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Dogs allowed on-leash
If you’re in search of waterfalls, head out on White Oak Canyon Trail. It can be a strenuous hike, but you can also adjust your mileage and make it shorter by skipping some of the sections.
Blue Hole
Distance: 2.5 miles, about 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Dogs allowed on-leash
For even more water, hike Moorman’s Trail to Blue Hole and spend some time soaking in the swimming hole before heading back to your cabin.
Sustenance & Snacks
If you’re in need of extra supplies, you can find several stores nearby to fulfill your needs and fill your belly.
Wolftown Mercantile Country Store, 3801 Wolftown-Hood Rd, Madison, VA 22727
A classic country store where you can stop for a sandwich and other snacks while you listen in on the banter of the locals.
Yoder’s Country Market, 2105 S Seminole Trail, Madison, VA 22727
For a wider selection, head to Yoder’s and find a fully stocked grocery store as well as a pharmacy.
Payton’s Grocery, 9658 Spotswood Trail, Stanardsville, VA 22973
This spot is a great place to pick up small items, snacks, beer, and wine. They also serve some of the best fried chicken around.
Revelation Vineyards, 2710 Hebron Valley Rd, Madison, VA 22727
For some local wine within the Blue Ridge Mountains, Revelation Vineyards is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon at a tasting, enjoying the beauty the landscape provides.
Notes on Nature
- Many of the peaks in Shenandoah National Park were created by greenstone lava flows over 570 million years ago, and most of the waterfalls that you might explore were formed when streams carved a path through the layers of lava.
- If you’re staring at the sunset and think you see a bird, you might want to take a second look because it could be a big brown bat, an important animal in the ecosystem of the area.
- Although warmer weather is great for outdoor adventures, the sky in Shenandoah tends to be hazier in the summer, and you’ll tend to see the most spectacular vista views on clearer winter days.