Back Home-on the Farm hosts monthly themed Country Teas throughout the year. This series is a distinctive feature of Rockingham County; alongside it, the landscape, activities and historic places offer very different perspectives on the region.
Landscape between the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah River
The Blue Ridge Mountains border Rockingham County; the Shenandoah River also forms a boundary of the county. In the western part lies Briery Branch Lake, a nine-acre lake in the George Washington National Forest. Another access point to the National Forest is in the southwestern part of the county, leading to viewpoints such as the High Knob Fire Lookout Tower and Reddish Knob. The region’s landscapes thus include both a lake in a forest area and viewpoints reached via an access point from the southwest.
Get active: cycling, horseback riding and resort activities
One specific cycling route is the 10 Mile Mole Hill Ride. The fully paved route is 10 miles long, passes through the agricultural landscape of the Shenandoah Valley and crosses the local landmark Mole Hill. Its length and surface give the route a clear profile; the ride combines a set distance with views of the agricultural landscape and a crossing over Mole Hill.
Horizons Horseback offers another way to experience the landscape, with rides in the foothills of the Massanutten Mountains. English riding lessons are also available for all ages and skill levels. The rides and lessons appeal to different interests: exploring the outdoors or learning about English riding.
At White Oak Lavender Farm, you can choose between guided and self-guided tours. Activities on offer include distillation demonstrations, u-pick lavender and wine education. The different tour formats complement activities that each focus a visit on a specific subject.
Massanutten Resort is located in the center of Rockingham County. It offers year-round activities such as ziplining, skiing, golf, mountain biking and escape rooms. The offerings also include a combined indoor and outdoor water park, a Family Adventure Park, spa services and winter sports. The range of activities spans outdoor pursuits as well as leisure and spa options; you can prioritize the themes that matter for your trip according to your interests.
Historic traces and places of remembrance
Cross Keys Battlefield preserves the site where Richard Ewell’s outnumbered division held John C. Frémont back and helped Stonewall Jackson escape a closing Union trap. The Battle of Cross Keys took place on June 8, 1862, as part of Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign and helped prevent two Union armies from joining forces. Here, the site and the event form a shared historical story.
Buildings also tell stories of different chapters in the county’s history. Breneman-Turner Mill is the oldest surviving, fully equipped pre-Civil War grist mill in Rockingham County and is also a rare example of a brick-built mill. Daniel Harrison House, also known as Fort Harrison, is a limestone farmhouse built around 1749. It served as a defensive point during raids associated with the French and Indian War.
John Kline Homestead offers insights into the life of Brethren minister Elder John Kline, who spoke out against slavery and military service. Another reminder of the region’s history was created by the Blue Ridge Heritage Project: the project erected a monument in Rockingham County to families and individuals who were affected by relocation during the establishment of Shenandoah National Park.
Visiting hours at Rockingham Park at the Crossroads
Rockingham Park at the Crossroads is open daily from sunrise until one hour before sunset. The park is closed on federal holidays and in bad weather. As operating conditions may change, check the latest park information before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Mcgaheysville, Hinton, Rockbridge County, King William County, Campbell, Staunton, York County, Arlington.
For the broader travel overview: Virginia.
