Tucked In Virginia's Shenandoah Valley Is A Peaceful Town Near Waterfalls And Wine

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, or A.T., is an East Coast hiking trail that runs more than 2,000 miles between Georgia and Maine, and attracts an estimated 3 million hikers each year. As that number has increased, so have the 56 towns that are recognized as part of the A.T. Community Program. These small towns do more than just provide food and supplies to those passing through: They are becoming destinations in their own right. And as the Appalachian Trail continues to grow in popularity, so do these rural towns surrounding it — such as Elkton, Virginia, which is enticing visitors with pretty waterfalls and delicious wine.

When Elkton was settled in the early 18th century, it became the first permanent settlement west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a section of the Appalachian Mountains that extends from northern Georgia to southern Pennsylvania. Elkton, which is now home to fewer than 3,000 people, straddles the South Fork of the Shenandoah River in western Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Historic buildings, including the Civil War-era Miller-Kite House, still stand in the center of town, which has expanded to include a cozy coffee shop and a craft brewery. And visitors can explore Shenandoah National Park via the Swift Run Gap Entrance Station, which is only about six miles east of Elkton. Meanwhile, the drive from Virginia's charming college town of Charlottesville is about 50 minutes south, and Washington D.C. is less than three hours to the northeast.

Since Elkton is so close to the mountains, it is not surprising that numerous waterfalls sit on the outskirts of town. Shenandoah National Park, which steeply rises from the Shenandoah Valley, is full of them. One of the national park's most impressive waterfalls is South River Falls — and yet, it is only the third-largest waterfall in the park, featuring an 83-foot drop. The South River Falls Trail, which crosses the Appalachian Trail as well as a stream, is a well-marked 4.3-mile out-and-back hike that leads to an overlook with views of the waterfall flowing over the rocks.

Near South River Falls, you will also find Dry Run Falls. The 3.2-mile roundtrip trail is not as well-maintained – in fact, some bushwhacking is required — but it passes the Lost Cliffs, which are greenstones that rise up 100 feet above the forest floor. Then you will likely hear the waterfall before you can see it. You will probably also have Dry Run Falls all to yourself. In addition, if you follow Skyline Drive, the National Scenic Byway along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will reach a third waterfall. The 5.2-mile out-and-back trail to Big Rock Falls crosses a meadow, a horse trail, and a stream before reaching the cascading water. True to its name, the best view of the waterfall is from a big rock. If you're interested in a longer, multi-day hike, Big Rock Falls is also near Hawksbill Mountain, the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park. These are just some of the many reasons to build your ideal Appalachian getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

After hiking to so many waterfalls, you deserve a relaxing break. Luckily, Elkton is in the Shenandoah Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), a wine region known for its cool nights and high elevation. Brix & Columns Vineyards sits on a 160-acre farm southwest of Elkton. The family-run winery started growing one acre of Petit Verdot and one acre of Viognier in 2015. They have been adding more acres of vines and more varietals of wine ever since. At the winery, you can choose a tasting ($16 for a flight of five wines) or buy wine by the glass or the bottle.

Another family-run winery a little further away is CrossKeys Vineyards. It planted its first vines on a hilltop in 2001 and began offering 100% estate-grown wine in 2008. The winery now has a tasting room, with flights and tastings ranging from $9 to $22, and a bistro that serves lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Nearby, Marceline Vineyards has trivia nights and live music in their log barn. The woman-owned winery also offers flights (for $14) and bottles of wine on its patios. Then, if you do not have to rush home, there are even more wineries on this road trip of a lifetime for wine lovers. Cheers to slowing down in this peaceful corner of Virginia.