Virginia weekend trip
 

I'm looking for a recommendation for a weekend trip to western Virginia. We typically base ourselves in or near Charlottesville and we've also rafted the New River in WV so we'd like to try someplace different. With the heat this summer we'd love somewhere along a river or a lake but would be equally happy with good hiking. We are an active couple in our mid 30's no kids. As always any advice is appreciated!

My Ex-husband's daughter and her fiance are your age and love Peaks of Otter.

http://www.peaksofotter.com/

Not sure how far west you want to go, but here are a couple of suggestions of Virginia State Parks which I have visited and which have lakes and hiking. Of the two, Hungry Mother State Park is the larger with more facilities.

Hungry Mother State Park: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hun.shtml

Holliday Lake State Park: http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hol.shtml

I would suggest you consider the Abingdon Damascus area. Great fun cycling the Virginia Creeper Trail. Several good restaurants in the area, easy access to the AT, and lots of activities. We stayed at the River Trail Cabins when we visited last fall. Really nice! I posted a review on T/A.

Great suggestions so far! These are exactly the kind of places I'm looking for.

Andy Guess state park on the south fork of the Shenandoah River. It is located in Bentonville about fifteen miles south of Front Royal (Skyline Drive). Canoe outfitters are in Bentonville. Do an eight, twelve or sixteen mile trip. Beautiful scenery and you go with the flow. One easy class three rapid to go through downhill. (Compton Rapids)

Drive the scenic byway route 11 from Toms Brook through Woodstock (1795 courthouse), Edinburg (CCC Camp and hiking), Mt. Jackson (Route 11 Potato Chip factory), and New Market (New Market Battlefield)

Staunton. Museum of Frontier Culture. www.frontiermuseum.org

I agree with cmcfong. The Creeper Train is great! Also, good hiking on the AT. Good B&B in Wytheville--Trinkle Mansion B&B.