Passage Creek and the Fort Valley

Located in the Shenandoah Valley between the ridges of Massanutten Mountain, this “valley within a valley” provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping, mountain biking, visiting historic sites, taking short nature walks, and enjoying mountain scenery. It is closed at both ends, except for a narrow entrance cut by Passage Creek and traversed by Fort Valley Road (Virginia Route 678).

Farms and small settlements dot the rural valley floor along Passage Creek. Much of the mountain land on both sides of Fort Valley is part of George Washington & Jefferson National Forests and managed through the U.S. Forest Service’s Lee Ranger District in Edinburg.

Among the most popular and interesting sites are these:

* Front Royal Fish Cultural Station: fish hatchery

* Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area: camping, picnicking, history trail, hiking, fishing

* Woodstock Tower: scenic view

* Fort Valley Museum: history museum open weekend afternoons in summer

* Camp Roosevelt Recreation Area: camping, hiking, nature trails

Directions:

Follow Route 522 south from Winchester for 17 miles to Front Royal. Take Route 55 west for 5 miles. Turn right onto Fort Valley Road (Virginia Route 678) at the sign for Elizabeth Furnace.