Seven Bends State Park

General Information

Seven Bends State Park is a day-use park located in the geographically unique Seven Bends area of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Seven Bends State Park provides public access to the North Fork of the Shenandoah River and features two hand-carry boat launches, picnic areas, one single family-sized picnic shelter, vault restrooms, and 9 miles of hiking trails. The park provides water and land based outdoor recreational and educational opportunities while protecting and interpreting the spectacular scenic viewshed and geological, natural and historical resources of the storied seven bends area.

Hours

6 a.m. to dusk (30 minutes after sunset)

Location

The park is in east-central Shenandoah County, a few miles from Historic Downtown Woodstock. It’s about 35 miles southwest of Winchester and 40 miles northeast of Harrisonburg. The park has two access sites.

For the south site, take Exit 283 off of I-81 for Woodstock, then go east on VA-42, W. Reservoir Road. Turn right onto S. Hollingsworth Road and remain on it for 1 mile.

For the north site, take Exit 283 off of I-81 for Woodstock, then go east on VA-42, W. Reservoir Road. Turn left onto S. Water Street, turn right onto Hollingsworth Road, then turn right onto on Lupton Road and remain on it for .7 mi.

Hollingsworth Access Address - 2111 S. Hollingsworth Rd. Woodstock, VA 22664

Lupton Access Address - 1191 Lupton Rd. Woodstock, VA 22664

NOTE – S. Hollingsworth Rd. and Lupton Rd. are both "local roads" as classified by VDOT. They are not lined roads and both contain a single lane low water bridge crossing. Consideration should be taken prior to bringing large vehicles or trailers.

Park Size

1,052 acres

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Cabins, camping

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES

No cabins or camping.

For information on the availability of other parks' overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK (7275). Click here for park fees.

Recreation

TRAILS

9 miles of hiking/biking trails. Just over two miles of trail lie along the “seven bends” of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The remaining trails take you on the western slope of Powell Mountain, part of the Massanutten Mountain Range. Talus trail connects visitors to the Massanutten Trail in the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest.

SWIMMING

There are no designated swimming areas. Swimming is hazardous because of swift currents, sudden drop-offs and unseen obstructions.

FISHING, BOATING

The ‘seven bends’ section of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River features unique geology and landscape that promotes productive fishing and provides pleasant scenery for floating. The river is relatively small and shallow making it accessible to wade angling. The most sought after fish on the North Fork is the smallmouth bass. Other sportfish species include sunfish, fallfish, largemouth bass, and muskellunge. A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required.

Car-top boat launches suitable for canoes and kayaks are located at both access sites of Seven Bends State Park. The two launches are approximately 3 river miles apart and generally take 1-2 hours to float depending on conditions. 

HORSES

None.

Park Trail Guide

Click here for the park's trail guide.

Download (external link for use with Avenza App) the geo-referenced map

Download the geo-referenced map for this park

Nearby Attractions

From the Entrance to the Seven Bends State Park, it's very easy to find places to eat, drink and enjoy some of the wonderful attractions in Shenandoah County.

The Northern Shenandoah Valley is known for its agricultural roots, so farmers' markets and farm stands are open year-round for gathering picnic items. Don't care to pack your own? There is an excellent variety of restaurants in the area, too. If you'd like to kick back and relax in a lovely tasting room or patio at one of the Valley's many local wineries and breweries, cideries and distilleries visit Shenandoah County's Tourism site here- Shenandoah Brewery and Wineries

Other attractions can be reached along a beautiful scenic drive of approximately 30 minutes. Then through a lovely covered bridge, you'll find the Shenandoah Caverns family of attractions and Route 11 Potato Chips. If you would rather just get in the car and take in the scenery, here are some suggested routes for scenic drives.

No visit to the Shenandoah Valley is complete without looking at its long history from the American Revolution through the Civil War and beyond. Within a 20 mile radius of the park, there are many museums, battlefields, historic homes and markers.

Other points of interest

• Antiques, gifts and souvenir shopping
• The Arts - Visit Shenandoah County
• Woodstock Tower
• Lodging and accommodations
• Other outdoor recreation
• Tours and Excursions - Visit Shenandoah County

Picnic Shelters

Seven Bends State Park has one, single family-sized picnic shelter located at the north access site (Lupton Rd). The shelter includes one 16’ picnic table and a group sized charcoal grill. The shelter is occupied on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Meeting Space and Facilities

MEETING FACILITIES

None.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP

The park has no visitor center. 

The park office is located at 147 N. Main Street in Woodstock and is by appointment only. To schedule an appointment or to speak with a ranger, please call (540) 630-4718.

Seven Bends State Park operates a merchandise trailer periodically throughout the year. Park branded gifts, souvenirs, apparel, items for your junior rangers, and outdoor essentials can be purchased. To find out more about the merchandise or to see dates of operation, please email the park office at sevenbends@dcr.virginia.gov.

RESTAURANT

None.

LAUNDRY

None.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER

None.

SPECIAL FEATURES

Events.  Are you interested in having an event at Seven Bends State Park? From work meetings to birthdays and family reunions to weddings, the park is a picturesque setting and has an iconic view. Email sevenbends@dcr.virginia.gov today to find out how easy, inexpensive and how successful your event can be at Seven Bends State Park.

Other Info

ACCESSIBILITY

The picnic shelter and picnic pads are accessible via crushed stone paths and have wheelchair-accessible picnic tables. Day-use restrooms are also accessible.

Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed, to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.

NATURE, HISTORY PROGRAMS

Seasonal between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Click here to view all parks' events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

SELF-GUIDED OPPORTUNITIES

Junior Rangers (ages 5-9)

Scavenger Hunts

Stargazing

School Programs

CONCESSIONS

Seven Bends State Park operates a merchandise trailer periodically throughout the year. Park branded gifts, souvenirs, apparel, items for your junior rangers, and outdoor essentials can be purchased. To find out more about the merchandise or to see dates of operation, please email the park office at sevenbends@dcr.virginia.gov.

HISTORY

The park consists of 1,052 acres situated in the geographically unique Seven Bends area of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The majority of the park was compiled from donated land. The Town of Woodstock donated almost 85 acres of what had been the town reservoir site. Dr. James R. Myers donated the largest parcel, nearly 674 acres adjacent to the reservoir site. The third parcel, Camp Lupton, was purchased by the state from the Massanutten Military Academy and contained over 306 acres. Camp Lupton was a Summer Camp operated by the nearby Massanutten Military Academy. It offered campers a rustic, primitive experience and promised wholesome outdoor recreation and sports. Seven Bends State Park takes pride in continuing Camp Lupton's legacy of providing a place to enjoy outdoor recreation.

The purpose of Seven Bends State Park, the gateway to the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, is to provide water and land-based outdoor recreational and educational opportunities while protecting and interpreting the spectacular scenic viewshed and the unique geological, natural, and historical resources of the storied seven bends area of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in Virginia.

FRIENDS GROUP

The Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River serves as the "community support organization" for Seven Bends State Park and also conducts business as the Friends of Seven Bends State Park. Their mission is to keep the North Fork of the Shenandoah River clean, healthy, and beautiful through advocacy, community action, education and science. To join or learn more about the group or volunteer, click here.

MASTER PLAN

Master plans must be written for parks before they're built. The plans are updated at least once every 10 years thereafter. The plans cover the size, types, infrastructure and locations of facilities as well as the site's special features and resources. Three public meetings are held during the initial development of each plan. Click here for this park's master plan.