River to Ridgetop is open. On June 6, 2026, National Trails Day, we cut the ribbon on Phase 1 of the Seven Bends trails, connecting Seven Bends State Park and the North Fork of the Shenandoah River to Massanutten Mountain and the George Washington National Forest.
Volunteers spent the morning doing trail work at the Riverbend Rise Trailhead, and we celebrated with partners and neighbors at Lupton Pavilion that afternoon.
What we built
- 3.3 miles of new singletrack
- 0.65 miles of new gravel trail
- A purpose-built route from the North Fork up to Massanutten Mountain, replacing eroding legacy and social routes
- Built by Appalachian Dirt and Black Diamond Design, with stone donated by Frazier Quarry
- Funded by a $239,920 Recreational Trails Program grant awarded in 2022, matched by donations, volunteer hours and donated materials
We made the front page
The opening landed on the front page of the Daily News-Record and ran in the Northern Virginia Daily (“River to Ridgetop trail opens new connections at Seven Bends,” by Ashley Miller, June 27, 2026). Read the story.
“By creating trails that aren’t as physically challenging, you can get more people out on trails.”
— Kyle Lawrence, executive director
Construction started in October 2025. The new trail climbs across the slope instead of straight up it, with drainage built in to shed water, keep sediment out of the river and cut down on long-term maintenance.
Thank you
These projects don’t happen on their own. Thank you to Seven Bends State Park, the Lee Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest, the Virginia DCR Recreational Trails Program, Appalachian Dirt, Black Diamond Design and Frazier Quarry, and to every volunteer, donor and community lender who helped carry this project across the finish line.
Go ride, hike or run it
Start at the park’s Lupton entrance (directions). Seven Bends is a Virginia State Park, so every vehicle needs a state park parking pass (fees and passes).
What’s next
Phase 2, North Fork Trails Connectivity, will add up to 4 miles of trail, a second connection to the Massanutten Mountain National Recreation Trail for loops, and a full loop on the Gokotta Accessible Trail. Get the full story, the trail map and ways to help on our Seven Bends page.
