Events

RSVP HERE

🛠 WHAT: Weekly trail work sessions on the Western Slope

💚 WHY: Because trails don’t build (or maintain) themselves—and when we dig together, we build more than just great singletrack. We build community.

📅 WHEN: Every Wednesday | 5–7:30 PM | Every Weds in April & May

📍 WHERE: Western Slope of Massanutten. Park in the regular lot and follow our red “Trail Work” Signs near the start of the Happy Hour Trail.

🙋 HOW: Sign up, bring a friend, wear work clothes, and we’ll provide the tools and good vibes. No experience is needed. Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes; bring gloves if you have them.

These evenings are fun and productive and a chance to give back to the land that gives us so much.

Come get dirty with us. The trails will thank you.

YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT:👉 Click to REGISTER

Chainsaw Sawyer Training for Coalition Volunteers
April 4-5 | Massanutten Western Slope and Massanutten Conference Center

Ready to take your trail stewardship to the next level? Join us for a Chainsaw Sawyer Training, led by the Appalachian Conservation Corps, on April 4 and 5 at the scenic Massanutten Western Slope.

This hands-on training will equip you with the essential skills and safety knowledge to effectively and responsibly operate a chainsaw for trail maintenance and restoration. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer looking to expand your expertise or new to trail work, this course will provide valuable certification and experience in sustainable trail stewardship.

This training is required to operate a chainsaw on the Western Slope Trails. With additional first aid certification you can receive your sawyer card to legally operate a chainsaw on US Forest Service Trails.

What to Expect:
🔹 Expert instruction from Appalachian Conservation Corps professionals
🔹 A classroom day where you will learn proper safety and handling
🔹 Hands-on practice in a safe, controlled environment
🔹 The satisfaction of giving back to the trails we love!

Who Should Attend:
This training is ideal for interested volunteers who are passionate about keeping our trails clear and safe for all riders and hikers. No prior chainsaw experience is required—just a willingness to learn and a love for the outdoors.

Details:
📅 Dates: April 4-5
📍 Location: Massanutten Western Slope
🎟️ Registration Required – Spots are limited!
Gear up and get ready to make a real impact on our trails. Sign up today and help us keep the Shenandoah Valley’s trails in top shape!
For more information or to register, visit our website or contact us at

Learn more
Join us for a women’s casual mountain bike ride at Massanutten Western Slope on Monday evenings. You do not need a parking pass (if you don’t have a pass just ask a ride leader for one when you arrive) but will need to sign an electronic waiver before the ride.

• Time: 5:30pm on Mondays
• When: April 7th-Oct 27th 2025
• Location: Meet at Massanutten Western Slope Parking Lot
• Pace: Super casual, no-drop ride with regrouping spots along the way.
• Length: Typically 1-1.5 hours and we will often cover 4-6 miles.
• Ride Surface: This is a mountain bike ride so plan for dirt singletrack trails with some rock.
• Regroup Points During Ride? Yes. The Massanutten Western Slope Trails offer lots of options for regrouping and course changes depending on where and what the group wants to ride.
• Post-Ride: Bring a chair, snacks, and a beverage for socializing after if you like!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the ride coordinator(s):
Leigh Evans / 828-215-6630
Terri Sexton / 757-235-9455

Show up and support a Shenandoah Rail Trail as the highest and best use of the corridor! The meeting is focused on the Rail with Trail Assessment. After reading the phase 1 report, we still believe a rail-to-trail is the best option for this corridor.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will host a series of public meetings to present the findings from Phase 1 of the Shenandoah Valley Rail with Trail Assessment and gather public feedback.

From the VDOT Assessment website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/…/rockingham-shenandoah…/

Background
The Norfolk Southern-owned rail corridor that traverses the Shenandoah Valley between the Town of Broadway in Rockingham County, and the Town of Front Royal in Warren County has been the subject of interest since the line between Strasburg and Broadway was discontinued in sections from 1989 to 2016 and segment between Front Royal and Strasburg was taken out-of-service.

The General Assembly requested a feasibility study be completed for a rails-to-trails conversion of the corridor through a joint study effort by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and VDOT. The report from that effort was published 2021 under the title, ‘Feasibility Study for a Linear Park in the Shenandoah Valley’. More information about that effort can be found on the DCR and VDOT study pages.
Through the 2020-2022 budget negotiation, the General Assembly stipulated that “Up to $35.0 million shall be allocated to the Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail for the purposes of land acquisition, initial planning, and site development. Any land acquisition by the Commonwealth as part of this trail’s development shall not preclude the consideration of options to maintain rail transportation in the corridor.” To address the last clause of the budget language, VDOT will assess the constraints, considerations, and costs for constructing a trail alongside the subject rail line as an alternative to the previously studied rail-to-trail option.

Project Scope
To assess the most likely configuration and costs associated with rail asset/rail bridge restoration and constructing an adjacent trail on the Norfolk Southern-owned rail corridor between the Town of Broadway in Rockingham County and the Town of Front Royal in Warren County. The goal of this study is to provide an assessment of the scope, cost, constraints, and other considerations of a rail-with-trail alternative as compared to the rail-to-trail option studied previously.
This assessment will be completed across a series of three phases, as summarized below and described in more detail in the ‘Status and schedule’ tab at the bottom of the page:

Phase 1: Alternatives Analysis

To evaluate and identify typical sections that could accommodate a rail-with-trail alternative.
Phase 2: Corridor Assessment

To conduct field evaluations of track and structure conditions & perform first public outreach campaign.
Phase 3: Assessment Findings

To develop cost estimates and documentation of assessment outcomes & perform second public outreach campaign

RSVP HERE

🛠 WHAT: Weekly trail work sessions on the Western Slope

💚 WHY: Because trails don’t build (or maintain) themselves—and when we dig together, we build more than just great singletrack. We build community.

📅 WHEN: Every Wednesday | 5–7:30 PM | Every Weds in April & May

📍 WHERE: Western Slope of Massanutten. Park in the regular lot and follow our red “Trail Work” Signs near the start of the Happy Hour Trail.

🙋 HOW: Sign up, bring a friend, wear work clothes, and we’ll provide the tools and good vibes. No experience is needed. Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes; bring gloves if you have them.

These evenings are fun and productive and a chance to give back to the land that gives us so much.

Come get dirty with us. The trails will thank you.

Show up and support a Shenandoah Rail Trail as the highest and best use of the corridor! The meeting is focused on the Rail with Trail Assessment. After reading the phase 1 report, we still believe a rail-to-trail is the best option for this corridor.

The Virginia Department of Transportation will host a series of public meetings to present the findings from Phase 1 of the Shenandoah Valley Rail with Trail Assessment and gather public feedback.

From the VDOT Assessment website: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/…/rockingham-shenandoah…/

Background
The Norfolk Southern-owned rail corridor that traverses the Shenandoah Valley between the Town of Broadway in Rockingham County, and the Town of Front Royal in Warren County has been the subject of interest since the line between Strasburg and Broadway was discontinued in sections from 1989 to 2016 and segment between Front Royal and Strasburg was taken out-of-service.

The General Assembly requested a feasibility study be completed for a rails-to-trails conversion of the corridor through a joint study effort by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and VDOT. The report from that effort was published 2021 under the title, ‘Feasibility Study for a Linear Park in the Shenandoah Valley’. More information about that effort can be found on the DCR and VDOT study pages.
Through the 2020-2022 budget negotiation, the General Assembly stipulated that “Up to $35.0 million shall be allocated to the Shenandoah Valley Rail Trail for the purposes of land acquisition, initial planning, and site development. Any land acquisition by the Commonwealth as part of this trail’s development shall not preclude the consideration of options to maintain rail transportation in the corridor.” To address the last clause of the budget language, VDOT will assess the constraints, considerations, and costs for constructing a trail alongside the subject rail line as an alternative to the previously studied rail-to-trail option.

Project Scope
To assess the most likely configuration and costs associated with rail asset/rail bridge restoration and constructing an adjacent trail on the Norfolk Southern-owned rail corridor between the Town of Broadway in Rockingham County and the Town of Front Royal in Warren County. The goal of this study is to provide an assessment of the scope, cost, constraints, and other considerations of a rail-with-trail alternative as compared to the rail-to-trail option studied previously.
This assessment will be completed across a series of three phases, as summarized below and described in more detail in the ‘Status and schedule’ tab at the bottom of the page:

Phase 1: Alternatives Analysis

To evaluate and identify typical sections that could accommodate a rail-with-trail alternative.
Phase 2: Corridor Assessment

To conduct field evaluations of track and structure conditions & perform first public outreach campaign.
Phase 3: Assessment Findings

To develop cost estimates and documentation of assessment outcomes & perform second public outreach campaign

YOU MUST REGISTER for this EVENT by 👉 CLICKING HERE

Trail Training Day – Learn, Build, Lead!
Saturday, April 12 | 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM
Classroom: Lucy Simms Center | Fieldwork: Massanutten Western Slope Trails

We’re building more than trails—we’re building a community of skilled and empowered trail stewards! Whether you’re brand new to trail work or have decades of experience, this full-day Trail Training Day is designed to sharpen your skills, deepen your knowledge, and inspire you to help lead the charge in maintaining and improving our trail systems.

Who Is This For?

Everyone!

• First-time volunteers: Learn the foundations of trail maintenance.
• Seasoned veterans: Refine your skills and discover new techniques.
• Future leaders: Get equipped with the tools to help guide volunteer dig days.

We’re here to grow the capacity of our trail-building community and can’t wait to spend the day with you!

Why Attend?

Our trails depend on a well-trained, informed, and engaged community. This training is your opportunity to become part of the legacy that keeps our trails thriving for generations to come.

What’s Included?

• A full day of trail maintenance training and MORE, tailored to all skill levels.
• Lunch provided! (Yes, for just $5!)
• Instruction from a trail-building legend, Rich Edwards.
• A deeper connection to your trail community and the knowledge to make an impact.

Cost & Registration

• $5 registration fee includes lunch.
• Want to help cover the true cost? Opt for the True Cost ticket to contribute more.
• Cost a barrier? Use code PIXIEDUST for free registration.

Your Teacher: Rich Edwards

Rich Edwards brings unmatched expertise to the classroom and trail. As the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Coordinator for West Virginia University’s Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, and formerly the IMBA Trail Solutions Director of Community Engagement and Education, Rich has over 20 years of trail-building experience across 33 U.S. states and eight countries. His approach prioritizes sustainability and working in harmony with the land, ensuring trails that endure.

Details at a Glance

📅 Date: Saturday, October 19
🕘 Time: 9:15 AM – 5:00 PM (please commit to the full day)
📍 Location:

• Morning Classroom: Lucy Simms Center
• Afternoon Fieldwork: Massanutten Western Slope Trails

Come for the training, stay for the connections, and leave ready to dig into our trails with confidence. We can’t wait to see you there!

Join us for a no-drop group run in the George Washington National Forest! Volunteer, Thomas Culligan, will lead this social and conversational run. There will be a regroup at the Narrowback and Festival Trail intersections.

Please sign this waiver
Register

Date: Saturday, April 12th 2025
Start Time: 10a
Distance: 5 miles
Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3339690594243186074
Location: The Wolf Parking Lot 38°25’54.3″N 79°07’40.0″W

If you have any questions about the run, email Thomas Culligan, at less

Learn more
Join us for a women’s casual mountain bike ride at Massanutten Western Slope on Monday evenings. You do not need a parking pass (if you don’t have a pass just ask a ride leader for one when you arrive) but will need to sign an electronic waiver before the ride.

• Time: 5:30pm on Mondays
• When: April 7th-Oct 27th 2025
• Location: Meet at Massanutten Western Slope Parking Lot
• Pace: Super casual, no-drop ride with regrouping spots along the way.
• Length: Typically 1-1.5 hours and we will often cover 4-6 miles.
• Ride Surface: This is a mountain bike ride so plan for dirt singletrack trails with some rock.
• Regroup Points During Ride? Yes. The Massanutten Western Slope Trails offer lots of options for regrouping and course changes depending on where and what the group wants to ride.
• Post-Ride: Bring a chair, snacks, and a beverage for socializing after if you like!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the ride coordinator(s):
Leigh Evans / 828-215-6630
Terri Sexton / 757-235-9455