Seven Bends State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Seven Bends State Park — A day-use park on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River in Virginia’s Shenandoah County — featuring 9 miles of trails with Massanutten Mountain access, two paddling launch sites for a scenic 3-mile river float, and wade fishing for smallmouth bass and muskellunge.
Seven Bends State Park is named for the dramatic series of seven oxbow bends the North Fork of the Shenandoah River carves through the landscape near Woodstock, Virginia. The park offers trail networks along the river and up the western slope of the Massanutten range, outstanding paddling, and reliable wade fishing in the clear, shallow river.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Woodstock, Shenandoah County, VA |
| Type | Day-use only — no camping, no visitor center |
| Hours | 6 AM – dusk (30 min after sunset) |
| Access Points | Hollingsworth Road (south) + Lupton Road (north) — not connected internally |
| Admission | Free |
| Restrooms | Vault restrooms at trailheads |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking / Biking | ~9 mi of trails — river, forest, Massanutten slope |
| Paddling | 2 hand-carry launches — ~3 river miles apart (1–2 hr float) |
| Fishing | Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, muskellunge, sunfish, fallfish |
| Picnicking | Shaded picnic areas at both access points |
| Wildlife | River otters, bald eagles, deer, diverse bird species |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Seven Bends?
No — Seven Bends is strictly a day-use park with no overnight camping. For camping in the Shenandoah Valley area, consider George Washington National Forest or nearby private campgrounds.
What fish can I catch here?
The North Fork Shenandoah River at Seven Bends supports smallmouth bass (most popular), largemouth bass, sunfish, fallfish, and muskellunge. Wade fishing is the primary method. A valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
