Top Outdoor Adventures Around Culpeper, VA

In northern Virginia, the historic town of Culpepper is a haven for outdoor lovers

From cycling country roads to hiking Shenandoah National Park to horseback riding at a Civil War battlefield

There's something to fit every style of adventure. Here are some of our top picks for nature lovers

Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding on Culpeper's Lake Pelham, where locals and travelers alike can rent kayaks, can

use paddle boards and more. Fitness instructor and paddle board enthusiast Marcus Haywood

explains the drama. And a lot of people get out here early before the heat of the day sets in

to either work on their conditioning, working on the upper body strength, or just enjoy the scenery

At Lake Pelham, you're close to town, but don't feel like it

as you get further away from the dock, paddling along wooded banks and the northern Virginia beauty

Just an hours drive from Culpepper, take a hike at Chandonah National Park, where over 500 miles of trails make for a great escape from town or city

Close to Culpepper is the summit of Hawksbill Mountain, the highest point in Channandoah National Park at over 4,000 feet

I love just looking out and seeing all this undeveloped preserved land Yeah there something to be said for open space It good for the spirit Saddle up to explore Brandy Station battlefield

We're on June 9, 1863. The largest cavalry battle ever fought on North American soil took place

The Battle of Brandy Station marked the start of the Gettysburg Campaign during the Civil War

and riding here helps put the battle into perspective. Nearby, visit the graffiti house where Civil War graffiti lines the walls of this former Confederate

field hospital that's fortunately been preserved. Ride through town on bike lanes or go outside of Culpepper along country roads with Blue Ridge

Mountain Views. The Culpepper area attracts avid road cyclists. In Culpeper County we have miles

of beautifully paved roads just like this one. And they are technical, so there are lots of hills, lots of switchbacks

The riding is superb, but so are the views. Those are the Blue Ridge, and you can tell they're the Blue Ridge by the Blue Hays that they emit during the summer months

And if you like old barns, you're in for a treat. There are lots of old barns out here

If you're a painter or a picture taker, this is the place to be. It's all part of the adventure of playing outdoors in Coalpepper

and beyond