Visitor Information

The Massanutten Visitor Information Center, on US Route 211, 3 miles east of New Market is open daily 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., April through October. The center is fully staffed and provides information on forest activities and recreation opportunities. Maps, books, and field guides are available for sale. Three interpretive trails, the Discovery Way, the Massanutten Story Book, and the Lion's Tale Trails are nearby. You can get more detailed information from district ranger stations.

Fees

Fees of varying amounts are charged at all highly developed recreation areas. These fees are determined by the amenities provided at each area. Seasonal day use parking permits are available at a cost of $20.00 per year, allowing unlimited parking at moat day-use picnic and swimming areas.

Weather

The mountains area are cooler and wetter than the surrounding lowlands. A good rule of thumb is to find out the temperature in Washington, D.C. or Richmond and subtract 15 degrees. Spring arrives late in the park compared to the lowlands. The first wildflowers don't begin blooming until April, and trees leaf out in May. Area residents talk about the"green line," that climbs as trees leaf out at successive elevations. Summer days are pleasant and the nights are cool -- pack a sweater.

The summer can also be disappointingly hazy, blocking the views you came miles to see. Wildflowers blaze all through the summer. While not the brilliant displays of a maple forest, fall color's are deep and rich. The foilage changes start with the Virginia Creeper in September, then the oak and hickory turns turn a deep brick-red. Many flowers bloom, including the asters, goldenrod, and white snakeroot. Winter snowfall is modest, but the mountains serve up lots of ice and frost. The air is clearest, and you can see for miles through the bare branches of trees views you could never see in summer.