Wildcat Ledge (Allens Mountain)

Overview

Looking south from Wildcat Ledge

Wildcat Ledge is a boy amongst men when compared to the surrounding mountains of the Shenandoah Valley. It sits as a part of Allens Mountain in Shenandoah River State Park, which does not even reach 1,000ft. Wildcat Ledge is comprised of a slate type rock that juts out over the Shenandoah River Valley giving wonderful views of the river and surroundings mountains such as Massanhutten Mountain. On a clear day you can see the high peaks of Stony Man and Hawksbill rising to the southeast from within Shenandoah National Park. Located just west of Bentonville, VA, Shenandoah River State Park has some nice scenery to offer the hiker and Wildcat Ledge is a splendid reward for such a short hike. The views of the mighty Shendandoah River are fantastic as it continues to carve its way towards Front Royal. Also, Massanhutten Mountain stretches as far as the eye can see on the western horizon creating a border to a stunning panorama that fills one with a great sense of awe. Also, the area is most famous for its many Civil War engagements and to peer down from the ledges, one gets an eerie reminder of the human costs that the Shenandoah Valley expended.

Getting There

From Northern Virginia: Take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the third stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. From I-81 South: Take exit 300 onto I-66 East. From I-66, take exit 6. Turn right off the ramp onto 340 South. Follow 340 South through Front Royal, then drive eight miles to the park's entrance on the right. From I-81 North: Take exit 264 to New Market and Luray. Turn right off the ramp. Turn left at the second stoplight, go one block to another stoplight and turn right onto 211 East. Stay on this highway for 15 miles, where you'll take a right exit onto 340 North. Drive about 12 miles to the park's entrance on the left.

Red Tape

Entering the park is free and there is no admission or parking cost to access the trails within the park.

Camping

I highly recommend camping in Shenandoah River State Park. The campground is a walk-in campground and the sites have platforms that accomodate six persons per site. There is also a primitive campsite that can hold up to twelve people. Whether you plan on heading into Shenandoah National Park, or just hanging around the Front Royal area, this park has a great location between Front Royal and Luray, VA and has lots of great scenery awaiting its visitors. Camping Accomodations: Nine standard tent canoe-in / walk-in sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are from 30 to 100 yards from the parking lot. The campground has a full service bathhouse. Potable water is available near the two vault toilets, and gray water sinks are near the bathhouse and the vault toilets by the parking lot. There are two river access points, and there is parking available for 21 vehicles (taken from Shenandoah River State Park website). Shenandoah River State Park Standard per night fee: $19.00 Group camping per night fee: $64.00 Take make online reservations for Shenandoah River State Park click on the link below! SRSP Online Reservations

External Links

Shenandoah River State Park Wildernet - SRSP Shenandoah National Park Front Royal, VA Luray, VA