By Stacy Gilliam

When summer trees change into fall attire, nature lovers flock to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley for an eyeful of cranberry, amber and gold-hued foliage. Sure, you could coast by car down Skyline Drive to behold the spectacle. Millions do annually. But for the adventuresome, a canoe or kayak is the more unique move. Grab a couple of paddles and float down the Shenandoah River between the Blue Ridge and Massanuten Mountains for a breathtaking view and a relaxing ride free from bumper-to-bumper traffic. On the way down, go fishing (large mouth bass, tiger musky, panfish and catfish are all plentiful this time of year), stop for a riverside picnic or explore the variety of wildlife, from bald eagles to deer to the occasional bear.

When to Go
General rule: Set sail during the second to third week in October. Before you go, call 1-800-434-LEAF for updates on mountain conditions.

Accommodations
Skip the traditional hotels for a rustic retreat in the heart of the Valley. Try a charming cabin or cottage, particularly one with a colorful view of the mountains like Bella Vista Mountain Cottage or Tony's Bear Hug in Front Royal. Feeling really rustic? Set up a tent on one of many campground sites. Not feeling rustic at all? Nestle in at Lackawanna Bed & Breakfast or find more comfy inns.

Dining
Head to Soul Mountain Café for blackened salmon with lump crab and smoked corn relish over haricots, one of the restaurant’s tasty soul/Caribbean dishes (117 East Main St., Front Royal, 540-636-0070, www.virginia.org). There’s also South Street Grill, serving American dishes with a 1950s flair (424-a South St., Front Royal, 540-636-6654). For fine German dining, visit Stadt Kaffee (300 E. Main Street, Front Royal, 540-635-8300). The Valley is home to a variety of restaurants, waiting to please your palette. Discover more choices.

Tours
Shenandoah River Trips
Described as "a place with personality," SRT is ready to host you with such tours as the Fall Foliage Paddle and Sunset Paddle. Canoeing, rafting and kayaking are available during the cool season. Reservations required. (2047 Rocky Hollow Road
Bentonville, Va., 1-800-727-4371, www.shenandoah.cc)

Shenandoah River Outfitters
Canoeing, kayaking, rafting and a steak dinner! What else do you need? Tent campground and log cabin rentals on the river are also available. Reservations required. (6502 S. Page Valley Road, Luray, Va, 1-800-6CANOE2, www.shenandoahriver.com)

River & Trail Outfitters
Join this professional, family-run operation for their Fall Color Raft, Canoe and Kayak tours. Trips include a picnic and transportation to and from the river. Reservations required. (1-800-I-GO-PLAY, www.rivertrail.com)

Downriver Canoe Company
For 32 years, these experts have helped make river exploration a fun and memorable experience for visitors. Canoeing, rafting, and kayaking are all available for self-guided tours. One to three day trips are available. (884 Indian Hollow Road, Bentonville, Va., 1-800-338-1963, www.downriver.com)

Insider Tip
If your schedule allows, try a river excursion on a Sunday or a mid-weekday, when even traffic on the river is sparse. Look out for money-saving promotions to lure you in.

More Resources
Shenandoah Valley Travel Association
www.visitshenandoah.org

Bed & Breakfasts of the Historic Shenandoah Valley
www.bbhsv.org

Shenandoah Valley Resorts and Lodges www.resortsandlodges.com

Posted September 2006

Click below for more autumn alternatives:

Fly Fishing in Michigan
Discount Cruise Season
Early-Bird Skiing
California Wine Country
Festive Southwest Drive
Central Park in New York
Bird Watching in Texas
Apple Season in Washington
Cranberry Bogs in Wisconsin