George Washington National Forest
Community Reviews
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Reviews, ratings & photos are added in the free Snoflo iOS app — rate a spot, tag the conditions, and your visit is verified by location. Add or manage your reviews from the app.
George Washington National Forest
There are several points of interest in the forest that visitors can explore such as the Sherando Lake Recreation Area, the Crabtree Falls, and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. The Sherando Lake Recreation Area offers visitors the opportunity to swim, fish, and picnic in a beautiful setting. The Crabtree Falls is a popular hiking destination with a stunning waterfall that drops over 1,200 feet. The Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is home to the highest peak in Virginia and offers visitors the opportunity to hike, camp, and view wildlife.
Interesting facts about the George Washington National Forest include that it is named after George Washington who surveyed the area in his youth and that it was established in 1918 as the Shenandoah National Forest. It was later renamed in honor of the first U.S president. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife including black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys.
The best time of year to visit the George Washington National Forest is in the fall when the foliage is at its peak and the temperatures are cooler. Spring is also a good time to visit when the forest is blooming with wildflowers. However, visitors should be aware that the weather can be unpredictable and can change quickly.
In summary, the George Washington National Forest in Virginia is a beautiful and diverse area that offers visitors a variety of recreational activities, stunning natural attractions, and interesting historical facts. It is definitely worth a visit for anyone looking to explore the beauty of the outdoors.
Streamflow in George Washington National Forest
Live USGS discharge at streamgauges inside the park boundary.
Snowpack in George Washington National Forest
Current snow depth at SNOTEL stations inside the park boundary.
Trails in George Washington National Forest
Named trails whose route falls inside the park.
Camping in George Washington National Forest
Campgrounds inside the park, with today's conditions score.
Points of interest in George Washington National Forest
Landmarks and points of interest inside the park boundary.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Plan a longer trip
The closest fishing spots, campgrounds, boat launches, and points of interest so you can build a full day around the park.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save George Washington National Forest as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About George Washington National Forest
What can I do at George Washington National Forest?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to George Washington National Forest?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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