Join guided hikes at Graves Mountain Farm featuring serene river paths and a thrilling climb up Doubletop Mountain. Customize your adventure and take in the best of Virginia’s outdoors.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a moderate fitness level able to manage steady uphill hiking and uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
Graves Mountain Farm has operated for over a century, blending agricultural heritage with contemporary conservation practices.
Conservation
The farm maintains sustainable land management that supports biodiversity and protects native habitats throughout their acreage.
Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges
Join guided hikes at Graves Mountain Farm featuring serene river paths and a thrilling climb up Doubletop Mountain. Customize your adventure and take in the best of Virginia’s outdoors.
Graves Mountain Farm and Lodges is a rural retreat located in Syria, Virginia. The property includes lodges and an 1800‑acre farm that hosts outdoor recreation, hands‑on workshops, and seasonal events led by local instructors.
Programming spans guided Blue Trail hikes, fly fishing lessons, partner dancing, yoga, painting and multiple craft workshops. Tim Lewis leads guided hikes across orchards, rivers and forested mountain trails, and provides fly‑fishing guidance on scenic ponds and rivers. Judy and Bobby Chiles teach partner dancing with Hoe‑down and country partner dancing sessions suitable for families and beginners. Jenn Mintz offers one‑hour yoga and meditation sessions appropriate for all ages and experience levels.
Creative workshops include wreath making with Sandra Kechter (three‑hour sessions crafting deco mesh, burlap or grapevine wreaths), soap making with Laura Goley of Swallowtail Ridge (including herbal tea and instruction in medicinal plant uses), and soapmaking with Jennifer Harris of Cornerstone Lavender (small‑batch, take‑home soap). Lou Messa leads a 5.5‑hour acrylic landscape workshop with personalized mentorship in a small group setting.
Many experiences provide supplies and equipment, and several explicitly welcome beginners—dance sessions note "no experience necessary," and workshops emphasize take‑home projects. Visitors choose from short classes (one to two hours) and longer creative sessions, enjoying practical instruction and outdoor exploration within the farm’s diverse natural landscape.
Reservations and detailed event listings are available through the farm’s public schedule for each offering. The location in Syria, Virginia provides access for travelers exploring the Blue Ridge region and central Shenandoah Valley.
Location
Syria, Virginia
Located in Syria, Virginia.
Farm Size
1800 acres
Extensive trails and natural areas.
Experiences
10 offered
Workshops, hikes, fishing, dance.
Duration Range
1–5.5 hours
From one‑hour yoga to 5.5‑hour painting.
Reserve workshops, guided hikes or fishing lessons in Syria, Virginia — secure a spot for family‑friendly classes and outdoor adventures.
Wear sturdy hiking boots
Trails include rocky and uneven terrain, especially near the mountain climb.
Bring plenty of water
Hydration is key, particularly on warmer days or during the mountain ascent.
Use insect repellent
Virginia’s wooded trails can have mosquitoes and ticks, so protect yourself accordingly.
Pack a camera
The views from Doubletop Mountain and the farm’s orchards offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Hiking boots
Provides support and traction for rocky and uneven trails.
Water bottle or hydration pack
Keeps you hydrated throughout the hike, especially in warm weather.
Insect repellent
Protects against ticks and mosquitoes common in spring and summer.
spring
Layered clothing
Allows adjustment to varying temperatures during cooler fall hikes.
fall