Shenandoah River State Park protects a long bend of the South Fork about ten miles south of Front Royal. It is less dramatic than Skyline Drive but easier to settle into: trails cross open fields and wooded ridges, Culler's Overlook frames the river valley, and the river access makes it a natural base for paddling or tubing in warm weather.
The park works well as a slower counterpoint to the national park. Bring a picnic, check river conditions before getting on the water, and allow time for the drive through the quiet valley roads around Bentonville.