Outdoor time around Luray can mean hiking in Shenandoah National Park, heading onto the Shenandoah River with a local outfitter, or staying closer to town at the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway or Lake Arrowhead. Trails such as Stony Man and Dark Hollow Falls begin inside the park, while the Thornton Gap entrance on Route 211 provides access to Skyline Drive from the Luray area.

For visitors considering accessible routes, the Greenway is paved, and the National Park Service describes Limberlost Trail as fully accessible. Lake Arrowhead offers fishing, a playground, and picnic shelters, but swimming in the lake is not allowed. River outings operate seasonally and vary in length, so choose a specific trip before building the rest of your day around it.