Shenandoah River views and Massanutten Mountains scenery
McGaheysville is a quiet community in Rockingham County, surrounded by open farmland in the Shenandoah Valley. “It’s a very rural area—there’s plenty of low-density farms here,” says Realtor Jeff Konstant, a resident since 1978. “I live in an 1800s farmhouse with the Shenandoah River at my front door, and most homes are just like that.”
U.S. Route 33, or Spotswood Trail, runs through town and connects residents to Harrisonburg, 12 miles away. While McGaheysville -- pronounced Ma-gack-ees-ville --draws visitors to its local wineries and the year-round Massanutten Resort, most residents enjoy the balance of rural quiet at home and easy access to city conveniences just a short drive away.
South Peak and Oak Grove subdivisions with mountain vistas
Homes here include newly built options in subdivisions like South Peak and Oak Grove, as well as ranch-style and classic farmhouse, some of which date back to the 1800s. Large unfenced lots, some stretched several acres, create an open rural atmosphere. Prices typically range from $250,000 to $450,000, with age and size as the biggest factors.
East Rockingham High offers Esports
Students might start out at McGaheysville Elementary, which earns a B from Niche, then continue to the B-minus rated Elkton Middle. In early 2025, the B-rated East Rockingham High rolled out its E-sports program, allowing students to use skill-based video games to take part in friendly competition and build collaboration skills.
Massanutten Resort, Shenandoah National Park and Emerald Hill Farm
McGaheysville is home to the 6,000-acre Massanutten Resort, a mountainside retreat featuring a sprawling waterpark, golf courses and tennis courts. In the winter, folks visit from across the county for skiing and snowboarding. Summer brings crowds together for concerts at the Base Camp Summer Concert Series and Summer Jam. Nearby, hikers trek Shenandoah National Park’s scenic trails, while explorers descend into chambers of Luray Caverns. Families with young children can get hands-on at Emerald Hill Farm’s petting zoo, or tackle zip lines and tubing runs at Massanutten Family Adventure Park.
Kline’s Dairy Bar, Brix and Columns Vineyard and Stumps Antique Mall
Most shopping and dining options here are clustered along U.S. Route 33. Kline’s Dairy Bar is a local favorite, serving ice cream and frozen custard with rotating “Flavors of the Week.” For a hearty breakfast or classic diner eats, Thunderbird Café offers everything from pancakes and country-fried steak to burgers and Cobb salads. Wine lovers can spend an afternoon at Brix and Columns Vineyard, which draws visitors with a lineup of sparkling whites, dry reds and seasonal rosés. Cave Hill Farms Brewery is nearby, pouring a variety of craft brews from Blueberry Blonde ales to classic stouts and hazy IPAs. Grocery shopping is convenient at Food Lion, set closer to Elkton, while Dollar General serves as the local stop for quick basics and household goods. Stumps Antique Mall offers two floors of vintage finds and collectibles, with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and a constantly changing selection.
U.S. Route 33 access and proximity to Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport
U.S. Route 33 (Spotswood Trail) is the main thoroughfare, providing direct access to Harrisonburg 12 miles west. Interstate 81, a major north-south corridor, is about 10 miles away. The closest Amtrak station is in Staunton, roughly 35 miles away, offering service to cities like Richmond and Washington, D.C. For air travel, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport is about 18 miles away and provides domestic flights. The area does not have public transit.
Photography Contributed By
Drew Oberleitner
