A parking fee is charged at the area. There are 25 more picnic tables and grills scattered throughout the well-shaded area. Swimming is permitted in the 2-acre lake, however, there is no lifeguard on duty. Facilities include a sandy beach, toilet facilities, and bathhouse with cold-water showers. Four of the many hiking trails on the James River Ranger District are accessible from Longdale Recreation Area.
Parking is available near the trailhead.
North Mountain Trail is 9.5 miles long and can be accessed at the first parking area in Longdale Recreation Area. These trails offer some breathtaking sites, however, they should be used by experienced hikers as they are rugged and considered difficult. After a day at Longdale Recreation Area, many people say they can imagine the days gone by when young men came from all over the country to help build a special place called Green Pastures. Today the Longdale Recreation Area is often very quite and peaceful when compared to other recreation sites. The large picnic shelter is made from chestnut logs, a species which is no longer available in our forests.