Woodstock, WA, USA offers a paragliding site with an elevation of 548 meters and a height difference of 340 meters. This site is regularly used for thermal ridge soaring and offers good potential for cross-country (XC) flights, especially in wind directions from ESE to SSE.
For more information, you can watch a video overview at [YouTube](
Click to watch video
) or visit [Soaring Road Trip](https://www.soaringroadtrip.com/woodstock). The local club, CHGPA, provides additional resources and weather information on their [website](https://chgpa.org/weather-and-site-info/) and [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/chgpa).
The site faces NW and is not ideal in a W crosswind due to a spine to the left of the launch. Winds are typically lighter than forecasted, but strong thermal activity can occur. Wave lift is common in winter. The bridge field is planted with crops in summer, so check the Google site guide for the current status.
Minimum rating required is P2/H2. The site direction is NW facing, with flyable wind directions between 280-330 degrees. The glide slope to the primary landing zone (Bridge LZ) is about 5.5:1, with a vertical drop of 1100 feet. The launch area is a grassy, steep slope in a medium slot, and the landing zone is a grass/cut cornfield.
The site is located at the foot of Woodstock Tower, overlooking Woodstock, VA, about 95 miles (2 hours) from Washington, DC. The turnaround time is approximately 20 minutes by car. Launch coordinates are 38.8706, -78.4500.
There are two functioning open landing zones (LZs) and one closed LZ:
1. **Primary LZ (Bridge LZ)**: Coordinates 38.8777, -78.4694. Owned by John McCallister. Parking is available for 20+ cars at the launch and 10 cars near the LZ.
2. **Secondary LZ (Elsies LZ)**: Suitable only for experienced paragliders. Coordinates 38°52'44.8"N 78°27'60.0"W. Owned by Elsa Carter. No parking available; park at the Bridge LZ and walk back to your car.
The "Old LZ" is now closed due to a change in ownership, and no landings are permitted there.
The launch area is managed by the USFS - George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, Lee Ranger District. The setup/breakdown area can accommodate 6-8 gliders, with unlimited space at the LZ. Road conditions are a mix of gravel and asphalt.
Important notes:
- USHPA membership is required.
- Seek a site introduction and walk the LZ to understand the preferred landing approach.
- Move off the LZ as soon as possible after landing, especially if hang gliders are flying.
- Be cautious of short landings due to misjudgment of distance, thermic conditions, or improper landing approach.
- Avoid landing in off-limit fields as requested by landowners.
- Plan your flight to reach the official LZ or go XC.
For more detailed information, refer to the [Google Document](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A485Jt-4Lc3NeZ79LOj2zgJs7yDPuoR5I8Y4KYaDsKI/edit).
