Shenandoah Inn to Inn: Day 3

Trail Map: The Hike: Day 3 of our inn to inn hike on the AT in Shenandoah National Park begins at Big Meadows. We arrived at Big Meadows the day before in clouds, rain, and fog and the views from Blackrock were non-existent. We decided to start day 3 with a great view. We followed […]

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Shenandoah Inn to Inn: Day 4

Trail Map: The Hike: This last leg of the four day inn to inn hike in Shenandoah National Park may have the best views. Follow the white-blazed Appalachian Trail north from Skyland Lodge. The AT soon reaches the Stony Man Trail where a .8 mile loop climbs to the summit. The views from Stony Man

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AT: Audie Murphy Monument

Trail Map: The Hike: This hike on the Appalachian Trail to the Audie Murphy Monument approaches from the north. The monument can also be reached on the AT from the south. Both routes are about 8 miles with similar elevation gains. Hiking southbound on the AT has a longer section on the ridge. From the

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Buzzard Rock at Read Mountain

Trail Map: The Hike: This hike to Buzzard Rock has some of the best views in the Roanoke area. Read Mountain is the long, undeveloped ridge looming above the Roanoke Valley. The park lands, protected by a conservation easement, were donated to Roanoke County and the hiking trails were built by volunteers. The 243-acre park

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Turtle Island Loop

Trail Map: The Hike: We have received a few emails requesting shorter, easier hikes. This hike loops through a hardwood forest where interpretive signs tell how the forest changes and adapts throughout time. A footbridge leads to Turtle Island with some nice lake and mountain views. The trail returns back to the parking area. Directly

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Bush Mill Preserve Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: This short, easy hike leads to a viewing platform overlooking Bush Mill Stream. The trail is well marked and well maintained.  From the small parking area, follow the blue-blazed Deep Landing Trail as it gradually descends down to the stream. The preserve is rarely crowded, creating an ideal wildlife-watching experience. Several

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Laurel Point Trail

Trail Map: The Hike: Westmoreland is one of the original Virginia state parks and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is a great location for birdwatching. Bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, great blue herons, common terns, and green herons are frequently spotted in the park. The Laurel Point Trail is well

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George Washington Birthplace Loop

Trail Map: The Hike: George Washington Birthplace National Monument comprises 551 acres of land where seven generations of the Washington family lived and where George was born in 1732. Several short trails can be combined into a longer hike. Visit the park visitor center and get a trail map. From the visitor center, we followed

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