The Hike: The Tuscarora Trail stretches for 250 miles from Pennsylvania to Virginia. Established in the 1960’s as an alternate route for the Appalachian Trail, the Tuscarora offers a truly unique hiking adventure. This section of the Tuscarora Trail is well marked and maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. We were joined on this […]
Tuscarora Trail: Biby to Pinnacle Overlook Read More »
The Hike: We were looking for an easy hike so our daughter Emily could test out her new baby carrier pack. Our friend Diane told us about Grandview Preserve in Hampton VA with its great waterfront views. The hike was great and Emily and Josh liked the new pack. Street parking is available at the
Grandview Nature Preserve Read More »
The Hike: Pocahontas State Park is home to over 90 miles of trails. Many of these trails are multi-use. We have nothing against cyclists and horses, but we prefer “hiker-only” trails, such as the Co-op Trail. The trailhead is next to the boat launch area on Swift Creek Lake. Follow the footbridge over the lake
The Hike: Machicomoco is one of Virginia’s newest State Parks. This small park (645 acres) is home to diverse wildlife habitats, from open fields to woodlands and waterfront/marsh areas. The park is still a bit of a work in progress as more trails and facilities are planned. The park currently has three hiking trails. Our
Machicomoco State Park Read More »
The Hike: Full disclosure: this “hike” is really a walk. Much of the surface is a paved road. This was our first hike with our grandson Joshua. Josh was six-months old and in a stroller so a paved surface was ideal in our situation. The road does have vehicle traffic with a 15 PMH speed
Jamestown Island Loop Read More »
The Hike: Hightop Mountain (3,587’) is the highest peak in Shenandoah’s South District. The summit can be reached either from the south or the north via the Appalachian Trail. The most popular climb to Hightop Summit is a 3-mile out and back hike which scales the northern side of the mountain. From the Hightop Parking
The Hike: Fairy Stone State Park is one of the original Virginia State Parks from 1936. Stop by the visitor center to pick up a trail map and to learn more about fairy stones. This hike combines several shorter trails so there are numerous junctions. All the trail junctions have signs and the trails are
Little Mountain Falls Read More »
Highlights: Great views, Massanutten Mountain Trail Distance: 5.2 miles out and back Elevation Change 791 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate (distance, elevation gain, rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Edith’s Gap, state route 675; search Google maps for “Edith’s Gap launch area” Website: AllTrails Beer Pairings: Swover Creek Farm Brewery—Nut Brown Ale
Highlights: Great views, Appalachian Trail Distance: 5.4 miles out and back Elevation Change 646 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate (distance, rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Brown’s Gap parking area, Skyline Drive MP 83 Website: AllTrails and Shenandoah National Park Beer Pairings: Champion Brewing Ice House—Hatchback Lyfe IPA & Festbier The Hike:
Browns Gap to Blackrock Summit Read More »
Highlights: Great views, the Guillotine, Appalachian Trail Distance: 5.4 miles out and back Elevation Change: 948 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate (distance, rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Thunder Ridge parking area, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 74.7 Website: AllTrails Beer Pairings: Loose Shoe Brewing Co.—Apprentice Brown Ale & Alpha Mare IPA The
Thunder Ridge to Apple Orchard Mountain Read More »
