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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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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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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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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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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Trail Map: The Hike: Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster (not be confused with Belle Isle in Richmond) is located on the banks of the Rappahannock River in Virginia’s Northern Neck. This area is a bird watcher’s paradise. We spotted several blue herons, osprey, and hawks. Bald eagles nest in this area but we didn’t
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Trail Map: The Hike: Umstead State Park is located about ten miles from downtown Raleigh. Despite its close proximity to the airport and Interstate 40, the park offers secluded hiking on over 30 miles of trails. Rest rooms, water, and a picnic area are located at the trailhead. The trails were well marked and well
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Trail Map: The Hike: Our friends Jim and Betsy are big fans of Lost River State Park. Located near Mathias WV, this park is a bit off the beaten path but is well worth a visit. Cranny Crow is the most popular hiking destination in the park. The trails are well marked and well maintained.
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Trail Map: The Hike: The North Fork Mountain Trail (NFMT), Trail 501, is over 24 miles of great views as it passes along a ridge from US 33 at Harmon Rocks to Chimney Top. NFMT has been called the trail of relentless views, and it’s true. A short bushwhack to the west leads to impressive
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Trail Map: The Hike: This hike crosses the North River 9 times each way—and only one is traversed by a bridge.We hiked in early September and water levels were low so all river crossings were easy. We parked in the Wild Oak trailhead parking area on Forest Road 95. AllTrails and the US Forest Service
