Trail Map: The Hike: This was our first visit to Hanging Rock State Park and we are already planning to return. We hiked on a cloudy day and some of the views were partially covered with clouds. Hanging Rock is famous for waterfalls and amazing views. The park has five vistas and this hike visits […]
Hanging Rock, Wolf Rock, and Cook’s Wall Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This hike packs in a lot in just under ten miles: a waterfalls, mountain views, two lakes, and a ridge line. We hiked over Labor Day weekend so the water levels in the falls were a bit low and peak foliage is still weeks away—but this was still a great hike.
Torry Ridge & Sherando Lake Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: Molly’s Knob is a Virginia classic. This hike turns the climb up Molly’s Knob into a loop around the lake. The 3.4 mile Molly’s Knob Trail is a shorter, direct out and back to the summit. Hungary Mother State Park is one of our favorites. It was one of the original
Molly’s Knob and Lake Loop Read More »
The Hike: The trailhead for this family-friendly hike is to the right of the CCC Museum. Follow signs to the blue-blazed Beaver Lake Trail. Numerous trails connect with the Beaver Lake Trail so make sure to follow the blue blazes to stay on the trail. In a few hundred yards, the connector trail from the
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
Highlights: Appalachian Trail shelter, Brown Mt. Creek, Pedlar Lake Distance: 10.3 miles miles out and back Elevation Change: 1,467 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with several rocky sections and stream crossings Difficulty Level: Strenuous (distance, elevation, multiple stream crossings) Trailhead Parking: Long Mountain Wayside, US route 60, 10 miles east of Buena Vista VA Website: AllTrails
Long Mountain to Pedlar Lake Read More »
Highlights: Great views, mountain pond, Massanutten ridge, fire ant mounds Distance: 8.5 miles out and back Elevation Change: 1,630 feet Trail Surface: Very rocky Difficulty Level: Strenuous (rocky surface, distance, and elevation gain) Trailhead Parking: Wildflower Trailhead at the site of the former Massanutten Visitor Center, US route 211, 5 miles east of New Market
Highlights: Lake views, bird watching Distance: 2.9 mile loop Elevation change: 185 feet Difficulty level: Easy Trailhead Parking: 901 Airport Road, Williamsburg VA, $2.00 parking fee Website: Williamsburg Parks and Recreation Beer Pairings: Alewerks Brewing Company—Protocol Porter & Fractionate IPA The Hike: Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg is centrally located near Interstate 64 and Colonial
Waller Mill Park Lookout Tower Loop Read More »
Highlights: Lake views, wooden statues, wildflowers Distance: 6.8 miles loop Elevation change: 1,045 feet Difficulty level: Moderate Trailhead Parking: Ragged Mountain Natural Area, 1770 Reservoir Road, Charlottesville Website: Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Beer Pairings: Rockfish Brewery—English Brown Ale & New England IPA The Hike: The Ragged Mountain Natural Area is a 980-acre forest located in
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Highlights: Historic site, Lake Drummond, Great Dismal Swamp Distance: 9.1 miles out and back Elevation change: 42 feet Difficulty level: Easy/Moderate Trailhead Parking: Washington Ditch entrance – 3076 White Marsh Road, Suffolk, VA. Follow the gravel road past the entry gate for one mile to the parking area Website: US Fish & Wildlife Service Beer
Great Dismal Swamp to Lake Drummond Read More »
