Trail Map: The Hike: This hike checks all the boxes: waterfall, great views, rocky summit, historic homestead, wildflowers. If you only have time for one hike, make it this one. Yes, there are a lot of steps. We didn’t count them, but there are several hundred steps. We hiked the loop clockwise visiting the water […]
Stone Mountain Loop Read More »
The Appalachian Trail passes through 105 miles of Shenandoah National Park. The park offers a variety of lodging options clustered within 35 miles. With a little advance planning it is possible to hike this 35 mile section of the AT, sleep in a warm bed each night, and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the
Inn to Inn Hike in Shenandoah NP Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: The first day of our inn to inn hike on the AT in Shenandoah National Park begins at Swift Run Gap and US Route 33. See the logistics post for details on shuttle services and vehicle parking. The AT crosses US 33 on Skyline Drive and then veers into the forest
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Trail Map: The Hike: Day 2 of our inn to inn hike on the AT in Shenandoah National Park begins at Lewis Mountain Cabins. The connector trail to the AT is just past the campground. Turn left and follow the white blazes north on the AT. This section of the AT had the most wildflowers.
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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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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: 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 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: There are many hikes named Chimney Rock. This one is in the George Washington National Forest, about 8 miles northeast of Warm Springs VA. Much of the trail is also known as the Tower Hill Mountain Trail. This little-known gem of a hike isn’t well marked or well maintained—but it’s worth
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