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 […]
Bush Mill Preserve Trail Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This short, easy hike has nice river and meadow views. A variety of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers are frequently seen here throughout the year. A pavilion with restrooms in located near the entrance to the refuge. Please note pets are not allowed in the refuge. From the parking area, follow the
Rappahannock River Trail Read More »
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
Laurel Point Trail Read More »
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
George Washington Birthplace Loop Read More »
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
Company Mill Trail Read More »
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
Trail Map: The Hike: Natural Tunnel is one of the six original Virginia State Parks. The park’s trails and facilities were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This hike combines two of the park’s most popular (and short) hikes: Tunnel Trail and Lover’s Leap Trail. Both hikes begin and end near the
Natural Tunnel State Park Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This hike in the George Washington National Forest is a nice walk in the woods with some nice river views. The trail is marked and maintained; however, there are many interconnecting trails and some of the junctions were confusing. We suggest downloading the AllTrails map in advance as cell service in
Jackson River Gorge-Hidden Valley Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This easy trail has nice river and waterfalls views. The trail is well marked and well maintained. The hike begins with a swinging bridge across Big Cedar Creek. The trail soon becomes a wide, gravel path and passes beside the creek. Wildflowers line the trail with numerous nice creek views. Hikers
Big Falls and the Pinnacle Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This was one of our favorite rails-to-trails hikes. The trail is a wide, packed gravel path following the route of the railroad used by coal trains. The trail slopes gradually downhill to the Clinch River. The Guest River is partially visible throughout the hike with several nice views. You will hear
