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 […]
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The Hike: Mount Monadnock is famous for a variety of reasons. It’s the second-most climbed mountain in the world (after Mount Fuji in Japan) and it’s listed as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. It’s been a favorite for generations of New Englanders including Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. It’s
The Hike: This hike combines several short trails into a pleasant trip through wildflowers, meadows and forests with some nice James River views. Stop at the Visitor Center to pick up a trail map. From the Trailhead parking area, follow the tan-blazed Turkey Trail as is meanders beside a meadow before entering the forest. Powhatan
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The Hike: Shenandoah River State Park is located just across US 340 from its national park cousin. The park has 5 miles of Shenandoah River South Fork shoreline and over 25 miles of hiking trails. We visited on a rainy day in late March when the Virginia bluebells were at their peak. This loop hike
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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
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
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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
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Highlights: Birding, ocean views, wildlife Distance: 9.5 mile loop Elevation change: 35 feet Difficulty level: Moderate/strenuous Trailhead Parking: Visitor Contact Station, 4005 Sandpiper Road, Virginia Beach VA; park entry fee required Website: Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, AllTrails, and False Cape State Park Beer Pairings: Reaver Beach Brewing Co.—Hammerhead IPA & Soup of the Night
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Highlights: Broad Bay, bald cypress swamp, rare plants and wildlife Distance: 8.6 mile loop Elevation change: 251 feet Difficulty level: Moderate Trailhead Parking: 2500 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA, Trail Center Parking Area; park entry fee required Website: First Landing State Park Beer Pairings: Wasserhund Brewing Co.—Great Dane’ish Pilsner & Doggy Paddle IPA The Hike:
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