Hoppy New Year!! 2023 was a busy hiking year for us. We posted 43 new hikes and visited 37 new breweries/craft beer venues. These are our favorite hikes from last year: AT, Wilburn Ridge & Crest Loop Beauty Spot Big Bald Big Firescald Knob Big Hump & Little Hump Bald Charlies Bunion Chimney Top Hanging […]
2023 Favorite Hikes & Breweries Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: We were originally planning to do this hike in mid-October for peak foliage views. However, we had too many schedules to coordinate so we hiked on a beautiful day in early November after all the leaves were down. Pete’s sister Nan, our niece Hannah, and nephew Jack joined us on this
Mount Marshall via the AT Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This is a great hike if you’re looking for solitude along with some great views. We hiked on a rainy Saturday and only encounter three other hikers. The Golden Winged Warbler has experienced a dramatic decrease in population in the past 50 years. Its namesake trail passes through ideal habitat for
AT & Golden Winged Warbler Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This fantastic hike has a little bit of everything: sweeping vistas, wild ponies, free range cattle, rhododendrons, rock scrambles, stream crossings, and dense forests. It’s one of our all-time favorites. The trails are well marked and well maintained. Several trails are combined to form this loop so download the AllTrails map
AT, Wilburn Ridge & Crest Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: AllTrails lists this hike as part of a 10-mile hike which loops around the summit of Rocky Mount and returns on the Gap Run Trail. We decided to shorten the hike to an out and back on the Rocky Mount Trail. It has all the great views and while still a
Trail Map: The Hike: We have hiked to both Dark Hollow Falls and Rose River Falls and they are both great hikes. This hike combines both falls and includes a short stretch on the Appalachian Trail. Note pets are not allowed at Dark Hollow Falls. Navigating through the campground at the beginning of the hike
Big Meadows Waterfall Loop Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: We first hiked to Bear Church Rock several years ago from Bootens Gap in Shenandoah National Park. This hike begins just outside the park in Graves Mill. The trail passes beside two rivers as it climbs to Bear Church Rock. This hike combines segments of several trails, so pay attention at
Staunton River Trail to Bear Church Rock Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. They protect nearly 150,000 acres at 22 sites in Virginia. Bottom Creek Gorge has been part of the Conservancy since the 1970s. The trails are well marked and well maintained. Dogs are
Bottom Creek Gorge Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: Thru-hikers call the Appalachian Trail “the long green tunnel”. For most of its 2,198 miles, the AT passes through forests beneath heavy tree cover. This hike has a small section of open meadow with some nice mountain views. There are a few partial views during the rest of the hike under
Appalachian Trail to Fulhardt Knob Shelter Read More »
Trail Map: The Hike: This easy hike on the Appalachian Trail has some nice meadow and mountain views. It also passes beside Keffer Oak, the 2nd largest tree on the AT. From the trailhead parking area, cross route 42 and follow a gravel double track road which runs beside the highway. In about 200 yards,
Appalachian Trail to Keffer Oak Read More »
