Trail Map: The Hike: This hike passes through a small part of the 40,000 acres of Cheat Mountain which joined the Monongahela National Forest in the 1980s. Before being rescued by the Forest service, logging companies cut down most of the trees and strip mines devastated the landscape. The high, wide-open landscape has been nicknamed […]
Trail Map: The Hike: We first visited Max Patch on a rainy day in 2020 and clouds and fog hid most of the views. On our 2023 western NC hiking trip, we decided to revisit Max Patch. The weather cooperated and we were treated to the outstanding views of which Max Patch is famous. Max
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The Hike: This short hike has some great views with minimal hiking effort. Located in the Potts Creek Wildlife Management Area in West Virginia, this hike climbs up Peters Mountain on the Eastern Continental Divide to a raptor observatory. The hike travels along the Allegheny Trail a 311-mile long trail stretching from Pennsylvania to West
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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: We were looking for an easy hike so our daughter Emily could test out her new baby carrier pack. Our friend Diane told us about Grandview Preserve in Hampton VA with its great waterfront views. The hike was great and Emily and Josh liked the new pack. Street parking is available at the
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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: Full disclosure: this “hike” is really a walk. Much of the surface is a paved road. This was our first hike with our grandson Joshua. Josh was six-months old and in a stroller so a paved surface was ideal in our situation. The road does have vehicle traffic with a 15 PMH speed
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Highlights: Great views, Tuscarora Trail Distance: 2.2 miles out and back Elevation Change 489 feet Trail Surface: Mostly dirt with a few rocky sections Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate (some rocky sections) Trailhead Parking: Eagle Rock Trailhead parking area at the VA/WV state line, Capon Springs Grade, search Google Maps for “Tuscarora Trail Eagle Rock Trailhead” Website:
Highlights: Fort Monroe, Chesapeake Bay views Distance: 3.4 miles out and back Elevation Change: 36 feet Trail Surface: Paved Difficulty Level: Easy (smooth surface, no elevation gain) Trailhead Parking: Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center, 30 Ingalls Rd, Fort Monroe, VA Website: AllTrails and National Park Service Beer Pairings: 1865 Brewing Co.—High Noon Pale Ale
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Highlights: Mountain meadow, AT shelter, great views Distance: 5.2 miles out and back Elevation Change: 1,259 feet Trail Surface: Rocky Difficulty Level: Moderate (rocky surface, elevation gain) Trailhead Parking: From Blacksburg US 460 west, turn left on Route 641, in 1.5 miles turn left on to Pocahontas Road. In 150 yards reach the AT crossing
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