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
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Trail Map: The Hike: This Appalachian Trail section hike doesn’t show up on AllTrails or most hiking websites. It’s a shame as this hike has views of the Great Valley, an AT shelter, several stream crossings, and what may be the longest rhododendron tunnel on the AT. The trailhead is located at an open air
Settler’s Museum to Glade Mountain Read More »
The Hike: This easy hike passes beside Roaring Run much of the way. We hiked following heavy rains and the stream was full and the falls were spectacular. This loop trail combines the Woodland Trail and the Streamside Trail. Both trails begin near the trail kiosk by the restrooms. We began the loop by following
Roaring Run Hoop Hole Read More »
The Hike: We often receive requests from our readers for more urban hikes. On a recent visit to Blacksburg, we discovered the Huckleberry Trail. The Huckleberry is a 15-mile paved trail which connects Blacksburg and Christiansburg. This paved, multi-use trail is popular with pedestrians and bicyclists. The trail is well marked and well maintained. We
Huckleberry Trail & Coal Mining Heritage Park Read More »
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: 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
Jamestown Island Loop Read More »
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
Fort Monroe Seawall Read More »
Highlights: Views, Appalachian Trail, wildflowers Distance: 4.2 miles out and back Elevation Change: 1,284 feet Trail Surface: Dirt with several rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate (elevation) Trailhead Parking: Punchbowl Mountain Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway mile post 51.7 Website: AllTrails Beer Pairings: Heliotrope Brewery—Neahkahnie IPA & Quotidan Pils The Hike: Bluff Mountain is located on the
