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: 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 »
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 »
The Hike: Most hikers reach the summit of Virginia’s highest peak by way of Grayson Highlands State Park. The hike from Massie Gap to Mount Rogers is very popular and the scenery and wild ponies are not to be missed. This hike from Elk Garden approaches Mount Rogers on the AT from the south and
Elk Garden to Mount Rogers Read More »
Highlights: Forest and creek views Distance: 7.4 mile loop Elevation Change: 682 feet Trail Surface: dirt with rocky sections Difficulty Level: Moderate/strenuous (distance) Trailhead Parking: Parking area A, B, or C, Scenic Drive, Prince William Forest Park, Triangle VA; park fee required Website: AllTrails and National Park Service Beer Pairings: 2 Silos Brewing Co.—Sir Alucard
Prince William Forest Park Loop Read More »
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
Back Bay Wildlife Refuge Loop Read More »
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:
First Landing State Park Loop Read More »
Highlights: Chesapeake Bay views, bird watching Distance: 3.2 mile loop Elevation change: 23 feet Difficulty level: Easy Trailhead Parking: Route 605, Kilmarnock VA, the small parking area accommodates 11 vehicles Website: Virginia Dept. of Conservation and Recreation Beer Pairings: Kilmarnock Brewhaus—Grier’s Gaire Pilsner & Edelweiss IPA The Hike: Located on Virginia’s Northern Neck, Hughlett Point
Hughlett Point Preserve Read More »
Highlights: River views, wetlands, bird watching Distance: 2.7 mile loop Elevation change: 26 feet Difficulty level: Easy Trailhead Parking: Pony Pasture Park, 7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond Website: James River Park and AllTrails Beer Pairings: Veil Brewing Co. (Forest Hill)—Stay Hydrate IPA & Crucial Taunt Double IPA The Hike: The Pony Pasture has been a favorite
Pony Pasture and Wetlands Loop Read More »
Highlights: Great views, rare plants, wildlife Distance: 2.2 miles out and back Elevation change: 560 feet Difficulty level: Easy Trailhead Parking: State route 727 near Union VA. The small parking area accommodates about 10 vehicles Website: Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Beer Pairings: Buffalo Mountain Brewery—McDaniel’s Scotch Ale & Copperhead IPA The Hike: Buffalo
Buffalo Mountain Preserve Read More »
