- Highlights: Smith Mountain Lake views
- Distance: 1.3 mile loop
- Elevation Change: 140 feet
- Trail Surface: Dirt
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Trailhead Parking: Interpretive Trail Road, Smith Mountain State Park, Huddleston, VA
- Trail Markings: Green blazes, signs at trail junctions
- Website: AllTrails and Smith Mountain Lake State Park
- Beer Pairings: Living Proof Beer Co.—Founding Fathers brown ale & Peckin’ the Cap IPA
Trail Map:
The Hike:
We have received a few emails requesting shorter, easier hikes. This hike loops through a hardwood forest where interpretive signs tell how the forest changes and adapts throughout time. A footbridge leads to Turtle Island with some nice lake and mountain views. The trail returns back to the parking area. Directly across the road from the parking area is the trailhead for the Chestnut Ridge trail. This 1.7 mile loop has more lake views.
Hike Photos:
Beer Pairing:
Living Proof Beer Co. is about 50 minutes west of the trailhead in Rocky Mount VA. This small brewery has 10 taps of draft beer, cider and seltzer, and wine from Fables & Feathers Winery. They have indoor and outdoor seating with live music on Saturday nights. Food is available from several local establishments.
Kathy really like Peckin’ the Cap (8.5% ABV • 105 IBU) an imperial style IPA. The malt and hops balance each other with notes of pine and citrus. Pete enjoyed a pint of Founding Fathers (5.5% ABV • 19 IBU) an easy drinking English style brown ale. Hoppy trails.
Hike and drink responsibly. Never drink and drive. Stay safe, be responsible, and leave no trace.