Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is located north of Salem, Virginia and less than eight miles from downtown Roanoke. Primary activities include hiking, hiking with dogs, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The parking lot with the best trail access is the Bennett Springs Trailhead and Parking Area. It is a huge parking lot and can be reached by taking I-81 exit 141 to VA-419N toward Salem, turning onto VA-311N, turning right at VA-740/Carvins Cove Rd, and following it until you reach a large parking lot on your right. Parking requires a day or annual pass that can be purchased at Just the Right Gear bicycle shop on VA-311 or at the Boat Dock office on the east side of the reservoir. The trailhead does not include restrooms or water. Cell phone service is relatively strong on most of the trails. The following Google Map shows GPS coordinates for trails I have explored on my mountain bike (minus Comet, Jacob's Drop, and Tuck-A-Way which have failed to upload).
Carvins Cove Trail System
Carvins Cove offers an incredible set of single track trails that range from fast and easy to rugged and vertical. The following are trails I have explored on my fully rigid 2003 Giant Boulder. The trails are listed in order of easiest to most difficult. Each trail title includes the number used on the free Carvins Cove map.
Happy Valley (Trail #1)
Happy Valley trail is an old gravel road that serves as one of the two main arteries in the Carvins Cove trail system. The GPS coordinates, elevation chart, pictures, and descriptions are from a ride that started at the intersection with the Arrowhead trail and finished at the gate where the trail ends at VA-740/Carvins Cove Rd. From Arrowhead, the trail is about 2.4 miles long with a drop in elevation of 130 feet.
The plants are overgrown in some areas and, not surprisingly, I picked up a tick along the way.
Ride around Riley's Loop (Trail #22 on the trail map) to get a glimpse of the northwest corner of Carvins Cove Reservoir. I didn't see any trail markers for this loop but it is hard to miss.
Happy Valley makes it easy to exit the park quickly which can be useful when a storm is approaching.
Brushy Mountain (Trail #2)
Brushy Mountain trail is the other main artery that connects numerous trails. I have ridden a small portion of it; starting at Buck and finishing at Hi-Dee-Hoe. The aforementioned segment is about 2.8 miles long with a 400 foot elevation gain. The following chart's right side is exaggerated because I don't remember a steep climb.
The trail is a wide, dirt road. It is a long but gradual ascent from Buck to Hi-Dee-Hoe. I rode a loop in the following order: Hotel, Buck, Brushy Mountain, and Hi-Dee-Hoe. A loop in the reverse direction should be a significantly faster ride because you can fly down Brushy Mountain.
Songbird (Trail #9)
Songbird is about 2 miles long with a change in elevation of 50 feet.
It is a great trail to start on because it is fast, smooth, and curvy. In addition, it has no long climbs and few rocks or roots.
After Songbird, I rode on Arrowhead trail.
Tuck-A-Way(Trail #3)
Tuck-A-Way is about 2.2 miles long with elevation change less than 100 feet. I road on Tuck-A-Way as the last part of a loop that consisted of Comet and Jacob's Drop. From Jacob's Drop, it starts with a challenging down and up dip. After the dip, it is fast, straight, downhill, and free of obstacles (if my memory is correct). It finishes with a fun stream crossing.
Jacob's Drop (Trail #5)
From the Comet trail, Jacob's Drop is a short, fast downhill ride on smooth trail. It was not clear to me where Comet ended and Jacob's Drop started so the GPS coordinates and elevation chart are rough estimates. There is one especially fun descent at the beginning and then a less precipitous descent (seen below).
Four Gorge (Trail #24)
Four Gorge is about 2.5 mile ride from the trailhead to the Brushy Mountain trail intersection. It has an elevation gain of around 200 feet.
The trail is fast, rolling, and free of obstacles that may require dismounting (e.g., fallen trees, large rocks, crazy technical corners).
So far, this has been my favorite mountain bike trail in the state of
Virginia because it is fast, includes some short climbs, and has
moderately technical rounded corners; all of which fit well with my bike
and current skills.
Arrowhead (Trail #10)
Arrowhead trail is about 2.5 miles long with an elevation climb of a 100 feet. Combine it with Songbird and Happy Valley to form a quick and fun loop.
The trail begins with an easy climb and feels similar to Songbird.
After the easy climb, it becomes more rugged and more technical. For example, see the following dip that includes both rocks and tree roots.
Arrowhead's 100 foot elevation gain feels more difficult that it sounds because its rugged sections have obstacles (see tree roots below) that require additional power and stamina to conquer.
Hotel (Trail #16)
Hotel is about 0.8 miles long with an abrupt elevation gain of 100 feet.
It is very rugged with lots of tree roots and fallen trees. One of the first obstacles is a handmade ramp; which I did not attempt since I couldn't see what was on the other side. It appears to be safe but does include a couple of protruding nails that can pop a tire.
Although Hotel is short, it is action-packed with dips, tight turns, and drops.
It finishes with an aggressive climb that is made more difficult by a myriad of tree roots. Safe to say, I had to walk up the last leg of this climb due to fatigue and the tree roots giving me problems.
After Hotel, I rode on Buck to Brushy Mountain to Hi-Dee-Hoe to the parking lot.
Comet (Trail #4)
The Comet trail is about 4.7 miles long. My phone did not record coordinates for the first part of the trail and I'm not sure that the generated elevation chart is worth showing. Starting from its intersection with Happy Valley (near the gate) and riding clockwise, the trail is flat but contains numerous obstacles and challenges that consist of fallen trees and technical corners.
About two-thirds of the way along the trail, it takes a sharp right turn and begins a long and challenging ascent. I found the combination of elevation grade, rocks, and tree roots to be overwhelming difficult.
The following is a look at tree roots farther up the hill.
Comet ends with smoother trail. From the trail's end, I turned right and followed a sign pointing towards Jacob's Drop and Tuck-A-Way.
Hi-Dee-Hoe (Trail #17)
I rode downhill on Hi-Dee-Hoe starting at its intersection with Brushy Mountain trail. Notably, the Gauntlet trail intersection is much closer to the Hi-Dee-Hoe intersection than the free trail map portrays. My phone lost GPS signal mid-ride so the following elevation chart has an exaggerated drop towards the end. It estimates the trail as being 1.8 miles long with a 600 foot drop in elevation.
From Brushy Mountain, Hi-Dee-Hoe starts with several very tight switchbacks; none of which I attempted.
In the between the switchbacks, the trail is narrow and positioned along the side of a steep slope. I don't recommend this trail for people with a fear of heights or anyone with bad luck because a fall towards the ravine would be a long one. The subsequent picture shows another challenging switchback.
After navigating several switchbacks, the trail transitions into a rapid, easy descent.
Buck (Trail #15)
Buck is the most difficult trail I have been on in the Carvins Cove trail system. It is about 1.5 miles long with a 300 to 400 foot elevation gain.
My ride on Buck started at its intersection with the Hotel trail and, from there, I headed toward the Brushy Mountain trail. The first half of the trail mirrors Four Gorge with its rolling terrain and moderate challenges.
About half way, the trail has a confusing junction where ultimately you stay to the right and begin a set of precipitous, grueling climbs.
The climbs are unrelenting and especially grueling because they are overlaid with rocks, tree roots, and tight corners. The following is a backward look at one of the switchbacks.
I didn't get pictures of it but some sections of trail seemed impossibly technical and rugged. Needless to say, I spent a fair amount of time walking my bike up this trail because I didn't have the stamina or the skill necessary to ride it clean. The next picture illustrates one of the last climbs and the narrowness of the trail as its get close to intersecting with the Brushy Mountain trail. I took a left at the intersection with Brushy Mountain trail and rode it until I got to Hi-Dee-Hoe.
In sum, Carvins Cove has an amazing set of mountain bike trails that range from beginner to adrenaline junkie. Hopefully this blog post will help you plan a ride that suits your riding level. Other mountain biking trail systems in the region include:
Mill Mountain is located five minutes from downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Activities in the park include hiking, hiking with dogs, trail running,
mountain biking, and horseback riding. Parking is free with two options: park at the Discovery Center for a mountain bike loop or park at the base of Mill Mountain off of Riverland Road to ride on the Wood Thrush trail. At the top of the mountain, there are nice restrooms and the Discovery Center includes water too (when it is open). The Riverland Road parking lot does not include restrooms or water. Cell phone service is strong while in the park. The following Google Map includes partial GPS coordinates for hiking the Star Trail (my phone lost GPS signal in the dense forest) but complete coordinates for a fun mountain bike loop.
Mountain Bike Loop
Starting from the Discovery Center, you can ride in a loop. The following describes a clockwise loop that traverses the following trails in this order: Ridgeline, Riser, Big Sunny, a greenway, and Monument. I estimate the loop to be about 4 miles long. It is my understanding that this loop is used for the mountain bike races held at Mill Mountain Park. The following elevation chart estimates a change in elevation of 300 feet.
From the Discovery Center the Ridgeline Trail is a fast, narrow, and non-technical single track. The subsequent picture shows its starting point.
All of the trails in this loop are primarily smooth but do include a few sections of small rocks and a couple of tree roots. I had no problems riding this loop with my fully rigid bike. The next picture shows the Ridgeline trail's only switchback.
The Riser trail is short, at only 0.3 miles long, and serves as a connector between the Ridgeline and Big Sunny trails. It has one very tight switchback that I did not attempt on my first ride.
The Big Sunny trail ends with a short climb that terminates at a greenway. Stay left and follow the paved greenway downhill to the Monument trail.
From the greenway, the Monument trail is a long and steady climb along the northern ridge of the mountain. The trail is narrow but not very technical. The biggest challenge is having enough stamina to complete the climb; which is gradual and unrelenting. I needed to stop a couple of times on my first ride; which was my first in over three weeks. I recommend riding at Explore Park if you are dusting off your bike for the first time in a while because its elevation changes are less substantial. However, an active rider should have no problem with the ascents on the Monument trail.
The trail switches from an ascent to a descent when it turns south. The subsequent picture includes one of the few rocky sections on this loop.
The Monument trail ends at a grassy meadow. Cross it and the street to get back onto the Ridgeline trail; which returns to the Discovery Center.
In sum, the Mill Mountain Park offers fun and challenging single track mountain bike trails that are not very technical and, thus, all levels of riders can have fun on them. Nearby trails include:
Claytor Lake State Park is in Dublin, Virginia and south of Radford, Virginia. Take I-81 to exit 101 and follow signs to the park. Primary activities in the park including hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking with dogs. A park pass (day or annual) is required to enter the park. The visitor center and beach area have restrooms and water but the trailheads we have visited do not. Cell phone service was strong while in the park. My phone recorded a poor set of GPS coordinates but the starting and ending points show the parking lot for the hike described below.
Bent Tree Trail
Bent Tree trail is a 1.1 mile loop that hovers at around 1,800 feet in elevation. It is the inner loop in the picture above. From the parking lot across from the swimming area, walk a short distance on a paved trail.
From the paved trail, look for signs on your left and follow them onto a dirt trail.
The trail is wide, flat, and primarily smooth. In addition, it is very well shaded in the summer so parents don't have to worry about their kids getting too much sun. Our group consisted of two adults, a four-year-old, and two three-year-olds. All three kids completed the loop without needing to be carried.
Near the trail, we identified two very distinctive plants. First, there is an abundance of Yellow-Poplar trees. Its leaves are alternate, simple, four to six inches long, and smooth edged. It is easy to identify because the top of leave has a flattened, square-like edge. Keep an eye out for morel mushrooms because they grow well underneath Yellow-Poplar trees.
In the fall, its leaves turn a bright yellow.
The second plant we identified was a Christmas fern. It has distinctive boot shaped leaflets.
We hiked Bent Tree trail clockwise. When we reached the following sign we incorrectly stayed to the right and starting hiking the loop again; after which our kids had had enough and wanted to be carried. Be sure to turn left when you see the sign for "Campground D". Shortly afterward, there will be an intersection with more descriptive signs leading back to the parking lot.
After our hike, we walked over to the beach swimming area and everyone in the group enjoyed getting wet on a hot day. The beach is ideal for kids because the water depth changes very gradually. Notably, we visited the park on a weekday so the beach was not very crowded. However, it is easy to imagine the beach being very crowded on a weekend day. In addition to a park parking pass, a pass is required to enter the beach area. The building next to the beach sells them.
In sum, Claytor Lake State Park's short, easy hiking trails coupled with its beach swimming area make it a great place for families to spend a day connecting with nature. Other kid-friendly trails in the region include:
Inman Pond is located 16 miles east and north of Lake George Village. From the village, take NY-149 E past both Bay Road and Ridge Road, turn left at Buttermilk Falls Road, bear left onto Sly Pond Road, follow it for about 3.3 miles until you see the trail head, and then look for parking on both sides of the road just past the trail head. Primary activities on the trail include hiking, hiking with dogs, fishing, and backcountry camping. Parking is free and can support several cars including large vehicles and trailers. There are no restrooms or water. Cell phone service is intermittent while on the trail. A Motorola Droid on the Verizon network was able to record accurate GPS coordinates for this trail.
Inman Pond Trail
Inman Pond trail is about 1.5 miles long with an elevation gain less than 400 feet; from 1,150 to 1,500 feet. The elevation climb is very gradual and, thus, suitable for kids.
The trail is wide and primarily smooth for the first half of the hike.
It connects with a trail that leads to the Buck Mountain trail head
which I do not recommend because it is very rugged. In order to continue to Inman Pond, stay to the right
when you reach the following bridge .
Near the trail, we saw a garter snake (I think that is what it is?).
The following is a leaf from a young tree that I believe is a Striped
Maple. Its leaves are opposite, have three lobes, are five to eight
inches long, and resemble a goose's foot. In addition, it resembles a Striped Maple from a hiking trail in Virginia.
As you get closer to the pond the trail narrows, becomes a little rocky, and begins to incline. At this point, we started carrying our three year old because she was getting tired. My guess is that older kids would have no trouble on this trail because it is short and the elevation gain is moderate. Also, our dog did really well on this trail.
As we got closer to the pond the number of bugs increased along with the number of baby American Toads crossing the trail.
Before you see the pond, there is an intersection where you can choose to walk around the south side or the north side. The official trail does not loop all the way around the pond so you'll need to do some bushwhacking in order to do so. We stayed left and walked around the south side of the pond. The official trail ends at a backcountry camping site that sits very close to the pond. The site seems like an ideal location for your first backcountry camping experience because of the relatively short hike. As you can see in the following picture, the previous occupants left trash. It is very important to leave no trace while on the trail and when camping so others can enjoy it as you did and to protect wildlife from harm. We picked up the blue plastic container and kept moving.
We continued about 100 yards past the end of the trail markers and followed an unofficial trail near the pond until we reached a large white rock on the shoreline. The rock is ideal for taking a picnic break and includes an obstructed view of the pond.
The following video was taken from the same location as the previous picture.
In sum, hiking to Inman Pond was a fun, peaceful, and low stress experience that can be ideal for kids because the elevation gain is very moderate and the trail is wide. Other hiking trails near Lake George include:
The following Google Map displays all of the hiking, cycling, and
mountain biking trails we have documented on this blog for the Blacksburg, Virginia area. Zoom-in to get a closer view of an area and click on a map
marker to access a link to its corresponding blog post. Each blog post
describes a trail using anecdotes, directions, maps, pictures,
and videos. Please let us know if you have suggestions or if you find a
mistake.
The following is a short description for each trail. Each description starts with a trail's name linked to its dedicated blog post.
Mountain Bike Trails
The Poverty Creek Trail System is an extensive and interconnected set of trails located about 20 minutes northwest of
Blacksburg, Virginia. The trail system connects with trails at Pandapas Pond and activities include mountain biking, trail
running, hiking, hiking with dogs, and horseback riding. The trails offer a mix of technical, non-technical, long climbs, fast descents, stream crossings, and rolling hills; all of which make it a fun place for both beginner and expert mountain bikers.
Cycling, Walking, and Running Trails
The Huckleberry Trail is a 5.75 mile paved trail that connects Virginia Tech's campus, Virginia Tech's corporate research center, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg. It contributes to a high quality of life in the New River Valley because it can be used for recreation, commuting, and nature interpretation.
Heritage Park is located five minutes northwest of downtown Blacksburg and off of Glade Road. It is a peaceful place to visit that, because of its close
proximity to Blacksburg, is ideal for repeated visits by families, dog
owners, and cyclocross riders. It has a pond, paved trails, and grassy trails.
Deerfield Trail is a 0.8 mile (one-way) paved trail located just a few minutes north of downtown Blacksburg; on
the corner of Toms Creek Road and Deerfield Drive. It is a great place to enjoy a tranquil walk and is a destination for repeated visits due to its close proximity to downtown.
Hiking Trails
The Cascades Trail and recreation area in Pembroke, Virginia is a
little over 20 miles northwest of Blacksburg. Hiking to the Cascades waterfall is about 2 miles; so out and back is 4
miles. The Cascades hiking trails and 66 foot waterfall make for a very
enjoyable outdoor adventure.
Pandapas Pond is about 15 minutes northwest of Blacksburg. It is a hub for recreation including hiking, exploring nature with kids,
dog walking, fishing, and trail running. What's more, it is bustling
with wildlife and plants that are easy to identify without stepping off
trail.
War Spur Trail is 3 miles north of Mountain Lake Lodge on State
Route 613 in Mountain Lake, Virginia. It is an easy hike that includes a scenic overlook that can host a relaxing
picnic. The trail is ideal for families with kids as young as four and that are ready to hike without being carried.
Ellett Valley Recreational Area is located near the boundaries of
Blacksburg and Christiansburg. It has an easy one mile loop that is a tranquil because it does not appear to
receive many visitors.
Ellett Valley Recreational Area is located near the boundaries of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, Virginia. We drove to the trail by taking South Main Street to Ellet Road (which becomes Cedar Run Road), turning right onto Jennelle road, and then taking a quick left into the trailhead's parking lot. Primary activities on the trail include hiking and dog walking. Parking is free but only has enough space for a few cars. There are no restrooms or water. Cell phone service was intermittent while on the trail. The following Google Map shows an accurate green marker denoting the location of the trailhead but the dense forest canopy prevented my Google phone from recording accurate GPS coordinates for the trail.
Ellett Valley Trail Loop
The Ellett Valley trail loop is 1.0 miles long with changes in elevation ranging from 1,800 feet to 2,000 feet.
Stay left at what looks like the first trail intersection. The intersection for the loop includes a trailhead sign and map. The trail didn't appear to have been used recently because grass was growing in the middle of it, spider webs were draped across it, and plants were hanging over its edge.
Notably, the following looks like Poison Ivy and was hanging over the edge of the trail.
The trail has at least eight interpretative signs that feature topics such as mushrooms, beetles, and birds. Its short length and abundance of species make it a fun place for people of all ages to connect with nature.
At the intersection where the lead up path meets the loop is a an area set up to be an outdoor classroom.
On the trail, I used my tree guide book to identify the following as Sugar Maple because its leaves are opposite, simple, palmately lobed, smooth around the edge, and consisting of five lobes.
In sum, Ellett Valley Recreational Area is a place to enjoy a peaceful, easy hike because it does not appear to receive many visitors. Similar trails nearby include:
Buck Mountain is located on the eastern side of Lake George, New York. It has two trailheads. The following describes the hike from the trailhead closest to the lake. Take Ridge Road (9L) to Pilot Knob Road (County Road 38). Drive on Pilot Knob Road for 3.4 miles and look for the trailhead on your right. Primary activities on the trail include hiking, dog walking, and trail running. Parking is free and abundant but water and restrooms are not provided. Cell phone service is intermittent while on the trail. The trailhead includes a register which is important to sign because there are several trails that start from this trailhead.
Buck Mountain Trail
The hike to the summit of Buck Mountain from the lake side trailhead is 3.3 miles with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet; from 300 feet to 2,300 feet. Once, I tried to mountain bike to Inman Pond from this trailhead but that was a really bad
idea because the trail becomes very rugged. Do you have any
recommendations for mountain bike trails near the lake?
The first mile of trail is wide, a little rocky, primarily flat, and includes a couple of stream crossings.
The second mile of trail includes a gentle ascent with wide switchbacks. In addition, it includes some very rocky sections that can be slippery.
The final mile of trail narrows to a single track and is significantly steeper than the first two miles. In addition, the final stretch may require the use of your hands to maintain balance on some of the rocks. This part of the hike is especially challenging if you are carrying a child in a carrier backpack because there are some steep step-ups that can put a lot of pressure on your knees. I think I started hiking Buck Mountain around the age of 12 and it can be too long of a hike for a child younger than that. The hike up Pilot Knob Mountain starts from the same trailhead, offers similar views, and is shorter but it can be confusing to find the trail. I hope to blog about it soon.
After 2.5 miles of no view, the forest canopy subsides and, on a sunny day, views to the south and east can include areas as far as Vermont.
The summit area is large and an ideal spot for a picnic. It includes a panoramic view of the central part of the lake. I have been hiking Buck Mountain every couple of years since I was a kid and the combination of its challenge and reward never get old.
A few steps to the north is a clearing that provides a view that consists of the narrows and Northwest Bay.
The following video captures the awesome panoramic view from the summit.
Finally, can you see the toad hiding in the leaves?
In sum, Buck Mountain trail is a long, challenging, and rewarding hike that can be fun for hikers, leashed dogs, and trail runners. The following are some of the other fun hikes on Lake George:
Shelving Rock Falls is a 50 foot waterfall nestled in a ravine about a half mile from Log Bay on Lake George, New York. There is a way to drive, park, and hike to Shelving Rock Falls but the following is a description of how to get there by boat. Drive your boat to Log Bay and anchor near the southeast corner of the bay. Some boating maps may call this bay "Shelving Rock Bay" but I have always known it as "Log Bay". Unless you have a really small boat, you will need to anchor and swim to shore. This route does not offer any water or restrooms. Cell phone service can be weak on this part of the lake.
Hiking to Shelving Rock Falls from the Shore
The water in Log Bay becomes really shallow really quick so larger boats need to anchor farther from shore than do smaller boats. Either way, a short swim should get you to shore. Plan to carry shoes and any other accessories you may want with you on the hike.
After anchoring and swimming to shore, a trail leading to Shelving Rock Falls should be about 50 feet from the shoreline.
The following is a view of the lake from the shoreline.
The trail is not very rugged and easy enough to manage with flip flops. From the shoreline, it is about a 0.5 mile hike to the waterfall with a very small climb in elevation.
Shelving Rock Falls is a 50 foot waterfall with accessible pools for swimming. The water can be bitterly cold and the rocks can very slippery so extreme caution should be exercised in and around the waterfall.
The following video is a look from the top of the waterfall.
The subsequent video was taken from the base of the waterfall.
In sum, Shelving Rock Falls is a quick, fun adventure via boat but safety should be top of mind while at the waterfall. Black Mountain hiking trail is also accessible by boat and includes docks but I have not blogged about that yet. Other Lake George hikes include:
Douthat State Park is located in Millboro, VA and slightly north of Clifton Forge, VA. Primary trail activities include hiking, leashed dog walking, and mountain biking with a subset of trails that allow horseback riding. Parking anywhere within the park requires the purchase of a day pass or an annual pass. The Blue Suck Falls trail head is also the parking lot for the Discovery Center; which includes port-o-potties and a water spout. The Blue Suck Falls trailhead is located on the southern end of the park and near the Camp Carson Shelter. Cell phone service was nonexistent at the trail head but a signal was available higher on the trail. My phone did not acquire a GPS signal until we reached Lookout Rock and was able to record partial coordinates for the Blue Suck Falls trail; starting at Lookout Rock and returning back to the trail head.
Blue Suck Falls Trail
Blue Suck Falls Trail is 3.0 miles long. We only hiked to Lookout Rock; which was a 2.2 mile hike with an elevation gain of 1000 feet; from 1,400 feet to 2,400 feet. The following elevation chart estimates the descent from Lookout Rock to the Blue Suck Falls trailhead. The big drop in the chart is due to a temporary loss in GPS signal and, thus, the elevation change was more gradual than depicted.
The hike to Blue Suck Falls is 1.3 miles and of gradual ascent. It is a densely forested trail that is wide and not very rugged. Further, there was not much breeze so it was very hot and humid.
Blue Suck Falls is a very small waterfall and was dried up on our visit.
From Blue Suck Falls, the hike to Lookout Rock is 0.9 miles and a steeper ascent. In addition, the forest canopy opens up in several spots to offer views of the mountains across the way and to allow a breeze to flow through (seen below). Halfway to Lookout Rock, we were passed by two mountain bikers. They
looked like they were in great shape because they were handling the 1000
foot elevation gain with ease.
Lookout Rock is small and the top of it is only able to support one person. The top of it is not flat and, thus, is not very safe to walk on so please be careful when climbing on it. The view from Lookout Rock includes a glimpse of Douthat Lake.
The following video shows the view from Lookout Rock.
Plants and Wildlife
The following is a leaf from a young tree that I believe is a Striped Maple. Its leaves are opposite, have three lobes, are five to eight inches long, and resemble a goose's foot.
In addition, we saw baby Wood Frogs hopping across the beginning of the trail.
Finally, we saw baby American Toads.
In sum, the hike to Lookout Rock on the Blue Suck Falls trail is fun, of moderate difficulty, and includes lots of interesting plants and animals. We have not explored any other nearby trails but if you live near Roanoke then you may enjoy the following:
Explore Park is located about 20 minutes southeast of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. From Roanoke, take the Blue Ridge Parkway to mile post 115 and follow signs to Explore Park. Primary activities include mountain biking and hiking. Parking is free and includes two large parking lots; one of which is suitable for RVs and trailers. The trail heads do not include water or restrooms but I assume that the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center does. Cell phone service was strong while in the park. The following Google Map includes GPS coordinates for the trails I have explored.
Beginner Trail
The beginner trail is a 0.7 mile loop of single track with only about 40 feet in elevation change; between 900 and 950 feet. The trail head is located just off of the western corner of the RV parking lot and on the right side of the road (easy to miss).
The trail is aptly named because it is easy to navigate and only includes a couple of obstacles (e.g., tree roots).
This trail was fun to warm up on and got me excited to explore the other trails.
Main Trail
The Main Trail is about 1.5 miles long and connects to the Endurance Loop, Logging Road, Inner Loop, and Outer Loop trails. The interconnectedness of the trails makes it easy to mix up riding routes and control the difficulty of a ride. The Main Trail is classified as intermediate level and starts with a 30 foot descent and then ascends gradually to an Endurance Loop intersection.
For the most part, the trail bends gently and is easy to navigate. However, it does include a couple of tight switchbacks (not seen in the picture below).
In addition, it includes two bridges; one big and one small.
Endurance Loop
The Endurance Loop is a 1.25 mile single track loop that is the first of several loops to intersect with the Main Trail. On the day I was there, there were signs indicating to ride "one way" heading southeast. In this direction, it starts with a fast 60 foot descent before ascending gradually to an intersection with the Logging Road and Inner Loop trails. My guess is that the "one way" direction is reversed from time to time because it would certainly be an endurance loop riding in the opposite direction.
It is narrow, hilly, and includes a couple of rocky sections.
I came across a turtle that was crossing the trail. I did not get a good look at its head but my guess is it is either a yellow bellied
slider or red-eared slider. Do you have any ideas?
In addition to tree roots, the trail boasts fallen trees and tight switchbacks; neither of which are particularly difficult.
Inner Loop
The Inner Loop is another intermediate level trail. It is 1.0 miles long with a fluctuation in elevation of around 50 feet.
Like the other trails, the Inner Loop is fast and includes challenging switchbacks (seen below); some with tree roots and some without. It ends at an intersection with the Outer Loop, Logging Road, and Main trails. From the ending intersection, it is a gradual climb back to the parking lot.
On this trail, I came across another turtle; similar to first but distinctly more yellow. I didn't think much of it after seeing the first one but after seeing the second one I recommend keeping an eye out for them.
Logging Road
I didn't ride on the Logging Road but it looks like it would be a fun trail to bomb downhill.
In sum, the Explore Park's beginner and intermediate trails are extremely fun (even if you're out of shape) because they are fast, interconnected, not very rugged, and only include gradual ascents/descents. In the near future, I hope to ride on the Outer Loop and Expert trails. Other mountain bike trails nearby include:
Mill Mountain is located five minutes from downtown Roanoke, Virginia. Activities in the park include hiking, hiking with dogs, trail running, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Parking at the Star Trail trail head is free and located at the base of Mill Mountain; off of Riverland Road. It does not include restrooms or water. At the top of the mountain, there are nice restrooms and the Discovery Center includes water too (when it is open). Parking is also free and more abundant at the top of the mountain; take Walnut Avenue around the southern side of the mountain. Cell phone service is strong while in the park. The following Google Map includes partial GPS coordinates for the Star Trail; my phone lost GPS signal in the dense forest.
Star Trail
The Star Trail is 1.6 miles long and ascends 700 feet; from 1,000 feet to 1,700 feet. It begins as a gravel road.
After entering the forest, the trail is a mix of single track and double wide trail. It is primarily smooth which made it easy to soak in the scenery because we didn't have to worry about tripping over rocks and/or tree roots. In addition, it includes switchbacks that reduce the intensity of the ascent.
At about the one-third point, the trail crosses the road. You can shorten the hike by starting at the road but there is only enough parking for two cars so it is advised to plan to start from either the base or the summit.
Carrying our child in a kelty
child carrier, we hiked to the summit in less than an hour. The 1.6 miles and 700 feet in elevation gain felt moderately challenging and was easier than we expected. Specifically, the trail gently inclines so carrying an additional 40 lbs (our daughter and the backpack) was less stressful on our knees than we expected. Near the trail, we saw several eastern tiger swallowtail butterflies.
Roanoke Star Overlook
At the summit is the Roanoke Star; the world's largest man-made star. Built in 1949, it is made of steel, 88 feet tall, and visible 60 miles away from the air. The summit includes parking and restrooms that are only 100 feet from the star and its overlook platform.
There is a viewing platform that looks north and offers an obstructed view of downtown Roanoke.
The following video includes a 360 degree view from the overlook.
Watchtower Trail
The Watchtower trail is a 0.2 mile trail that connects with the Star Trail and is close to the Roanoke Star. It is a hike suitable for toddlers because its ascent and descent are gradual and the trail is mostly smooth.
Discovery Center and Playground
The summit also includes the Mill Mountain Discovery Center; a hub of nature learning with classes, outdoor programs, and exhibits.
The Discovery Center includes environmental education exhibits that are fun for both kids and adults. The following interactive exhibit shows our daughter learning what four different animals eat.
In the back of the Discovery Center, there is a flower garden.
In the summer, butterflies can be seen in large numbers in this garden including tiger swallowtails and spicebush swallowtails (seen below).
In addition, there is a small playground near the Discovery Center.
As part of my master naturalist training, I try to identify at least one tree on each hike. The following tree was identified/estimated using the book "Common Native Trees of Virginia". The tree has broad, flat leaves that alternate. Its leaves are simple and do not have lobes. Its leaf margin is not toothed/spiny. The tree does not produce an acorn-type nut (I think), was not found in a swamp, and leaves are not heart shaped. Assuming all of the aforementioned is correct, the tree is a common persimmon. Unfortunately, the pictures I took were poor quality which made it difficult to narrow down a list of possible trees.
In sum, the Star Trail and Mill Mountain summit provide numerous family-friendly outdoor opportunities that offer rich connections with nature. What's more, the mountain is only five minutes from downtown Roanoke. Nearby trails include:
Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center is located in Troutville, Virginia. From Roanoke, take exit 150B off of US-81, follow signs for US-11, turn left at Lee Hwy/US-11 N, turn right at State Route 651/Stoney Battery Rd, and drive about a mile looking for the Woodpecker Ridge sign a hundred feet off of the road on your left; mailing address 941 Stoney Battery Rd. Primary activities include birding and wildlife viewing. Parking is free but limited. There is an outhouse on the property that is embedded in the trail system and not located at the trail head. Water is not provided. Cell phone service was strong while in the park. The following Google Map includes GPS coordinates recorded while walking through the park.
Trails, Butterfly Gardens and Hawk-Watch Decks
Woodpecker Ridge includes butterfly gardens, hawk-watch decks, and numerous interconnected trails. The following garden is located near the parking area.
The trail system is a highly interconnected set of grass and dirt trails that are easy to walk and well marked; a free map is available in the parking area. The trails hover at an elevation of 1,600 feet.
In addition, the park includes a bog that attracts a diverse set of species and two ponds (not seen in subsequent picture).
Strategically scattered throughout the park are bird feeders and houses that can make viewing birds easy. Birds we heard included field sparrow (high pitched, sounds like a bouncing ping pong ball), pine warbler (consistent shrill), gold finch (squeaky, sounds like it is saying "potato chip"), red-bellied woodpecker, tufted titmouse, eastern towhee, and yellow-rumped warbler. Birds we saw included cardinal, yellow-billed cuckoo, turkey vulture, eastern bluebird, hummingbird, and cowbird. It is recommended to go birding at dawn because birds are active in the early morning.
This was my first birding trip so I needed to be reminded how to focus my binoculars. First, point your binoculars on an object at a desired viewing distance. Second, close your right eye and focus your left lens using the adjuster in the center of your binoculars. Third, close your left eye and focus the right lens using the adjuster near your right eye piece.
The northern end of the park includes two hawk watching decks and a clear view to the north.
The following is a panoramic view from the deck seen above.
On the edge of the trail, we spotted autumn-olive; an invasive shrubby tree.
We saw buttercup flowers while walking in an open field near the hawk-watch decks.
Last but not least, we saw mayapple plants providing low ground cover in a dense forest.
In sum, Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center is peaceful place for birding that is very accessible and includes several different bird habitats. Related trails in the Roanoke area include:
Garden of the Gods is a national natural landmark located in Colorado Springs, Colorado on the corner of North 30th Street and Gateway Road. Primary activities include walking, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The visitor center and central area garden include restrooms and water. Parking is free but can be limited so plan to be flexible with where you park. Cell phone service was strong while in the park.
Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
The visitor and nature center includes exhibits that illustrate the region's geology, ecology (plants and animals), and natural history (dinosaurs). The following is an example of a hands-on exhibit that teaches how to identify rock formations in the park.
The following is a view of Garden of the Gods from the visitor center.
Perkins Central Garden Trails
We started at the north main parking lot and walked around the Perkins central garden trails. The central garden trails meander around several large rock formations and include interpretative signs that explain their natural history. The walk through the central garden area is on paved walkway at around 6,400 feet in elevation and is very accessible. The Garden of the God's popularity and accessibility can make it feel like a zoo; where pretty much anything goes. For example, we witnessed a toddler riding around in his very loud big wheel bike while we attempted to have a relaxing snack. We visited on the last Sunday in July 2009; which is likely one of the busier days of the year.
An amazing aspect of the park is the ease with which different layers of sedimentary rock can be seen from a single location. Layers of sedimentary rock seen in the park are the result of deposits from ancient beaches, rivers, and seas. 65 million years ago, the area experienced an uplift that bended the layers of rock and exposed them to weathering and erosion. The following picture shows a sandstone formation on the left and a limestone formation on the right.
Another fun aspect is that there are several spots where you can walk right up and touch the rocks. Notably, some of the rocks in the park are up to 300 million years old.
The following video was taken from the north main parking lot.
Palmer Trail
We decided to take a break from the crowds and explore the Palmer trail. We accessed the Palmer trail from the western edge of the central garden area by crossing Juniper Way and then hiking one way to the northern main parking lot.
It is a an easy ridge line hike through the western and northern areas of the park. It provides a tranquil experience with the garden's beautiful rock formations as the backdrop. I do not remember the length of the trail but I estimate it to be about a mile with change in elevation less than 200 feet.
In sum, Garden of the Gods is a great place to learn about Colorado's geology by both sight and touch. In addition, it is very accessible so everyone can have fun there. However, it is also a very popular destination that can be swarming with visitors and, thus, the central garden area may not be very relaxing. Other Colorado hikes with similar accessibility include:
Cascades Trail and recreation area in Pembroke, Virginia is a little over 20 miles northwest of Blacksburg, Virginia. It is reached by taking US 460 west 13 miles and then a right turn onto SR 623/Cascade Drive for 4 miles to the trail head. Primary activities include hiking, fishing, and leashed dog walking but camping is not allowed. Parking costs $3/vehicle and is abundant; although it was overflowing into street the day we visited. Water, picnic tables, and really nice restrooms are provided at the trail head. Cell phone service is moderate while in the park. The following Google Map shows estimated GPS coordinates for both the lower and upper trails. Both lower and upper trail coordinates include a huge margin of error but show each trails' general path.
Cascades Lower Trail
Hiking to the Cascades waterfall is about 2 miles; so out and back is 4 miles. The trail head sits at 2,200 feet in elevation and the waterfall is around 2,800 feet. The following is an estimated elevation chart; which has accurately captured the 600 feet gain in elevation even though the starting and ending elevation readings are both low by 100 feet.
There are two trails that lead to the waterfall: the lower trail and upper trail. Both trails share the initial tenth of mile that is wide and smooth.
The popular route to take is the lower trail to the waterfall and the upper trail back to the parking lot; which forms a loop. Take a right onto the first bridge to head up the lower trail.
The lower trail is very rocky in some areas and includes rock steps in others and, thus, hiking on it is slow going. In addition, it hugs the shoreline of the Little Stony Creek which provides cool, moist air that can take the edge of heat and humidity on a hot day.
Crossing the second bridge means you have reached the half way point to the waterfall.
We carried our three year old in a Kelty child carrier most of the hike. Carrying her worked out well because the rocks made it really slow going for her on foot. On the day we visited, the rocks near the creek were dry but after a rainfall I expect them to be wet and slippery. On the day we visited, the Little Stony Creek was thunderous; generating a peaceful white noise that drowned out noise from other hikers.
After crossing the last bridge (seen in the following picture), the last quarter mile of trail to the waterfall includes a steady ascent. The first fishermen we saw was on this last quarter mile of trail. A sign near the trail states that fishermen must use single hook artificial lures, release all trout under nine inches, and take home six or less.
Cascades 66 Foot Waterfall
The base of the 66 foot waterfall includes a shoreline that can support loads of people relaxing and/or picnicking.
The following video shows people walking in shallow water to the right of the waterfall. We saw a lady slip and take a pretty bad fall. Although she appeared uninjured, it was a reminder that rocks under water can be extremely slippery.
In addition to the shoreline, there is a wooden platform that is eye level with the top of the waterfall and provides a nice view of the gorge.
The subsequent video was shot from the wooden platform.
Cascades Upper Trail
The upper trail is wide and smooth and, thus, can be hiked significantly faster than the lower trail.
The only drawback of the upper trail is that it does not follow the Little Stony Creek shoreline. As a result, it is less scenic and the temperature felt considerably higher. The upper trail can be used in both directions to speed up the hike and/or make it easier for kids.
The hike ends where it began; in a beautiful mature forest with ground cover plants and tall trees. Notably missing are mid-sized shrubs and trees; likely absent as a result of intense foraging by deer. Forests with a greater diversity in forest structure support and are home to a more diverse set of wildlife. The lack of mid-sized plant species means that some species of birds (migratory or year-round residents), insects, and mammals are unable to find habitat.
In sum, the Cascades hiking trails and 66 foot waterfall make for a very enjoyable outdoor adventure. Hiking along the Little Stony Creek is fun because of its cool air, pleasant sounds, and meandering trail. Other similar hiking trails in the area include:
Deerfield Trail is just a few minutes north of downtown Blacksburg, Virginia; located on the corner of Toms Creek Road and Deerfield Drive. Parking is free but limited and can be found along the northern shoulder of Deerfield Drive. Primary activities include walking, birding, nordic walking, leashed dog walking, hiking with kids, and running but the trail is a little too short for adult cycling. The trail does not provide restrooms or water. Cell phone service is strong while on the trail.
Deerfield Trail
Deerfield trail is 0.8 mile (one-way) paved trail that runs along side Toms Creek and hovers at around 2,000 feet in elevation.
The trail passes a small meadow but is mostly shaded with cover from forest canopy. It is a very tranquil walk that is buffered from car noise.
In addition, it crosses Tom's Creek which provides an opportunity for kids to explore aquatic plant and animals species. Our three year old had a lot of fun exploring the creek and looking for woodpeckers that we could hear in the background.
During our walk, I inspected a pine tree that had needles in clusters of three. Eastern white pine has needles in clusters of five and virginia pine has needles in clusters of two. Do you know what kind of pine this is?
Based on my research, I believe it is a pitch pine because of its range and the needles were about three to six inches long. At first, I thought it was longleaf pine or loblolly pine because they also have needles in clusters of three but are typically only found in southeast Virginia.
The trail dead ends leaving you wishing for more but the 1.6 mile round trip is a fun distance for kids (with short attention spans).
In sum, Deerfield trail is a great place to enjoy a tranquil walk and is a destination for a repeated visits due to its close proximity to downtown Blacksburg. Other walking and hiking trails in the New River Valley include:
Each product will be won by describing a picture presented on our Facebook page's wall. To participate:
Click the thumbs up "Like" image at the top of our Facebook page (and please share our page with your friends)
On Earth Day sometime after 9 am ET, start checking our Facebook wall for three new updates; each will include a unique photo of a place or thing that was featured in one of our blog posts.
The first person to correctly describe the photo by writing a comment underneath it on Facebook will win the product listed with the photo.
Winners must have a U.S. mailing address and an individual can only win once per 12 month period.
After a photo is identified then the next photo will be posted.
Earth Day for the northern hemisphere is this Thursday April 22nd, 2010. It was established in the 1970s to increase knowledge about the Earth's environment and, more importantly, to amass a worldwide sense of obligation for protecting it. What's more, the first Earth Day represents the beginning of the modern environmental movement.
Teach Kids Environmentally Friendly Habits - Earth Day serves as an annual reminder of the importance of living an eco-friendly lifestyle and as an opportunity for parents to teach their children environmentally-friendly habits. Habits that parents can teach kids include recycling, using reusable products, limiting post-consumer waste, and reducing dependency on oil by bicycling to work or school. Parents can lead by example and get kids thinking by including them in activities such as recycling, shopping with reusable grocery bags, and drinking from reusable water bottles.
Pandapas Pond is about 15 minutes northwest of Blacksburg, Virginia and located off of US-460. Primary activities include fishing, trail running, hiking, and hiking with leashed dogs but mountain biking and horseback riding are not allowed. Parking is free, abundant, and accommodates horse trailers. There are two parking lots on the east side of the park. The lower parking lot is for visitors to Pandapas Pond while the upper parking lot is for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders seeking access to the Poverty Creek Trail System. The upper parking lot for mountain biking and horseback riding does not have water or restrooms but the Pandapas Pond trails do include restrooms. Cell phone service is moderate while on the trails. A shooting range is nearby so gunshots may be heard while on the trails. The following Google Map shows GPS coordinates recorded by my Android Phone.
Pandapas Pond
Walking around both Pandapas Pond and the wetland can total up to 2 miles with very little changes in elevation; starting at around 2,200 feet. The trail is a perfect trail for runners, walkers, and parents with kids because it is wide and smooth.
The following is the elevation chart as estimated by my phone while walking from the parking lot to the pond and then around it to the restrooms.
Jim Pandapas developed the pond as a private recreation area before selling it to the US Forest Service.
The turtles basking in the sun on logs are likely either yellow bellied sliders or red-eared sliders.
Pandapas Pond is stocked with trout from October to May and is up to 14 feet deep in some places. A fishing license and National Forest stamp are required for anyone over the age of 15 wishing to fish. The first Saturday in May is Kid's Fishing Day; where kids under the age of 16 can win prizes.
Tadpoles, Baby Turtles, and Newts in the Wetland
The wetland is the smaller body of water south of Pandapas Pond. It is not stocked with fish so tadpoles, baby turtles, and small fish experience less predation whereas Pandapas Pond is stocked with trout; which feed on smaller aquatic species.
The following picture was taken near the benches on the southern most platform of the wetland. At first, I thought it was a tadpole but talking to other naturalists has revealed that is likely a red-spotted newt. A red-spotted newt begins life as a tadpole in a pond, leaves the water for a couple of years to live on land (with orange-red color skin), and then returns to an aquatic life in a pond or wetland as an adult (with olive green color skin).
Walking around the wetland includes a quick jaunt into forest canopy where terrestrial species can be seen (see sections below).
More Species of Pandapas Pond
The following sections include species and other interesting things that can be found while walking on the trails around Pandapas Pond. Helping kids identify plants and animals can foster a greater connection with nature that can stick with them the rest of their lives.
Virginia Pine
Virginia Pine has needles clustered in pairs. It is a pioneer species and shade intolerant. It has a textured bark that attracts insects and, thus, is a hub for birds looking for food. It is not used for timber production.
White Pine
White Pine has needles in clusters of five. It is somewhat shade tolerant and not good for wildlife. Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of it yet.
Tree Shelter
You may see tree shelters around Pandapas Pond. The following picture is an example. It is a plastic cylinder protruding from the ground. It is designed to protect a planted tree from deer but can inadvertently become a safe haven for invasive species.
Broom Sage Grass
Broom Sage Grass a native Virginia plant that is not palatable for grazing animals and, thus, has survived in agriculture areas. It grows in clumps that provide cover for small animals while at the same time not inhibiting other plants from growing around it.
Beavers
In 1911, beavers were almost extinct in Virginia and were restored in 1932. They are active in and around Pandapas Pond and the wetland. Male and females live together in beaver lodges, are monogamous, and can live up to 20 years. Their lodges include an indoor platform that sits above the water level. They can hold their breath under water for up to 15 minutes. They typically breed in March and give birth to two to six young in May.
Beavers build dams that raise water levels; which kills trees and opens up the forest canopy. The result is a wetland that is ideal for pioneer species.
The following picture was taken from the southern wooden platform and faces south into the wetland. It is looking at an area where beavers have created a dam that has raised the water level.
Beavers are second only to humans in landscape disruption. In addition to wood, beavers eat shrubs and cause them to sprout horizontally instead of vertically. They eat aquatic vegetation, apples, and can grow up to 80 lbs.
Rhododendron
Rhododendron thrive in fire protected areas like Pandapas Pond. They are not good for plant diversity because they block the sun from smaller plants and shrubs. In addition, they are not much of a food source for wildlife but do offer cover for small mammals.
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
Hemlock woolly adelgid is a small insect that surrounds itself with a protective white sack (seen in the following picture) and feeds on nutrients flowing inside a branch of a hemlock tree. In some areas, the hemlock woolly adelgid has wiped out all of the hemlock. You can find hemlock near the trails around Pandapas pond that have hemlock woolly adelgid feeding on them. The War Spur Trail is well known for its hemlock trees being victims of the hemlock woolly adelgid.
Table Mountain Pine
Table mountain pine can be identified by its unique cones that remain sealed until they are exposed to heat. The cone on the left was likely warmed by sunlight. However, most cones only open when exposed to a wild fire. The cone on the right is an example of a sealed cone that is protecting its seeds by encasing them with sap and moisture. Pandapas Pond is managed to prevent wild fires so it is not an ideal habitat for table mountain pine. Further, table mountain pine is shade intolerant and prefers less competition from other tall trees.
Coltsfoot
The subsequent two pictures are of coltsfoot; that is all I know ;).
Muscovy Ducks
I believe the following are muscovy ducks; please correct me if I am wrong.
In sum, Pandapas pond is a hub for recreation including hiking, exploring nature with kids, dog walking, fishing, and trail running. What's more, it is bustling with wildlife and plants that are easy to identify without stepping off trail. Similar trails nearby include:
War Spur Trail is 3 miles north of Mountain Lake Lodge on State Route 613 in Mountain Lake, Virginia. State Route 613 included some potholes during our visit in mid-March but was passable with our small car. Primary activities include hiking and dog walking but mountain bikes and horses are not allowed. Parking is free but limited. There are no restrooms or water. Cell phone service was weak while on the trail and my phone was unable to record GPS coordinates.
War Spur Trail
The War Spur trail forms a 2.7 mile loop, has gentle changes in elevation between 3,600 and 3,700 feet, and includes a scenic overlook. From the trail head, we hiked counter-clockwise. The first half of the loop is primarily flat and includes one small stream crossing.
The hemlock trees I inspected near the trail were not visibly infested with hemlock woolly adelgid; read about Pandapas Pond to see what an infested hemlock looks like.
The two, three, and four year old kids on our hike enjoyed the first half of the loop despite tripping on leaves and branches. For the most part, the trail is very well shaded and likely a few degrees cooler in
temperature than that of surrounding towns.
Around the midpoint of the loop, a short segment of trail branches off and leads to the overlook. Notice that the approach to the overlook has rhododendron on both sides of the trail.
The scenic overlook area is large enough to host a comfortable picnic while enjoying panoramic views.
The subsequent video was taken from the center of the overlook.
The trail becomes more difficult after the leaving the overlook and continuing counter-clockwise around the loop because it narrowly dips into a ravine.
In the ravine, we spotted mountain-laurel. Unfortunately, it was too early in the spring for us to see its pink and white flowers.
Climbing out of the ravine required us to carry our kids because of a combination of trail difficulty and their fatigue. The following picture shows the rockiest stretch of trail. The trail levels off and becomes easier after climbing out of the ravine.
In sum, the War Spur Loop trail is an easy hike that includes a scenic overlook that can host a relaxing picnic at just the right time. Other family friendly hikes near the New River Valley include:
The Huckleberry Trail is a paved trail that runs from Blacksburg, VA to Christiansburg, VA. Primary activities on the trail include running, cycling, commuting by bike, leashed dogs, and walking with kids. Free parking can be found along the trail. There are no water fountains or restrooms but some trail signs include free pet waste bags. Cell phone service is strong while on the trail. Click on the picture at the Christiansburg end of the Huckleberry trail
in the map below to see a picture of what the trail looks like from that
location.
Huckleberry Trail
The Huckleberry Trail is 5.75 mile paved trail that runs from the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library in Blacksburg to the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg. The following elevation chart was generated by my Android phone and estimates that the trail declines 100 feet when riding from Blacksburg to Christiansburg.
Biking to the library is an eco-friendly and healthy way to check out books, movies, and CDs. The following picture shows where the trail starts on the northeast corner of the Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library in Blacksburg.
The trail is less congested after looping around the southern end of Virginia Tech's campus. The following picture shows the trail as it leads up to a tunnel that goes underneath US-460.
There are at least three street crossings while riding on the trail so beware of passing motorists.
The trail runs by the Coal Mining Heritage Park; which we have not explored yet.
There is little to no shade on the trail except for areas like the one seen below where rocks and/or trees provide some coverage.
The following picture was taken at the end of the trail and faces north.
Plants Found Near the Trail
With help from fellow master naturalists, the following are plants that I have identified near the trail's edge and that can be easy to spot depending on the season. The following flower is a Chicory caught blooming in late June.
It has leaflets that wrap around the stems.
The next plant is a Virginia Creeper. It has five leaves that are palmately compound. It can be confused with Poison Ivy because sometimes younger leaves are in groups of three.
The next plant is very similar in that it also has five palmately compound leaves. It is a Yellow Buckeye and can be identified as such by its sharply toothed edges whereas the Virginia Creeper has course grained edges and a smooth base.
Commuting by Bike to Virginia Tech and its Corporate Research Center
Both Virginia Tech's campus and Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center include paved trails that connect with the Huckleberry trail. Cycling commuters can safely ride on a network of paved trails from the New River Valley Mall in Christiansburg to all of the following: downtown Blacksburg (near the Blacksburg Library), Virginia Tech's campus, and Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center. The following picture was taken at the intersection of Washington Street and Tech Center Drive (near Lane Stadium) and was the starting point for a 2.0 mile ride to the Corporate Research Center.
The subsequent picture shows the trail at the intersection of Southgate Drive and Tech Center Drive.
The trail has a short, aggressive climb after crossing Southgate Drive and before it intersects with the Huckleberry Trail; intersection seen in the following picture.
After crossing the Huckleberry trail, the paved path loops through and into the heart of Virginia Tech's Corporate Research Center providing safe access for cycling commuters.
In sum, the network of paved trails that connect Christiansburg, Virginia Tech, and Blacksburg contribute to a high quality of life in the New River Valley because they can be used for both recreation and commuting. Planned expansion of this network includes adding trail that will connect to areas north and west of Virginia Tech's campus. Similar trails nearby include:
Heritage Park is located five minutes northwest of downtown Blacksburg, Virginia and off of Glade Road. Primary activities include family hiking, running, and dog walking but horses and motorized vehicles are not allowed. Mountain bikes appear to be allowed but the trails are better suited for cyclocross riding, walking, and running. There are two free parking lots: one off of Glade Road and the other off of Meadowbrook Drive. The Meadowbrook Drive parking lot also serves as the parking lot for the Gateway mountain bike trail in the Poverty Creek Trail System. There is no water or restrooms at either parking lot but free pet waste bags are provided. The following Google Map shows recorded GPS coordinates for our walk on the paved trail that goes from the Glade Road parking lot to the Meadowbrook Drive parking lot. In addition, it includes GPS coordinates recorded while biking on the grassy trails. Cell phone service was strong while in the park.
Paved Trail
We walked heading north out of the Glade Road parking lot on the paved trail. The paved trails runs from the Glade Road parking lot to the Meadowbrook parking lot and is about 0.75 miles long. The following pictures were taken on an overcast day in March.
There were several bird boxes near the trail. Do you know what species these boxes are targeting?
A person we talked to on the trail said that the following area was under water as recently as Saturday.
It looks like the paved trail connects to the network of grass trails but we could not find a suitable place to cross the stream because it appeared to be running higher than normal.
Grass Trails
In addition to a paved trail, there are several grass trails totaling about 2 miles. Heading east from the Glade Road parking lot there is a pond with an accessible shoreline for identifying aquatic plants and animals.
The subsequent picture is a better view of the pond.
The following pictures are from the southern most grassy loop and were
taken on a sunny October day. There is no shade on the trail so proper sun protection is advised.
All of the hills in the park are small so elevation changes are minimal. The following elevation chart was recorded on a bike ride that started from the Glade Road parking lot and headed east and south around the largest grassy hill loop.
In March, the following picture was taken on the northern set of grassy trails. The grassy trails include a couple of interlocking loops with climbs and terrain similar to that of a cyclocross race course.
In sum, Heritage Park is a low stress and peaceful place to visit that, because of its close proximity to Blacksburg, is ideal for repeated visits by families, dog owners, and cyclocross riders. Other trails in the New River Valley include:
This blog post is a work in progress because I still have a lot more exploring to do on these trails...
The Poverty Creek Trail System is an extensive set of trails located about 20 minutes northwest of Blacksburg, Virginia. Primary activities include mountain biking, trail running, hiking, hiking with dogs, and horseback riding. Most of the trails are multi-use but some near Pandapas Pond do not allow mountain biking or horseback riding. All of the trails are clearly marked with full size maps at many of the intersections. Parking is free, abundant, and accommodates horse trailers. There are two parking lots on the east side of the park. One lot for mountain biking and horseback riding and the other for hikers seeking access to trails around Pandapas Pond. The parking lot for mountain biking and horseback riding does not have water or restrooms but the Pandapas Pond trails do include restrooms. In addition, there are spots to park along State Route 708 that provide access to trails in the center of the park. Finally, Heritage Park includes parking and access to the trail system. Cell phone service is weak while on the trails. A shooting range is nearby so gunshots may be heard while on the trails.
Poverty Creek Trail
Poverty Creek trail is a 7.2 mile multi-use dirt trail that serves as the main artery for a trail system boasting 17 miles of trails. The following is an elevation chart generated during my first attempt to map the trail using my Google Android phone. It conveys the elevation changes accurately except for the big dip in the middle; which is likely the result of my phone losing GPS signal for a brief period of time. I mountain biked east to west starting at the main parking lot and finishing at State Route 708.
My second attempt to record the GPS coordinates of Poverty Creek trail also includes some missing points but seems to have generated a more accurate elevation chart. Although, the left side of the chart should start at around 2,200 feet and the right side should end with 2,000 feet.
From the parking lot, the trail starts fast because it is wide, smooth, and descending. This trail is very beginner friendly because of its characteristics. Further, I found it very suitable for testing out new clipless pedals because I fell over a dozen times without injury. There are very few rocks and the trail is wide in many places.
The following picture shows the first climb which peaks at an intersection with the Prickly Pear trail.
The middle section of the trail is primarily flat as it traverses lowlands near State Route 708 and Poverty Creek (the stream).
The trail crosses Poverty Creek three times. All three stream crossings were much wider and deeper than they were last Fall and likely won't be this high for much longer, as the snow melt nears completion.
The second stream crossing is a quick dip. A close look at the subsequent picture shows an orange diamond on a tree that is used to denote this trail.
The following picture shows where the trail crosses State Route 708; which marks a significant shift in trail grade. From this point, the trail climbs steadily for a couple of miles; as depicted in the elevation chart above.
The trail currently includes some fallen trees because snow has made it tough for trail maintenance.
Most of the climbs on this trail are gradual, straight, and smooth so endurance, not skill, is the only requirement for conquering them.
At this point, the trail begins a gradual descent and becomes a little technical (i.e., narrower and curvier).
The following picture highlights a view to the south that most likely won't be visible once spring foliage has developed. In addition, it is an opportunity to point out that this trail is well shaded during the spring and summer.
The last mile or so of trail contained large dead trees that will require some serious work to remove. A US Forest Service employee on the trail said that they work with employees from East Coasters bike shop to clear and maintain the trails. I hope to join this effort soon. As of March 19, 2010, these trees are still there. These trees can be avoided by turning around at the intersection with the Indian Pipe trail.
The western half of the Poverty Creek trail was the starting point for
the Rowdy
Dawg mountain bike race; read my race blog post to see pictures
taken while riding west to east. The following picture shows where the trail ends at the State Route 708.
Horse Nettle Trail
The Horse Nettle Trail is 3.0 miles long and ascends over 600 feet (from 2,100 to 2,700 feet); when riding from the eastern parking lot to the western end of the trail. The following elevation chart accurately represents the unrelenting climb when riding east to west.
Horse Nettle is designated as "more difficult" and has three distinct terrains: wide dirt track, gravel forest service road, and dirt forest service road. The first half of the trail is primarily wide dirt track with some single track interspersed. It starts wide, flat, and smooth.
A short stretch of single track dips into a small ravine that is capable of accumulating enough water to cover the trail; as I experienced on my first ride.
After a short stretch of single track, the trail opens up and runs along the edge of a ridge; all while maintaining a consistent incline.
At the half way point, the trail turns right onto a gravel forest service road and the climb continues. I'll know I am in solid mountain biking shape when I am able to ride this trail without taking any breaks.
After passing the intersection with the Snake Root trail, Horse Nettle has a quick descent down an old dirt road. The trail ends at a three way intersection that includes Old Farm trail and Jacobs Ladder trail; both of which are long and fast descending trails.
Jacobs Ladder Trail
Jacobs Ladder is a 1.3 mile, vertically steep single track trail that starts with a few technical switchbacks and then straightens out. The subsequent chart estimates the elevation drop when riding from the intersection with Horse Nettle down to the intersection with Poverty Creek trail.
The trail cruises along the side of a steeply sloped ridge (seen in the following picture) and includes lots of leaves and branches.
After navigating a dense set of tree roots, you'll complete the trail by crossing Poverty Creek (the creek) and then reaching the intersection with Poverty Creek trail.
Gateway Trail
Gateway trail is a 1.6 mile climb of over 600 feet in elevation; from 2,000 to 2,600 feet. The following elevation chart estimates the challenging climb gradient on a ride from the Heritage Park parking lot to the end of the Gateway trail.
The subsequent elevation chart was recorded during my ride down the trail.
Gateway trail starts across the street from the Heritage Park parking lot on Meadowbrook Drive.
Ride north out of the parking lot, cross Meadowbrook Drive, head east on
Meadowbrook Drive, and then quickly turn left onto a paved trail; seen below.
Gateway trail is a laborious climb but includes a mix of smooth and rugged trail along with tight switchbacks.
The most challenging aspect of the trail is ascending tight switchbacks that include a large web of tree roots. On my first ride up Gateway, many of these turns forced me to get off my bike because I was too out of shape to maintain enough speed to bounce over the tree roots.
At times, the trail is wide and level but for the most part it is an unrelenting climb that is sure to test your endurance.
The trail is nearing its end when you reach the following stretch of rocks. The ride down Gateway is challenging because of its tight switchbacks but the tree roots are less of a factor because downhill momentum will help your bike roll over them.
Gateway ends at an intersection with the Horse Nettle and Jacobs Ladder trails. I recommend riding Horse Nettle before Gateway because Horse Nettle includes the same amount of climb but is less technical. In addition, a ride up and down Gateway can be combined with a cyclocross ride on the grassy hills of Heritage Park because they share the same parking lot. For me, Heritage Park was a confidence booster after an intimidating ride up and down Gateway.
May Apple Trail
May Apple is a 1.0 mile flat, smooth, and wide dirt trail that intersects with the Poverty Creek and Snake Root trails. The following chart was recorded riding west (Poverty Creek) to east (Snake Root).
Other than crossing Poverty Creek (seen in the following picture), it is an uneventful trail.
Joe Pye Trail
Joe Pye is a long 1.2 miles because it includes several stream crossings, protruding tree roots, and tight ascending turns. The following chart shows the climb experienced riding from Poverty Creek to Horse Nettle.
After crossing Poverty Creek (the creek), it weaves through dense shrub growth.
It includes some nasty tree roots that forced me to dismount. It is the least fun trail I have ridden in the system or maybe on the day I rode it I was too fatigued to enjoy its challenges.
Royale Trail
The Royal trail is a 0.9 mile trail that descends when riding north to south. The left side of the following elevation chart is incorrect. I don't think I gave my phone enough time to identify the starting elevation so it looks like the trail starts with a climb when in reality it is all downhill. The rest of the chart shows an accurate representation of the trail's decline whe riding north to south.
The following picture was taken from the beginning of the north end of the trail. This trail is marked as moderate in difficulty but is easy when riding north to south.
Trillium Trail
The Trillium trail is a 1.1 mile single track that connects Poverty Creek and Skullcap trails. Trillium is rockier than Poverty Creek and includes one prolonged climb.
It does not include stream crossings but does include a few areas where puddles develop.
Skullcap Trail
Skullcap trail is 1.6 miles long and includes a combination of both rocks and tree roots. It is more technical than Poverty Creek and Trillium and includes one tough climb. The following picture is backwards looking and shows a two foot drop.
Queen Anne Trail
The Queen Anne Trail is 0.8 miles of fast, smooth, and descending trail that connects with Skullcap and ends at State Route 708.
The following picture shows the Queen Anne trail ending at State Route 708. The final 100 foot approach to State Route 708 contains a set of gnarly tree roots hiding under leaves and that caught me off-guard.
Indian Pipe Trail
From the Poverty Creek trail, the Indian Pipe trail is a 0.4 mile fast, almost straight down hill descent that ends at FS 708. Riding down Indian Pipe was easy but climbing it looks challenging.
In sum, the Poverty Creek Trail System is a fun set of trails that should be attractive for beginners and experts. I still have lot more riding to do including some of the more difficult trails. In addition, I plan continue to improve the GPS mapping and elevation charts by riding on each trail several times. Other mountain biking trails in the region include:
In mid-November, I purchased a Samsung Moment with the Google Android mobile operating system running on Sprint's network. Similar to an iPhone, a Google Android phone allows you to download a wide variety of applications. I chose a Google phone over an iPhone primarily for the My Tracks application.
Recording GPS Coordinates of Trails
My Tracks records GPS coordinates onto my phone while I am hiking and mountain biking. After I have completed an adventure, I upload the corresponding coordinates from my phone to Google Maps; at which time they become viewable on the maps displayed on this blog. The following map shows the Huckleberry Trail; a paved trail that runs from Blacksburg, VA to Christiansburg, VA. It includes a green marker point for my starting point and a red marker for my ending point.
As I am riding or hiking, My Tracks records GPS coordinates, speed, distance, and elevation changes. The following is the elevation chart generated by My Tracks during my ride on the Huckleberry Trail. As you can see it is mostly a downhill ride going from Blacksburg to Christiansburg and an uphill ride on the way back.
My Tracks has worked well recording GPS coordinates for the Poverty Creek Trail System; which is close to Blacksburg, VA and an area were I get strong service from Sprint. My phone has been unable to obtain a GPS signal in areas where I do not have a cell phone signal (e.g., our hike in Mountain Lake, VA). However, my phone will maintain a GPS signal when transitioning from an area with cell phone service into an area without cell service. Thus, for remote trails, I recommend turning on My Tracks before entering an area without cell phone service so that you can increase the chance of being able to record GPS coordinates.
My mom has a Motorola Droid on the Verizon network and her phone records very accurate GPS coordinates on hiking trails in dense woods in New York. Whereas my phone has always struggled to record accurate coordinates in the woods of Virginia. My guess is that either her phone is better at using cell phone towers to triangulate her location or that the Verizon network is more comprehensive in New York than the Sprint network is in Virginia.
Tagging Pictures with GPS Coordinates -> Not Working!
In my phone's camera settings, I have "Store Location" set to "On" which tells my phone to automatically tag all pictures with GPS
coordinates. After starting the camera application, give your phone a minute or two to determine your GPS location before taking your picture.
The Google My Maps Editor application allows me to upload pictures from my phone to the same Google Map that includes the GPS tracks described above. There is a caveat in that you have to use the My Maps Editor application to take the picture. I have not figured out how to upload a picture to my Google Maps that was taken independent of the My Maps Editor application. Click on the picture at the Christiansburg end of the Huckleberry trail in the map above to see a picture of what the trail looks like from that location.
Currently, the Google My Maps Editor application is unable to load my Google Map on my phone; even with an Android 2.1 upgrade. I am unable to add new pictures to my Google Map because the map won't load. Specifically, Google My Maps Editor works for maps with a small number of data points but is not working for my map that has hundreds of data points. It appears it can only load a small amount of data but ideally it wouldn't need to load any data to the phone. Instead, it should only capture a picture and upload it to my Google Maps account tagged with GPS coordinates. Or, Google would create an application specifically for tagging pictures with GPS coordinates.
Carrying My Phone
I squeeze my Google phone into an iPod athletic armband so that my phone has a clear path to GPS satellites while I am hiking or biking. This armband hack works well because the phone is stable and protected from dust. It does not protect my phone from rain or a fall into a puddle. I rotate the armband towards my chest so that a fall off my mountain bike and onto my shoulder won't result in a smashed phone.
Accuracy of GPS Data
The accuracy and effectiveness of using a phone to record and document trails is somewhat limited so recorded tracks, elevation charts, and picture locations are more like estimates rather than products of an exact science. Specifically, the accuracy of GPS points can be as good as +-20 feet or much worse if trees, buildings, or other obstructions are blocking GPS satellites. The elevation readings are less accurate than the GPS coordinates and can be off by hundreds of feet. However, a set of elevation readings should generate a chart with an accurate representation of incline and decline.
There are handful of adventures yet to be documented on this blog that took place before mid-November 2009 and, thus, those blog posts will not include these nifty new features.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park is 30 miles and about an hour drive
from downtown Denver, Colorado. The Blue Grouse trail head is located in the western end of the park on Golden Gate Canyon Road. Activities include fishing, hiking, hiking with kids, trail running, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking with dogs. Parking can found at Kriley Pond and above Kriley Pond at the end of a roundabout; which includes space for horse trailers. A daily park pass or annual state park pass is required at all parking lots. The roundabout parking lot did not include restrooms or water but the
Kriley Pond parking lot did include restrooms. Cell phone service is intermittent while in the park.
Kriley Pond
Kriley Pond was bustling with families picnicking and fishing along its edge. It is stocked by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and includes enough accessible shoreline to support numerous fishermen. Kriley Pond's close proximity to the Blue Grouse trailhead make it an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy fishing and hiking from one location; similar to Ramsay-Shockey Open Space west of Loveland, CO. A Colorado fishing license is required to fish the pond and park officials should be consulted regarding a daily bag limit.
Blue Grouse Trail
Blue Grouse trail is a 0.7 mile multi-use trail that starts at 8,400 feet and gently climbs to 8,800 feet. It starts with a short climb but is an easy trail to hike. Several mountain bikers were seen (not heard) screaming down the trail with enthusiasm.
After the initial climb, Blue Grouse trail levels off and gradually climbs via gentle twists and turns. Our 2 1/2 year old enjoyed walking along this trail and climbing the small boulders found along the way.
During our mid-July hike, there were numerous blooming plants which I have yet to identify. Do you know what the following orange colored flower is?
Mule Deer Trail
The Blue Grouse trail ends at an intersection with the Mule Deer trail. Mule Deer trail is 5.2 mile multi-use trail that runs from Ole’ Barn Knoll to Panorama Point. At its intersection with Blue Grouse, we took a right and headed east towards the Rim Meadow. The trail starts by running along the edge of a ridge and provides unobstructed views to the south.
We only hiked about a mile east before needing to turn around. We needed to carry our daughter in a child carrier on this trail because it was steeper and she was getting tired. We were hoping to make it to Rim Meadow because other hikers said it was beautiful but we ran out of time. At our turnaround point, the trail was beginning to ascend via switchbacks and the forest canopy was becoming more dense. The following picture is westward facing and was taken at our turnaround point. It includes the western rocky mountains that come into
view as this trail continues to climb.
In sum, Kriley Pond, Blue Grouse trail, and Mule Deer trail are a hub of activity because fishermen, hikers, families, and mountain bikers can all experience Golden Gate Canyon State Park from one trailhead. In addition, we enjoyed camping at Reverends Ridge campground, which can serve as a home base for exploring all of the trails in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
The following is what I learned about Virginia's aquatic ecology and management during my second session of Virginia
Master Naturalist training. The Appalachian Mountains are home to a high concentration of fresh water bodies that include rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs, lakes, and vernal pools. Wildlife and insects congregate around water bodies because they serve as a source of water,
oxygen, food (e.g., crayfish), and shelter
(e.g., bank hangovers, rocks).
Importance of plants near water bodies
Water bodies provide an environment for plants; although most do not do well with wet roots. Virginia plants that can be found near water include cardinal flower, joe pye weed, alder, shadbush, sycamore, river birch, and cottonwood. Plants near water bodies serve several very important functions:
Provide ground cover for insects that are eaten by animals.
Control pH of soil and water to stabilize them at a slightly acidic level that is beneficial for both plants and animals.
Control temperature of air and water
Limit erosion and sediment pollution by stabilizing stream banks; sediment pollution is when too much of a stream bank is sliding into the
water.
Remove heavy metals from soil - Some plants (e.g., willow, water hyacinth) can remove pollution from air and soil via phytoremediation; the absorption of heavy metals.
Food source for insects and animals - Animals attracted to Virginia's water bodies include deer, otter, mink, raccoons, muskrat, beavers, insects (e.g., mosquitoes, butterflies), and birds. Many animals and insects rely on stream side vegetation for food. Animals help plants by eating seeds (e.g., berries) and spreading them via their movement, followed by defecation. Notably, beavers often cannot be relocated because of concerns regarding disease
and/or genetics so protecting their natural habitats is important.
Factors that affect a water body's function
Pollution - Air pollution (e.g., acid rain, heavy metals), sediment pollution, and people littering (e.g., banana peels, apple cores) all negatively affect a water body's ability to function. Littering is enough of a problem at Douthat State Park that the lake has to get drained from time to time. In addition, the presence of black flies can be an indication of human pollution.
Flash flooding - Healthy water has various speeds of water flow and a flash flood can disrupt water speeds.
Climate change - Increases or decreases in temperature affect a water body's ecosystem. A reduction in plants and trees near a water body can increase sun exposure and, ultimately, the temperature of a water body.
Defoliation - Pests eating all of the leaves of a tree forces the tree to expend energy growing a second set of leaves (e.g., oak) when its energy would be better spent preparing for winter. In addition, human development (e.g., destruction of plants) can disturb a natural ecosystem.
Vernal pools
Vernal pools are an important body of water for some of Virginia's keystone species. Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water that typically exist from September to June. Although snapping turtles can find their way into a vernal pool, fish typically only get in via flooding. Skinks, lizards, salamanders, frogs, amphibians, and other species critical to the food chain are able to reproduce in a vernal pool predator-free because most predators (e.g., fish) require a year round water body to survive. An additional ecological benefit of vernal pools is that some amphibians live miles from their mating place (e.g., a vernal pool) which means that during their migrations they can collect and spread seeds; which is beneficial for native plants. Douthat State Park has both natural and artificial vernal pools. Finally, controversial mountain top mining can inadvertently create vernal pools; which facilitate the continuation of keystone species.
Citizen scientists
Anybody can be a
citizen scientist by volunteering to perform water monitoring tests,
pulling invasive weeds, counting migratory birds, counting plant
variations (i.e., biodiversity count), and working with vernal pools.
World Water Monitoring Day is non-profit program that raises awareness
about protecting water resources by helping citizen scientists conduct
basic water monitoring tests (e.g., dissolved oxygen checks). It is
recommended to wear gloves and waders during water monitoring and to wash
hands afterward to prevent food poisoning.
On Saturday February 20th, the American Hiking Society will kick off its 13th annual Hike the Hill Trails Advocacy Week which brings hiking and trail advocates together to learn grassroots lobbying skills and to promote increased funding for our national heritage, the hiking experience, and our nation's system of trails. Specifically, trail advocates will meet
with federal land management agencies, members of Congress, and the Obama
Administration to advocate for
funding and policies that protect and promote trails and the hiking
experience, and related conservation
benefits.
The American Hiking Society is inviting the public to participate in the week's signature event: the first annual Hike on the National Mall. Everyone is invited to help celebrate our nation's trails by hiking from the Lincoln Memorial to the U.S. Capitol Building. Hike participants include local high school students, university students, hiking groups, The Conservation Fund, Student Conservation Association, National Park Foundation,
The Wilderness Society, American Trails, Outdoor
Alliance, Congressional
Trails Caucus, The Trust for Public Land, and Partnership for the National Trails System.
Hike participants are asked to gather at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool steps (east steps) at 8:30 am on Monday morning. At 9 am, American Hiking Society President Gregory Miller will kick-off the event with introductions. The hike will begin at 9:40 am and end at approximately 11:30 am; at which time members of Congress will speak to the hike participants.
American Hiking Society on Facebook and Twitter
Follow the American Hiking Society on Facebook and Twitter. Hike participants are asked to share their photos on the American Hiking Society Facebook page.
TrailCentral is syndicating the 15 most recent articles posted to Two Knobby Tires Guide to Colorado Hiking, Biking, and Camping. There could be a lot more to read, but you'll have to visit Two Knobby Tires Guide to Colorado Hiking, Biking, and Camping to read them!
