Hiking Off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia

Whether you're new to hiking or a long-time hiker, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia offer a beautiful backdrop for your hiking adventures. Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors with family or friends or to enjoy the joy of nature on a solo hike. With plenty of hiking trails just steps from the your car, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers East Coast hikers a perfect getaway destination to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and stay active in any season.

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park, celebrated 80 years in 2015. In addition to being one of America's most popular scenic byways, the Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited sites in the entire National Parks system.




If you're hiking with little ones, check out the Blue Ridge Parkway Junior Ranger program. Pick up a Junior Range folder at any park visitor center, then complete the activities in the folder and at least three activities on one of the Parkway activity worksheets to receive a Junior Range badge and certificate. Kids who complete all of the worksheets also earn a special Junior Ranger pin.

Whether you prefer springtime hiking when the trees are in bloom, summertime hiking when wildflowers are everywhere, fall hiking as the leaves change color and fall from the trees or winter hiking when the views are unimpeded by leaf-filled trees, the Parkway offers many hiking options.

Enjoy short hikes at Parkway overlooks or longer hikes along the Appalachian Trail, which runs beside portions of the Parkway in Virginia. If you travel the Parkway south into North Carolina, you can access the Mountains-to-Sea Trail from along portions of the Parkway.




Easy Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes 

Mountain Farm Trail at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center at MP 5.9 offers a self-guided walk through a model pioneer farm. Kids and grown-ups can learn a lot about farm life by reading the signs.

Ravens Roost at MP 10.7 provides an overlook with fantastic views from the parking area. You may also find rock climbing and people flying kites at this overlook.

Big Spy Mountain at MP 26.3 offers long-range views from a short hike to the top of the mountain. There's a bench for relaxing at the top of the mountain.

Yankee Horse at MP 34.4 is perfect for young hikers. A short hike in the woods takes you to a logging railroad exhibit and small waterfall.

Indian Gap at MP 47.5 is a favorite stop for kids. A 10-minute hike in the woods brings you to the Indian Rocks, giant boulder formations perfect for family photos.

Otter Lake at MP 63.1 is a small fishing lake. Walk down the stairs in the parking area and you'll find a shallow creek to hike across using stepping stones. A short hike up the trail brings you to a kid-sized cave.

Take the James River Trail at the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6 for an easy walk across a long bridge over the James River to the restored James River and Kanawha Canal Lock exhibit.

Thunder Ridge Trail at MP 74.7 rewards your short hike with excellent views of Arnold Valley from a scenic rock overlook. This is a perfect location for family photos during any season.

Abbott Lake Trail at MP 85.7 and Elk Run Trail at MP 85.9 are both located near the Peaks of Otter. Enjoy an easy hike around Abbott Lake or a wooded hike on Elk Run Trail.

Roanoke River Trail at MP 114.9 is an easy self-guided loop trail with nice views of the river. For a more difficult hike, take the Fisherman's Trail down to the river.

Mabry Mill at MP 176.2 is one of the top destinations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Kids of all ages enjoy taking a trip back in time along the trail. Visit the historic gristmill, sawmill and blacksmith shop and learn about life in rural Virginia.

Moderate Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes

Otter Creek Trail begins at MP 60.8 at the Otter Creek Campground. The 3.5-mile hike follows the creek from the campground through the woods to the James River Visitor Center.

The Trail of Trees begins near the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Signs along the trail identify many species of trees and shrubs native to the valley.

Access the Fallingwater Cascades National Recreation Trail from either the Fallingwater Cascades parking area at MP 83.1 or the Flat Top parking area at MP 83.5, both just north of the Peaks of Otter. The scenic loop trail offers views of the falls, benches along the trail, footbridges and lots of photo opportunities.

Johnson Farm Loop Trail begins at MP 85.9 at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Follow the signs through the woods to the restored Johnson Farm, which offers seasonal living history demonstrations.

Take the 4-mile scenic Roanoke Mountain Loop Road off the Parkway at MP 120.3 to the top of Roanoke Mountain. Enjoy great views from the overlooks along the roadway. The trailhead for the Roanoke Mountain Summit Trail is located at the top parking area. Take a short detour at the Mill Mountain exit at MP 120 and visit the Mill Mountain Star. From the overlook, you can see the city of Roanoke and the mountains of the Roanoke Valley.

Smart View Loop Trail at MP 154.5 is very popular with bird watchers. The 3-mile loop trail passes through woods and across a stream. Be sure to stop at Trails Cabin, built in the 1890s.





Strenuous Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes

Humpback Rocks Trail is a favorite on the north end of the Parkway at MP 6.0. The 2-mile trail takes you to spectacular views from the Humpback Rocks at the top. Teens love scrambling among the rocks.

Apple Orchard Falls Trail at MP 78.4 is a National Recreation Trail starting at Sunset Field Overlook and leading to Apple Orchard Falls. The views of the falls are well worth the hike. Although the hiking distance is relatively short, the return trip is all uphill so pace yourselves.

Sharp Top Trail is one of the most popular hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Start at MP 86.0 for the 1.5-mile hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain, where you'll enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. If you're feeling adventurous, climb on the giant boulders. There's a shelter near the top of the mountain for overnight hikers.

Rock Castle Gorge Trail at MP 167.1 is 10.8-mile loop trail from the Rocky Knob Campground into the Gorge. Be sure to allow enough time for this all day hike and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Pick up a Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor guide at any visitor center for information about additional Parkway hikes. There are numerous Parkway hiking guidebooks available for purchase too.

There are also many hiking opportunities available from the 105-mile Skyline Drive, which takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.

The Skyline Drive has four entrances between Front Royal and Waynesboro. You'll receive a basic park guide when you enter the Skyline Drive. For more hiking trails, pick up a small hiking guide book at one of the Visitor Centers.


Be aware that some portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway close for snow and ice in the winter. Despite the closures, the Parkway is a wonderful hiking destination any time of year. Whether you bring the family or solo hike, there are picnic areas and scenic overviews located along the roadside and trails of all difficulty levels to challenge hikers of all abilities. Happy Trails!

Spring is a Wonderful Season in Lynchburg

Spring has burst forth in Lynchburg. First the crocuses and daffodils popped through the dirt, then pink cherry blossoms appeared all around town.

I love Lynchburg in springtime. The beauty of spring after a long winter is spectacular to behold. Birds chirp their springtime songs and you can almost hear the trees bursting forth with color.

 Main Street will soon be filled with spring blooms and the parks already overflow with walkers, runners and children playing.

As spring arrives in Lynchburg, kids of all ages enjoy the playground at Peaks View Park.

The disc golf course at Peaks View Park offers the perfect outdoor springtime adventure in Lynchburg. Start near the Wiggington Road parking lot and work your way through the 18 holes.

Across town, stroll the cherry tree lined paths of Riverside Park and soak in the sunshine.

Of course, the kids would rather play on the playground, so allow a little extra time.

Redbuds line the roadsides and the Ed Page Entrance to the Blackwater Creek Bikeway.

Wildflowers bloom in the woods along Blackwater Creek. Head to Creekside Trail, just off the Bikeway, and you'll find little patches of color everywhere.

Take a springtime drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and check out springtime on Mill Mountain. The Mill Mountain Park is a beautiful place to spend some time in spring.

Take in the springtime color at the Utility Line Arboretum, located beside AEP on Mayflower Drive in Lynchburg. Nearly all of the trees in the arboretum are suitable for planting beneath power lines.

Springtime awaits at the public gardens of Central Virginia. Visit the Anne Spencer Garden on Pierce Street and enjoy the colors of spring.

Soak in the splendor of spring at the Dorothy Crandall Bliss Botanic Garden on the campus of Randolph College.

Sit on the bench beside the pond or wander among the flowers and shrubs in bloom at the garden.

Spring is in full bloom at Lynchburg's Old City Cemetery, the perfect setting for family spring photos. Hundreds of roses will bloom at Old City Cemetery during April and May too.

So sweep away winter from your life with a springtime stroll in Lynchburg. Who knows what wonder awaits you!

Don't miss Historic Garden Week across Virginia from April 23-30. Explore public and private gardens across the state. Several homes and gardens on Peakland Place will be open for tours on Lynchburg's Garden Day on April 26.

Springtime is here and it's waiting for you in Lynchburg. So, get outdoors and savor the beauty of springtime in the Hill City. You may even find spring in your own front yard.

We Remember: 9/11 Reflections

The images of September 11, 2001 are forever burned into our collective memory

The reports on every news station playing over and over

The planes striking the World Trade Center, first one, then the other

American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower at 8:46 a.m.

A tragic error? Nobody knew at first 

United Airlines Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower at 9:03 a.m.

And then we knew -- this was no error

As our brains struggled to comprehend what was happening

American Airlines Flight 77 slammed into the Pentagon at 9:37 a.m.

Flames and smoke filled the Virginia air

As black smoke continued rising into the New York sky

Brave firefighters and police officers rushed into the burning buildings

On a day filled with unthinkables, the South Tower collapsed at 9:59 a.m.

As panic filled the air in New York and Arlington

A struggle for life was taking place in the sky

As passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 fought back

Against the terrorist hijackers who'd taken control of their plane

Todd Beamer uttered the words, "Are you guys ready? Let's Roll!"

An American hero whose actions may have saved many lives

As they fought for their own lives

Flight 93 crashed to the ground near Shanksville, Pa. at 10:03 a.m.

 Amid thick smoke and chaos, the North Tower collapsed at 10:28 a.m.

Taking the lives of public heroes and unknown Americans  

And America watched, knowing life would never be the same

But the American spirit is strong

The American flag became our symbol

Raised above the rubble of the World Trade Center

Raised above the Pentagon 

Raised above the hallowed ground in Pennsylvania

Raised above homes across America

The symbol of our freedom and endurance

Hope for the future, strength to move forward

Hands held, voices raised in prayer

"Never Forget," we whispered to ourselves

"Never Forget," we prayed together

"Never Forget," became America's battle cry

As our lives were forever divided

Into before ... and after 9/11/01

15 Reasons to Attend the Uncle Billy's Day Festival

If you haven't been around the Lynchburg area for very long, you may not know about the Uncle Billy's Day Festival. Held on the first Saturday (and preceding Friday) in June each year in the small town of Altavista, Uncle Billy's Day draws crowds from far and near. Whether you're a newcomer or have lived in the area all of your life, here's 15 reasons to attend the Uncle Billy's Day Festival.

It's FREE! You'll probably have to park wherever you can find a spot, but there are free bus rides -- or you can walk -- to English Park, where most of the festivities will be held. The Trade Lot will be held at the War Memorial Park on 7th Street. Festival hours are Friday, June 5 from 4-11 p.m. and Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The carnival begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. No dogs, coolers or backpacks are permitted. You'll find full details including calendar of events at www.UncleBillysDay.com

It's family-friendly. Bring your kids, your spouse, your grandparents or come alone. Bring a chair and umbrella if you want, but no coolers or backpacks are allowed. Uncle Billy's Day offers good old fashioned fun at its finest.

There's funnel cake! Maybe it's just me, but there's nothing that marks a great summer festival better than funnel cake. Enjoy your funnel cake plain, add powdered sugar or load it up with fruit. YUM!

There's plenty of food. Whether you're feeding yourself or the entire family, you'll find something for everyone. The food trucks and stands beckon from the time you walk into English Park.

There's a really cool walkway. If you park downtown, you get to use the walkway to get to English Park. From high above the Uncle Billy's Day festivities, you can see everything. 

There are wild carnival rides for thrill-seekers of all ages. This ride is called Roll-O-Plane and it spins and turns as it speeds toward the ground. Hold on tight!

There are fun carnival rides for the little ones too.

You'll find a variety of bounce houses and carnival games.

There's even a carousel perfect for all ages to enjoy.

At some festivals, there's not much for the men to enjoy. The car show at Uncle Billy's Day is fun for men, women and children. Check out this really cool looking car.

The craft show is one of the area's biggest, attracting local vendors and crafters from out-of-state. Start your holiday shopping with unique gift items for everyone on your list.

English Park is located on the banks of the Staunton River. The views are great and there's even shade under the trees.

Put on your dancing shoes and enjoy live music on Friday from 5:30-11 p.m. and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. There's a schedule of entertainment at the website.

There will be fireworks after dark on Saturday night -- starting at approximately 9:30 p.m. You can see the fireworks best from English Park.

How can you go wrong with an event that's celebrating 66 years! Come on out to Uncle Billy's Day this weekend. Hit the Altavista exit and follow the traffic. You'll have a blast!