Whether you're looking for a rustic location for a photo shoot or an easy family-friendly day hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Johnson Farm is the perfect destination.
Click the following link for more Blue Ridge Parkway hikes: Hiking Off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Johnson Farm is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at MP 85.9 near Bedford, Va.
There are two ways to access the 1.5 mile Johnson Farm Loop Trail. If you park at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center on the west side of the Parkway, a short connector trail at the end of the sidewalk leads to the trailhead.
You can also access the Johnson Farm Trail from the Peaks of Otter Lodge near the Abbott Lake Loop Trail.
Park at the lodge, walk toward the Parkway and go through the tunnel that passes below the Parkway to get to the trailhead.
Follow the signs to the Johnson Farm Loop Trail. You'll often find hiking sticks beside the trailhead sign.
Follow the trail through two open fields. Look for the sign identifying the site of the Hotel Mons.
The Hotel Mons, as shown in this vintage postcard image from 1933, was a popular vacation resort located in the Peaks of Otter area.
The trail follows "an old-time country lane" to the top of the hill.
Choose black and white or color format for your photos -- or shoot some of each.
A sign located near the farmhouse identifies each of the outbuildings and tells more about the construction and restoration of the Johnson Farmhouse.
From late May through October, park rangers are on site to share information about farm life during the Johnson Farm era.
The images below will help you plan your photo shoot at Johnson Farm.
Afterward, head to Lynchburg to check out 30 Amazing Lynchburg Photo Shoot Locations as shown in a previous blog on Central Virginia Blogger. Have a great day in Central Virginia!
