Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 14, 1994 TAG: 9408190006
SECTION: DISCOVER PAGE: 29 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MELISSA DeVAUGHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
I'm sure you understand.
Everybody has their favorite spot that is special - a swimming hole, a fishing hole, a shade tree in the woods. It wouldn't be right to give these places away, for that's what makes them special in the first place.
But I can give you some suggestions of alternative places to seek refuge from cars, noise and all those everyday distractions that make weekends so special. The Roanoke Valley is especially nice because within 20 minutes to two hours, most anyone can reach a nice hike in the woods.
In the New River Valley: There are lots of beautiful hiking trails in Giles County, including a long stretch of the Appalachian Trail. However, for a good loop trail off the beaten path, try the Huckleberry Ridge Trail near the White Rocks Campground.
The Huckleberry Ridge Trail is a moderate eight-mile wooded hike with lots of wildflowers, wildlife and stream crossings. However, after last year's ice storms, there may be fallen trees blocking the trail. Call the Blacksburg District Ranger Station at 552-4641 to find out about trail conditions.
To get to the Huckleberry Ridge Trail, travel south on Interstate-81, take exit 118 at Christiansburg and follow U.S. 460 west for approximately 35 miles to Virginia 635 on the right. There will be signs for the White Rocks Campground.
After passing the Interior Picnic area and crossing the Appalachian Trail, drive 1.9 miles to Kelly Flats Road, or Virginia 772. Turn left and follow a gravel road to a red gate where there should be room to park.
Along the Blue Ridge Parkway: Everybody's heard of Sharp Top at the Peaks of Otter, but what about Flat Top?
The Flat Top-Fallingwater Cascades Trail is a good alternative to the more popular Sharp Top Trail and offers rewarding views from the 4,000-plus foot peak. This hike requires a vehicle shuttle.
The six-mile trail is moderate to difficult and includes the beautiful Fallingwater Cascade, a gorge-like cascade surrounded by hemlock, maple and rhododendron. This trail was designated a national scenic trail in 1982.
Getting to the hike is half the fun with a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Once at the Peaks of Otter, park at the Fallingwater Cascades Trailhead. It will lead downhill to the cascades, then climb to the Flat Top parking area. Turn right, cross the parkway and begin the 1,500-foot climb to the peak of Flat Top where the reward is a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and parkway. Your hike will end with a 2.5 mile descent down the mountain to the Peaks of Otter picnic area.
Near the Shenandoah Valley: A hike up Mount Pleasant offers extraordinary views in all directions from a large rock outcropping. From there, you can see Tar Jacket Ridge, along which the Appalachian Trail follows, as well as Cold Mountain and Bald Knob in the distance. The 5.5-mile hike is fairly easy, and is a convenient loop-trail - no car shuttles are needed for this hike.
To get to the trailhead, take U.S. 60 east from Buena Vista. After crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the road for nine more miles, turning left on Virginia 634. Take a right on Virginia 755 following it to a parking area just past the Appalachian Trail.
Your hike will begin here by following the road to a Forest Service road on the right. The trailhead is at a smaller parking area and you want to take the trail to the right. The trail used to be called the Pompey Mountain Trail, but has since changed to the Henry Lanum Trail, named in the memory of a member of the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club.
by CNB