Archive

The Huckleberry Trail has deep roots and a long history in providing transportation between Blacksburg and Christiansburg. It began as the Virginia Anthracite Coal and Rail Company in 1902 to transport coal, and soon extended to Blacksburg. On September 15, 1904, the first passenger train rolled into Blacksburg. It was soon nicknamed “Huckleberry Crossing” because when the train would stall, passengers could step off the train and pass time picking the abundance of huckleberries along the route....

Enjoy a walk through the crossroads of the Saltville Valley. From the Ice Age to the present, the Saltville Valley and its salt deposits have seen a parade of history. Ice Age animals, Native Americans, early settlers, soldiers of the North and the South, and later, industrialists all followed roads seeking mineral deposits left by a shallow inland sea.The historical area on this trail, commonly called the well fields, is the site of paleontological...

Grassy Hill is a prominent landmark on the west side of the Town of Rocky Mount. The site is characterized by rocky slopes forested with hardwood species and scattered patches of Virginia pine. Shallow, basic, heavy-clay soils predominate and outcrops of magnesium-rich bedrock are common. These unusual soil and rock substrates provide habitat for rare woodland communities. Several rare plants grow in small grassy openings near the hill's summit. As suggested by its name, there...

Those seeking the outdoors will enjoy the tranquility of the 5,321 acres of Fairystone Farms Wildlife Management Area. 460 acres are located in northwestern Henry County. Area is nestled in the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge and features steep slopes and small areas of bottom land. The woodlands on the area are predominantly a mix of oak, hickory and pine. Beech and poplar grow in the narrow valleys.Hunting opportunities expanded by cooperative agreements with...

FeeldTrips Outdoors was founded in 2011 by two local, southwest Virginia natives that shared an enthusiasm for the outdoor opportunities that we are gracefully blessed with in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.  Their premier outdoor guiding service offers a professional, safe and family-friendly atmosphere with unique outdoor options for customers. Create Your Own Adventure is an experience that allows patrons the option to choose or create their guided trip with activities they want to experience. ...

Home of the lucky fairy stones, Fairy Stone is well known for its 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park offers cabins, a campground, group camping, a conference center, a lodge that sleeps 16, numerous trails, beach swimming, rowboats, canoes, paddle boats, hydro-bikes, picnicking and two playgrounds, including one in the water. Watch the sunset as you enjoy a paddle boat on the lake. Get back to nature by hiking...

The Dora Trail is the primary bicycle route and walking trail that connects the New River Trail to downtown Pulaski at the Pulaski Railway Station.  For folks wanting to start their New River Trail journey in downtown Pulaski, the Dora Trail at the Station is the place to begin.  Ample free parking, restroom facilities and a bicycle shop which provides sales, service and rentals are readily available.  Retail outlets and eateries are also nearby.  The...

This 172 acre natural area is on the north side of a mountain range near Fred Clifton Park in Patrick County, VA.Although a private preserve, it is open to the public by permission as a day use facility for hiking a loop trail from the top of the ridge to a waterfall at the base of the mountain. Evidence of a pioneer mountain home is along the way. Hiking to the ridge-top provides a scenic view...

40 ft. width with a 12 ft. drop into a single whirlpool. It’s an easy hike for those who are less eager to venture far off the beaten path. From the community of White Gate on hwy. 42, just off Rt. 100 from Pearisburg, it’s a short jaunt of a little over 10 miles. You will take SR-606 to SR-671 and soon see a sign and pull-off on your right for the falls.The ledges on...

Discover Mother Nature at her best at this 1800 acre forested recreation area. Hiking trails abound, offering hikers a variety of terrain that ranges from easy to moderate difficulty. Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's "Kids in Parks" Track Trails area located within this recreation area. TRACK Trails are designed to help kids explore nature through the use of four self guided brochures. TRACK Trail Adventures can be picked up a the trailhead or downloaded from the...