Bear Den Mountain Via Appalachian Trail
Not too long ago I ventured out to Bear Den Mountain via Appalachian which is a 7.7-mile out-and-back trail near Greenwood, Virginia. This trail is inside Shenandoah National Park which charges a fee to enter. Trail Overview If you’re looking for a challenging hike with some views this trail is a good choice. This is…
Kemper Park of Monticello
The advantage of living in Central Virginia is that many trails are available to me like Kemper Park in Monticello. This park seemingly hidden gives you the chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life for just a little while. Trail Overview Kemper Park is part of the Saunders-Monticello Trail system and has…
Cole Mountain Via Appalachian Trail
Cole Mountain is a popular hiking destination located in the George Washington National Forest in Virginia. The mountain is part of the Appalachian Trail and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail to the summit is challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. The Cole Mountain hike is a 6-mile loop…
Saddleback Mountain Loop via Appalachian Trail
Saddleback Mountain Loop via Appalachian Trail is a moderately challenging 5.9-mile loop that offers a delightful escape into the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Saddleback Mountain Loop is located in Shenandoah National Park in Virginia via the Swift Run Gap Entrance in Elkton, VA. You can park your car at the parking lot…
Trail Notes: Sugar Hollow to Big Branch Falls
If you’re looking for a hike that blends peaceful river sounds, playful water crossings, and a rewarding waterfall at the end, without needing to summit a mountain, Sugar Hollow to Big Branch Falls is a solid pick. This out-and-back trail in Albemarle County stretches about 4.5 miles round trip and lands right in that sweet…
Trail Notes: Hiking Turk Mountain in Shenandoah National Park
If you’re looking for a short-but-solid hike with killer views, Turk Mountain delivers. Nestled in the southern district of Shenandoah National Park, it’s one of those hikes that packs a punch without eating your whole day. The roundtrip is just about 2.4 miles, but don’t let the distance fool you—it’s got steep sections, rocky terrain,…
Why I Always Keep My Dog on a Leash (And You Should Too)
I love hiking with my dog. There’s nothing like hitting the trail before the sun’s fully up, watching my pup sniff every root and breeze, tail wagging like she’s in on some secret joy of the forest. But here’s the truth: I’m a hard no on off-leash dogs on trails. I know your dog is…
Wandering Through Central Virginia Trails: My Favorite Backyard Surprise
When I moved to Central Virginia, I had no idea just how wild and beautiful my backyard really was. These days, when I’m itching for a hike, I’m often flipping a mental coin: Should I head to Skyline Drive or take the Blue Ridge Parkway? Both are iconic routes that weave through the heart of…
5 Beginner-Friendly Hikes in Central Virginia (That Helped Me Fall in Love with the Trail)
When I first started hiking regularly, I wasn’t chasing miles or elevation, I just needed to get outside, breathe some fresh mountain air, and find a bit of peace. Central Virginia, with its winding ridgelines and endless sky, offered that and so much more. If you’re new to hiking (or just want to ease into…
The Rivanna Trail: A Wanderer’s Loop Around Charlottesville
If you’re looking for a trail that lets you slip into nature without leaving the city behind, the Rivanna Trail is one of Charlottesville’s best-kept (but well-loved) secrets. It’s a 20+ mile urban wilderness loop that winds its way around the city, through neighborhoods, forests, riverbanks, and quiet green pockets most people don’t even realize…
