SW Virginia Appalachian Trail Hike

Sunday morning, we had breakfast before driving to the Appalachian Trail parking area just north of I-81. From there, we headed southbound on the trail, making a quick detour to Davis Cemetery along the way.

Lots of wildflower were blooming along here.

The trail crossed a creek lined with blooming wildflowers before passing beneath the interstate and continuing beside a nearby gas station.

We also spotted several false chanterelle mushrooms emerging along the trail.

Some sections were muddy and overgrown, but the route eventually opened up to a scenic stretch with expansive views.

There was alternating sunny and foggy sections.

After about three miles, we passed the Southwest Virginia Settlers Museum.

A couple miles past here was Chatfield Memorial Shelter.

The trail got a little steeper and rockier at this point.

We went about another mile before reaching the View of Walker Mountain.

The rhododendrons were in full bloom throughout this section, adding plenty of color to the hike.

The overlook provided a beautiful view and made the perfect turnaround point.

The sun started poking out on the hike back.

After the hike, we stopped for lunch at Seven Sisters Brewing before heading to Crystal Springs Recreation Area for one final walk.

Starting on the main trail, we followed Shortcut Trail up to Border Trail, where blooming mountain laurel lined the route.

Turning left, we made our way back via Crystal Springs Loop Trail, completing a pleasant circuit back to the parking area.

With the day's adventures finished, we returned to the hotel to pack up and prepare for the trip home.

Mount Rogers Loop Hike

Saturday, I took Amaroq to the Virginia mountains for the long weekend. Our first destination was the Mount Rogers Trailhead along VA-603 in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. We set out in a light rain, following the Mount Rogers Trail into the Lewis Fork Wilderness. The route was steadily uphill, but the grade was gradual and never particularly steep.

After about two miles, we passed the Lewis Fork Spur Trail, and roughly two miles later reached the junction with the Appalachian Trail.

We followed the AT for another two miles before turning onto the Mount Rogers Spur Trail for the final climb to the summit.

The hike through the enchanted forest was especially beautiful in the fog and drizzle. Fraser fir saplings were sprouting from decaying logs across the forest floor, creating scenes that reminded me of the Olympic Peninsula.

Reaching the summit was somewhat anticlimactic, as Mount Rogers is completely forested and offers no views from the top.

Even if there had been overlooks, the rain and low clouds would have obscured them. We stopped for a short lunch break before beginning our descent. On the way down, we turned onto the Appalachian Trail and followed it to Rhododendron Gap.

The rhododendrons were just beginning to bloom, although the fog prevented any distant views.

From there, we took the Pine Mountain Trail for about a mile before connecting with the Lewis Fork Trail. Most of the normally scenic vistas along this section were hidden behind the clouds. Near the trail junction, we came across a group of wild ponies grazing in the meadow, which immediately caught Amaroq's attention.

We then turned onto the Lewis Fork Trail and continued our descent.

The downhill grade was gentle, and the trail was lined with an abundance of wildflowers.

In places, the vegetation had grown thick enough to encroach on the trail, and we ended up getting wetter from brushing against the foliage than from the rain itself. About halfway down, we took the spur trail back to the Mount Rogers Trail and returned to the trailhead. 

From there, we drove into Marion for dinner and a couple of beers at 36 Fifty Brewing. Amaroq was a hit at the brewery, making friends with both the people and the other dogs. He received plenty of treats and even more attention. Afterward, we headed to Wytheville and checked in for the evening.

Howell Woods

We woke early on a crisp Sunday morning to biting cold. Even Amaroq had burrowed under a blanket during the night. After breaking camp, we set out for a hike in the opposite direction along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, heading into Bladen Lakes State Forest. The path followed old forest roads, offering a peaceful, warming walk beneath the trees.

After a few pleasant miles, we turned back, left the park, and began the drive home. 

Along the way, we made a stop at Howell Woods in Johnston County for a short hike.

We started on the Leopold Loop behind the learning center, then branched off onto the Bartram Trail, which led us to Howell Drive.

We followed the road for about a mile, passing a quiet pond and winding through swampy lowlands.

Near here, a delicate atamasco lily was in bloom.

At the gate, we turned around and made our way back, this time staying on the trails.

We took the Sandhills Trail through a beautiful pine forest before signing out at the entrance.

Before leaving, I made a quick detour to the raptor exhibit.

There were several owls, eagles, and other birds of prey, along with a few bobwhites.

After snapping a couple of photos, we finally headed home.

Jones Lake Hikes

On Saturday, I took Amaroq on a weekend hiking and camping trip to Carolina Bay Country in Bladen County. We started at Jones Lake State Park and headed out on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail into Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest.

I was pleased to find the bridge had been replaced, finally making the trail continuous through the forest.

We connected with the Duncan Trail and followed it to the forest entrance, where the MST veered off.

Continuing on the Duncan Trail, we made a pleasant loop around the forest.

A short side loop on the Turnbull Creek Trail offered nice views of the creek the forest is named after.

Near the trailhead, a friendly ranger stopped to say hello and of course, to pet Amaroq.

Along the way, we passed several interesting forestry exhibits, including some vintage trucks along the trail.

Near the end of the loop, we came across a beautiful patch of irises just beginning to bloom.

After completing the loop, we returned via the Mountains-to-Sea Trail back to Jones Lake. From there, we headed to the campground and set up at site 10. With plenty of daylight left, we set off again on the Bay Trail.

The last time I visited, this trail had been flooded, but this time we were able to hike the full loop.

Past the visitor center, we took the Cedar Loop, which led to a scenic overlook of the lake.

Continuing on the Bay Trail brought us to another overlook, then out onto sandy roads and the familiar section I’d hiked before.

We eventually closed the loop back at the campground, where I was delighted to discover another large patch of irises blooming right at our campsite.

Unfortunately, the state forest service had issued a burn ban, so we couldn’t have a campfire to take the edge off the unseasonably cold evening.