It was rather overgrown and lots of downed trees over the trail. Eventually, it departed the shore and headed up to meet up with other trails. We took Ridge Access to Dew Drop Loop and then Bob Carter Trail. Following the shoreline again, we got some nice views of the lake.
There was some downy rattlesnake plantain along the trail. This orchid species was not flowering yet, but the leaves are really interesting.
There was a bench a ways down the trail where we took a break and had a snack. Too much foliage for a good lake view, but maybe in winter.
We got back on Dew Drop Loop shortly and then Sunset Trail. Some mountain laurel was flowering.
The trail wound through the western end of the park and ended back at Dew Drop Loop.
There was another bench at the intersection, so we took another break. On the hike back, we took Red Rays Loop for an alternate route back.
We saw some fire pink flowering, but just one or two here and there.
Our hike finished back at the boat ramp and we returned to the car.
From here, we drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and parked at the picnic area in Smart View Recreation Area. A short spur trail led to the Smart View Loop Trail and we went right hiking the loop clockwise. Some lyre leaf sage was flowering along the trail.
A short spur led to Smart View Overlook with a V-shaped view looking down to the Pigg River Valley.
Golden Alexanders made dainty yellow flowers along the cleared areas.
Back in the woods, we spotted more wildflowers along the hike.
Fourleaf milkweed was very pretty.
I also spotted some millipedes on a tree, not sure whether they were mating or fighting.
About half-way through the loop, we passed the Trail's cabin.
The historical cabin was built by Trail family in the 1890s. It was closed off, but we could peer inside through gaps between the logs.
Continuing on, many more wildflowers were blooming along the trail.
Phlox and fire pink added some beautiful color.
Although mostly forested, there were a couple breaks with nice views down towards the Virginia Piedmont.
The trail then looped back around and ran parallel to the parkway.
We saw some blue skullcap flowering.
After crossing the entrance road, the trail dipped back in the woods for a short ways before the spur to our parking. But we found a couple nice patches of pink lady's slippers flowering.
They're one of my favorite wildflowers.
There was also some flame azalea and mountain laurel blooming.
After some pictures, we took the spur back to our car.
From here, we continued northbound on the parkway for a ways. Just north of Smart View, there was some gorgeous flame azaleas blooming so we had to pull over.
Some fire pink were flowering along the side of the road.
Continuing on, we made a stop at Pine Spur Overlook, but it started raining so we didn't stop long.
View Devil's Backbone was just another mile up the road and also had a really nice view.
Next was View Cahas Mountain, a closer view of the mountain we could see from the previous stop.
Further north, the Blue Ridge Parkway was closed so we turned around and headed back south. Past Smart View, we made a stop at Shortts Knob Overlook, but the view isn't very good.
Then we stopped one more time at Rakes Mill Pond.
The early 19th century mill was gone, but the dam and mill pond remained and were quite scenic. The mill was named for Jarmon Rakes, who let customers fish the pond while waiting for their grist.
After our last stop, we headed to Tuggle Gap Roadside Inn and checked in. For dinner, we headed into Floyd and got barbecue from Bootleg BBQ. After dinner, we stopped at Buffalo Mountain Brewery for a drink before retiring for the evening.
No comments:
Post a Comment