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.

Crystal Springs Hike

Saturday morning, we broke camp and then went for a hike around Claytor Lake State Park.  From camp, we took Claytor Lake Trail and did a short loop on Bent Tree Trail.

After the loop, we continued on Claytor Lake Trail.

A short spur led to an overlook with really nice views of the lake.

Where Claytor Lake Trail ended, we took the paved Lakeview Trail along the park road. 

There were some nice views of the lake from here.

At the end, we got on Shady Ridge Trail and headed back to camp.

From here, we headed into Wytheville for breakfast then parked at Crystal Springs Recreation Area.

We started off on the Boundary Trail that works its way around the perimeter of the park.

It was only moderately steep most of the way.  We saw some more fringed polygala along the trail.

Over half way through the loop, we took the spur trail up to High Rocks.

The views from up here were great overlook Wytheville.

Then we headed back down and finished up the Boundary Trail loop.

There were more wildflower blooming along the creek.

After finishing our hike, we headed back to Raleigh.