Galax New River Trail Hike

Monday morning, we enjoyed a quick breakfast before driving to Galax and the New River Trail State Park trailhead. Although rain had been in the forecast, it had cleared by the time we started hiking. The trail began by crossing Chestnut Creek on two scenic bridges, then continued toward the Cliffview Access.

Along the way, we were surprised by a large snapping turtle parked right in the middle of the path.

A little farther on, about another mile, we passed Cliffview Campground, where the trail ran alongside some beautifully rocky sections of the creek.

Lots of wildflowers were blooming along the trail - Dames rocket is an invasive species, but very pretty flowers.

Roughly five miles in, we reached the highlight of the day: Chestnut Creek Falls.

The views from the bridge and picnic area were excellent, and we found a scramble path down to the base.

The rocks were quite slippery, so we took it slow and enjoyed the scene from a safe spot.

After a short break, we continued on and spotted another snapping turtle on the bridge over Chestnut Creek.

We hiked about another mile, passing another trailhead and an old railroad turntable before deciding to turn around.

On the way back, we spotted a cute little rat snake sunning itself along the trail.

We returned to the car feeling refreshed and began the drive home.

Shot Tower New River Hike

Monday morning, we checked out of the hotel and started making our way home.  In Virginia, we got off the highway and stopped at Shot Tower Historical State Park.

It was a bit cloudy but the views were really nice.

The tower itself was closed for construction but we could walk all around.

The views of the interstate crossing over New River were really nice.

Then we headed down to New River Trail and started hiking eastbound.

The flat, crushed gravel surface made an easy hike pushing Harper in the stroller.

In a mile or so, we came to Foster Falls.  Its more of a big rapid than a waterfall, but there was a campground and other amenities here.

The Foster Falls Inn was very scenic.

There was some Dame's rocket flowering along here.

We went another couple miles and then turned around.

We stopped at Rio Grande in Hillsville for lunch and then made our way home.