Scenic Drives & Hikes
History isn’t the only thing VA has going for it. C’ville lies in the
foothills of the Blue Ridge and is only about 20 miles from its crest. At
the point I-64 crosses that crest, the Blue Ridge Parkway begins its
500-plus mile way south to Asheville, NC and Skyline Drive begins its
100-plus mile meander north through Shenandoah National Park to
Front Royal, VA. Both roads follow the spine of the ridge with
numerous, often spectacular, overlooks into the Shenandoah Valley to
the west and the Piedmont Plateau to the east. There are also many
hiking opportunities to lookout points and waterfalls. Early June
should be an especially lovely time in the mountains with the mountain
laurel and rhododendron in bloom.
Some especially good hikes in the Park include climbing Hawk’s Bill
(the Park’s highest point), Dark Hollow Falls, White Oak Canyon with
its succession of 6 waterfalls, Stoney Man and Little Stoney Man, and
Camp Hoover. All are close together in the central section of the Park,
about 50 miles north of I-64. In the south section and nearer C’ville,
Jones Run has a nice waterfall and is a wildflower bonanza in the
spring. Turk Mountain has a great view, as do the Frazier Discovery
Trail, Black Rock Summit, and the section of Appalachian Trail just
south of the Loft Mountain Campground. (The AT runs the whole
length of the Park, frequently paralleling Skyline Drive).
If one goes south on the Blue Ridge Parkway, there is an interesting
pioneer farmstead at the Humpback Visitor Center (about mile 5).
Climbing Humpback Rock (less than a mile but seemingly straight up)
yields a spectacular view. Another great view is found by going to the
far end of the Humpback Picnic Area (mile 8) and taking the trail east
from there to the AT then going north for about 1 mile. Another AT
treat involves parking at Dripping Rock parking area (mile 9) and
walking south about ½ mile to a rocky ledge.
About one hour south of C’ville via US 29 and VA 56 is Crabtree Falls,
reputedly the highest in the East. The trail is about 2 miles long and
fairly steep but there are several falls along the way. One last
scenic/historical treat – Lexington, VA about an hour from C’ville in the
Shenandoah Valley is called the Shrine of the Confederacy. It is the
burial place of both Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, and the site
of Jackson’s house as well as of the Virginia Military Institute, and
Washington and Lee University. Nearby is Natural Bridge that, despite
schlocky commercialization, is a true natural wonder – a magnificent
stone arch carrying a US highway. Jefferson was so impressed he
bought it!
For those wishing to spend some time in the mountains, Wintergreen
Resort is less than an hour southwest of C’ville. It features golf, hiking,
waterfalls, restaurants, rental condos with views, swimming pools, and
lakes. Karin’s parents like it so much they live there!