video from Blue Ridge Outdoors
Welcome to the Roanoke Valley where outdoor adventures abound. This is a list of shorter hikes that are great for younger families. I included some of the longer "must see" hikes like McAfee's Knob so research distance first.
Send me your favorite local hikes! Email me at michelle@bcreek.co
Hoop Lower & Upper in Craig Co. Roaring Run Mill Mountain trails Belfast to Devil's Marbleyard Rt. 11 to 220 Sarver's Hollow in Montgomery County Cascade Falls Meadow Creek Falls in New Castle Fullhart Knob (parking at Route 11 or Mountain Pass Rd) Dark Horse Hollow James River State Park New River Trail State Park Carvin's Cove Cedar Creek Falls Big Rock Falls St. Mary Falls - Staunton Explore Park trails Bottom Creek Gorge Sharp Top and Flat Top - Peaks of Otter Spec Mine Trails Blackhorse Gap (to Camp Bethel) Andy Layne Trail Buzzard's Rock (Read Mtn) Tinker Mountain Greenfield Trail System Bobblet's Gap Blue Ridge Springs Trail Loop McAfee's Knob Dragon's Tooth Woodpecker Ridge - Troutville Apple Orchard Falls Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve Chestnut Ridge Waid Recreation Park Smart View Loop - Ferrum
Dowload Map of the Appalachian Trail below:
Download Map of Carvins Cove trails below:
Download Map of McAfee's Knob trail below:
DAY HIKE ESSENTIALS provided by Craig Hall, photographer, adventurer, ENO rep:
Craig Hall has thru hiked the AT, the PCT twice, the CDT, Long Trail, John Muir twice, Foot Hill Trail and worked in Yellowstone National Park. He currently travels the country as an ENO rep and is an awesome photographer. Listed below are Craig's recommendations of what to take on a day hike.
1 Footwear is the most important thing. A good trail running sneaker like Montrail, Brooks, New Balance, Vasques, Solomon,...
2 Shoe Inserts - I prefer Super Feet.
3 Socks - merino wool
4 Trecking Poles
5 Layers: Under layer - short sleeve of natural fiber Base layer w/ hood Outer layer - fleece with zipper Outer shell - raincoat (Gortex)Same idea for your bottom half (swim trunks, tights, fleece pant, rain pants)
6 gloves, fleece hat, ... depends on the weather
7 polarized shades
8 30-35 liter pack (Granite Gear, Lowe - if you are taking a big camera)
9 sunscreen
10 bug spray
11 trowel and toilet paper (always burry your waste 6" below)
12 head lamp
13 lighter
14 map and compass
15 food
16 water and a filter if you will be out all day (Sawyer)
17 watch
18 Eno hammock and straps, of course. :)
19 I take a camera and tripod everywhere I go. There is always an opportunity for great pictures in nature.
© 2022 Michelle Gill
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