Category: Backpacking & Hiking

We actually camped at Smith Mountain Lake for this trip, and after a chilly low 50s morning with higher winds, we got up at 5:30am and started the hike. While it was dark, we sneaked out of the camp to try not to wake up anyone. It had a feel of some sort of end-times … Continue reading Buck Run Trail

This trail feels so far the best trail in Smith Mountain State Park. See map here. The path actually took us 2.3 miles. There were very few heavy hills and the views were amazing. Now, we did go when the leaves were turning, so I highly recommend going then. The Sourwoods were magnificent. This is … Continue reading Chestnut Ridge Trail

We did this trail today, so the day’s tally was 4.6 miles. This trail is winding and not a loop, so we decided to take a portion of it, and then come back via the road. We parked and took a bit of Buck Run Trail to Striper, making our way to Turtle Island Trail. … Continue reading Striper Cove Trail

This is an under-developed trail at Smith Mountain Lake State Park. It is under-developed due to lack of staffing. Thus, the trail exists, but there are no official blazes along the way. The only marking are those by hunters and tags on branches. The trail states that it is 3.0 miles, but we were closer … Continue reading Five Oaks Trail

This is more of a quick walk off the road, but it is beautiful. This is an 80 foot waterfall that you can no long get into that they have fenced against. https://youtu.be/_g6eTwMTmts

This is one trail within the Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Because we are working on all of the trails individually, I will post each of these trails. The park map can be found here. You can make this a loop if you add this trail to the other side of the State Park Road. … Continue reading Walton Creek Trail

This October (2020), we took a trip into the mountains to see the fall colors. It was a great opportunity to get out of the house during Covid that would would still be social distancing. We went to Douthat State Park, and didn't do any of the hikes, other than walking around the falls and … Continue reading Douthat State Park

We did this trail in June 2017, it was a 1.4 mile hike that was pretty steep and difficult. The path was pretty narrow and at least in the summer there was a LOT of folks going up and down.

In August 2017, the husband and I trekked over to see the Natural Bridge. This is more of a tourist thing than a "hike and backpack" trip, but it is still worth the trip. This was before Covid, so make sure you check the state park's webpage first before traveling. The hiking map is here. … Continue reading Natural Bridge State Park

In June 2017, the husband and I took our vacation up to Fallingwater at Mill Run, Pennsylvania. There was both the indoor and the hiking tour outside, this post will only cover the outside. The Bear Run Nature Reserve map is here. It's about a mile trip surrounding the house and you have a guide, … Continue reading Fallingwater