Big Island

Terrapin Mountain Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Island, Virginia.

Little Rocky Row Loop via Appalachian Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Monroe, Virginia.

Starting at the James River Footbridge, which is the longest foot traffic only bridge on the entire Appalachian Trail. Head north on the Appalachian Trail.  You will quickly cross over Rt. 501. After a mile of hiking through the woods skirting the Rocky Row Run stream, you will cross over Forest Road 812. There is an intersection with the spur trail to John's Hollow Shelter 1.8 miles into the h...

Arnold Valley Pool might be a couple hundred feet from the road but most people don’t even notice when they pass by. This swimming hole is located on the same road as Devil’s Marbleyard and is the perfect place to cool off after the intense hike at the Marbleyard or on any hot summer day. The swimming hole is spring fed so the water is always cold! There are three massive boulders that encompas...

Want to scale the side of a rock face? If you do, I highly suggest adding this adventure to your list. Hiking to the marbleyard and back to the parking lot will have you at a 3 mile journey. How many hours will it take to hike the trail and tackle Antietam Quartzite boulders larger than cars you may ask? A strenuous 4 hours. Keep in mind there are no bathroom facilities provided. This trail is...

The top of Apple Orchard Mountain is easily accessible via the Appalachian Trail. Access the trail at the Sunset Field Overlook at MP 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The concrete path will end shortly and turn into a blue blazed trail. Follow this for 0.25 miles until it intersects the Appalachian Trail. Turn right on the AT, and cross over the forest road. From here it is only a few switchback...

There are a few different ways that you can do this hike. One way is to start at the North Creek campground (37.54244, -79.58531) and do a loop hike that's about 6 miles, which will take you to the falls up along a stream with some swimming holes and nice campsites. I did it the other way, which is to start at the Sunset Field Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and hike down to the falls, which...

Bluff Mountain is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Monroe, Virginia.

Lace Falls via Cedar Creek Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Natural Bridge, Virginia.