Elyse ClarkExplorer

Start at the Hogback parking lot at MP 21.1 on the Skyline Drive. Take the Appalachian Trail south for 0.8 miles, and turn right onto the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. After 0.5 miles you will come to another intersection-keep right to stay on the Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail. A final intersection with the Mathews Arm Trail is after another 1.3 miles. Keep right at this intersection.The waterfal...

A short distance from downtown Richmond, this park contains over 450,000 azalea plants in 76 different beds that are usually in peak bloom around mid-April every year. When the plants are in full bloom, you can drive (or walk) the 1 mile loop and there are various places to park and get out and walk along the way.  If the gates to the road are closed, simply park at the soccer fields parking lo...

Breaks Interstate Park lies on the border of western Virginia and eastern Kentucky, and is known as the “Grand Canyon of the South”. This park surrounds a 5-mile long gorge created by the Russell Fork River, which lies 1650 feet below the park.Once you enter the park, stop at the first overlook on the left called the “Towers Overlook”. There is a short 0.15 mile path to a beautiful overlook of ...

First, from the parking lot, there is a trail which climbs up to walk on top of the rock. The top of the rock is narrow, but has hand rails to hold on to.  Once finished walking on top of the rock, cross the road (be extremely careful) and walk away from the tunnel. Here is a good angle to take a photo of the tunnel which was created in 1901.  Still walking away from the tunnel, there will be a...

Unobstructed views with little hiking effort make Bald Knob one of the best locations to see the sunset in southwestern Virginia. Easy to access from US-460 in Giles County, take Mountain Lake Road (VA-700) for 7 miles and park in the gravel lot on the left by the intersection of VA-613 and Mountain Lake Outfitters. Cross VA-700 and begin your hike up the gravel road. After 0.1 miles turn rig...

Brush Creek Falls is a beautiful 25' waterfall that spans across Brush Creek. It is accessed via a short 0.5 mile hike with minimal elevation gain. From the parking area on Brush Creek Falls Road, take the trail to the right of the picnic shelter. This easy and relatively-flat trail through rhododendron winds 0.5 miles to a fenced overlook of the falls. Take in the view of the falls from the ...

Park in the boat ramp lot by Hawks Nest Lake. Note that the road to get down to this parking lot is a one lane (two-way traffic) steep gravel road, but it is passable with low-clearance vehicles.  From the parking area take the path towards the Hawks Nest Dam, also labeled the "Fisherman's Trail" on the state park maps. This flat trail skirts the lake's shoreline, and you will have to maneuver...

From the parking lot, the boardwalk trail breaks off of the right side of the lot.  The boardwalk loop should be done in a clockwise direction and there are signs to direct you.  The 1/2 mile boardwalk offers great views of the surrounding bog and mountains.  The boardwalk itself is skirted by ferns, wild cranberry plants, orchids, and even some carnivorous plants.  Although the walk is short...

From the parking lot, the paved handicap-accessible trail switchbacks to a view of the upper falls (20'). The falls are a bit hard to see from the viewpoint, so it's best to continue down the trail.  At the upper falls the trail changes to wooden stairs that descend gradually down. You will cross a wooden bridge over the stream, then there will be a viewing platform for the middle falls off to...

From Rt. 219 about 7 miles south of Hillsboro, West Virginia, there are well-marked signs for Beartown State Park. This narrow road winds about a mile until the small parking area for the state park.   The boardwalk trail starts to the left of the bathrooms, and it is encouraged to walk the trail in a counter-clockwise direction, while reading the interpretive signs.  There are many rocks and...