Unexpectedly nice park. Hilly with scenic views, trail, small pond (not a lake!), sports field…read more Bathrooms need renovations.

Beautiful setting with a large waterfall and hiking/biking trails right outside of Lynchburg, VA.read more

Tony and I went to Roaring Run Furnace In the Jefferson National Forest. This is a stone Built Pig…read moreIron Furnace built in 1830. This 192 yr old construction is still standing and looks like they could just start using it again today The park was easy to find with GPS. It is free to enjoy. Plenty of parking and restrooms. Well marked trails. The Furnace is located about 500 feet from the parking lot and bathrooms. There is plenty of picnic tables and a creek for fishing and cooling off in warmer weather. There is also a waterfall to hike to!! Nice park and highly recommend especially for the historic value! Great day trip or field trip for home schooling!!

The waterfall was gorgeous and listening to the water flow was so tranquil. I could've spent all…read moreday there just relaxing by the water. The hike was short and easy.

The camp site was really nice for tent campin. Restrooms were clean and stocked. The staff were…read moregreat. The lake was a terrible disappointment, it smelled bad and is no longer properly taken care of.

Located within the Blue Ridge Mountains, this area is great spot within reach of a number of hiking…read moretrails, a lake for swimming, and a wonderful camping ground suitable for casual campers/families. The lake was perfect for swimming in: great temperature, clean, and a lot of grassy shore space along the side. There was large grass areas where one could play frisbee or do other outdoor games. The campground is well-maintained, clean, and has a number of amenities that make camping convenient. Campers have access to flush toilets as well as showers. The facilities aren't particularly fancy but it's camping -- if you wanted fancy, you should stay indoors :) Prices were reasonable as well. $15 a night for a single site. Single site campsites come with a large parking space, a picnic table, and a firepit. Most of the spots are well shaded, and there is easily enough space for a large family tent or a few smaller tents. The campground has access to a number of trail heads and within a short driving distance, even more trails are available. Some trails are short and suitable for beginning hikers, others more challenging with steep inclines and a number of switchbacks up the mountain. Some are also perfect for day hikes as well. Located nearby is the Appalachian Trail as well as the James River (one can rent kayaks, canoes, etc.). The campground is nearby to Natural Bridge, VA -- which has a large natural bridge one can pay to see -- and Lexington, VA -- which has a cute downtown area to walk through and some nice restaurants to eat at.

The 450 plus miles of hilly terrain look rugged upon the short, yet sturdy panoramic mountain…read morerange, and your really close to it, in fact your in it. Winding turns do not detract from the peacefulness and ease of the drive, they add to them. The feeling of working your way up and then down the opposite side of a mountain gives a feeling of muchness. Not slaying the dragon and saving the princess muchness, but euphoric none the less. Of all that the road gives you, I'd have to say that 'Diversity' is the one word that best suits the Parkway. Diversity of nature as it relates to the change in season. What you see in December is not what you will see in August, nor September to May. Truckers can drive a bit spicey on the open roads, taking the occasional liberty with their size, but that doesn't happen here on this road. Perhaps due to the steep grate, perhaps the twists and turns, any number of combinations -- or just perhaps they too enjoy being so close to natural beauty. No conception of ill temperament can overcome the moment.

The Blue Ridge Parkway in autumn is being in love.read more

Mount Pleasant was indeed a pleasant hike. We went on a Sunday afternoon in August and only…read moreencountered a handful of other groups. The last 1-2 miles of the path approaching the parking area is essentially off-road driving. The hike was definitely longer than I anticipated (in the 7 mile range), but it was worth it. It has two summits (both accessed from the same fork near the top), and while both are beautiful, the west summit is definitely better than the east. The trail was well marked with blue blazes. The lower down areas were well maintained, but near the top there were areas that were very narrow, overgrown, and rocky. We went through several butterfly hangouts and lots of wildflowers. Almost all of the trail is shaded. There is evidence of previous fire along the trail. The uphill/downhill isn't particularly strenuous (plenty of flat breaks), but it is at least a 3-4hr commitment if not longer.

Smith Mountain Lake is my 33rd VA State Park. Its not one of my Favorites because, after my…read morechildren are grown, I really dont play in the water. I may swim in a pool but I dont jet ski, or boat, or fish. I dont like to buy food from the food shacks and it seemed to me, the space allotted for swimming was small anyway. They did have hiking trails. I took a two mile trail hike, took pictures and started on my way to James River SP.

Came back again and stayed in a waterfront cabin this time, and it's well worth the upgrade! The…read moreview was great and the bedroom faced the water with a picturesque double window complete with blinds to limit or highlight the scene! Osprey were nesting, which was amazing!! Trails were beautiful, and since we were just weeks from peak season, it was still quiet and peaceful, but with gorgeous spring weather!

This is a moderate level hike, 3.6 miles UP and Back. Elevation 1,135 ft. Some very steep inclines…read more So steep the path is switch back trails. Absolute great hike but challenging. Kid friendly, dogs on leash, and some paved walk ways BUT I don't think it would be for wheelchairs or strollers because it's such a steep incline. VIEWS-Waterfalls, forest, mountain, mushrooms, wildflowers, and berries. Such a busy trail that you really don't see to much wildlife or birds. Lots and Lots of stairs. This trail has been kept in great condition. There is a bit of scrambling and if there has been rain or snow it can be a bit slippery. Rocks and moss. So beautiful. This trail is part of George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Absolutely beautiful at the top for me. It has an area that opens up at he top and benches so you can sit and admire the surrounding mountains. The first waterfall you come to is the easiest paved area to get to . Also the best waterfall view. It also has benches. This is from the parking lot and there is a fee. It is was 3 dollars so bring cash. There is no running water so bring your own water, Pack a smart backpack. Keep all areas clean and don't leave garbage behind. They have a bathroom area but with no running water. It is a dry toilet. Bring some hand sanitizer is my best advice.

This is a really good hike worth the incline on the way up to see the views! Definitely high…read moreincline on the way up, but there's benches and rocks along the way to take a break. The falls are really pretty, but be careful not to get too close. There's lots of signs to stay on the path which I recommend! It can get muddy after rain so wear good hiking boots for sure. It's dog friendly, I went when it wasn't too crowded and with the narrow pathways I had her off the leash but would put her back on the leash when I saw people ahead. About halfway up, there's an area of body of water that's safe for dogs to get water and to take a break at which is nice. It took about 3hrs total (up and down), 1.7 mi up and down.

Great trail to hike while visiting Roanoke! A little strenuous because of its length but mostly…read moreshaded and a great overall trail. Well kept and part of the AT so you'll see a variety of people. Amenity wise, there are port a potties at the main lotbut no trash bins. The main lot is pretty small but there's a shuttle that will carry you for a different parking lot since the main lot only has about 20 spots and can fill up pretty quick. I came on a Saturday in mid July at 8AM and it only had about 5 spots left. As I was leaving, a group was celebrating someone finishing their leg of the AT, so seems also like a good meet point. Trail was great but a little strenuous because length, but the incline actually wasn't horrible. The heat is real in July, so pack your water and some snacks for energy so you can make it back to the parking lot.

Yes its beautiful definitely highly recommend beautiful weather yes people there's bugs bring bug…read morespray worth it though