Amazing hidden gem hike with an elevated boardwalk that wanders through what will definitely feel…read morelike a town for bears. There's rock crevices and holes all easily visible from the .6 mile trail. Warning.. there are a lot if stairs, and the boardwalk can be slippery, but I did it in Teva flip flops, so take that for what it's worth. I recommend better shoes, but it's doable. There's but much else here, save a picnic area, but there's also not much out there like this place, either, so it's worth the trip! Droop Mountain State Park is nearby, so you can check that one out for longer hikes.

I absolutely loved walking along the boardwalk and seeing all of the cool stone and rocky views a…read morelong the way. So cool! Would love to explore more of the park someday. Unfortunately, the rest room needs attention. I couldn't even use it with the amount of flies in there. It was unbelievable. However, go before you get there because the boardwalk is worth the trip. In the area, check it out!

Close to a college town, this rail to trail is long, relatively unimpeded, and offers river views…read more There were multiple parking lots at what is currently the south end of the trail, as well as signage indicating that some of the railway had been sold to buyers who were not part of the trail, so it kind of starts midway along the rail line. Regardless, it is a longer trail than I had time for and the part I completed was easily worthwhile.

Southern end -…read more Good surface. RR wide. Some restrooms Only problem is trail maps are mis-leading. Caldwell is beginning but is MP 3, not 1 Easy access - well signed Few road crossings

Here for three train rides with my train loving husband…read more All employees were friendly, from the trains themselves to the stores. Company store had a plethora of items for all ages; hubby had a field day!! Beautiful area and very remote . Bus tours came daily, but not excessive as seating on the trains is limited, so good crowd control lol These trips book up months in advance; my husband booked it a year ago so don't drive up thinking you can get a seat. Three trips: ( different Shay locomotives too, but I am not the expert with this). 1. Bald Knob : a 4.5 hour train ride up the mountain. It was an open car, and it was pretty cold, even for those prepared. The scenery was pretty but I saw zero wildlife. We were going to have a hot cocoa, but after waiting on line for over 10 minutes, they ran out. There was a guy reading over the P.A., giving some history. They give you a " hobo lunch" : bun, turkey and ham, pasta salad, applesauce, chips, water bottle, 2 cookies and mustard and mayo. Bring additional snacks/ drinks as it's a long trip...and gloves and hats if during fall trips. 2. Greenbriar River: a more pleasant ride, 2.5-3 hours, enclosed car with table seating. Narrated as well at parts, but P.A. was terrible. Lunch was at a restaurant ( make your own sandwiches) in Durbin, our stop, and there were three choices which they determined. Saw 2 turtles and one bird. Highlight was meeting the people who Sartre across from us. 3. Whittaker Station: about a 2.5 hour trip, also on an open car. This trip had the most informative and interesting narration of the three. Got my hot cocoa lol and some pretty photos. Interesting town history. A cool experience for train buffs and company houses are available to stay in. Beautiful area.

I think folks who left good reviews were paid lol. I can not imagine someone would enjoy this…read morehorror of a trip. First of its 5 hours of slow motion loud train in the woods. Yeah that's all you see 90% of the time: trees! Train they used was originally for transporting lumber. They built wooden benches there and we had to sit all 5 hours on those benches. For the experience the price is absolutely ridiculously high. I think they should pay us to go through this insanity. For 5 hours there is zero service on the train. You can't buy water or snacks. They give you plastic bags with some cheap food that we would never touch like cold cuts of the cheapest sort and bottle of water. They stop at the end at some stop where they sell gas station snacks. This trip would be good the most for one hour but 5 hours it was real torture. Do not advise for older people or people with kids. Kids were going nuts from boredom. Horrific experience .

I was so glad to have carved out some time to visit this Historic site. Its two shakes of a lambs…read moretail from the highway. They created a rather large parking area with porta Jon's and about 4-5 grills and picnic tables. Nice little place. Why 4 stars? Not sure who's responsible for maintenance but trash on the ground from disrespectful people but also the grills are so old, they've rusted apart. One is hanging off its post. Otherwise, I enjoyed my visit!

Well, we didn't come on "hump" day, but this gorgeous almost fall Thursday didn't disappoint! As we…read moremeandered through the curvy mountains of VA and WVA to get here, we we worried as we didn't have any cell signals and much of the country roads were winding and barren, except of course for the beautiful foliage. Lots of open farmland and barns or just empty fields. But we drove with trepidation through these mountains until we finally arrived at Humpback Covered Bridge! It was worth the drive! Some other reviews have lots of stats about this bridge which is worth looking up, so I won't repeat them here, but suffice it to say, I was enthralled with this bridge that I've been wanting to visit for years!! I love covered bridges and have a collection of them on my Yelp profile if you'd like to take a gander. And I must say, this is one of my favorites considering the structural design, the historic value, the Virginia heritage, and lovely park area with picnic tables and the LOVE sign. Covington VA is definitely on my come back list!!

I didn't get to spend a lot of time in the park, basically I drove up to the Lookout Tower and took…read moresome photos. From what I could see driving through, it has a lot of history and would be a good place to spend some time if you have an interest in the Civil War. Regardless of your bent on history, the Lookout Tower is worth the time to visit. You get some great views of the surrounding country side. Worth the trip!

First of all, someone give Sam Parker a raise!!…read more He was great! Not only did he grab a bunch of maps and brochures for our huge crowd, once he realized what we were looking to do, he grabbed a bunch of flashlights and joined us. He was very informative, not only about the events that took place here, but also about the land itself. Everything from edible mushrooms to salamanders, all sorts of wildlife and plants. And lots of fun stories! He joked around with us and the 16 kiddos we brought along, had fun conversations, and we even made sure to snap a photo or two of and with him. As for the mountain, it's very historical for the civil war period. Every family vacation we go on we find a place that's not only historical but also dubbed as being haunted. A little two for one deal. Caught lots of fun things on pic and recording. Had a nice hike around. Went through the trenches, explored a cave, looked out over the landscape, found the horse burial grounds, toured the tiny little museum, found lots of little critters. It was a fun day for our group that ranged from ages 2 to 40. After our hike we did drive up to the lookout as well, and let the little one play on the playground. They do have bathrooms there. Well, a hole in the ground, but it does the job! Everyone had a good time! Would love to go back again one day!

Douthat is my 35th Virginia State park visit. Saturday I hiked 13 miles, just under 30,000 steps! I…read moreended up on trails that still had fog coverage! I started at Stony run and linked some trails together so I would circle back to the car. The trail started with ground rock, and after 7 creek crossings and some elevation, it turned into rocks and roots. Once I got up higher to the switchbacks, I'd been hiking two hours. It just kept going! At some places (Tuscarora point and Blue Suck) the path is on the edge of the mountain. If you trip, you're gone! I was happy to see each Route Marker Helped me to know my plan was working. Im going the right way. At one junction I asked Gemini the elevation I've claimed from Stony run trail head to the sign Im at right now. The answer was 1,740 feet. They had 2 waterfalls. I saw one on my way up and another on my way down. It was a tricke of water but it helped notate where I was on the map. From there, it was only were big large rocks to navigate for a good mile. Takes your energy away. I was so happy to see my car at the end! What an adventure. I did drive through the park before hiking and stopped at the camp store for a t-shirt for my grandson. I walked in shouted good morning. No response. Maybe she didn't hear me. I looked around and her younger, co worker came in. This woman started massive gossip about the girl who finally just quit. She dogged this girl the whole time I was there. Checked me out when buying my shirt and never said a word. I asked the younger girl if there was still a restaurant here and she was answering to say yes but its take out but that other woman snapped, "Its closed!" She needs to find happiness. Clearly she's not a happy person, at least, at work. I thanked the young girl and left. Super awesome park! I loved it!

Well-maintained and updated campgrounds! The friendliest and most helpful rangers! Simple…read moreamenities, yet so many options to relax and use the park Do not leave without watching Ranger Shelly perform her tricks!

This river gradually drains into the James, where it meanders downstream into the Richmond…read morewaterfront before becoming and estuary and ultimately entering the Chesapeake Bay. This is a strange thing to think about standing in this small college town with its military history. The park has some parking both on the island and before you get there, as well as some decent restroom facilities. It is an area that looks like you could wade or swim across under some conditions, and there were people and dogs swimming. The nature trail is a short loop, but a nice resource for the community to have. Construction at the university made access a little difficult at the time of my visit, but certainly still possible.

This is a wonderful park great for walking having a picnic and enjoying the river sounds and views…read moremaybe even a BBQ. Location doesn't have swings etc. Its just a wide open space with trees near the river. The weekends are a little hectic if their is a game going on.

This is a great waterfall hike. It's one of the bigger waterfalls that I've seen on East Coast and…read moreit's great because we're situated. It feeds into a small recreational swimming hole area. Highly suggest changing into a bathing suit and doing the approximate 2 mile hike to the falls. On the way, you'll see a lot of smaller falls and some spots where you can go and splash your feet in the water. I came after a spotty storm and the trail was a little bit wet so it'd be good to bring some grippy shoes. There are a couple of stones and rocks and roots to wander through. It's definitely worth a trip and the three dollar parking fee charge since it's a national car unless you have a national park pass that you can leave on your dash the national Park pass is roughly 60 or $70 per year unless you're military or have a disability and you can get it for free. There are a couple of bathrooms at the start of the trail and nowhere near the Falls to change

Cascade falls was a lovely hike, especially on a hot day. I have lived in the area for going on…read morefour years now and have not made it to the Cascades until now. The hike is not very hard and suitable for families. The swimming hole at the falls is fantastic, although very cold depending on the time of year. Overall, it was a great experience, and I'll definitely be coming back!

Very cool playground, especially after reading the backstory. Built in 4 days by local volunteers,…read moreit is a massive playstructure. My kids both loved it and found plenty to keep them busy for an hour outdoors, not always the easiest thing to do. I wish we had something like this in my neighborhood, we'd go on a weekly basis.

Built in 5 days with the help of 1,000 local people and college students, owned and maintained by…read morethe City of Lexington. Still in great shape after more than 30 years of service. Plenty of seating for adults and a covered picnic table. Designed by local school kids with the help of Leathers and Co. Lots of imagination and running space for people of all ages to play.

Its a peaceful stroll along the Maury. A lovely, flat trail that winds along the river with scenic…read moreviews, wildflowers, and the occasional curious cow. It's well-maintained and perfect for a relaxed walk (dog friendly), jog, or bike ride. Easy to access, quiet, and full of charm. Definitely a local gem worth revisiting.

The chessie trail is, in my opinion, one of the best trails on the east coast. It is a gravel trail…read morethat is perfect for running/jogging/biking/walking as it remains flat for the entirety of the trail. I've run on the trail close to a hundred times, and it never disappoints. The views you see here are unmatched, and I recommended it to anyone visiting Lexington, VA.