Spring is here, finally! This wild phenomenon known as Spring Fever hits me every single year. It gives you that glow, the renewed energy and vitality and causes some mild daydreaming. Things that we can do, want to do and maybe have even started. Make these hikes a part of your bucket list this year! Enjoy this first photo taken by Brad Deel at one of our locations! Do you own spring hiking and snap your own shots!
In early Spring the mountains here in Southwest Virginia are just beginning to awaken. The months of March, April and May are known for the diversified colors of flowers and creature’s that bring this area to life. I can’t say that I am a four seasons kind of girl because I’m not. I love Spring, Summer and Fall but dread Winter each year.
There is something about Spring hiking that renews my energy and gives me new life just as it does the flowers and the trees that I live among. We travel each year to many places to soak in the sun, along with the rich colors and the aroma of new flowering hillsides. I want to share some of these with you so that not only can I enjoy them but I can make them available to you also!
That is what Southwest Virginia is all about in Spring! Rejuvenation like never before. So let me give you a few places to consider if you need a new energy, want to see those gorgeous flowers, mountains, waterfalls or relax and breathe in the mountain air. All of these sound wonderful and there truly is no better place that right here within our own mountains in Southwest Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina.
NEW LIFE BURSTING AT THE SEAMS
#1 on our hiking list- Grandfather mountain
First off let me start by saying that Grandfather Mountains hosts the Rhododendron Ramble from May 27th- June 3rd each year. I cannot and will not tell you to miss this, it is breathtaking. Spring Fever at it’s finest! Not only the flowers but the altitude and the scenic views that you think could roll on forever. At 5,946 feet it is the highest eastern peak of the Blueridge Mountains.
This mountain is made up of rock formations that are more than a billion years old. Grandfather Mountain draws serious as well as day hikers with its amazing views. You can choose your time to stay but if you plan on visiting please give yourself at least 4 to 5 hours to enjoy some of the amenities and hikes as well. One of those being the Mile High Swinging Bridge with an elevation of 5,282 this gorgeous bridge swings and sings sometimes as the winds pick up but as unsettling as this may seem it is quiet thrilling and a tiny bit intimidating.
Swinging bridge and forrest gump curve
This bridge is safe for everyone, even those with disabilities. Ride the elevator to the third floor to the Top Shop and walk out onto this beautiful bridge. After you have enjoyed the views the Top Shop offers snacks, souvenirs and restrooms.
Linville Peak is another summit that you will want to climb while you are at Grandfather Mountain, the mountain boasts 11 hiking trails some easy treks and some much tougher such as the Grandfather Trail that will require you to us cables and ladders to climb around the cliffs and large boulders. The trek is worth is for the panoramic views that await you once you are there! No matter what your skill level, master the trails that are perfect for you and enjoy the swinging bridge as an added bonus and no matter the weather remember it is generally about 10 degrees cooler on the mountain so always pack a light jacket.
Forrest Gump Curve although short lived in the movie as a scene has made a huge impact on the area. It is located between the Wilson Center and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. This area is common to hear those words “Run, Forrest Run!” Do some spring hiking around the same road, drive it or stop for pictures but take in the views this curve famously known now as “Forest Gump Curve.”
Easy / Moderate Hikes: Perfect for Families
Find several shorter nature excursions accessed from the road to the summit. These trails allow you to get out in nature without requiring a long and strenuous commitment. Click on the name for each for a detailed guide. Enjoy just a few that are some of the more popular!
- Woods Walk: Looping from a picnic area near the entrance gate, it’s perfect for an easy woodlands stroll. 0.4 mile
- Bridge Trail: Begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and ends by the Top Shop at the Mile High Swinging Bridge. 0.4 mile each way
- Black Rock Trail: Very scenic trail that begins at the Black Rock Parking Area and ends with scenic views from atop a rock outcropping. 1 mile each way
- Grandfather Loop: Create a 1.5-mile loop hike by connecting several trails above 5,000 ft.
- Mile High Swinging Bridge: From the top parking area, take a few flights of steps or ride the elevator to a short path. For the more adventurous, continue out on the rock cliffs for spectacular views atop Linville Peak. Read more.
Hike # 2- LAke lure and chimney rock state park
THIS IS POSSIBLY MY FAVORITE AREA TO VISIT ON A LONGER TIME FRAME!
Lake Lure, the lake made by famous by the movie “Dirty Dancing.” Johnny and Baby will forever hold the iconic move in these waters that travelers love to recreate year after year. Esmerelda Inn, Restaurant and Spa holds the same floors that the iconic dance moves were made on for this film. This lake is so enticing in so many ways. It’s location in the mountains, the white sandy beach, the Inns, the Meals, Chimney Rock and the small village that in the 2010 census held 113 people. It’s tiny town hosts many events and some fun shopping!
relaxation and beauty at its finest for spring hiking
If you want low key relaxation in some of the most beautiful parts of the world, then look no further than Lake Lure area. Chimney Rock which is a huge draw for travelers and hikers alike. Make your way up the 315 foot rock that is more than 535 millions years old. If you have the adventurous spirit and spunk I recommend the 500 steps up to the top, stopping along the way at the decks to enjoy different angles and views of the 75 miles of mountains that you will see from the top! If you are not able, no worries an elevator is available to shuttle you to the top.
From atop Chimney Rock the view is so rich that it cannot really be described. This same rock and walkway is exactly where in 1992 the film “The Last of the Mohicans” last 17 minutes were filmed. To say this area is rich in movie history is an understatement. It truly is amazing! Both Airbnb and Vrbo host places to stay, if those pictures from them don’t sell you on going I’m not sure anything else will!
links
These links below will take the guesswork out of booking that trip and going. Please enjoy them and get planning!
Plan your visit: https://www.visitnc.com/plan-your-visit
Things to do:https://www.visitnc.com/things-to-do
Events: https://www.visitnc.com/events
Travel Guides: https://www.visitnc.com/travel-guides
#3 spring hiking- devils bathtub, fort blackmore, va
This magical swimming hole and waterfall is 100% worth the 4 miles trek in and out. In recent years the area has become more widely traveled and parking areas updated to meet the parking needs for travelers. The parking area is close to half a mile from the beginning of the hike but is marked well and pretty safe to leave your vehicle. This spring hiking is unique in that you mainly travel a riverbed along the hike. So be careful in choosing dates to travel when rainfall has been steady, I know some of you adventurous one would not mind but traveling this hike in more than ankle deep waters would seem daunting. Scott County advises no more than knee deep but go with your gut on this one.
The area is remote and is located close to pretty much nowhere. Cell Phone and GPS Signal could be sketchy so be sure and travel safely. The hike can take anywhere from probably 2 to 3 hours in and out depending on your hiking skills, keep in mind that this is only hiking time and you will want to allow yourself time to savor in the swimming hole and the bathtub itself. Start your hike early allowing yourself plenty of time to hike out before even dusk, this trail can get tricky if you have never been. You will encounter the swimming hole first in your hike but be sure to step up and beyond it to actually view the Devil’s Bathtub. I promise you it is so worth your hike! The end result here is pretty amazing. Just do your research before going and enjoy this hiking! It really is very much a hidden gem out here and is perfect for spring hiking!
just so you know for the hike
You will cross the creek bed around 15 times as you travel in. Depending on flooding rocks can be rearranged at times so be careful about your travel and maybe marking your way in if you feel it necessary. The Devil’s Fork Trail will bypass the swimming hole and is a loop hike that will take you around 7 miles, be sure when you reach the devil’s bathtub if you do not plan on the loop trail that you go back the way you came in upon leaving.
Now onto swimming after your hike. It’s absolutely perfect for it but it’s incredibly cold so just be prepared for that jolt when you jump in! I think that swimming hole is between 11 to 13 feet deep so just right for those jumps from the rocks. This water generally stays below 65 degrees year round which is pretty much freezing cold to me. Devil’s bathtub name because it’s “cold enough to put out the fires of hell.”
Make sure and take your camera or selfie stick you will want to record this hike. These waters make me think I’m in Mexico they are so clear!
virginia trail guide link- please use one of these!
Use this link to purchase your very own Hiking Virginia Trail guide. It may not seem necessary but I promise on some of these hikes it will absolutely feel necessary: https://amzn.to/3VwNKdF
#4 spring hiking on roan mountain, TN
spring Hiking/Biking
Please see some information they provide with hiking trails available, length and how they are marked moderate to strenuous. These are important things to note when choosing a hike on the mountain! Roan Mountain has so much beauty to offer and sometimes I feel like it is one that is overlooked.
There are approximately 12 miles of day-use hiking trails in Roan Mountain State Park and approximately three miles of mountain bike trails. Difficulty levels range from easy to strenuous. The Appalachian Trail is accessible by an 8-mile drive from the park.
Roan Mountain State Park’s terrain can be steep and challenging but rewarding. Know the local weather conditions prior to hiking and plan accordingly.
Caution: Foot traction devices are recommended when the park has snow and ice on roads, parking areas, walkways, and trails.
Peg Leg Mine Loop Trail (1.3 Miles) – EASY TO MODERATE – LIGHT BLUE
The loop trail begins behind the visitor center and highlights how habitat types differ with changing elevation and moisture conditions. The effects of invasive species on indigenous plants and trees, like the Eastern Hemlock, are also noticeable on the trail. About halfway along your hike, a side trail will lead to the ruins of an iron ore mine that was operational in the late 1800s, during a time when iron ore mining was a prominent industry in the area. Most of the mine shaft has caved in over the years, so entry is prohibited for safety reasons. As you near the mine site, you will notice the scarred landscape containing mine test holes and rail cart pathways. Upon arriving at the mine site, you will find steps that lead down to the entrance where miners and carts, loaded with iron-rich rock, once came and went.
Upon returning to the main trail, hikers can see diverse wildlife as they move through the Appalachian forest past unique rock formations, hiking down and over small ridges and meandering along the Doe River before returning to the visitor center.
Turkey Trot Trail (.25 miles) – MODERATE TO STRENUOUS – PINK
This trail begins at the cabin overflow parking lot and ends at the top of the ridge. It serves as an access point from the cabin area to the Forest Road Trail and Moonshiners Run Trail.
Tom Gray Trail (.4 miles) – EASY – WHITE
This self-guided nature hike mostly follows the Doe River. Informational brochures are available at the Campground Check-In Station.
Riverside Trail (.5 miles) – EASY – WHITE
The Riverside Trail provides access from the cabin area to the amphitheater and picnic Shelter 2 by way of a boardwalk over a restored wetland. At Shelter 2, the trail enters the woods and leads hikers alongside the peaceful Doe River. The trail passes the group camp area to connect to the Fred Behrend Trail. Hikers along the Riverside Trail can stop for a break along the water or find a spot to cast a line in the Doe River. The river is home to several types of trout and sustains a number of unique species. If you are lucky, you might even see an Eastern Hellbender salamander.
Raven Rock Trail (1.0 miles) – DIFFICULT – RED
Access to the trail is available at two junctions along the Forest Road Trail. Although the trail is rated difficult, it is considered by many hikers to be one of the favorite trails in the park. The trail is steep from either direction and ascends quickly to the crest of Heaton Ridge. The Raven Rock Overlook is located approximately halfway from either end of the trail. In addition to spring wildflowers, the trail offers stunning views of the Roan Valley and surrounding mountain ranges and is a great place to watch a Roan Mountain Sunset.
Blue 2 Bike Trail (1.35 Miles) – HIKING – EASY TO MODERATE – BIKING – MODERATE TO DIFFICULT – BLUE
Mountain bike trail standards would rate this single-track loop as moderate, but it does require some experience. It climbs and descends steeply in short sections and makes some narrow switchback turns. With careful observation, hikers and bikers will see evidence of old homes and farm sites that are located throughout this hollow. The mountain bike trails should not be ridden when they are muddy, as riding in wet conditions damages the trails. Mountain bikers should wear helmets while riding. The mountain bike trails are always open to hikers. Please be courteous to fellow trail users and call out before passing.
Moonshiners Run Bike Trail (.95 miles) – HIKING – EASY TO MODERATE – BIKING – MODERATE TO DIFFICULT -YELLOW
This linear trail mostly follows the Doe River from the southwestern Turkey Trot trailhead to Hwy 143 at Cates Hole. The trail is wide and level in sections but narrows to a more technical single-track in the last mile. The trail consists of mostly rolling hills and a few steep climbs. Trail users will find many places to stop and take a break next to the Doe River while enjoying riverside views and spring wildflowers. Bike trails should not be ridden when muddy and are always open to hikers. Mountain bikers should be courteous to fellow trail users and should always wear helmets when riding.
Bearwallow Trail (2.35 Miles) – MODERATE TO DIFFICULT – GREEN
This loop trail travels through a typical Southern Appalachian forest. Two spur trails allow hikers to enter or exit the loop from access points in the campground. This trail climbs and descends steeply in places, making its loop around the entire campground. The trail leads hikers alongside the Doe River before ascending a moderate hike into lush thickets of rhododendron. Hikers on the Fred Behrend Trail can expect to traverse a rich Appalachian ecosystem consisting of mountain hollows and stream crossings. The trail ends at the junction to the Riverside Trail, where hikers can continue back to the campground.
Chestnut Ridge Trail (1.95 Miles) – DIFFICULT – ORANGE
This trail is very strenuous, the most challenging trail in the park. Hikers can access the Chestnut Ridge Trail from the Forest Road Trail. The Chestnut Ridge climbs very steeply through deciduous forest and rhododendron thickets. The trail quickly gains elevation on its way to the Miller Farmstead on Strawberry Mountain. Views from the trail are especially nice in winter when the leaves have fallen from the trees. At the top of the trail, hikers are rewarded with a stunning view of the Roan Highlands from an overlook platform. Black bears frequent this remote section of the park. Hikers are encouraged to make noise and hike in pairs.
Forest Road Trail (2.75 Miles) – EASY TO DIFFICULT – PURPLE
The longest trail in the park connects the visitor center and the campground and acts as a link to several other trails. The southern section of the trail is rated easy from the campground to the cabin area. From the cabin area to the north, the trail ranges from moderately difficult to difficult. The section from the Turkey Trot junction to Hwy 143 is very steep but worth the effort, especially in spring when the forest floor is carpeted in wildflowers. Hikers on the Forest Road Trail can expect rhododendron tunnels, bridge crossings over the Doe River, and beautiful views of Roan Mountain during the winter months.
Below are some links to other information that you may or may not need depending on length of stay, however if it is needed please enjoy the links!
Some other things to do also: https://tnstateparks.com/
Places to stay and eat: https://tnstateparks.com/
About the Park:https://tnstateparks.com/
#5 on our list is definitely not least- birch knob tower
From atop this rock you will be able to view 5 states, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina ! Now that’s pretty impressive with only a 183 stair hike up the steps. Elevation is 3,144 feet above sea level and begins about 100 yards from where you will park. I’m not sure if this is a hiking trail or a stairwell trail but either way it is on top of our list! Spring hiking views here are breathtaking so take time to sit and enjoy a sunset if you time it right or just have a seat and enjoy some of “almost heaven.”
Directions, you may need them: https://www.google.com/maps/dir/?api=1&destination=37.2137079,-82.476227
Let’s wrap up this article on Spring hiking
So I have shared some of our If we love it, you’ll know it areas! These are relatively close to where we live, but if you do have to travel they will not disappoint. Choose days wisely that will give you the best views and the best travel. This area can have some rainy days in April and cause foggy patches to block views, wet mud to keep you from your hike and even riverbeds to be a little high to travel through.
Once you do decide to jump in and add them to your bucket list, please relish in the beauty that our area holds. It truly is gorgeous and will always match up to anything else I will ever see in my lifetime. We are super lucky to live in such an area (except Winter haha.)
Some recommendations for Spring Hiking in the area:
- Tip #1 – Get the gear. Reduce the risk of injury by having good gear and being properly prepared for the hike.
- Tip #2 – Map it out.
- Tip #3 – Hydrate.
- Tip #4 – Extra layers.
- Tip #5 – The buddy system.
- Tip #6 – Don’t light fires on any mountain.
- Tip #7 – Never underestimate.
Okay, now go make some new memories spring hiking and if you enjoyed this article be sure to check out my local travel with kids article. It’s a fun one!
