The falls was nice, although there wasn't much water when we visited. The hiking trail was…read moredefinitely the highlight. It's a moderate trail with some steep sections, rough and bumpy terrain, and quite a bit of walking, so it's not the easiest hike. Overall, it's a nice waterfall with a good hiking trail and worth visiting if you enjoy a bit of a challenge.

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.

Sorry for the 1-star (you may change my "review" to 5-star when this is fixed). Often referred to…read moreas "Afton Mountain," Rockfish Gap is not in Bedford, VA. This is the intersection of the Appalachian Trail (abt mp 863.5), Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, I-64 exit 99 (I think), and US Rt 250. To the west is Waynesboro, Stuarts Draft, and Staunton. To the east is Afton, Crozet, and Charlottesville. How do I know? The gap is about 2 miles out my back window. Not much commerce at rhe gap itself, except the wonderful old-time "King's Gourmet Popcorn" stand which has much more than popcorn. There is a motel and a couple of B&Bs a mile or so West on Rt. 250 near the Western edit of the famous Blue Ridge Tunnel (check it out on YouTube), which then pops you out in the village of Afton on the east side of the Blue Ridge. A longer walk back to the Gap, but adequate parking is at either terminus. Afton is in an area rich with wineries, distilleries, and breweries. Blee BleesRockfishRetreat.com

I've been hiking the AT, section by section, for the past 20 years. I'm currently in the process of…read moremoving Stuarts Draft, just 20 minutes form Rockfish Gap. A great section with The Priest not far south of this road crossing

I love this hike! This is one of the closer beautiful mountain view hikes to Richmond (about 1h30m…read moredrive). You can enjoy it as a loop or an out-and-back depending on how long you'd like the hike to be/difficulty level. 0.8 miles of it is very steep and you can decide if you want to go up and down that or if you want to take the long way down. Both are great options. It's great for all seasons, but if you're looking for green I'd suggest May. If you want fall colors, usually October. This is a beautiful hike with stunning views. It can get crowded on weekends, but not in an annoying way. There is a parking lot right at the trailhead. There is overflow parking not too far away with restrooms. They also have some picnic benches. I recommend hiking up to the rocks and having lunch there. While it is a steeper hike, do know that it doesn't last too long.

What a great hike. We parked by the restrooms and walked over giving us more steps/mileage. That…read moreway you don't have to fight for a spot in the overly crowded parking lot. The hike is straight up. I love a good climb. However, the descent is straight down. The old knees hate that. Overall a fabulous hike that is seriously overcrowded. We passed 100s of people and dogs.

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.

Beautiful outdoor natural waterfall and swimming hole. My only regret is that I didn't bring my…read moreswimming suit! I can't wait to go back. The hike is easy compared to others in the area. It's about a mile to the swimming hole. Be sure to bring, all the outdoors stuff: bug stray, sun block, etc. Also, you are in nature so, be on the look out for snacks - we came into contact with a black snack, it was harmless but definitely pay attention. Wear shoes unless rocks don't bother you. It's honestly a beautiful place! Here's an article that provides more info: https://gohikevirginia.com/sugar-hollow-reservoir/. I almost forgot. There's no cell phone service. No bars baby.

Directions are past the third goat ridge on the right (open maps) and it's a 40 min walk but you…read morecan get there quicker if you speed walk/run.

Had such a great visit here, the roads were incredibly well kept!! Every turn offered a new…read moreperspective and view of the mountains!! The pull offs to take photos and take in the view felt like a cheat code to seeing the parks beauty without putting in the work to hike for a view point, making this part of the national park incredibly accessible to those who's mobility is not up to par for a long hike.

We absolutely loved this drive. You could honestly stay in the car the whole time and see some…read moregreat views. We didn't though - stopped and did some hiking but our guidebooks were good about noting the mile markers so you could try to plan it out. They had somewhat clear mile markers on the side of the road and it was fairly easy sailing the whole day. As the park got busier, it was nice to have the wayside lots to break things up a bit. Very easy to navigate.

Joined the trail by crossing into "downtown" hot springs to the left of the Spa. Look for the…read morestairs to the right of the corner restaurant caddy corner to the Homestead property. We walked up a short but steep path to a sign for "sunset overlook". Another short walk brought us to a a few benches in a clearing with a beautiful overlook of the Homestead. Overall, a nice relaxed 20 minute roundtrip walk for a great vista.

This trail starts on the grounds of The Homestead. From the valet entrance take a left on a side…read moreroad that winds behind the kid's pool and water slides. Runs left by the golf course and across the grounds of The Homestead then crosses Sam Sneed Parkway into the woods behind the town. See my pics from Sunset Overlook.

Swung by for some fishing. The park is clean and well maintained on the paths, but the grassy…read moreareas, especially near the pond, are not. It was covered in dog feces and lacked many available places to dispose of it. I'll be back, but would like to see more signage reminding folks to clean up after their pets and more places to dispose of trash.

Large park with lots of hiking trails of varying levels, none of which were crowded when we were…read morethere on a weekday afternoon. The Fire Trail was a nice hike over the mountain without being too strenuous and had views of the valley at different points along the way. I could see it being muddy though if it rained recently so be careful. They weren't charging admission when we were there on a weekday afternoon and there was plenty of parking. It looks like they have fishing as well and maybe swimming when the weather is warmer. This place isn't far at all from Crozet so we went for a hike then had dinner in town.

My daughter and I had a great time hiking Humpback Rocks. Others give the directions so I will not…read more The Visitors Center has restrooms and more. The parking for the trailhead is across from the Visitors Center. Wear sturdy shoes, no flip flops or sandals. Take water you will need it, especially on hot days. Only attempt if in good health. Some will bring a good camera, if you have bring it. Obviously take your phone for photos, but keep in mind of weak reception at the top. My recommendation is to start out early AM, but after day break as the trail is too difficult in my opinion to navigate while dark. The trail is around a mile and a half and can take over an hour with breaks. Many can reach the top in 35-45. The view is 100% worth the effort. Be careful up there, it's no joke. Elevation is over 3000 feet.

Lyndhurst, VA (Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway)--Road Trip #2…read more The next spot on the trip was Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Farm Museum (HRVC). Since I had done my research, I knew the visitor center would be closed at this time of year. Actually, a lot of Skyline Drive was closed during the winter because of the harsh weather this year. However, when I arrived that day, it was beautiful--sunny, 70s, and gorgeous! Since I couldn't go inside the visitor center, I walked around the grounds and the farm museum. There was no staff that day, but usually they have costumed interpreters to explain about life back in the late nineteenth century. I was still able to look around--they have a single-room log cabin; many outbuildings that represents the regional architecture; and nearly 3,000 acres of forested lands surrounding the museum. Amenities: --Restrooms (Not during the winter season though--you're out luck if you show up like I did. Not even a port-a-pottie. Make sure you go to the bathroom before you visit!) --Exhibits and programs (During the season, roughly May - October, the hours are Thursday - Tuesday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) Some of the demonstrations include weaving, basket making, and gardening. --Picnic Area (Milepost 8.5--If you leave HRVC and turn right, you will see the picnic area on the left. This is called Humpback Gap Overlook, and this is where you will find the trail to Humpback Rocks.) --Visitor Center, information, restrooms, and exhibits are wheelchair accessible. Interpretive programs are accessible with assistance. I am hoping to get back to the area this summer and, if time permits, I will check out the visitor center and take pictures. I have a feeling that HRVC could be one of the best visitor centers around when it is fully staffed. Still, walk around the grounds, have a picnic, and, if you're brave, climb Humpback Rocks. Just driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a treat!

Blackwater Creek Trail & the surrounding downtown Lynchburg city hold a special place in my heart!…read more I spent my college years roaming the sights figuring out who I was & what I believed. This trail takes you on a journey through it all, it walks along side the downtown river & loops you through the woods & through caves! You've gotta take a stroll over the bridge or add a lock to the bridge with your love when in Lynchburg!

Super clean park, they even had a little free book area and found me a book I've always wanted to…read moreread to compare it to the movie. The LOVE sign is super cute. The over look you are able to see the mountains. Very quiet area and easy parking. I believe this was in downtown area since we had to go through it to get to the park.