Blue Ridge Parkway

  Even though my two day trip to the Blue Ridge got turned into a one day trip, due to rain, I really was able to see quite a bit in the short time I had. The afternoon I arrived I did some exploring around Sherando Lake. Then in the morning I headed up to the Parkway, and drove south for about 60 miles, stopping along the way at several of the overlooks, taking a short hike, and having a picnic.

  A fern frond, backlit by the afternoon sun, at the Sherando Lake Recreation Area.

  Last year, when I was visiting the same area, the Mountain Laurel were in bloom. This year I got to see something different, these pretty purple wild geraniums were everywhere. This particular photo was taken on the Fallingwater Cascades Trail, as was the one below. In all honesty I didn't love this trail, it was in serious need of maintenance, and the views of the waterfalls just weren't as great as Wigwam Falls.

  One of the many rivers and streams along the parkway.

  I can't wait to go back! Hopefully I'll have time this autumn to explore the area around Asheville during the foliage.

Trillium and Thunder Ridge Overlook, Blue Ridge Mountains

  Our lunch spot, can you believe we had this area all to ourselves? Thunder Ridge is one of the more interesting overlooks, with a few nice picnic tables, a short walk to an overlook, and access to the AT.

   Trillium! I was hoping to see some of this beautiful wildflower, but initially thought I was either too early or too late. Then I drove past the Thunder Ridge area and saw them covering the forest floor. I guess I just had to be at a higher elevation.

Wigwam Falls

  Last year I took a camping trip to Lake Sherando, and discovered the amazing Blue Ridge parkway, but didn't have nearly enough time to explore. Fortunately I was able to find a few days last month, to revisit the area.

   One of the great things about the Blue Ridge is how accessible beautiful spots like this are, something I appreciate now that my 13 year old dog can't hike like he used to. Just off the road, at the Yankee Horse Ridge Area, is Wigwam Falls. The photos don't do it justice, I had intended to come back to it later in the day, when the sun was at a different angle, but a thunderstorm changed my mind.

An old logging railroad is now a short trail to a picnic area.

  I stayed at Lake Sherando, in the national forest, about 6 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway, the same place I camped last year. In addition to my National Geogrphic maps of the Washington and Jefferson National Forests, I also got a new guidebook, "Hiking the Blue Ridge Parkway" a Falcon Guide by Randy Johnson.

Along The Blue Ridge

Last month I packed up the dogs for a weekend and went camping in the mountains. Although I've lived in Virginia for five years, I've only been out to the Appalachians once, for a backpacking trip along the AT. This time I stayed at Lake Sherando in the George Washington National Forest. Its a very pretty area, with a stocked pond for fishing, a swimming area, and hiking trails. The campground was very well maintained with pretty campsites, but crowded, even in early May. Next time I'll go during the week, maybe in the fall to see the foliage.
 
The Appalachian Trail. We didn't hike any of it on this trip, but it is pretty.
 
Chewie and Panzer, at the Ravens Roost Overlook. They make excellent traveling and camping companions. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful road. Fun driving and great scenery.

A mountain laurel in bloom on the Lakeside Trail, and easy circut around Sherando Lake.