Last Chance to Join the Excitement: The Blue Ridge Games Enter Final Week
The first-ever Blue Ridge Games have been a hit, offering a variety of thrilling activities that highlight the unique beauty of Southwest Virginia.
Ribbon cutting held for McAfee Knob Trailhead Shuttle service expansion
Roanoke County and the City of Salem held a ribbon cutting on Thursday to announce the expansion of the McAfee Knob Trailhead shuttle service.
Missing Hiker and infant found in Jefferson National Forest
The Botetourt County Sheriffโs Office and its Drone Team along with the Eagle Rock Volunteer Fire Department, personnel from the Botetourt County Department of Fire and EMS, the Virginia Conservation Police, and the Botetourt County Special Operations Team (SOTT), conducted a search for a missing 25-year-old mother and her 8-month-old daughter on the Roaring Run Furnace Trail. The incident occurred on Saturday, November 18, 2023.
Happy trails! Oct. 2 Google Doodle celebrates Appalachian Trail
A treat to many travelers and avid hikers on the East Coast was featured on the Google search page and in the Google Doodle on October 2 -the Appalachian Trail.
National Park Service looking to better manage crowds at Virginiaโs Triple Crown trails
The segment of the Appalachian Trail that includes Dragonโs Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker Cliffs is one of the busiest sections of the trail.
Virginia hiker raising awareness for Ukrainian refugees by hiking the entire Appalachian Trail
A Virginia hiker is raising awareness for Ukrainian refugees by hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.
National Park Service wants your input on changes to Virginiaโs Triple Crown hiking trails
Calling all hikers! Changes are coming to Virginiaโs Triple Crown along the Appalachian Trail, but officials need your help first.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Roanoke Mountain](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/488VDOiAg7oWsAv6krNoCHUG8BY=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/11-21-2020/t_7502ba06c4e14a7bb14dc20c72624724_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Roanoke Mountain
ROANOKE, Va. โ The Roanoke Mountain overlook is about a 2 mile round trip hike that is a great way to start the morning! Youโll park off the Blue Ridge Parkway right at the Roanoke Mountain Road intersection. With each turn up the road, the view through the trees got prettier and prettier. As we came upon the overlook, you can see the mountains start to pop up in front of you. The view was amazing, and the overlook had photos that showed what mountains were where- you could even see the tip of the Mill Mountain Star from the top.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Panther Falls](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/uT48BmVP-4MNlTmWiKTLVA5w84U=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-27-2020/t_7c889cf103954852a653211261781e52_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Panther Falls
BUENA VISTA, Va. โ Panther Falls is a swimming hole just outside of Buena Vista. Youโll take Panther Falls Road for about three miles, then youโll start to see cars lined up in the small parking lot. It was pretty cold but the more we walked along the river, the more we got used to it. There was a lot of people when we went, and we noticed a group underneath the falls swimming through a cave. On another set of falls, there were natural water slides into a pool.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Barneyโs Wall and the Cascades](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/nyBiUq9_Ywou8Yb104Mr7Nb6A2Q=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-06-2020/t_f37eaac1afc84f5d8a33c0aa36488761_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Barneyโs Wall and the Cascades
PEMBROKE, Va. โ Barneyโs Wall and the Cascades is a 4 mile round trip hike that has mountain and waterfall views. Full disclaimer, if you donโt have four wheel drive, you probably wonโt make it up to this spot. Walk up the road a few yards then the sign for the trail is on your left. Not the cascades, but definitely a pretty part of Little Stony Creek. But we made it, and I would recommend this hike for sure, but maybe on a cooler day.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Fallingwater Cascades](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/IjjG0E-HfxR7CAeBELC89UZ6_hA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/09-04-2020/t_c3b4153d39064263a2662b5556dbbcdf_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Fallingwater Cascades
BEDFORD, Va. Fallingwater Cascades is a 1.7 mile loop hike that features a waterfall nestled in a mountain. Youll begin your descent down to the falls to the right. After about ten minutes, youll begin to hear the trickle of the water through the mountain. Finally, youll arrive at the Fallingwater Cascades. This hike took us about an hour and was a good way to get out and stretch our legs.
Backpacking with Brooke: Turtle Island
HUDDLESTON, Va. Turtle Island is an easy 1.2 mile hike that leads to an island on Smith Mountain Lake. The hike is located in the Smith Mountain Lake State Park, and cost $7 for parking. You will start at the sign for turtle island, heading to the left. When we were finished, we followed the trail up the middle of the island and took the loop to the left back. If you are heading to Smith Mountain Lake to visit the beach, I highly suggest checking this hike out.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Blue Hole at Jennings Creek](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/64e8gqxy2IsYryIYWrVjdDoaFmo=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/07-27-2020/t_d93f29238134483997d934a132f0bfe3_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Blue Hole at Jennings Creek
This time, weโre hitting a swimming hole known to the locals as Blue Hole, but is part of Jennings Creek in Arcadia. Youโll park in a little lot right off of Route 614. Youโll then walk to the left back across the bridge that crosses Jennings Creek. When the water is high, this makes for a nice swimming hole as well, but for now we just got our hair wet and moved on. We walked downstream along the bank then over some boulders to make it to the actual Blue Hole.
Backpacking with Brooke: Buffalo Mountain
WILLIS, Va. Buffalo Mountain is a 2.2 mile loop just outside of Floyd that offers gorgeous 360 degree views from its peak. Youll park in the lot for Buffalo Mountain Nature Preserve. After about 15 minutes youll start to see a little ridge through the trees. At about half a mile youll hit the first traverse. On the way back, we took the Ridge Trail, which loops back to the parking area.
![Crews rescue mother, two children, lost on Wytheville trail](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/W1Pc7jQqjYzEoLZhDHVQ3a26Kig=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2BWOXMJHDJGKRFGZDDOUTCHBFE.jpg)
Crews rescue mother, two children, lost on Wytheville trail
WYTHEVILLE, Va. Three people are safe after getting lost while hiking in Wythe County on Thursday night. A woman was hiking with her two children when they got lost while hiking on the Boundrary Trail in the Crystal Springs Recreation Area, according to Wytheville Fire & Rescue. While she couldnt get a strong signal, she was able to text her husband letting them know they were lost. At about 8:45 p.m., they found the family and 45 minutes later, they were able to exit the trail. Members of Wytheville Fire and Rescue, Lead Mines Rescue, Speedwell Fire Department and the Wythe County Sheriffs Office all helped with the search.
Backpacking with Brooke: Craig Climb
SALEM, Va. The Craig Climb at Greenhill Park in Salem is a super short, but steep hike, that anyone can do. Youll park at the very back of the park by the picnic shelter. The trail map signals the start of the climb. At the trail head, Craig Climb is the trail to the right. Follow the trail to the left, and then after a few paces youll head to the right.
Backpacking with Brooke: Sawtooth Ridge
CATAWBA, Va. Sawtooth Ridge is a short but rewarding hike on the Appalachian Trail. On the trail map youll see that youre going to head in the opposite direction to the ridge. That trail will start at the back of the parking lot with the at signs heading south. The terrain of the trail is pretty smooth, as you can see I hiked in my chacos and was fine. For a short hike, this part definitely got our heart rate up!
![Backpacking with Brooke: Rocky Knob Trail](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/LFlbB5cCf1BobUw8kif_aisS-Ag=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-22-2020/t_f6cccf3b1ba94f4db95b9f543c70f8d6_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Rocky Knob Trail
FLOYD, Va. โ Rocky Knob Trail is a 2.3 out and back located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. We parked at the Rocky Knob campground area, which is closed, so we pulled onto the grass. Youโll head through the fat man squeeze and lock the gate back behind you. The sign will direct you right to the Rocky Knob Overlook, and we started on our way. he first fork in the trail youโll head right, and a few meters later, thereโs another one where youโll go left.
![Backpacking with Brooke: River Walk to Blue Ridge trail at Explore Park](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qENhfZJ3b_zcYCqMtNh5oZbS_Vk=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-07-2020/t_93af366ff65b43d59a0f347d12ca587d_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: River Walk to Blue Ridge trail at Explore Park
Youโll head right, as the Rock Fish trail will take you down to the River Walk trailThis trail is mostly gravel but has a few grassy areas on the way down. This is also a hot spot for camping, with easy access to the Roanoke River. Once you get to the bottom of the Rock Fish trail, youโll merge with the River Walk. The trail is about a quarter mile, and dumped us back out on the river walk. We walked down along the sand near the bank, just off of the river walk trail.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Blue Suck Falls](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/C7m2O6t9h2o6LI187GmAoYSr7NA=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/06-05-2020/t_f66237261f564a6da7eaf2b83003e7e4_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Blue Suck Falls
MILLBORO, Va. โ Blue Suck Falls is a 6 mile out and back trail located in Douthat State Park. Thereโs lots of hikes to do at Douthat, but we chose Blue Suck Falls that is about 3 miles to the top and includes the hiking double whammy- a waterfall and a nice view. Along the sound of the stream, youโll start a small incline as you head to the falls. Two miles into the trail youโll arrive at Lookout Rock. It was truly at this moment when I was wondering why I was doing a six mile hike in 90 degree weather.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Falls Ridge Preserve](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/mizhmdc8g4S506cW0_WMv5t0V1c=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-24-2020/t_b21cf8f5a62b46dc8d3dc03afa52914b_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Falls Ridge Preserve
ELLISTON, Va. โ Falls Ridge Preserve just outside of Blacksburg has a nice one mile or three mile loop option to get out in nature. Youโll navigate to Falls Ridge Preserve and park in the gravel lot. We headed up a big set of stairs with the sound of the falls in the back. Youโll continue down the trail for a few meters, and come to another bend. Head down the set of stairs we passed earlier, and youโll be at the bottom of the falls.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Mill Mountain](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/qHmQHYbPp6qCAqonxvPkvxZVFq8=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-18-2020/t_4e0cf6ef9dd2444585781733ea94e20a_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Mill Mountain
You will see a path that leads to the start of the monument trail. The monument trail is marked with yellow blazes. A quarter mile later, you will be met with the intersection to continue the monument trail to the bottom of the mountain, or take the star trail up to the top. We sat on the bench for a minute and drank some water, then took the star trail to the top. This part of the trail is a little steeper as it starts to traverse up the mountain.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Poor Mountain Hike](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/8Yg-PFX6smm66HwvE_XIIa1Mito=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-11-2020/t_6c9a312abff74b6987d127523d7513d2_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Poor Mountain Hike
ROANOKE, Va. โ Poor Mountain Hike is a must-see in the Roanoke Valley. Youโll park off of Twelve Oโclock Knob Road in the lot of the Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve. We went at the perfect time, a little chilly, but spring has sprung on the mountain. The bottom of the mountain has a nice stream running through and then youโll take the Piratebush Loop 1.1 miles to the top. Finally, the trail will flatten out as it rounds the top of the mountain.
![Backpacking with Brooke: Rice Fields Hike](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/FjFbQv3UMVVMvDOI6h_4oYoMVTc=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/05-07-2020/t_8ce3c0634bc7417c912f60dd2fd230be_name_image.jpg)
Backpacking with Brooke: Rice Fields Hike
NARROWS, Va. โ The Rice Fields hike is located near Narrows and is a steady five mile out and back hike with stunning views from the top. Youโll park just off of Pocahontas Road on a gravel pull-off, then backtrack a few paces down to the beginning of the Appalachian Trail. This hike is marked with white blazes, and follows the AT 2.5 miles around the mountain. The beginning of the hike traverses back and forth as you steadily ascend. After youโre done basking in the sun and enjoying the view, head back down the way you came.