This is a trial run of posting about hikes and other shenanigans as I live out life in Virginia. Because life is so much more than delicious food, right?
Maybe not so much. But it sure can be beautiful.
I
spent the Christmas holiday alone this year (sucks, I know). So in the
spirit of Christmas and just wanting to get out and do something for
myself, I went solo hiking (I know, Mom...) at Roaring Run Trail
in southwest Virginia.
It was stunning. For my first solo hike, it was an easy trail, out and back, with little to no chance of me getting injured and stranded for hours in the Virginia wilderness (jackpot). Note to self: Pick a day when more people are out and about. I only spotted one family on the trail that day; instead of visions of sugarplums and whatnot, all I could think about were serial killers, black bears, and whether mountain lions had ever made their way back to Virginia. DON'T THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS.
Especially when solo hiking. Focus on the positives, people, focus on the positives. Like waterfalls and immersing yourself in the history of the area.
It's an easy out-and-back trail that is about 1.5 miles in length (3 miles total if you take the trail I took). It's pretty flat and well traveled, which makes it a good hike for those who want to see gorgeous scenery, enjoy the Virginia landscape, and not over-exert themselves.
Plus you get to see a natural water slide (see above), the falls (check out the left), and an old (now defunct) iron furnace-- all of which make the hike worth the trip.
I
hear that there is a pretty good craft brewery not too far from the
trail, which is something I intend to check out the next time I'm out
that way. I'm crossing fingers that winter weather will soon be here so
temps will drop and the falls will freeze over. It would make the hike
that much better in the winter. Oh, and a good snowfall. Because snow
hiking is the best. We'll see!Until next time...
Note: All thoughts and opinions are my own.
