Just 15 miles from Washington, D.C., and down the road from Langley (CIA), Great Falls Park is a National Park Service unit that feels like you are standing in the wilderness, not in the 8th most populated area of the United States. This shows how popular the park is. It was the first time I… Continue reading Great Falls Park
Tag: Virginia
Sweet Run State Park: Farmstead Loop/Mountain View Loop Trails
In the summer of 2025, we hiked the AT from Route 9, at Keyes Gap, to the power lines, where it connects to Sweet Run State Park. A day later, at the annual AT festival in Hillsboro, VA, I talked to a Virginia State Parks ranger, who gave me a "get in for free" pass… Continue reading Sweet Run State Park: Farmstead Loop/Mountain View Loop Trails
Luray Caverns
If you drive I-81, you have definitely passed the (many) signs for Luray Caverns as you enter Virginia. And who doesn't love a good tourist trap, am I right? Kirk and I took the boys down to Luray to visit it this past weekend. It's definitely a good tourist trap, with museums and the requisite… Continue reading Luray Caverns
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park: Stonewall Jackson Death Shrine
While driving across Virginia along I-95, I saw a sign for "Stonewall Jackson Death Site" on the highway. It's about 35 miles away from Richmond, VA. I mean, are you going to pass that up? I've learned not to pass up on a chance if you have time. Chances are, you won't get back to… Continue reading Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park: Stonewall Jackson Death Shrine
Boar’s Head Resort
We spent 6 days and 5 nights at Boar's Head Resort, which is located near Charlottesville, Virginia. It sits in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which is about 2.5 hours from our home in West Virginia (that ridge passes near the Eastern Pandle, with the AT going over it). A straight shot down… Continue reading Boar’s Head Resort