Faculty recommend their favorite fall hikes
As the temperature starts to cool, it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of Southwest Virginia.
For the outdoor lovers in each of us, faculty from across the College of Natural Resources and Environment shared their favorite hikes that people of all skill levels can enjoy.
As always, for any physical activity, be safe, careful, and go with a friend. Let someone else know where you are and stay within your personal limits. Ensure you have enough water and food to keep the body fueled.
Pandapas Pond Day Use Area
Pond Loop
- 37°17'06.2"N 80°27'40.2"W
- AllTrails difficulty: Easy
- Recommended by John Seiler, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Forest Biology in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
“This hike can’t be beat for its proximity to Blacksburg. This is a very flat, wide, and easy-to-hike trail, even if you only have a few hours to spare or have young children. You almost always will see some waterfowl, numerous turtles, and, if lucky, maybe even a bald eagle. I have actually seen a bald eagle at the pond,” Seiler said.
Brush Mountain Trail System
- 37°17'06.2"N 80°27'40.2"W
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by Seiler
"For the more adventurous, the extensive network of trails around Pandapas Pond on Brush Mountain and Gap Mountain offers a wide range of difficulties, yet they are only a short drive from Blacksburg. For an easier but still rugged hike, follow the Poverty Creek Trail. For a serious uphill climb, give Horse Nettle Trail a try. At the top of Horse Nettle [on nearby Running Cedar trail], there is a great view of Blacksburg and the Virginia Tech campus," Seiler said.
Join this year's Hokie Hike
From Oct. 1–Nov. 17, Hokies everywhere are hiking — from favorite trails like these to a lap around the block. Register for this year’s Hokie Hike to support student outdoor recreation and get all-new gear, including a T-shirt and cinch bag. Hit the trail.
Rock Castle Gorge
- 1670 Blue Ridge Parkway, Floyd
- AllTrails difficulty: Hard
- Recommended by Jennifer Gagnon, Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
"Rock Castle Gorge is a challenging and beautiful 10.8-mile hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail passes through hardwood forests and the Bare Rocks boulder field, follows the picturesque Rock Castle Creek for 3 miles, and provides wonderful overlooks of Rock Castle Gorge. It’s always been a favorite hike because it was the site of my first unofficial date with my now-husband," Gagnon said.
Devil's Marbleyard via Gunther Ridge and Belfast Trail Loop
- Petites Gap Road, Natural Bridge Station
- AllTrails difficulty: Hard
- Recommended by Gagnon
"This hike in the James River Face Wilderness passes along the Devil’s Marbleyard boulder field which is full of giant rocks that are great for climbing. The 8-mile loop goes through an area that was burned by a wildfire in 2002. I return to this area periodically to take photos of the natural forest succession taking place after the wildfire. For those who are not forestry nerds, the views are great too," Gagnon said.
Chestnut Ridge/War Spur Loop Trail
- 37.390878° N, -80.508156° W
- Follow Route 613 past Mountain Lake and the Mountain Lake Biological Station. Parking is on the left side of the road.
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by John Peterson, advanced laboratory specialist in the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
"I’m a tree geek. This hike has a spur trail to a quiet and scenic overlook, but the real reason for going is the vegetation. Along the creek at the bottom can be found a residual stand that contains the national champion red spruce. The War Spur hike is just a few miles and is never steep. Plenty of places to stub a toe, so wear some decent hiking shoes. This is a great place to bring the parents while they are in town for a visit. Pack a picnic and eat at the overlook," Peterson said.
Apple Orchard Falls
- 37.529464° N, 79.552938° W
- Take I-81 to Exit 168, east on Arcadia Road, which becomes Jennings Creek Road. Take a left on North Creek Road (FS 59), which ends at the trailhead.
- AllTrails difficulty: Hard
- Recommended by Peterson
"While most people would share a photo of the beautiful waterfall or the view from the top of the fall, this tree geek would recommend hiking in May for the Catawba rhododendron and wild hydrangea blooms. Apple Orchard Falls can be a tough hike. While the trail is well-worn, it is steep in places — with some stairs," Peterson said. "I would recommend the full loop. Hike up to the falls, continue up to the fire road, and there follow the lesser-used trail down along Cornelius Creek back to the trailhead."
Bald Knob Overlook and Mountain Lake
- 100 Hotel Circle, Pembroke
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by Stewart Scales, advanced instructor in the Department of Geography
"This was the first place I hiked when I was a freshman at Virginia Tech, and it has been my favorite ever since. I love taking my classes here. It's a great intro hike to a spectacular overlook above the New River Valley — perfect for sunsets. The area around Mountain Lake has so much to offer in every season," Scales said.
Bottom Creek Gorge: Knight, Johnston, and Duval trails or Johnson and Duval Loop
- 37.133037° N, 80.182285° W
- 2250 Bottom Creek Lane, Shawsville
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by Scales
"This is Virginia's second-highest waterfall and it's only about 45 minutes from campus. This isn't a widely known spot, and it's best if you can see the waterfall right after a heavy rain. This is a great spot for wildlife viewing, and if you're looking for solitude, you won't come across many people here in colder weather," Scales said.
Scales maintains an outdoor recreation map.
Cole Mountain Loop Hike, Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area
- Wiggins Spring Road, Vesuvius
- AllTrails difficulty: Moderate
- Recommended by Michelle Prysby, senior Extension specialist and Virginia Master Naturalist program director, Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation
"I live and work out of Charlottesville, and the Cole Mountain Loop Hike has been one of my favorites for years. The expansive views from the open, grassy balds at the top are well worth the drive in any season of the year. The distance and elevation gain are moderate, but the reward of the views at the top of the mountain is outstanding. it's a 5.7 mile roundtrip with about 1,400 feet of elevation gain," Prysby said.
Rivanna Trail
- Riverview Park, Charlottesville
- AllTrails difficulty: Easy
- Recommended by Prysby
"We’re fortunate here in Charlottesville to have the Rivanna Trail, a rustic walking trail that encircles the city. I’ve 'thru-hiked' the 20-mile trail several times, and it is a great way to get to know Charlottesville neighborhoods and parks. My favorite thing about the trail is that I can use it to actually get places I need to go, like the closest grocery store and my favorite bagel shop. In fact, because much of the trail follows the floodplains of local streams, the walk is often flatter than it would be on the roads. It’s a trail that is friendly for families, on-leash dogs, mountain bikers — at least some sections — walkers, runners, and nature observers, too. Parts of the trail are sites on the Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail," Prysby said.
