War Spur, Wind Rock & Mountain Lake
On April 16th, 2010, I went hiking to War Spur with my energetic and talkative friend Olivera and not to mention she loves taking picture of herself. We drove through Mountain Lake Resort where the movie Dirty Dancing, starring Patrick Swayze, was filmed in one of the cabins there. We drove pass the resort and the mountain lake, on to a dirt road to reach War Spur and from there we drove further down on a bumpy road (about a mile or so) to Wind Rock trailhead. These trails are located less than 25 minutes drive from Blacksburg. Both trails are short and easy, and each leads to scenic overlooks.
War Spur
War Spur
The War Spur is also known as Chestnut loop near Mountain Lake. This 3 mile loop trail offers panoramic mountain views. From the trail head, we hiked clockwise. The trail passes through thick patch of rhododendron and there is a small stream that crosses the trail. The trail is mostly flat but there are some parts with gradual steep walks. Then the trail comes to an intersection which leads to War Spur overlook. The view from stacks of rocks is gorgeous and you can see some mammoth hemlocks which is one of the main highlight of this hike. The trees were still recovering from winter, it was perfect day with blue sky and cool breeze. The scattered clouds were casting its shadow on the nearby mountains. After spending almost half hour obviously taking pictures of Olivera, we continued the loop clockwise. We saw few chestnut trees along the way as we reached the parking lot. Parking is free but limited. Click here for more pictures…
Wind Rock
Wind Rock
We drove another mile or so to Wind Rock trailhead. The road is very bumpy especially when you have small car like mine. My car was suffering, I could feel her pain. From the parking lot its a quarter-mile hike which leads to a sweeping views of nearby mountains in Jefferson National Forest. You can probably figure out from its name, it’s pretty windy out there. I also saw little snake between the rocks but I wasn’t quick enough to snap any pictures. If you are planning to hike War Spur, make sure you visit Wind Rock, it’s totally worth it. Click here for more pictures…
Mountain Lake
Mountain Lake
On our way back we stopped at Mountain Lake to explore the lake and boulders around it. Virginia only has two natural fresh water lakes and Mountain Lake is one of them. Mountain Lake is not part of the Jefferson National Forest but people hike the surrounding national forest. The lake looked like it was dying. We walked along the lake and climbed one of the boulders and took bunch of pictures before we headed back. Click here for more pictures…
How I got here?
- Head out of Blacksburg on US-460 West toward West Virginia
- You will see a sign for Mountain Lake after 10 miles or so
- Make a right on Mountain Lake Road and follow the sign
- Drive through the resort and past the actual lake and onto a dirt road
- About two miles on this dirt road, you will see a parking area for War Spur
Pandapas Pond – a man-made pond
On April 10th, 2010, I was ready for my first solo hike. I was planning to do an early morning short hike to Buffalo Mountain Natural Area in Virginia. I was late getting up, after finishing my breakfast, I started driving. As I was getting gas, I realized I do not know how to get there. So, I came back home to check the directions. I found out that it’s more than a 50 mile drive to get there. I realized it wouldn’t be rational to drive there for just a 2 mile hike, especially with the amount of school works due in the coming week. But once you have your hiking boots on you gotta go for hike, that’s Bibek’s rule. So I started driving toward 460W in search of any trail or site. After driving for less than 10 miles I saw a sign for Pandapas pond.
Pandapas pond
Pandapas pond, located in Jefferson National Forest, is a man-made pond. I enjoyed the solitude and walked around the pond loop multiple times taking pictures. There were multiple trails around the pond. I strolled on these trails for little bit. I saw bikers, runners, fishers, strollers, dogs and kids running around. Overall conveniently located Pandapas pond is a good place for family outings with a few designated picnic areas.
Three amigos
Sunset from Mcafee’s Knob
After a long, cold, and snowy winter in Blacksburg, spring is finally here. The weather is getting warmer, the grass is getting greener and you can see an explosion of all sorts of plant growth. On April 2nd, 2010, I went back to McAfee’s Knob with my buddy Andrea. It was very warm day felt like summer, almost 90 degrees. My main goal of this hike was to capture a perfect sunset. Please read my earlier post for more information about the trail.
I enjoy driving up to Catawba valley, it’s very scenic. You can see surrounding mountains, farmlands, cattle and horses grazing and there is a creek that follows the route almost up to Route 311. This long, twisty, roller coaster road reminds me of back home, Nepal. Plus I drive a stick shift, which makes driving extra fun.
Mcafee’s Knob
We started our hike around 5:30 pm. We followed the Appalachian Trail to the top and used fire trail to come back down. There were few people on the trail mostly returning from the top. We were at the top a little before sunset. But we were greeted by unexpected and annoying friends, flies. We were attacked by swarm of flies. They were all over us, in our face, body and even in pictures. Andrea left early but I stayed another half hour running from one end of the knob to another to avoid these flies. I finally gave up and headed back home. Click here for more photos
Sunset from Mcafee’s Knob
Revisiting Cascade Falls
On March 14th, 2010, I was still hung-over from my West Coast road trip; I took couple of my friends to Cascade Falls. I was accompanied by two couples, so I was more like the fifth wheel. Please check my later post for detailed information about the trail.
When I went to Cascade Falls in early January, the whole fall was frozen; it was beautiful. Since then, the waterfall has already thawed and there has been continuous rain resulting in an abundant amount of water. The Cascade Fall was furious, even parts of the trail were flooded. While trying to avoid the flooded parts, I slipped and got soaked. I was really excited to see the dramatic change in the Falls from its earlier frozen state to this angry, almost treacherous body of water that was rushing in front of me, ready to sweep anything away in its current. I cannot wait to go back there this summer when I will see yet another side to the Falls-calm and swimmable. Click here for more pictures
Cascade Falls on March 14th, 2010
Cascade Falls on January 15th, 2010
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead National Recreation Area
On our way back from Grand Canyon we were passing through Las Vegas, so we decided to make pit stop at the Hoover Dam. I have always been impressed with the size and structure of Hoover Dam and the history behind it is also fascinating. Do you know the dam holds enough concrete to pave a 16-foot-wide, eight-inch-thick road from New York City to San Francisco? That’s lot of concrete!! Over 5,000 men worked for five years to erect this historical landmark between the Black Canyon’s steep walls. It was completed in 1936; at that point it was world’s largest hydroelectric power generating station. We did not do the power plant tour but we took few snapshots and started driving as traffic was getting little crazy. Click here for more pictures
Hoover Dam
After a short drive from Hoover Dam, we saw this huge body of water, Lake Mead. This national recreational area is a startling contrast of desert and water, mountains and canyons. My friend Shahnila was very excited to see Lake Mead, if only she had a swim suit she would have been swimming in it. The cool air and water bodies were soothing since we have been driving / hiking in the desert for the last few days. We did not hike any trails but we just drove around the scenic drive and made random stops and enjoyed the view. The Lake Mead National Recreational Area offers camping, hiking trails, boating, swimming and waterskiing. If you want to get away from the Las Vegas heat, this might be perfect getaway.
Hey guys, it is me Shahnila again! I just had to add some more to this blog post, since you may have guessed, I am a huge fan of water!!! Anyway, we got to Lake Mead and there is a scenic drive which leads to the boats docked there. However, part of it also led straight into the water. Bibek says a swim suit – but bah!!!! – I would have jumped in if it was at all allowed. I think I would have gotten arrested if I did. If it was some sort of pond then I would have jumped in regardless of what I was wearing. The beautiful sunshine and blueness of the Lake was enough for me! Click here for more pictures
Lake Mead
Valley of Fire State Park
On March 7th, 2009, after spending the morning at Red Rock Canyon and afternoon wandering around Las Vegas, we decided to make a trip to Valley of Fire. It is Nevada’s oldest state park located 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas.
Valley of Fire has a unique landscape and red colored rocks are more striking and is scattered throughout the park. The red rocks have an additional spark to them with the surrounding black hills as the backdrop. I can imagine this place glowing red at both sunrise and sunset. The park has numerous points of interest; red rock formations, hiking trails, camping grounds, picnic shelters, along with miles of petrified wood, rocky excursions, and ancient petroglyphs. We entered the park from west entrance and tried to stop at each point of interest until it started getting dark. We got there in the late afternoon and the weather was overcast so there were very few people at the park. We were driving slowly and stopping at all interesting locations to take pictures. I felt like we completely owned the park. My favorite part was the Anasazi petroglyphs painted some 4000 years ago. As I am looking at the Valley of Fire brochure now, a month or so after my trip, I realized that we had completely missed Elephant Rock which is one of the main attractions of the park. Now I have a good excuse to go back!!
If anybody wants to take a break from excessive clubbing and gambling, I strongly encourage you all to visit Red Rock Canyon State Park and Valley of Fire State Park, it’s totally worth it.
Here is what my friend Shahnila had to say: “The weather was not that great, mostly overcast and drizzling as well. But we saw as much as we could. The rocks were as red as at Red Rock Canyon but they seemed to be more jagged and there were more shadows. It was almost as if people had carved miniature caves into the rock and some of these were petroglyphs. Some of highlights of the drive, where we got out of the car to take pictures in the drizzle, were Atlatl rock, Arch Rock, the Beehives, and the Seven Sisters. The drive we did through the park was great, although I think Bibek and I both would have loved to see it in better weather where the redness of the rock could be seen even better.” Click here for more photos…
Valley of Fire
Red Rock Canyon State Park
Two weeks before my spring break, I decided to go to Las Vegas. I have heard so much about this city and after watching the movie “Hangover,” I really wanted to go there. I also thought this would be good opportunity to explore the national parks and landscape out in the West. I convinced my friend Shahnila and my brother to tag along. However, my brother just came to celebrate his birthday and he did join us for the part of the trip.
After 11 hours of traveling (car + airplane), I finally reached the sin city. The next morning we got up early and started the first day of our adventure with IHOP. Our plan was to basically drive and hike the closet parks and trails around Las Vegas.
Our first destination was Red Rock Canyon State Park in Nevada which is less than 25 miles from downtown, Las Vegas. I was impressed with the spectacular rock formations with vivid colors and scenic desert landscape. Plus the white clouds moving across the canyons was a perfect addition to the scenic view. My traveling buddy, Shahnila is going to share her experience in this post:
Hey Guys! Shahnila here: Bibek’s tag along buddy on the four states in four days trip. Our adventure started out in Nevada, where on Sunday morning (March 7, 2010) we drove to Red Rock Canyon. As we approached, I could see glimpses of the red sandstone and it only got better and better as we got closer.
Our first stop was the Calico I spot. We walked around for a short while and got up close and personal with the red rocks. We then passed by Calico II and onto the Sandstone Quarry stop. Here we got out and got a couple of pictures of the Turtlehead Peak trail.
We then went to Ice Box Canyon, which was our first hike. We walked on a rocky trail sprinkled with green shrubbery and cactus. We walked uphill through two peaks of the canyon where we were able to see a small stream of water below us. The trail eventually headed downhill where we were met by the water we had seen from above. The next steps were to walk up along, and on the rocks between the water. The tricky part was to not get my shoes wet as I was wearing tennis shoes and not hiking shoes. But alas, I failed! The water was cold and felt refreshing… it was clear and I was tempted to even take a sip although I knew it may not be actually clean. The trail along the rocks was slippery in certain points but the view looking back down the path was great. The air was refreshing. Another hiker who we encountered on the way mentioned that this was the most water she had seen in many years on that particular trail. I followed Bibek until we came to a spot where the trail was hardly visible and it would have been impossible to continue without getting pretty soaked so we turned around and went back the way we had come.
Overall I think this trail was not a very hard one and although we didn’t get to reach the end, it was a good first hike for our trip and got us excited about the upcoming hikes. Click here for more photos…
- Overview of the park
Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is one of the most popular and beautiful hiking spots around Blacksburg, VA. It is located in Jefferson National Forest, a four-mile loop alongside Little Stony Creek. To avoid a crowd, I waited until the winter to explore this trail. On January 15th, 2010, I went to Cascade Falls to hike with a few of my friends.
This winter has been crazy for the many parts of the US, and it was no different here. The trail was covered with snow and parts of the creek were frozen. Blue skies and the snow-covered ground made this hike beautiful. There are two trails: the flat one is about 2 miles and was not that interesting, however the other trail is about 3 miles and offers a beautiful view. We crossed bridges, climbing stone stairs on the way to a frozen Cascade Falls. It looked spectacular, there are wooden stands constructed on the side, where we saw ice formations hanging from the cliffs that surrounded the fall.
We headed further up to Barney’s Wall but lost our way and ended up on conservancy trail. We followed this trail for another 35 minutes until we realized we were not going in right direction. Overall it’s a moderate hike, a good study break, the trail is easy and very scenic as you follow the creek the whole way to the falls. Click here for more photos…
Frozen Cascade Falls
Tinker’s Cliff
On November 6th, 2009, I hiked Tinker’s Cliff. I have wanted to hike this trail since I saw it from McAfee’s Knob. As I started this hike I crossed through Catawba Creek and meadow which was separated by barbed wire and fences. I assumed I was crossing through someone’s personal property so I tread carefully in respect of their grounds. I crossed through a stretch of cow pasture and watched out for the cow dung. Along with the pasture, I walked along pleasant rushing streams and I could see the mountain looming in the distance.
As I continued my ascent I saw few no trespassing signs along the way and a cement factory. The trail gradually got steeper through dense forest. I passed through two steep hills but the climbs were not too lengthy. After these uphill spurts, the trail became more gradual in its ascent. But as you get closer to the top, it was followed by turns and twists which was a steady uphill climb all the way to the top of cliffs. From the top I could see a breathtaking view of the valley and McAfee’s Knob. I strongly encourage anyone to explore this long stretch of limestone cliffs. Click here for more photos…
Wooden Bridge across the creek
Another view from top
Angel’s Rest
The best way to experience the changing color of the fall season is to take advantage of one of the many trails surrounding Blacksburg. On October 8th, 2009, I decided to hike Angel’s Rest with my friends, Andrea and Ed. Usually, when I go on a hike, I do not read a lot about the hike besides directions and distance. So, I expected this 4.6 mile round trip to be fairly easy and quick. But I was completely wrong!!
The trail, covered with fall dry leaves, never leveled off. It was steady incline of 1,600 ft for 1.5 miles before we reached the sprawl of the two ancient rockslides. I was sweating and I could feel my calves straining. You pass through thick oak, laurel and rhododendron. I cannot imagine how beautiful this trail would look when nature is blooming at its full extent. On a side note, the Rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal. We were accompanied by bees buzzing as we reached the rock boulder. From the boulder, a few hundred feet to the right on a blue-blazed trail, you could see a little opening. It offered views of the New River Valley, Pearisburg & Peters Mountain on the left, Butt Mountain at center right, and Bald Knob at the far left.
The Angels Rest Trail did end here, it continued around the edge of Pearis Mountain to a rock ledge overlooking Wilburn Valley and the mountains to the east which offered another spectacular view. Overall, I would rate this hike as strenuous but the view from the top is totally worth it. Click here for more photos…
View from Angel's Rest
View of Wilburn Valley
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McAfee Knob
McAfee knob is considered to be the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. The reason become evident once I reached the top. On October 3rd, 2009, our department organized this trip, so we left little after noon. The group that went with me was quite big, about 15 people. I love hiking in groups but when you have a group as big as this, you are likely to be content talking within the group rather than enjoying nature. I myself was distracted the whole trip, as I was following my group and not paying too much attention to the trail. So I do not have as much insight to offer from this trip.
It was another perfect day. The trail was fairly crowded by weekend hikers. There are two trails you can take up to the peak. We followed the Appalachian Trail to the top which is more scenic one and it’s about 3.5 miles to the top. We used fire trail to get back down which is about 2 miles. At the top, you are about 3,197 feet above the sea level. From the top you can see Catawba Valley, Tinker Cliffs to the North and the Roanoke Valley to the East.
After our hike we all went to Home Place Restaurant (which is actually less than 2 miles from the McAfee parking lot), serves the best homemade southern food on earth. It is hidden in the mountains of the Roanoke Valley, surrounded by cattle grazing the Catawba hillside. For $13 you get all you can eat fresh cooked southern style food which includes fried chicken, roast beef or smoked ham, soft buttery biscuits, delicious green beans with ham hock, mashed potatoes, pinto beans, Cole-slaw and boat of gravy. Just writing about it makes me hungry. I am literally in love with place; I was telling my friend the other day if I am here for longer, I might even have my wedding reception here. Later, I will write a new post on this place, it’s a hidden gem. Click here for more photos…
Me on the edge
Tinker’s Cliff from McAfee’s Knob
Dragon’s Tooth
When I first heard about this trail, I was very intrigued with its name. I imagined this trail to be mystic and adventurous. On September 25th 2009, I decided to hike this trail with some of my out-of-town friends. We didn’t pick the best day; it was raining, foggy and cold. But that did not stop up from exploring Dragon’s Tooth!!
As we started our hike, nature welcomed us with a downpour followed by fog. At that time, I did not have the appropriate hiking gear. I was just wearing my gym shoes that I had waterproofed with spray. It did not take long for my feet to get wet. Luckily the rain lasted only 20 minutes. The first mile and half was fairly easy and steady until we reached the intersection of the white blazed Appalachian Trail. At this intersection, there were couple of trails and they weren’t marked properly; we decided to follow the trail on the right side.
The best part of trail started here. The trail became very rocky and steep. Foggy and slippery conditions made this part of the hike exciting. We got lost for a bit as we were following a series of rocks. I also noticed a couple of u-shaped iron bar steps embedded in rock to help to climb the steep rock surface. I really enjoyed this part of hike, especially maneuvering through those rocks. At the top, there were three rock formations of about 30 feet or more which kind of resembled tooth. I really enjoyed my hike but was kind of bummed since I couldn’t see anything further than 20 feet.
September 25th: Dragon’s Tooth
To get over my discontent, I went back on Jan 23rd, 2010 with a few of my friends. It was cloudy, a little chilly, and parts of the trail were still covered with snow but the visibility was lot better. And I was also wearing my new hiking shoes which made it a lot easier to climb through rocks. We were at the top in about an hour, and as soon as I got there, I climbed one of the rocks which offered a great view of Sandstone Ridge to the south, Brush Mountain to the west, and McAfee Knob to the east.
I would rate this hike as intermediate, but one should be very cautious while climbing through those rocks. Click here for more photos…
Feb 23: Dragon’s Tooth
Trying to capture McAfee Knob between the rocks
Kelly’s Knob
Here in my first blog, I am trying to recall my first hiking experience. As I was going over my photo albums, I realized Kelly’s Knob was technically my first hike. I went there on September 19th, 2009, with a few friends from my department. I personally prefer hiking early in the morning. I think that it is the best time of day – less crowded, fresh air and the weather is cooler, better than sweating in the scorching afternoon heat.
As we were driving on Route 106 for several miles through farms, I could not resist the view. The sky was blue, clear and crisp all set with beautiful puffy white clouds moving across the mountains – it was a perfect day for my first hike.
As I recall, the starting point was pretty foggy and steep, but after 20-30 minutes it leveled off. We followed the white blazes on the trees to a large rock outcrop and a nice view. It only took us 45 minutes to get to the knob. Once we got up there, we could see a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains along with Blacksburg. I also saw couple of places to camp as well. Overall, it was well worth effort. I would rate this hike easy to mediocre, good to make you sweat for a little bit.
As my first hike, I do not want to say this experience was life changing but it really got me more interested in exploring beautiful mountains and trails in Virginia. Click here for more photos…
View from top
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As I recall, the starting point was pretty foggy and very steep, but after 25-30 minutes it leveled off. We followed the white blazes on the trees to a large rock outcrop and a nice view. It only took us 45 minutes to get to the knob. Once we got up there, we could see a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains along with Blacksburg. I also saw couple of places to camp as well. Overall, it was well worth effort. I would rate this hike easy to mediocre, good to make you sweat for a little bit.
As my first hike, I do not want to say this experience was life changing but it really got me more interested in exploring beautiful mountains and trails in Virginia.
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Outdoors 