Hike and Camp in Blue Ridge

The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its beautiful scenery, and is located in both Virginia and North Carolina. It is 469 miles passing through the mountain chain of Blue Ridge and alongside the Appalachian Mountains. The land is maintained by the National Park service. It is the narrowest and the longest National Park in the whole world. It is visited by tons of tourists, hikers and campers each year.

By winding through the captivating mountains, campers and hikers really enjoy staying here. It gives them the access to cultural and natural resources. You can fish, hike, or take pictures of the beautiful scenery while here.

Basically, the top two activities in Blue Ridge Parkway are camping and hiking. The campground areas are located along the Blue Ridge Parkway and this has facilities filled with activities for every camper. In fact, there is an itinerary filled with activities for both children and adults.

The campsite is equipped with tables and fireplaces. Then there are various hiking trails to choose from. Just follow the regulations. These were made to preserve and maintain the natural and magnificent features of the Parkway.   The many hiking trails are for every level of hiker, whether you are a beginner looking for something simple, or are looking for something more complicated.

If you choose to go hiking along the Blue Ridge Parkway, here is a listing of the various trails located in Blue Ridge Park, their description and the mode of difficulty of hiking it.

Easy
1. Mountain Farm Trail – you can guide yourself though this. It is a reconstructed farmstead.
2. The Priest – good view.
3. Boston Knob – good exercise for your legs.
4. White Oaks – leg stretcher.
5. James River Trail – you can guide yourself through this.
6. Thunder Ridge Trail – this trail leads to a view of Arnold Valley.

Moderate
1. Catoctin Loop Trail – it’s a good exercise for your legs.
2. Greenstone Trail – you can guide yourself hiking through the forestry in this trail.
3. White Rock Falls Trail – you can follow the stream until you reach the small falls.
4. Big Spy Mountain – you have a good view of the Shenandoah Valley on this trail. It is also perfect for sky watching.
5. Yankee Horse – this is close to both land and water.
6. Indian Gap – you just have to be watchful which season you will be hiking on this trail.
7. Otter Lake Trail – this is situated near the lake.
8. Fallingwater Cascades Trail – the loop has an overlooking view of the cascades.

Strenuous
1. Appalachian Trail – its gap reaches the Humpback Mountain and the elevation is 3650 feet high. It is a 2000-mile footpath. The trail is close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Dive, as well as the Shenadoah National Park.
2. Apple Orchard Falls Trail – it may be hard but the overlooking view of the Apple Orchard Falls make it all worth it.
3. Flat Top Trail – it reaches as high as 4001 feet and has three prominent peaks.

Normally, camping season lasts from May until October. You can still go to the camping site during winter but you must inquire about reservations in advance. No fee is charged but there is a limit in the services. For example, only the frost-free faucets and chemical toilets can be used.

Comfort stations and drinking water are provided. However, there are no shower, laundry or electric hook-up facilities.

If you’re looking for some fun hiking or camping, or just want to pass through some beautiful scenery, visit the Blue Ridge Parkway.