Since moving to Colorado, we’ve seen so many wonderful places. Every time I go out on a new trail, and even on trails I’ve hiked several times, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for being able to live here and experience these hikes. I’m sure 2020 will also be filled with wonderful adventures.
You may have noticed that uploads to this website have stalled for a while. Back on October 16 my mother passed away suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack. It’s been a difficult time for us all.
Veach Gap Trail was not too strenuous, but enough of a hike to get good exercise, and had gorgeous views at the top. Even though there were many people visiting, there are a few viewpoint spots at the top, providing enough space for everyone to enjoy the view.
Shenandoah National Park’s Summer Orchids In Shenandoah National Park there are different orchids that bloom in the summer months than those from the spring. It’s always a joy to find these lovely flowers growing in the woods! Greater Purple Fringed Orchid The Greater Purple Fringed Orchid, Large Purple Fringed Orchid, …
Shenandoah National Park is home to over 30 orchid species. Keep an eye out for these beauties in spring!
The terrain on this hike was mostly straightforward, with 2/3 or so being fire roads. The best part of the loop was Corbin Hollow Trail. It is an offshoot trail that is easy to miss in an area which most people (I expect) go to Old Rag, Robertson Mountain, or Nicholson Hollow, but it shouldn’t be missed, as it features some lovely wildflowers.
Lands Run Road is not the usual thin winding path through the woods that we enjoy the most. It’s wide, pebbled, and well-maintained. However, it is a pleasant and easy hike with a range of sights to take in – a waterfall, a stream, and many wildflowers.
Hickerson Hollow Trail is short and does not seem to be a well-traversed, popular trail, but we were able to enjoy seeing a fair variety of spring wildflowers there. Going downhill to start and then uphill on the way back made for some good exercise as well.
The Virginia Bluebells bloom at Bull Run Regional Park in early April. It’s an enjoyable short walk through the woods and a great way to see these charming blue wildflowers at their finest.
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from these new trails, but I was proved wrong! I think no matter where you go in Shenandoah National Park there is always lovely nature to observe and history to learn about.
