Take a hike: Some treks a little farther off the beaten path

If you’ve hiked near Lynchburg, you’ve likely tackled Sharp Top at the Peaks of Otter (or at least heard of it). The strenuous 1½-mile trek to the summit gives way to 360-degree views of the valley below.
On spring and summer weekends, Sharp Top bustles with hikers. Those seeking the solitude of the forest away from crowds must do as Robert Frost suggested: take the path less traveled.

Four local hiking lovers offered recommendations of must-see hikes that are more off the beaten path. There’s something for everybody, from gargantuan boulders and sublime views to bubbling creeks and shady forest paths.

Here’s who weighed in: John Futrell (co-owner of Outdoor Trails in Boonsboro), Ryan Preacher (general manager of Hiker’s Outpost in Wyndhurst), Laurie Foot (treasurer of Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club) and Pat Egan (outings chairperson for the Natural Bridge ATC).

Their list is a starting point but far from exhaustive. The rest is up to you to explore.

Mount Pleasant
Recommended by John Futrell, Ryan Preacher and Laurie Foot

Location: Near Buena Vista off Virginia 755 in the George Washington National Forest, parking area on Forest Service 48.

Description: The resounding favorite among the hiking gurus, the Henry Lanum trail at Mount Pleasant is a 4.8-mile loop hike with varied terrain and great views. The path winds through masses of rhododendron and mountain laurel and through patches of oak, hickory and beech.

Highlights: The views, which Preacher says equal Sharp Top but without the crowds. Good rock outcrops on the top for picnicking or loafing. Also, watch for the peregrine falcons, an endangered species, and their nests atop Mount Pleasant.

Also, check out the trail to Cole Mountain, which has a bald meadow (no trees) with 360-degree views and “Sound of Music-quality fields,” Futrell says.

Crabtree Falls
Recommended by John Futrell, Ryan Preacher

Location: Virginia 56 in Crabtree Falls near Tyro.

Description: Although more frequented than some other sites, this moderate hike provides must-see views of the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. There are stairs and railings along the steep parts, making it accessible to people of all ages.

Highlights: Crabtree Falls features boulder and rock ledges with cliffs that are 80 to 100 feet tall, Preacher says. Plus, you get the sound of water as you walk beside the stream. If you want to make it an easy hike, leave a car at the top and bottom parking lots.

“If you go after a good rain, the falls are going to be a lot bigger,” Preacher says.

Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness
Recommended by John Futrell

Location: Near Staunton and Churchville off U.S. Route 250 at the Mountain House parking area.

Description: Spanning more than 6,519 acres of rugged wilderness and with more than 30 miles of trails, there are many hiking options and good camping spots. Since Ramsey’s Draft is about two hours away, it might make for an overnight camping trip.

Highlights: Check out the old growth forest with trees that are 200 to 300 years old. Futrell says it reminds him of being in the Pacific Northwest. The highest point, Hardscrabble Knob, reaches 4,282 feet.

The Devil’s Marbleyard
Recommended by Ryan Preacher

Location: Near Natural Bridge in the James River Face Wilderness Area on Virginia 781, off Virginia 759.

Description: What starts off as a rather ordinary walk in the woods leads to a unique rock formation, which Preacher describes as “a giant rockslide.” This moderate to strenuous hike is 1.4 miles (2.8 miles roundtrip).

Highlights: The “devil’s marbles” range from grapefruit-size rocks to rocks the size of a car. There is a trail along the side, or you can just venture straight up the rocks. When you get near the top of the rocks, there are good views of the surrounding valley.

Watch out for snakes on the rocks, Preacher says, particularly the timber rattlesnake, cooper head and black snake. Also, some of the boulder climbing is challenging, so common sense is your best guide when maneuvering. As Preacher puts it, “If you wonder whether or not you can climb a rock, you shouldn’t do it.”

AT in James River Face Wilderness Area
Recommended by Laurie Foot

Location: The James River Foot Bridge is in Snowden, just north of the intersection of U.S. 501 and Virginia 130. Petite’s Gap is off Petite’s Gap Road, which is off U.S. 501.

Description: A 10-mile segment of the Appalachian Trail that stretches from Petite’s Gap north to the James River Foot Bridge. Since this is not a loop hike, it requires one car at either end. (Strenuous because of distance.)

Highlights: It’s a mostly downhill hike with great views of the James River. The last two miles go beside the river or Matt’s Creek, which Foot described as “a beautiful, bubbly little creek.”

Big Rocky Row (AT)
Recommended by Pat Egan

Location: Start and end at the James River Foot Bridge on U.S. 501 (see above).

Description: Hike 3½ miles north from the Foot Bridge to Fuller Rocks view point, and another 1½ miles to Big Rocky Row, the turnaround point for heading back. It’s a strenuous hike since it’s 10 miles roundtrip.

Highlights: The trail leads through a forest and along a creek. The viewing points offer great valley vistas.
“It’s a scenic trail that gives you a good strenuous workout,” Egan says. But due to the distance and steepness, it’s not a hike she would recommend to beginners.

AT Trail at Apple Orchard Mountain
Recommended by Laurie Foot

Location: On the Blue Ridge Parkway near mile marker 77. Park at Sunset Field parking lot.

Description: Take the Sunset Field path to the AT; hike north on the AT for about 2 miles to the summit of Apple Orchard Mountain. The trail leads through the “guillotine,” a rock chasm topped by a large boulder. The trail then leads back to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which you can follow back to your car.

Highlights: Take in the views from Apple Orchard Mountain.

Long Mountain Wayside (AT)
Recommended by Pat Egan

Location: Virginia 60 north from Amherst and look for signs for Long Mountain Wayside.

Description: Walk south on the AT along Brown Mountain Creek and continue to Lynchburg Reservoir, the city’s main water supply from the Pedlar River. This hike can range from about 7 to 10 miles depending on how far you walk before turning around.

Highlights: A good hike near the water for bird watching. “It tends to be cooler in there in the summer because of all the water around,” Egan says.

Some basics
Must-haves: A good trail map, sturdy shoes and a daypack with food, water, compass and other essentials. A whistle and small first aid kit are helpful in
emergencies.

Clothes: Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains, so rain gear and layers are advisable.

Common sense: If hiking alone, be sure to tell somebody where you are going and when you plan to return. That way, there’s not a wild goose chase to find you if something should happen.