Blog Posts on Hiking in Wintergreen Resort and Nelson County

For a free hiking map of the Wintergreen Resort trails, stop by the Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties office in the Mountain Inn.  Wintergreen Resort has 30+ miles of hiking trails that are marked and maintained. 

Geocaching in Wintergreen & Nelson County:

First, what is it?  It is a fun combination of hiking and searching for mysteries and treasure.  It’s a “sport” for all ages, it is for individuals or groups and it is fun and educational.  Participants use a hand-hand GPS receiver unit to guide you to a destination, where a hidden container (or “cache”) is stored.  Sound interesting?  Go to:  www.Geocaching.com  

One thing that I want to mention is please tread lightly on our nature.  Leave nature the way you found it while Geocaching.  Replace the cache in a responsible fashion.  (more on this in later posts)

Getting started:  Create an account on Geocaching.com for a free membership.  The zip code for Wintergreen is 22958.  Check it out, there are several caches in the area of Wintergreen Resort.  Friends and family are already having fun with this sport in the resort.  Decide which cache sounds interesting to you and print-out the details.   Don’t forget to bring something to go into the cache once you find the box.  Bring something that reminds you of your hometown and you don’t mind giving away.

Create a waypoint in your GPS unit for the cache, using the latitude and longitude coordinates from the cache’s webpage. (on the print-out from above)

Use your GPS unit’s navigate feature (or equivalent) to produce an arrow on the screen pointing you to the waypoint you just created.

Using the arrow as a guide, make you way towards the cache.

Once you find the cache, take note of how it has been hidden.  You will need to replace it in an identical fashion.

Open the cache and browse the trinkets within it.  You should always trade something of equal or greater value to keep the sport fair.  You don’t have to remove any items and you can help re-stock a poorly filled cache by leaving your item and taking nothing.

Find the logbook within the cache.  Make a new entry in the book noting the date, time, your caching site username and a sentence about your journey to this cache.  Then, hide the cache box exactly like you found it.

Return home and log back into the caching web site.  Log your visit on the web site.

Thing you will Need for Geocaching:

1. A GPS Unit:  Prices range from $100-$150.00 but be sure to check out eBay.

2. A computer with Internet and a printer

3. Cache items for trading  (Check out the Wintergreen Logo store in the Mountain Inn if you forgot to bring some items from home)  Favorite cache items include commemorative pins, patches, crafts, etc.

4. A pen or pencil to signing the log book

5. Your day pack  (tomorrow’s blog will provide a list of day pack supplies)

Variations on Geocaching:

Multi-Caches:  Send you to more than one waypoint prior to you finding the final chache location.

Microcaches:  smaller containers, uses a small log sheet.

Puzzle Caches:   May require you to solve a puzzle of some kind to obtain the coordinates for the cache.

Virtual Caches:  These have no container at all, but require you to find some information at the location or take a picture to prove you found it.

Locationless Caches:  These are like a Scavenger Hunt and challenge you to find an object or landmark that could be anywhere.  These are not listed on geocaching.com.

Moving Caches:  These begin with the original coordinates of a real location, but when found are moved to another location.

Nelson County and Wintergreen Geocaching

Here is just one of the Wintergreen Cache clues:

Located in Wintergreen Resort. Access is free. Maps of Resort and trails are available at Trillium House. Please be mindful of possible wildlife encounters in and around cache areas, especially during warm weather. Bears and snakes are among Wintergreen's many residents!

Park at the Three Ridges Overlook and wear shoes with good treads.
Original Contents:
Wintergreen Golf Ball
Tennis Ball
Baseball
Flashing Ball
Rubber Ball
5 Marbles
Monster Duel TB (Found in Howlin' Good Time at Bark Camp Lake)
Log book, pen, pencil.

Begin your quest at the Three Ridges Access Trail.
Keep your eyes open and you will prevail.
Fire and Brimestone can be viewed another day,
Your Fortune lies down a gentler way.
Continue your journey to where the crossroads appear.
Take a moment to rest and the way will be clear.
Walk both sets of planks, the treasure is near.
Once the boards end, take the way of the deer.
The forest's hand points to the sky,
knot to lead you but to catch the eye!

For the full information, go to www.geocache.com, sign up and search on zip come 22958

Hiking in Nelson County

In the past week, I have been posting about some options for Wintergreen & Nelson County Day Hikes.  There are 32 miles of marked trails in Wintergreen Resort, for all ability levels.  In addition to the Appalachian Trail, there are also many other marked trails in Nelson County.  Spring is the time where many decide to hit the hiking trails. 

Often, I see families head out for a day hike with no gear or supplies.  Even if you think that you going to be on the trail for a few hours, go prepared.  About ten years ago, my husband thought he was going to take a hike on the Appalachian Trail for only a few hours.  Due to a fall and injury, he spent almost 24 hours on the trail.  I have already started a Day Hike Gear Checklist.  Below is my list.

A day backpack.  Easy to find.  I just bought an Eddie Bauer day pack, and I purchased it at Target for just $29.

Dress in layers and bring an extra pair of socks.  I also suggest bringing a hat.  The Blue Ridge Mountains can get cold at night.  Always pack like you may be on the trail for more hours than expected.  Another "dont forget" item is a flashlight and an extra set of batteries.

Take maps and a compass.  I mentioned earlier this week that you can pick up a Wintergreen Trail Map at The Nature Center for $3.  Blue Ridge Sports, in the Mountain Inn, also has maps of all Nelson County trails.  Take a pencil to go with the map.

A first aid kit.  I just bought one at Blue Ridge Sports for $16.  (they also had a $7 version)  It is light weight and already in a waterproof kit.  I added a small roll of duct tape to the kit.  Just as important, if you get lost or injured, you will want a whistle.  Pick up a Fox Whistle at any hiking store.  They can be heard for over 1 mile and cost less than $3.

I use Avon Skin-So-Soft bug guard and sun block.  I just ordered a supply for this year at $9.99 a bottle. 

Food and Water:  Take enough food for the hike plus an emergency ration for at least one good meal on the trail--in case you get lost or delayed in your return.   I also just picked up a new water bottle for $10.50 at Blue Ridge Sports.  I usually also carry a fire starter or waterproof matches.  One of the best tips that I recently read is that cotton balls covered in Vaseline make great fire starters.  (the matches and fire starters are only if there is an emergency and I am in the woods overnight.  Always follow safe fire procedures)

The last item on the list is a small roll of toilet paper.  Pack this is a zip-lock freezer bag.  (always good to have some extra bags in your pack too)

  I also carry my BlackBerry handheld device.  A BlackBerry can send an email in a low-signal area where regular cell phones can not make a call.  Always tell someone when to expect your return.  Call them as soon as you finish your hike and let them know that you have returned.

So, excluding the BlackBerry device, I have this year's day-pack ready for less than $100.

For more information about Nelson County and Wintergreen Resort, go to:  www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com.  I hope to see you in Nelson County soon!

A Hike in Fortunes Cove and the Mountain Cove Winery

The Fortunes Cove and Mountain Cover area is another one of my favorite areas in Nelson County.  My family has roamed this area since the 1700s.  Family members were still farming apples in this area until the 1980s.  When heading over to Fortunes Cove and Mountain Cove Winery, be sure to take your time on Mountain Cove Road and enjoy the scenery of Nelson County apple trees.  I will be blogging about Nelson County orchards later this year.

The Fortunes Cove Preserve has hiking and biking trails across 755 acres that stretches along the crest of Woods Mountain.  The preserve is the home to a wide variety of flora and wildlife.  This preserve is open daily from dawn until dusk.

  There are 5.5 miles of hiking trails that take hikers through a loop around the preserve.  There is a stream along the base of the trail that is filled with blooming wildflowers during the summer months.

The 5.5-mile loop trail climbs steeply from the parking area, gaining some 1,500 feet in elevation before reaching its highest point. Hikers should be in good physical condition and should allow six hours to complete the entire loop. A gravel parking area and kiosk with trail map are at the preserve entrance; there are no restrooms

The Fortunes Cove Preserve is also home to many birds.  You will probably see pileated woodpeckers, northern cardinals, Carolina wrens, warblers, tanagers, American restarts and scarlet tangers. 

Other wildlife that lives in the preserve includes Black bear, bobcat, white-tailed deer, red fox, raccoon, and box turtle.

After hiking in The Fortunes Cove Preserve, head next door to the Mountain Cove Winery.  The Mountain Cove Winery is one of the oldest continuously operated wineries in Virginia.  Most of the vineyard was re-planted in 1997 and the winery is in full modern production.  There is a sales and tasting room that includes a selection of wine gift items.  The vineyard now includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Norton, Chambourcin, Villard Blanc and Traminette.

Be sure to bring a picnic to the Mountain Cove Winery.  There is plenty of outdoor seating available in their wine garden and beautiful views.  Visiting this winery is like visiting a traditional Nelson County farm. 

The Allen Creek Nature Preserve. 

The Allen Creek Nature Preserve is located at the corner of Stoney Creek East and Towhee Court in Stoney Creek at Wintergreen.  (For a map of Stoney Creek, stop by the Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties office in the Mountain Inn)  From the entrance of Stoney Creek, turn left onto Monocan Drive from Rt. 151 North.  Turn right on Stoney Creek East.  Turn left on Towhee Ct and there is parking on the left. 

The nature walk is 0.7 miles, over relatively flat terrain that is suitable for the entire family and many ability levels. (you may bring your dog, but please keep them on their leash)  The trail is well marked with blue blazes with well-maintained bridges and boardwalks.   The preserve was designed and created by the Wintergreen Nature Foundation.  The preserve is open year-round, but makes for a perfect Spring walk in the Rockfish Valley.

Much wildlife is known to be in the area, and this also adds to the experience.  The presence of wildlife can be discovered by their tracks in the mud by the stream or in the swamp.  This quiet area makes a perfect walk-through for bear, bobcat and raccoon at night.  As a matter of fact, once you leave the parking lot and begin the hike, it is hard to believe that this nature preserve is in the midst of the Stoney Creek community.  We heard many birds during our walk.  I suggest carrying a field guide.

The forest floor has awakened for Spring.  For April, there is a pink blooms from Virginia Spring Beauty (Claytonia virginica) and a white violet.  The ferns are starting to show.  By summer this area will be covered by a full canopy of shade and will provide a cool retreat for preserve visitors.  There is a picnic table next to Allen Creek that makes for a nice stop.

As the season progresses towards Summer, be sure to bring insect repellant. 

Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve

With Spring, I have received many requests for information on hiking either in Wintergreen Resort or near the resort.  Over the coming weeks, I am going to be posting on many hiking options. 

First, go by The Wintergreen Nature Foundation (www.TWNF.org) and pick up a map/brochure about the Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve.  TWNF is located in Wintergreen Resort on Wintergreen Drive.  (Across the street from the WinterGarden Spa and Fitness Center)  It is also a good idea to stop into the WTG Nature Foundation to learn about the wildlife that you may encounter on this walk.  You will see many birds, deer and sometimes a black bear. 

The Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve is a thirteen acre area in the heart of Wintergreen Resort, on Wintergreen mountain.  The parking area for this preserve is on the corner of Blue Ridge Drive and Shamokin Springs Trail.  The trail is a loop, and you will finish back at your car.

This is one of my favorite parts of the resort because cool air settles into this low area and it is a wetland habitat.  In the summer, the colors seem richer and the temperatures are cooler than anyplace else in the resort.  This is also the area where I have seen the most wildlife in the resort.  Be sure to bring your camera, but also be sure to remain wise when encountering any of our wildlife.  (there is also a brochure at the WTG Nature Foundation that is educational about the wildlife in Wintergreen Resort.  In an April blog, I will be discussing our black bears)

The area near bridge #2 is my favorite in the walk.  There is a water garden created from the mountain stream.  Many springs flow through the Nature Preserve and this has created a network of waterways.  Near these waterways, you will see many species of ferns, especially near bridge #11.  It is these waterways that also bring the wildlife to the Nature Preserve.  I was just in the Nature Preserve a few days ago, and our wet Spring has the water flowing.  April is a great time to walk this trail with the whole family. 

Here are just a few of the wildflowers, plants and trees that you can expect to see in April.  Spicebush, toothwort, common blue violet, bloodroot, marsh violet, round-leaf yellow violet, common serviceberry, trillium and early watercress.

Crabtree Falls

Special Note about Crabtree Falls:  You should not visit Crabtree Falls unless you are committed to Staying On The Trail.  Over the years, we have had 24 hikers slip and fall to their deaths, including a hiker last week.  All of these hikers had left the trail and were trying to climb on the moss-covered rocks of the waterfall.  The rocks are covered with a black moss/algae that is extremely slick.  This is also not the place to consume alcoholic beverages.   The trails are well maintained and provide some wonderful views and photo opportunities of the falls.  There is no need to leave these trails to risk life.

That said, Crabtree Falls is one of my favorite areas of Nelson County.  It is also one of the most photographed places in the county.  It is beautiful any season.  If you are visiting Central-Virginia, Crabtree Falls is a must-see.

Crabtree Falls is on Rt. 56 in Nelson County.  You can reach Rt. 56W from either Rt. 151 or the Blue Ridge Parkway.  On the average, twenty-two thousand visitors walk the Crabtree Falls trail each year.  There is paved parking available ($3).  There are no vendors for snacks, water or any beverages.  I always suggest that you bring a day pack with snacks and water.

Some consider Crabtree Falls to be the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.  It is the highest waterfall in Virginia.  The falls consist of five waterfalls (and many smaller ones) on Crabtree Creek.  Within a half mile the creek drops over 1200 feet.  The land is part of the George Washington National Forest.  The trail is well developed with wooden stairs, gravel paths, and railed overlooks.  A few years ago, I was walking this trail a few times a week, and I am only a moderate hiker.

The trail is 1.5 miles to the highest waterfall overlook (3 miles round trip) or you can go   3 miles to Crabtree Meadows (6 miles round trip).  The first observation deck is only 700 ft past the parking lot and is the perfect place for photographs if you do not want to climb the trial. 

There are benches a long the way if you need to take a break.  Take your time and you will be rewarded with some great views and mountain scenes. 

Past the first overlook, the trail becomes gravel.  There are nine switch-backs on the way up to the highest fall.  At the top of the highest fall, there is an observation deck with an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Along the trail, you will see old hemlock, yellow birch, striped maple and American elm. 

As a side note, the Appalachian Trail can be reached from a .5 mile side trail out of Crabtree Meadows.  Crabtree Meadows is an open area with apple trees.  It is a national forest primitive campsite with water.

When visiting Crabtree Falls, remember your camera….

Paul’s Creek Trail and Water Slide

Yesterday was the perfect afternoon to head to Paul’s Creek for some cooler temperatures.  This hike is a family favorite for those visiting Nelson County and Wintergreen Resort.

 The Paul’s Creek Trail is located from Stoney Creek at Wintergreen Resort.  Enter Stoney Creek at Monocan Drive and go to the end of the road, take a left on Rodes Valley Drive, left on Crawfords Climb and right on Paul’s Creek cul-de-sac.  Park your car in the cul-de-sac.

Even though this trail is only 1 mile round-trip, be sure to go prepared.  This trail is marked blue for moderate so wear sturdy walking shoes.  Also, like with all hikes, tell someone where you are going and when to expect your return.  I did notice that my Alltel cell phone did work on this trail.

Some special notes for this trail include the notice to bring or wear bug spray.  We went on this hike late in the afternoon, and there were lots of bugs.  Also, we noticed some areas of the trail that have washed during recent storms.  Watch your step. 

The sun dips behind the mountains early in this area and we noticed a decrease in sunlight by 5:30PM.  The temperatures were considerably cooler along the hike.  Watch for wildlife coming to Paul’s Creek in the late afternoon and early evening.  Yesterday, we were the only hikers on the trail and enjoyed the sounds of nature including the babbling creek.

Be sure to bring your camera on this hike as the creek and waterfall scenes are beautiful.  About half-way into the walk to the water slide, you will begin hiking next to Paul’s Creek.  At one point, you will cross the creek on stones for steps.  At the end of the hike is a series of cascading waterfalls and even a swimming hole.  Bill reports that the water is still “very cold”—I didn’t get in yesterday.  This is a place to retreat the Summer heat and even bring a picnic.  There are several large rocks to sit on for lunch. 

The surfaces of the rocks have been smoothed by rushing water over thousands of years.  This has created a natural “water slide”.  Check out the photos.  Add the Paul’s Creek Trail to your list of things to do in Nelson County and bring your camera.

A Novice Nelson County Hike

I have been receiving many questions and requests for information about novice or beginner hikes in Nelson County.  For information about hiking in Nelson County, also check out my Blog Archive at www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com   In the Blog Archive is information about creating a day pack.  Everyone should carry a day pack on any hike—even if you think you will only be on the trail for a few hours. 

One of the best ways to get started with hiking in Nelson County is to visit The Wintergreen Nature Foundation.   The foundation is located on Wintergreen Drive on Wintergreen mountain.  Visit on line at www.TWNF.org. They sponsor Saturday and Sunday guided hikes for a minimal fee.  The hikes are educational and some feel more comfortable with a guide along the mountain trails. The hikes leave from the Nature Foundation in the morning.  I have received many rave reviews about these guided nature hikes.  It is a great way to introduce your family to both hiking and the nature of Nelson County.  (You do not need to be a resident of Wintergreen Resort or even a guest of the resort to attend the guided hikes)

Wintergreen Resort also has marked hiking trails for all ability levels.  There are several “easy” hikes on both Wintergreen mountain and in Stoney Creek.  One of my favorite is in the Shamokin Nature Preserve on Wintergreen mountain.