I'm currently training to run a marathon.  This is one of the Roanoke Greenways that is closest to my home.  I took the opportunity to map it out.  The trail is primarily packed dirt with some sections of crushed cinder.  

I had the opportunity to hike with a friend, who was mapping Maple Branch and its feeders streams for an environmental project.  We were hiking at Camp Powhatan, which is owned by the Boy Scouts.  The property manager of the camp drove us to our beginning destination with the last half mile on private property and four-wheel drive a necessity.  We had to gain about 500 feet of steep elevation to gain the ridge of Chimney Mountain.  We then dropped into the valley to the headwaters of the stream.  The rest of the trip was a pleasant downward hike where Maple Branch feeds into Big Macks Creek.  The trails were once maintained by the Boy Scouts.  Reportedly, after Hurricane Hugo swept through the area in 1989 the trails were damaged and the Boy Scouts decided to no longer maintain the trails.  During this hike, we observed the trails appeared to be in surprisingly good condition.  Animal traffic and maintenance by hunters may account for this.  We observed multiple bear tracks in the snow and some claw marks on a tree.  Recent cold weather also provided some beautiful ice formations along the stream.

I had the opportunity to hike with a friend, who was mapping Maple Branch and its feeders streams for an environmental project.  We were hiking at Camp Powhatan, which is owned by the Boy Scouts.  The property manager of the camp drove us to our beginning destination with the last half mile on private property and four-wheel drive a necessity.  We had to gain about 500 feet of steep elevation to gain the ridge of Chimney Mountain.  We then dropped into the valley to the headwaters of the stream.  The rest of the trip was a pleasant downward hike where Maple Branch feeds into Big Macks Creek.  The trails were once maintained by the Boy Scouts.  Reportedly, after Hurricane Hugo swept through the area in 1989 the trails were damaged and the Boy Scouts decided to no longer maintain the trails.  During this hike, we observed the trails appeared to be in surprisingly good condition.  Animal traffic and maintenance by hunters may account for this.  We observed multiple bear tracks in the snow and some claw marks on a tree.  Recent cold weather also provided some beautiful ice formations along the stream. 

The Garst Mill Park Greenway is a short paved asphalt track that runs alongside a stream.  There are some pavilions, fields, and playgrounds that add to the atmosphere.  A nice place for a short stroll.

I had a wonderful time hiking with friends in the Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area.  What was supposed to be a colorful fall backpacking trip turned into a cold white winteresque one.  The first day of hiking took us up Mt. Rogers Trail connecting to the Appalachian Trial.  As we gained elevation, the temperature dropped significantly and the wind and precipitation picked up, making for some cold hands and toes, especially during the breaks.  A pack of wild ponies greeted us at the spur leading up to the top of Virginia's highest point.  Several in the group summited Mt. Rogers.  It was then onto Pine Mountain Campground for the night, with a stop at Thomas Knob Shelter for lunch.   Our group made it into camp as night approached. Fire, food, and fellowship brought some relief to the bleak dark night.  The morning light revealed a blanket of fresh fallen snow.  We packed up and descended the mountain bringing relief to cold extremities.  Overall, a great trip and several new friends.  

This railwalk is a neat piece of downtown Roanoke.  It is a short outdoor museum of railroad history.  Signs and pictures detail the history of the railroad in Roanoke up to present day.  Kids will love the interactive bells and whistles.  There is nothing like the blast of a diesel train whistle.  

Sharp Top is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Peaks of Otter recreation area.  The summit of Sharp Top is impressive.  It is clear of trees giving hikers a rewarding 360 view of the surrounding Blue Ridge.  The peak was once thought to be loftiest peak in Virginia.  A stone from the mountain inscribed with this fact was even used to build the Washington Monument.  Unfortunantly, the science of the time was incorrect, Mt. Rogers earns this distinction.  To make it slightly worse, nearby Flat Top is even higher that Sharp Top.  Nevertheless, the short, but steep hike is worth it.  Expect crowds.  My wife, child, and I enjoyed the hike thoroughly.  

This is a nice loop close to Roanoke, although half the trail was somewhat overgrown.  Horses are permitted on this trail.  

My wife and I headed out on the Blue Ridge Parkway to celebrate my birthday.  This was the last of three hikes for the day.  Crabtree Falls is a 7-mile detour from the Parkway.  

My wife and I spent some time driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway to celebrate my birthday.  This was the second of three hikes.  We hiked a road to the top of the mountain and took the AT back down.  This is the most prominent mountain in Virginia.