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While
staying at RiverCamp USA, Joanne (one
of the owners) recommended that I make this trip while in the area.
With the fall colors and cooler weather at this time of year, it
seemed like a prime time. A look at the picture on their website
sealed the deal for me. Ruthanne and Frank (work campers at RiverCamp)
accompanied me and fine time was had by all!
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was 45 miles from the campground to the station and the hour+ drive
itself was so beautiful it was worth the trip. This is just one of
the scenes that delayed our arrival - we just had to stop and try
to capture the beauty of this season in the North Carolina-Virginia
mountains. |
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They
transport you by van 17 miles up to Whitetop Mountain so it's downhill
all the way. This is at the drop-off point if you go a little bit
towards Virginia instead of heading down the trail at that point.
A fellow biker told us about a beaver habitat nearby, but this glorious
tree stole the show. That's Ruthanne gawking up at it.
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are many places along the trail where you can dismount to take in
the views. This was taken from a Christmas tree farm -- the contrast
between the evergreens and the fall colors was breathtaking. |
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stop along the way is Green Cove, which the railroad ran beside in
the days when horse and carriage was the main transportation mode
in this rural area. |
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are many bridges along the trail to enjoy the sounds of trickling
water and colorful trees. There are also a few places to stop and
grab a bite to eat for fortification to continue on this amazing ride. |
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Location:
I did this ride during my tour of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
This is quite a bit off the Parkway (60 miles), but it was
a perfect day trip while staying at RiverCamp
USA. See their website
for directions from a number of places.
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Malia's
2 cents: We
got to the drop-off point at Whitetop Mountain about 1:00 pm
and we arrived back at the Bike Station at about 5:00 - tired
and with sore butts and knees, but extremely happy with the
day! Steve, the owner, and his staff take very good care of
you to make sure your ride is as good as it gets. You should
definitely make this trip even if you have to go out of your
planned way to see it.
A Tip: No matter how warm it feels at the station in Damascus,
it's a lot cooler on the trail as it is mostly canopied with
trees. I bought one of their T-shirts when I was there because
I thought I'd be too hot in my long sleeve shirt - wrong! My
advice: bring a jacket or wear layered clothes.
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Click
arrow to return to Parkway
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