–WHITE ROCKS OVERLOOK –

–CROWS NEST NATURAL AREA PRESERVE–
Nearest Town: Stafford Best Times to Visit: Summer for warm weather paddling What You Need to Know: Access will increase over time. GPS Trailhead Coordinates: 38.37111, -77.33236 Visit Virginia’s next rising star state natural area. Over time, the state has cobbled together almost 3,000 acres of tidal freshwater marshes divided by steep hills to create Crows Nest Natural Area Preserve. This biologically significant parcel of the Potomac River watershed is not only important to conserve, it also provides a place to paddle and hike for metro D.C. to the north, as well as adjacent communities. Expect increased accesses and trails in the future. A total of 12 miles of trails have already been constructed and an added entrance road will enhance the visitation opportunities. For now, you can paddle the Crows Nest Water Trail from an all-access paddler platform at Boykins Landing, then head 4 miles to Potomac Creek. Or take the path along Accokeek Creek overlooking wetlands.–CHIEF BENGE SCOUT TRAIL –

–SAVAGE NECK DUNES NATURAL AREA PRESERVE–

photo credit: Suzanne Moss IG credit: @thenaturebus
Nearest Town: Cape Charles Best Times to Visit: Fall for birding What You Need to Know: The parking area is small, with limited spots; bring bug dope during the warm season GPS Coordinates: 37.32751, -76.00413 Bring your camera – and your binoculars – here. Known for sand dunes rising 50 feet high from Chesapeake Bay -- an unusual situation for bayfront Virginia, the almost 300-acre preserve boasts a mile of wild frontage on Chesapeake Bay with stellar vistas from the sandy shoreline. Heading inland, the big dunes give way to lesser dunes, then pines, oaks and cedars. Impressive loblolly evergreens rise to impressive proportions in the protected interior. The dunes are among the highest points on the Eastern Shore. Take note: the small parking area can fill early. Visitors accessing the preserve can trace a ¾-mile trail through the dunes to the beach. Birders peer through binoculars for neo-tropical warblers in fall. Consider pairing a visit here with autumn’s annual Eastern Shore Birding and Wildlife Festival. Custis Pond, also on the preserve, provides additional wildlife viewing opportunities.–POWELL RIVER CANOEING & KAYAKING–

–LOCUST SPRINGS TRAIL NETWORK AND PICNIC AREA–
Nearest Town: Monterey
Best Times to Visit: Mid-Spring through early winter
What You Need to Know: Lower Laurel Fork boasts attractive swimming holes in places
GPS Coordinates: 38.58505, -79.64064
Held fast against West Virginia on two sides – you even have to go through West Virginia to get there – this secluded, highland picnic area in the Washington National Forest serves as the jumping off point for a 28-mile trail network coursing through the perched watershed of Laurel Fork. Elevations here in aptly named Highland County range from 4,000 feet down to 3,400 feet. Grassy, sometimes boggy meadows and beaver ponds are found on the upper reaches of streams, beneath rising wooded ridges where red spruce, birch and cherry grow thick. Old railroad grades serve as the base of the trail network, with day loop hikes and overnight loop backpacks possible. Deer, beavers and songbirds can be found around the meadows. The trail system is well signed but can become more difficult to follow in meadows. Expect to cross streams often along the trails. Conditions are driest in autumn.
–COMERS ROCK RECREATION AREA–

–CHESTNUT CREEK FALLS–
Nearest Town: Galax Best Times to Visit: Year-round What You Need to Know: You can bicycle to this unheralded cascade GPS Trailhead Coordinates: 36.69479, -80.91634 The New River Trail, a linear rail trail with many highlights and a Virginia State Park, leads to this waterfall. Bicyclers and hikers can start at Cliffview, a campground and access for the New River Trail. Course along Chestnut Creek. The trail has a very slight decline as it follows the Chestnut Creek north toward its mother stream, the New River. Mile per mile, the path is easy, and the trailside ambiance here is woodsy. After 3.6 miles, come to a trestle and Chestnut Creek Falls. The wide, 10-foot falls drop over a rock base. There is a little covered shelter here. Add in the 3.6 mile backtrack. The 57-mile New River Trail beyond the falls has many more highlights and opportunities extend your adventure. Bikes can be rented in Galax. Note: If you start in Galax and pedal to Chestnut Creek Falls, it makes for a 10.8 mile round-trip.–FALLS RIDGE PRESERVE–
