“ First Day Hikes” smacks of New Year’s Resolutions, like crowds at Zumba classes at the local Y in January.
In case you’re inclined to get outside in the Northern Neck during winter, Belle Isle State Park is a Lancaster County farm on the Rappahannock River and flanked by Mulberry Creek and Deep Creeks. (The best speech that was ever given in the Northern Neck was by local historian C. Jackson Simmons, Esq., at the dedication of Belle Isle State Park in 1993, entitled “Whose Land is This?” Let me know if you want a copy as I have it handy for inspiration.) If you have children with you, there is a playground at Belle Isle for ages 5-12.On January 1, there is a guided hike at 11AM at the Visitors Center, or hike the trails on your own at leisure. Belle Isle is open until dusk – so you might catch a gorgeous sunset! More information is available here: http://www.americasstateparks.org/Virginia/park/Belle-Isle-State-Park/35 Trails at Belle Isle are here: http://www.virginiaoutdoors.com/parks/details/belle-isle-state-park
The oldest state park in the Northern Neck is WestmorelandState Park on the Potomac River. One of
the Civilian Conservation Corps parks, Westmoreland State Park merited its own
Historic District designation. Great
stone water fountains dating from the 1930s! Although much of the Northern Neck is flat,
there is a scarp and cliffs that line the Potomac from Stratford Hall, home of
the Lee Family, though Westmoreland State Park.
The views to the opposing Maryland shore across the wide Potomac are
dramatic and on a clear day, you can see St. Clement’s Island in the middle of
the Potomac River.
KidsPost in The Washington Post did an article on
hunting for sharks’ teeth on the beach at Westmoreland, but dress warmly! In winter the Potomac Beach can be mighty
cold. http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/neaby-shores-are-hunting-ground-for-shark-teeth/2013/06/17/838ce970-ceb0-11e2-9f1a-1a7cdee20287_story.html
To participate in a First Day Hike at Westmoreland State
Park, meet at Visitor Center at 10:00 a.m. and be dressed for a two-hour hike!
Meet park staff to take a short hike down the meandering Big Meadows Trail
through old growth hardwood forests, final destination, the tidal shores of
Fossil Beach. Please note, while the trail is only a little over 1/2 mile it is
very steep. To make your adventure more enjoyable, please bring water and
something to carry your found treasures.
The first 100 attendees will receive a special First Day
Hike bumper sticker. Sign up for our team challenge or photo contest for a
chance to win prizes. Find the details here http://bit.ly/2015hikes.
You don't have to participate in the scheduled activity to qualify as
participating.
Another gem of a state park on the Potomac River is
Caledon. Great trails to the water! And now with canoe-in campground, for your
intrepid and experienced canoists & kayakers. Located at 11617 Caledon Rd. on Scenic Byway
Route 218 in King George County, Caledon was a Natural Area known for its
nesting eagles. Now a state park with an
annual Art & Wine Festival in November and other recreation-related monthly events,
Caledon is an asset to locals and visitors alike. Park-friendly with playground and pavilion.
A Joyful, Healthy 2015 to All - and Happy Hiking tomorrow!
A Joyful, Healthy 2015 to All - and Happy Hiking tomorrow!
