Saturday May 31
Hikers '32oz and members of the Old Dominion Appalachian Trail Club
This was a spur of the moment trip for me. The trail covers 19.5 miles through and around the city of Charlottesville VA.
The website and trail description are listed below.
http://avenue.org/rivanna/trails.htmWe started the hike at the free bridge on 250 and followed the trail in a counter clockwise fashion.
The trail runs along the Rivanna River before leaving the river for the forest. Due to recent rains, the water in the creeks was up, and at on point it was useless to try to rock hop. Since it was nice and warm we just walked right through.
The trail system uses city streets at some points, including 5th street which is one of the main streets in Charlottesvilles. In addition 29 and 250 are buffer streets, so you do enounter alot of traffic noise during the hike.
This does not mean that the trail is totally devoid of nature. The recent rains brought out a few turtles, and I came upon one of the most unique frogs that I have ever seen.. (Pictures will be posted tomorrow).
In addition, blue jays and cardinals were in abundance.
The trail was not without it high adventure either, as at one point we had to cross an old train tressle, past a mill.
On the down side, the trail at some places was not maintained, and there was poison everywhere. The Quarry Park to the Woolen mills section reminded me of a walk on the AT in PA. Rocks, Rocks and more Rocks...
While the hike was definately not one of the most awe inspiring, it was a good excuse to put on a full pack and do 20 miles for exercise. There are enough parking areas that a family with small kids could very easily pick a section that was suitable for them and do a short day hike. The walk along the river was nice.
Pictures to follow.
'32oz
