By John Holden
These are some of my favorite places in over 30 years of extensive hiking and walking in Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina and are always with a nature focus. All of these destinations in the months ahead are reachable on a day trip.
Shenandoah National Park Day Hike to open White Quartzite Ledges and Special Plants
The Brown Mountain Trail leaves Skyline Drive at the Brown Mountain Overlook about Milepost 76.9 in the Southern Section. This hike is about 2.2 miles each direction, with some moderately steep sections. Initially you pass through a recent fire area with the resultant vegetation. The steep sections will go by quickly, as there are many wildflower species to stop and see. In September those sections are lined with various Goldenrods.
After descending from the trailhead you will arrive at a junction with the Rocky Mountain Run trail on the left in a level at .7 of a mile. Do not take it, but continue straight ahead. Be sure to look around in this moist and rich soil area for native wildflowers which will increase along the trail as you now ascend. This is an excellent late Summer or Early Fall hike .
When you arrive at the open Quartzite ledges in another 1.5 miles, there will be some rare plant challenges for the discerning naturalist.
Continuing along the semi-open ridge will result in more views and plants, but the ledges make a good turnaround point . They have some of the best trail views in the Park, overlooking the Big Run valley. And by turning around here, you can keep the hike shorter, easier and more enjoyable.
I have not mentioned the names of the 2 rare plants at the ledges ……see if you can determine what they are !
John