Showing posts with label virginia state parks. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

A Fall Cabin Retreat

We headed out to James River State Park for a little retreat over Halloween weekend!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

We love the little cabins at the Park and had such a great time last year that we decided to go back again. The first thing we decided to do on Friday was take a hike!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

Charlie was so excited to venture into the woods. He loves to hike on the trails. We hiked to the Tye River Overlook where the Tye and James Rivers meet.

James River State Park Cabin 2015

We never get tired of this beautiful view!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

The scenery is gorgeous!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

We attempted a group photo!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

It was a beautiful day for being outside!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

Charlie really enjoyed the leaves as he always does!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

We hiked over 7 miles that first day and then on the next day we took a little road trip up past Crabtree Falls to hike Spy Rock.

There was a field full of pumpkins on our way...

James River state park 2015

We parked and then started our journey!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

The hike was a pretty steady uphill climb for almost 2 miles!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

We even saw horses on the route!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

Then there was the fork in the road...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

My guys...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

A little more...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

And, we arrived...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

Picture time...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

Look at these smiles!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

We made it to the top of the rock!

James River state park 2015

James River state park 2015

360 degree views!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River State Park Cabin 2015

James River state park 2015

And, then we had to make our way back down...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

We choose a slightly easier route down than these folks...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

I wasn't moving fast enough for Charlie!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

The rocks were amazing...

James River State Park Cabin 2015

Going down was a lot faster!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

The faces after the hike!

James River state park 2015

On our way down we stopped at the Montebello Fish Hatchery! Really cool!

James River state park 2015

And, then a quick stop at the parking lot at Crabtree Falls!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

And, another quick stop to check out the rushing water!

James River state park 2015

I just love our time together!

James River state park 2015

Such a magnificent view!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

This was a little fuzzy, but we'll take it!

James River State Park Cabin 2015

And, I asked Dynamo to stop so I could snap a picture of this beautiful church!

James River state park 2015

And, this sign down the road...

James River state park 2015

What a way to end a great day and trip! The little man enjoyed roasting like a marshmallow!

James River state park 2015

We really enjoyed our time relaxing and getting fresh air! The state parks are amazing and we are so blessed to have access to such beautiful sights. Be sure to check out Spy Rock and James River State Park. You won't be disappointed!



Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Fall Adventures Part 2

The quiet evenings and morning were so peaceful. The park was quiet and it was so warm and cozy inside. On Saturday we woke up pleased to find no rain in sight and a chance to check out some more trails!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (229)

We started out at the trail head and ventured onward towards the Branch Trail.

James River State Park Fall 2014 (237)

Again, we met our horse friends along the way with their 18 year old Jack Russell Terrier that rides on horseback too! Yes, you heard me!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (239)

Almost in the middle of the Branch Trail was the Branch Pond Loop Trail. We took the loop...

James River State Park Fall 2014 (242)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (245)

It was pretty...and, very quiet. Not a soul to be found on this nearly 4 mile hike.

James River State Park Fall 2014 (249)

Peaceful...

James River State Park Fall 2014 (250)

This trail was the only black diamond trail in the park. I didn't look at that when Dynamo suggested it. But, it wasn't bad at all...

James River State Park Fall 2014 (253)


Just a few roots and hills!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (254)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (261)

In places along the way the leaves were super thick! Charlie loved it!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (264)

We headed back on the remainder of the Branch Trail. It was like a tunnel as far as the eye could see!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (269)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (267)

Towards the end of the Branch Trail we ended up at the entrance to the park. We crossed over to hop onto the Running Creek Trail.

James River State Park Fall 2014 (270)

When we found some thick leaves we decided to let Charlie play a bit!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (277)

He just loves to "eat" the leaves!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (287)

Look at that focus!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (292)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (294)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (315)

We ended up at the cabin, had a lunch, warmed up, and took a nap! It was nice to not have a schedule and to be able to relax! Before dinner we headed back out for another hike!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (328)

It was a little breezy, but clear and still no rain! We headed over to the Taylor Trail and Cabell Trail.

James River State Park Fall 2014 (332)

We went by Taylor Pond.

James River State Park Fall 2014 (334)

And, onward...

James River State Park Fall 2014 (341)

We hiked up to Beaver Overlook and stopped for some water!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (343)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (346)


We even saw evidence of beaver. Look...

James River State Park Fall 2014 (348)

We headed back at this point!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (349)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (354)

On the Cabin Loop Trail we got some great views of the cabins!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (356)

James River State Park Fall 2014 (360)

These berries were everywhere!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (363)

And, this was the sight when we returned!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (364)

The cabins all situated around the circle!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (373)

Some with beautiful mountain views!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (375)

And, a little rocking on the porch!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (379)

And, this magnificent view to end the day!

James River State Park Fall 2014 (384)

We ended the day by grilling outside, and making a fire inside! It was such a lovely day together enjoying the beautiful scenery!