ネルソン郡の天然記念物・トップ8

short detour from trail

awesome spot to rest at before you hike out.

With a few different ways to approach the feature, Shamokin Falls is the most popular attribute on the Wintergreen Resort property. The Upper Falls Trail is by far the most commonly used trail for accessing the falls, but all the approaches have their advantages. The falls are gorgeous year round, but make sure to not climb on the rocks around the falls since the rocks get slick (and icy).

Bald Mountain is a 3250 ft high grassy peak with views of Saint’s Mary Wilderness. The bald is reached after 4.5 km of hiking and is a great place to rest and appreciate the expansive views. This is one of the best overlooks in the vicinity due to its wonderful views, so enjoy it! This bald is also not the most popular one in GWNF, so you might find some quietness there.

The Priest rises from the Crabtree Valley, a mountain 4063 ft high; the highest peak in Nelson County. The summit is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers stunning views of the the Priest Wilderness. To get there you have to follow Appalachian Trail through Crabtree Meadows, a relatively easy and family-friendly trail, however be aware that the road to the trailhead requires a high clearance vehicle.

FYIs: Arrive early to find parking. There are more spaces than most spots in the park but eventually after the grassy areas are taken up, you will not be able to find a spot! The parking is near the bottom of the falls. In early spring, large wasps and bees will be very busy. Snakes are also frequently seen on the trail so be careful. There are some steep stairs to climb, which may be very different to ascend and a but tricky to come back down from especially when holding heavy backpacks and leashed dogs. The wet rocks are VERY SLIPPERY! There are SEVERAL beautiful stopping points along the way up to the water fall. SOME are drenched from the spraying of the water from the falls so wear waterproof GRIP shoes! When reaching the middle of the falls where it flattens out a bit into small ponds and streams, you can cross the water and visit the other side and sit to have a snack. Moderate ascent to the top of the falls. (Stairs, winding paths, long stretches)

Crabtree Falls Trail is 2.5 miles in length and takes you to a very photogenic waterfall. The trail will mostly take you through a beautiful hardwood forest on your way to the falls. There are many ferns and wildflowers near the base of the falls, due to the water spray, which will also make the surrounding rocks wet, so it's advised to not climb on the rocks.

At Milepost 13.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the 3 Ridges Mountain Overlook. You are at an elevation of 2,800 feet at the overlook, but the highest summit you can see from here is 3,900 feet. The Appalachian Trail also crosses the road here, so it can be a sort of busy overlook at times.