Overview
This hike is within the borders of Hungry Mother State Park, a gem of a woodland park. It is a short distance, about 5 miles from I-81. An admission fee is required. There are campsites, cabins, a lodge, yurts, a restaurant, also boat and canoe rentals for use on Hungry Mother Lake.


History
A little background for the oddly named park, all the daughter could say when searchers found her was "hungry mother". As the story goes Molly Marley's settlement on the New River had been raided by marauding Indians. Her and her daughter escaped but were lost. Searchers found Molly's body at the base of the mountain named for her and her daughter alive a short distance away.

Hike
A loop trail over 5 miles goes around the lake and Molly's Knob trail branches off. You can park at this trail junction. The view from the top is reported to be superb, unfortunately on this day it was a cloud magnet. The trail is wide and straightforward with abundant rhododendron blooming and a lush hardwood forest. You gain a 1000 feet over the 2 mile ascent by taking Molly's Knob trail and then the Molly's knob vista trail. It is a wide track with some switchbacks, though short you can get a good workout in with a steady pace.

I added a little distance by walking alongside the lake and Hungry Mother Creek. We stayed at lucky cabin #13. If you're driving I-81 and need a break you could do this and shortly be back on your way. It would be even better on a clear day.