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| Hiking | 7.99 Miles |
1,455 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.99 Miles | 3 Hrs | | 2.66 mph |
| 1,455 ft AEG | | 8 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | | Hungry Mother State Park is the oddly named park in Southwest VA , the legend recounts a story about the escape of mother and daughter from natives after their settlement was raided. The mother’s body was found at the base of the summit now known by her name Molly’s knob , the daughters only words were “hungry mother “. Was able to get a couple of nights in a CCC constructed cabin there , made of Chestnut logs . It was well maintained , enjoyed rocking on the porch watching the rain ,had 1 deer walk by, the creaking floor disturbed our dog. Decided to do a loop hike before the midday predicted storms arrive , lots of clouds around so as expected the views were limited. The rhododendrons had finished but the mountain laurel was blooming. Lots of bear warning signs but none seen today. The ascent up to Molly’s knob is a good workout, the final steep .4 miles is a spur off Molly’s knob trail called Vista Trail. Took in the fog shrouded views and back down Vista but instead of returning down Molly Knob trail descended to the junction of the CCC trail . Both the left and right turns eventually lead back to the Lake loop trail, I took the longer left portion which put me at a junction of the Lake loop near a small boat dock. At that junction if I had turned left could have made a loop around the lake , an additional 3 to 4 miles but instead took a right . The lake loop trail does not keep the lake in view as it goes up and over some of the ridges still generally following the lake contour. Saw no other hikers until near the parking for the Lake Loop Trail . Did see a copperhead snake lying in the middle of the trail fortunately enough contrast to not step on it. This hike was shaded almost all the way would be suitable even in warmer sunnier days. On the CCC trail there was a lake feeding stream paralleling the trail , water looked fine but would filter, the lake is more suitable for swimming and boating use rather than drinking. Trails are well marked and navigating is easy. Great park for taking the kids, plenty of outdoor activities if they can leave the electronics. Grocery and other supplies available about 4 miles away in Marion,VA. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
Route 
Much better view this time as I was fogged in on my last time up here. On the way down took the CCC Trail to connect with the Lake Trail. Nice solitude in the shaded forest as no others encountered today. Too early for any fall colors lots of rhododendron leaves dropping. Enjoyed some Yuengling on the porch watching water drip off the roof during the late afternoon thunderstorm.
