One of my favorite passions in life is to go to live music events. This includes music at night clubs, concerts and festivals. I like indoor and outdoor events. In the last four months our Virtual Blue Ridge team has been able to attend several great music festivals in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Read more »
A benefit of having an office near the Blue Ridge Parkway is being able to go on a short hike after work. Today I was able to hike Beacon Heights Trail. This is another one of my favorite short Blue Ridge Parkway hiking trails, with great views. From the intersection of Hwy. 221 at Grandfather Mountain, go south on the Parkway across the immediate bridge, and the parking lot and trailhead are on your left at MP 305.2 .
This is a great leg stretcher with gradual grades. It is an easy to moderate hike. There is a good amount of roots and stones on the trail, but it is easily maneuverable. To get to the huge views, go right at the first junction on the trail. When the trail splits again, stay on Beacon Heights trail and go left. At the next junction and crest, there will be a bench. Read more »
A friend and myself were fortunate to have a sunny day to hike one of my favorite short hikes on the BRP, Flat Rock Self-Guiding Loop Trail. The parking lot and trailhead are located at MP 308.3. It is about a 5 minute drive going south on the Parkway from the intersection of Hwy. 221 at Grandfather Mountain.
This is an easy, slightly inclining trail which is a pleasant 15-minute walk in the woods, meandering through some nice and varied foliage. An extra treat is that many species are marked and identified. In no time, you are walking onto the outcrop of Flatrock which is a massive crop of quartzite. There are incredible 180° long range views of a western panorama. This is definitely one of the great sunset views on the BRP. Read more »
