Blake, Taylor and I drove up to Richmond to Ty’s apartment to watch the Dominion building implosion. We also introduced Taylor to her uncle Ty (Taylor is named after her uncle). We arrived around 6:45 and had a hard time finding parking because of all the spectators in the area to watching the building implosion.
Now you see it 
Now you don’t
After visiting for a little bit, we make our way to the mountains. But first we drive through downtown Richmond to see the aftermath of the Dominion building. The streets and cars that didn’t get moved were covered by debris.
We arrived in the mountains around 12:30 and about an hour later arrived at our first trail head.
Our first hike of the day: Apple Orchard Falls
Apple Orchard Falls
- Location: Buchanan, VA
- Distance: 2.5 miles
- Trail Type: Out and back
- Elevation Gain: 994 feet
- Trail: Apple Orchard Falls Trail
- Weather: Warm, sunny
- Terrain: Rocks, roots, stream crossings, stairs (closer to the falls)
We began our hike at 1:26 and the trail to the falls was all downhill, a fairly steep downhill but manageable. Blake and I love seeing all that nature has to offer and we found a really awesome tree.
Gander came on our weekend adventure and really enjoyed the creek the trail followed and frequently would take water breaks.
The creek had many incredible views and lots of places you just want to stop and take it all in.
We came upon a waterfall, we knew it was not Apple Orchard Falls but it was a pretty wide waterfall.
We made it to the stairs and there are lots of stairs. It is completely worth it as the hike rewards you with a beautiful waterfall.
We have hiking chairs that Ty gave us for Christmas and we made use of them for lunch. These chairs are fantastic as they fold up and fit into our hiking packs. We sat at the base of the falls and enjoyed our sandwiches. Such a perfect location for a break and lunch and of course Taylor snuggles
Once we finished lunch we had a someone take family pictures of us in front of the waterfall.
We made our way back up the mountain….slowly. I was a lot slower than Blake but at least I had Gander to help pull me up. Those steps were rough going back up, I am not going to lie.
We made it back to the first waterfall and let Gander play around in the water for a bit.
We passed the intersection of the AT and of course had to make sure we had a picture.
After a long 1000 foot elevation gain, we made it back to the trail head.
After leaving Apple Orchard Falls, we head a little further down the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Fallingwater Cascades Overlook Parking lot. We got out of the car to get ready and like with all of our adventures, things are bound to happen and you never know what to expect. We saw a couple that seems to be having car trouble and what a horrible place for car trouble, a spot with no cell coverage. Blake went over to see if they needed help and they were very appreciative of the help. It turns out they had a flat tire and could not get the tire off. Blake was able to get the tire off and change it for them. The couple thanked Blake several times and then we began out hike.
Fallingwater Cascades trail can be hiked as a loop and typically we would do the full trail, except it was already after 5:15 when we started the hike and you know me, I love to stop and smell the roses (aka take pictures every few feet) and we still had to drive back home with an almost 2 month old. We opted to hike to the base of the falls where it crossed the creek and back out.
Gander of course loved that the trail followed the creek and he was able to take quite a few swims.
The cascades along the trail are breathtaking.
If you notice things about our waterfall hikes, you will see that there is a log/tree/etc. in front of every waterfall. This is something we have grown to laugh at.
We stopped on the way back to the car to feed Taylor and while I was feeding Taylor, Blake took his boots off and put his feet in the freezing water. I tried and I couldn’t last long. Blake however, kept his feet in the water for over 10 minutes.
We made it back to the car after such a gorgeous hike and take pictures with Taylor by the trailhead sign. Clearly she loves hiking already. Every picture of her during our hikes, she is asleep on her daddy’s chest in the carrier.
We got in our car and went on our way. We stopped by the Peaks of Otter area to see if the visitor center was open and we saw a bunch of people standing around looking at something.
Do you see it? Sure enough, there was a bear. I have never seen a bear in the wild before and this was really neat to see. *disclaimer* this picture was on full zoom, we were not close to the bear and could easily get back in the car.
After getting back in the car, we continued on our way and pulled out of the parking lot and saw a couple of cars parked on the side of the road. The occupants said the bear moved and was now on the trail. We pulled over to get better pictures. The crazy thing was, people were actively hiking this trail and would turn the corner and get a huge shock.
The bear ended up being approximately 6 feet. It was definitely not a baby.
We got a good shot of Peaks of Otter and a Doe before leaving the parkway.
Blake and I talked and we decided to to stay in Roanoke for the night instead of driving back home. This is also Taylor’s first time staying away from home (with the exception of the 1 night stay in the hospital after she was born). I found a room at the Best Western Plus – Valley View. The hotel happened to also be dog friendly which was a plus since we traveled with Gander. We did not have Taylor’s bed with us, which was fine. We ended up making a makeshift crib for her on one of the bed in the room.
We had a great night sleep and got ready to leave once Taylor woke up.
We decided to hike Roaring Run Falls and hoping if we got there early enough it wouldn’t be very crowded. The drive from the hotel took about 50 minutes and we arrived shortly before 10am and the parking lot only had about 4 cars. This was a great sign, especially since this is a very popular hike and the weather was perfect.
Roaring Run Falls
- Location: Eagle Rock, VA
- Distance: 1.7 Miles
- Trail Type: Loop
- Elevation Gain: 301 Feet
- Trail: Roaring Run Loop Trail
- Moving Time: 1:37
- Weather: Warm and sunny
We began hiking right at 10:00am. The trail runs along Roaring Run all the way to the falls, making for beautiful views. Roaring run is a series of small falls until you reach the larger falls in about 3/4 of a mile with a gradual ascent. The hike to the falls can be an out and back or you could complete the entire loop trail. We opted for the loop trail.
The falls feature a natural waterfall slide. This is perfect for the warmer months. We did not do the slide because it was just a little too cool to get wet and we didn’t prepare for it.
Gander on the other hand did not have a problem with getting in the water and went in a much as he could.
The trail features lots of natural swimming pools as well.
Taylor is in there somewhere
We reached the part of the trail with views of the larger falls. This is also the part of the trail where you can turn and continue the loop.
Gander couldn’t get enough of the water and did not want to stop swimming.
Continue past this point and hike the rocks to get closer to the falls (this is still part of the trail).
We did in fact pick a great time to go because when we made it to the upper part of the fall only one other couple was there. We took their pictures and they took ours. This is always very much appreciative.
We would have loved to stay and view the falls longer but right behind us things picked up and the trail got very busy. We stayed for a few more minutes and hiked to the fork and turned left to continue the loop trail. The rest of the trail was through the woods with no real scenery, just a nice wooded shady hike.
At the end of the trail is the Roaring Run Furnace. Built around the year 1832 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places. I love that you can explore all around the furnace and it has many informational signs talking about the history.
The trail concludes with one more creek crossing (bridge crossing).
What a weekend! 3 waterfalls, Taylor’s first hotel stay and lots of memories.
Nic of Time - Travel 
Very nice hike! You have great photography skills!
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