To follow up on Tuesday’s post, check out the link to my column in today’s Times-Dispatch on the Channels State Forest and Natural Area Preserve. And if you’re a hiker, outdoors lover or just general explorer of Virginia rarities, put this place on your list of must-dos.

Sure, it’s a five hour drive, but it is more than worth it. For one thing, the trip down I-81 is beautiful the whole way. For another, there are so many other places to investigate in that part of the state. On the Interstate alone, you see signs for Grayson Highlands State Park (right next to Virginia’s highest peak, Mount Rogers) and Hungry Mother State Park. Not far from the Channels is Hidden Valley Lake and the new Clinch Mountain Trail. Bottom line: The Channels alone will have you raving to your outdoors-loving friends. Combine it with everything else available in that part of the state and you’ve got the makings of a great trip

Anyway, here are some more pics: 

The trail near the top of Hayters Knob

In the Channels proper