Periodic New Series ~ Here's Why I Love Virginia! ~ New River Trail

See?  I am ALL over the place!  Throughout the summer I thought it would be fun to share my love of this great state of Virginia.  There are so many things to do around us and my kids are old enough to do so many of them!

Today the kids and I loaded up our bikes and headed to the New River Trail State Park.  Just down the interstate, we biked a section from Draper to Hiwassii.  To me, this trail and the surrounding views are quintessential Virginia.  Green countryside, a few ramshackle old homes and barns, the green river, ferns and daisies growing along the path.  The path itself is an old railroad bed - there is a bit of a grade, but for the most part it is flat.

Along the way we rustled up this Barred Owl.  The kids and I got an amazing view as it kept hopping from branch to branch in the trees right in front of us, before flying away.

The trail itself is over 55 miles, so there are many sections that you can ride for just a day trip.  My kids would love to do the whole thing.... not sure about that just yet.

Apparently the Draper Mercantile (right next to the parking lot in Draper) is a great place to go for ice cream, etc.  But they are closed on Mondays in season.  This trip:  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!  We will be doing it again!