Stargazing on Sharptop Mountain

 By Andrew Conklin 

The Blue Ridge area of Virginia has some impressive mountains to climb. Sharptop, the tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge area has a rewarding hike to the summit that suites beginner to intermediate climbers. At the summit of Sharp Top, there is a stone cabin that hikers may stay in with permission of the Blue Ridge Rangers department. The mountain’s summit is far enough away from extreme light pollution, and has big rocks to lay down on and star gaze with your friends and even your family! Up there you will be amazed of the quality and brightness of the stars. It is great for taking long exposures with your camera and tripod for some memorable pictures of your night out on Sharp Top Mountain.

Amazing Outdoor Rock Climbing

By: Andrew Conklin 

In the Blue Ridge area of Virginia are mountains unlike any of that kind in its region. The Devils Marble Yard and Manly Mountain both are giant rock slides when the mountain broke apart and slid down, causing massive boulders and rocks to peak the interest of outdoors rock climbers. These boulders are great for bouldering, with perfect cracks and holds to practice the bouldering technique. Also at each of these spots are 30 up to 50-foot cliffs available and anchored for top roping, lead climbing, and learning to set your own anchors. The amazing thing about these places is that there is no expensive gym fee to climb and you can enjoy the great outdoors while improving your rock climbing skills. At the tops of each mountains are beautiful views on a bright sunny day!

The Ride of Your Life

By Michael Johnson

An activity for the entire family that has maintained its popularity during the winter months is sledding.  Many families have sleds that have been used for generations, plus there are newer models that have increased speed and agility.  An outing is guaranteed to create lasting memories. 

A yearly favorite spot is located less than a half hour outside of Lynchburg, in Nelson County.  That is found on private property at the intersection of routes 29 North and 150 West.  The owner, a sledding enthusiast herself, welcomes new and old visitors alike.  She calls her hill Slippery Slope.  Because of the huge crowds, ample parking is provided.  It also offers an excellent view of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  If you’re lucky, you may be invited inside the residence for hot apple cider from an adjoining orchard. 

The hillside has an excellent slope of 55 degrees that insures speed and a challenge.  It is wide enough to accommodate many sledders at the same time.  The length is 1,000 feet with a smooth and bumpy texture.  Because of the speeds reached, sledders are at their own risk for safety.  The hillsides history has shown no major accidents.  There are no natural hazards. Enjoy yourself after the snowfall.

Packing for a Weekend Adventure

By Vanessa Park

So, you have decided to take an Excursion trip.  You have read our Lynchburg issue and have decided you would really like to see Sharp Top and experience Lynchburg's beautiful fall colors.  Your significant other is ready for a weekend away, you have made a fresh batch of our Best Ever Fall Trail Mix and you are looking forward to a weekend away outside.  But, other than clothes and toiletries, what should you pack?  Here, I will give packing tips for both those of you who will camp out and those of you who prefer the comfort of a hotel.

No matter where you are staying in Lynchburg, you will want to bring rain gear.  Lynchburg is beautiful, but known for having the occasional rainy day.  Secondly, be sure to use an online map service (such as Map Quest) to map out your route and to print directions for the places you know you want to go, this could include trails, restaurants and the locations of different events on our calendar. As you are planning what you will do, make a list of gear you might need (appropriate shoes for hiking, water bottles, sunscreen, etc.) and then use the list to pack your backpacks.  A packing list can save you from forgetting things and, in the end, save you valuable time and money on your weekend adventure!  If you plan on taking pictures, be sure to grab your camera and some extra batteries, just in case! Last, but certainly not least, grab the issue of Excursion Magazine featuring the place you're going.  Flip through it again in the car, and you may find something else you want to do or somewhere else you want to go! 

Did the Monacans Have a Secret Cave?

By Michael Johnson

A National Cave Research Association (NCRA) field director, Maureen Sanford, recently announced a previously unknown cave that was found in Monacan Park, off of US route 130 in Amherst County, VA.  This discovery was totally unexpected because the park had long been mapped.  Also, nothing in Monacan lore speaks of their using caves. 

This cave was stumbled upon by an area hiker, Randy Marsh, whose dog began chasing squirrels up a little stream that runs into the river.  The entrance was now exposed because of heavy rains in the area that dislodged a boulder.  Marsh immediately contacted NCRA, who sent Sanford to confirm the find.

The cave entrance had escaped detection not only because of the rock cliff, but the boulder itself was covered by thick brush and thicket.  Even Google Earth was not able to map it.  The NCRA now has laser-based measuring devices that are able to give dead-accurate measurements without over-estimation.  There results show a 60-by-300 feet cave.

Sanford is now exploring the cave with a team of Liberty University researchers, including undergrads.  If past history holds true, the cave should be mapped and accessible to cave explorers within the next 12 months.  This new cave offers irresistible inquiry into whether there are Monacan artifacts or even cave art.

A Look Ahead

By Vanessa Park

As you probably know, each month Excursion Magazine focuses on a different area in our region.  For the Fall 2012 issue, we showed you the best of outdoor activities in Lynchburg, Virginia.  In our Winter 2013 issue, we will focus on the city of Asheville, North Carolina and the surrounding area.

The issue will contain features on winter activities in Asheville like the best places to ice skate, as well as maps for little sightseeing day trips you can easily take in the surrounding area.  Because this issue will be coming out in January, we also plan to have a feature on how to keep that New Year's resolution by exercising, with tips for ways you can keep your workout outside as well as ways to spice up your usual run routine.

Remember, if you took a trip to Lynchburg and tried some of our suggested activities, you can submit your photos to be considered for our new expanded Letters to the Editor section! Just email photos, your name, and a statement that it is ok for us to use them to excursionmag@gmail.com by December 10, 2012.

Our staff has been working so hard on the Asheville issue and we can't wait for you to see it!

Seeing the Forest- For a Tree

By Michael Johnson

During the months of November and December, many National Forests allow citizens to cut and remove a tree for the Christmas holiday.  Most require a permit, which must be obtained early to avoid being part of a lottery, and all require permission.  A tag is issued with the permit that must be attached to the tree. 

Cutting areas are well defined and usually not near roads.  To find a suitable tree, one should allow a full day for the search and retrieval.  Other necessities include transportation, preferably a truck.  A bow saw or a chainsaw is needed for the task.  Finally, one needs a tie-down to secure and bring the tree home.  Safety must be practiced at all phases.

The Wilson National Forrest located 45 minutes from Lynchburg is a favorite spot.  Families have annually cut in this area.  A suitable tree may take a while to find.  Finding and getting the tree from its site to your transportation involves a scenic hike.  Remember don’t get a tree too big to haul to your truck.  This search adds much to the enjoyment of the holiday season and begins it on the right note.