Fall is my favorite time of the year because I love walking outside everyday, but when it’s cool and the colors around you are amazing, the daily walks are the best. I wanted to see colors since where I live we only get to see the blue green hues of the ocean and I long for some diversity in seeing orange and reds. I traveled for a week stay to Lynchburg, Virginia and camped at Thousand Trails in nearby Gladys, and got my soul fed with lots of peace, tranquility and colors!
The drive was so nice mostly through country towns in North Carolina and Virginia and the campground was well-kept. Did you know there is a town called Virgilina that is on the border of the two states (but really on the Virginia side)?
I always say that I learn something each time I camp and this time I learned to drive the entire campground before I chose my site. I chose one of the first ones near a farm field with lots of trees bordering the horse fence. It was private, large and UNLEVEL. I spent the longest time getting it level and broke a few of my leveling blocks. It was janky job but it worked for the week (please don’t joke me – I’m just happy I got LJ backed up in there)!
I worked most of the days and took my late afternoons walking the campground, which had a beautiful lake and wooded walking trails. Andy and I had just started rucking and I made sure to carry my weight on my walks. The numerous hills made it more of a workout and a much needed change from my flat coastal walks!
Visiting Downtown Lynchburg, VA
One afternoon, I ventured to Lynchburg to try their Riverwalk Walking Trail, which was another colorful treat. The trail was an old railroad bed that is now paved and connected to a small island along the James River, Percivals Island, that you could also walk on. Walking across the bridge to the island was like stepping back in time and the trail was heavily traveled even on a weekday afternoon. There were lots of birds, some camping on private land off of the trail and I even spotted an old Airstream down by the river.
I also visited downtown Lynchburg, which is a cool little place that is undergoing a revitalization. I loved the old warehouses and mills that are being converted into shops, offices and apartments. There was even a riverfront skatepark! When Andy and I have some time to get away for a weekend, this would be a perfect quick excursion. With more strenuous hiking trails nearby and lots of great things to do in Lynchburg, I think this would be the perfect spot for a great ruck hike with a bonus romantic getaway for two with their dog. Oh, and if you like to walk in red heels, check out this snazzy hotel, the Craddock Terry Hotel, which was right by the trail.
