Gal-Gone-Camping

Hello Friends!

Too Good To Be True?

What would you expect to pay for a campsite like this– $35-$45 per night maybe? How does between FREE and $20 sound?  Too good to be true?  I’m here to tell ya’ll, it’s TRUE!  You can wake up to stunning views like this in campsites all across the country that cost very little money or are completely free!  Where and how? Glad you asked!

BLM Land–One Good Thing About Our Government!

Welcome to BLM land! BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management–the best thing about our federal government in my opinion!  It’s the agency that manages public lands such as national forests, conservation/wildlife sanctuaries and recreation areas. Within these locations there are designated camping areas; some are free and some are as low as $5 per night. Some sites such as this one in VA is $20 per night.

The super cool feature about these areas is that you can stay in the same spot for up to 14 days! –unless otherwise marked. You can then just move to another spot and stay for another 14 days.  This is called ‘dispersed camping,’ and is a preferred method for gypsies like me.

Luxury Is In The Eyes Of…The Camper!

I get asked the question: “How can you afford to travel so much?”  Well, this is one way–staying overnight at free or very inexpensive places.  If you’re someone who has to have all the “luxuries,” you may not like this practice. If gazing at the stars beside a warm crackling campfire while sipping your favorite beverage; falling asleep on an 8 inch memory foam mattress as you listen to the soothing sounds of nature, then waking up to a view like this isn’t luxury, I guess our definitions are not the same…and that’s OK, but this totally works for me!

Now these places differ all over the country.  Some dispersed camping areas have no services at all, so you will be totally boondocking (dry camping). Some have water only, vaulted toilets, some have shower houses and restrooms, and some like this one, even has electric hook-ups.

The BLM manages other public land too such as some community parks and rest areas.  Unless there is a sign that says ‘no camping’ or ‘no overnight parking,’ it is usually OK to stay there.  The largest portion of BLM land is in the western part of the US.  Because that area is so vast, there are unlimited camping opportunities.  These places are harder to find east of the Mississippi River, but you can still find some great ones, especially in national forests like this one at Flag Rock, Jefferson National Forest, Norton, VA.

Historic Barter Theater

Believe it or not, this wasn’t even the destination point on this trip.  My friend Angie and I were headed to Abbington, Virginia–a really cool little town in the Blue Ridge Mountains; home to the historic Barter Theater, established in 1933, http://www.bartertheatre.com where we were gonna see a production of the “Headless Horseman.” After all, this was the last weekend of October, the perfect time for fun, fall activities–with just a little fright thrown in for good measure!

There were not a lot of people that could afford to pay for theater tickets back in the 30’s with the Great Depression going on, so the founder of the theater, Robert Porterfield, offered admission by letting local folks pay with food items, hence the name “Barter.”  He said “With vegetables you cannot sell you can buy a good laugh.”  What a beautiful theater! The play we saw however, was across the street at Barter Stage II, a smaller theater that is just as beautiful.  After a great show, we started exploring this awesome little town.

Famous Virginia Creeper Trail

One of the other huge attractions in Abbington is the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail.  This is what I was most interested in since it is so well known for biking and hiking enthusiasts. Man, does it live up to it’s fame!  The scenery is spectacular as the 34.3 mile trail winds through forests, fields, and farmlands.  The iconic Appalachian Trail crosses the Creeper in several places along the way.

The VCT was originally a railroad right of way dating back to the 1880’s.  After changing hands from Norfolk & Western to Virginia-Carolina Railroad, seeing diesel powered engines replace the great steamers, the final passenger train finished it’s voyage in 1962.  The US Forest Service got involved, as did the TVA and many other companies, agencies, organizations and individuals. As a result, in 1987, the Virginia Creeper Trail was dedicated as a National Recreation Trail–a testament to what can be accomplished when people work together toward a common goal.  On this trip I only got to hike the VCT a short distance, but to quote some famous last words–“I’LL BE BACK!”

Food Of Course!

All this adventure had worked up an appetite so at the suggestion of my friend’s cousin Chris, we had lunch at the Peppermill Restaurant which is housed in a stately early 1900’s historic home in downtown Abbington.

As we walked up the steps we were greeted by someone checking out the menu who obviously needed to eat more than we did!  (one of the frightfully fun moments) It was just a little windy but not enough to hinder us from dining on the beautiful wrap-around porch.  I LOVE dining al fresco!  I’m a camper–of course I do!

I chose the roasted chicken quesadilla and salad as my entree, but my favorite was the curried mushroom marmalade soup–I know it sounds strange but OMG, it was awesome! I love mushrooms anyway and that hint of orange citrus and sweetness in the bottom was delish!  Inside the Peppermill, you can enjoy a fireplace, wall murals depicting downtown, and a full service bar.

“On The Road To Damascus”

Fueled up for more fun, we headed out of Abbington on US 58 “on the road to Damascus” just like in the Bible!  The little town of Damascus is about 20 minutes away and is a very popular stop on the VCT–bikers everywhere! We cruised through “town” and right on over into Tennessee–another suggestion by cousin Chris, to a place called Backbone Rock Recreation Area.

You all know how I love rock cliffs–well this is a dandy! Located along Beaverdam Creek in northern Johnson Co., TN, this rock is part of Holston Mountain, getting its name from a rocky ridge that abruptly ends there.  In 1901 a tunnel was drilled through the rock for railroad access between Shady Valley and Damascus.  Motorists drive through what is now known as “The Shortest Tunnel in the World.”  Just one of many fun facts you will learn here on Gal Gone Camping y’all!  You’re welcome.

Get Some Backbone!

Backbone Recreation Area has a stone step (I didn’t count, but there’s a lot!) trail leading high up to the rock bridge where you can walk across the highway. What a rush!

The views here are just as exhilarating as that trail.  Beavedam Creek itself is welcoming and perfect for wading (but not for October!)  There are many photo ops here, but the one you must get is standing in the middle of the road under the tunnel. Just be quick about it and listen for oncoming traffic.

Greener Pastures…

Crossing back over into VA, at Taylor, there is Green Cove Station–a restored Norfolk & Western train depot built in 1914; now home to the Green Cove Visitor Center.

The train and the line became known as the Virginia Creeper because of its slow speed going up and over the mountains.  If you were wondering how the trail got it’s name–this is why.

The backdrop of the station was a green sloping pasture where cattle were grazing.  I imagined how peaceful it must have been living in these mountains over a hundred years ago. Speaking of cattle and pastures, across the road was the most picturesque farm with the classic tin roofed, red barn gracefully standing in front of those mountains, dressed in full fall color.

The scene was stunning.  In fact, it was a photographer’s dream–and I took full advantage.  I am only including one pic here, but I took several and each were amazing. Even an amateur like me can produce great pics with these kid of subjects!

Back in the day, this station served as a community gathering spot where folks got their mail, caught the train, and socialized.  It still serves as a gathering place and rest area for trail bikers, hikers, and tourists.  We we there late in the afternoon and the visitor center had already closed.  However, there was a playground and well… “girls just want to have fun!”  We were the only ones there which was good, cause four grown women on playground equipment wasn’t very pretty but we had a blast!  How long has it been since you were on a teeter totter or a swing?  Don’t judge!

Dinner and a…Ghost Story?

The evening was wearing on and we were wearing out, so we headed back to base camp at Abbington; opting to go Italian for dinner.  Another suggestion by cousin Chris was Mama Mia’s in this quaint little brick building with an attached portico lit up with string lights.  Dining al fresco twice in one day!  I chose a spicy chicken baked spaghetti entree with pesto & garlic bread.

With no room for dessert, we hurried to catch a ghost story presentation at nearby Sinking Springs Cemetery where earlier we saw an 1800’s ‘undertaker’ inviting passersby to “come on in.”  Our original plan was to catch the ‘Ghosts of Abbington’ tour presented by Appalachian Ghostwalks, but tickets were sold out. 

Unfortunately, the ghost story thing had already started by the time we got there, but I took a stroll around the historic cemetery for pics. The oldest marked gave here is dated 1776!  The clear, cool moonlit night was just right for a walk around a nearly 250 year old grave yard (one of those frightfully fun moments!)

Nightime in Downtown Abbington

Since we missed the ghost story presentation, we just walked the streets of historic downtown Abbington; doing our own tour.  On this kind of night with all these old buildings–we might just run into a ghost!  Well, we didn’t see any apparitions, but we did discover treasure in the beauty of these grand old buildings such as The Tavern–-the oldest building in Abbington, built in 1779; it originally served as a stagecoach stop, then later an inn, tavern, post office, Civil War Hospital and more. 

Now if there are any ghosts in these parts, I’d say you could find one there. According to research, the Tavern’s owner and staff say they have experienced paranormal activity from numerous ghosts!

Sunday Adventure!

After donuts and coffee with yet another fabulous mountain view, we took in an inspiring special Sunday school presentation at cousin Chris’s church.  Afterward, we left Abbington, but not before one last Washington County attraction–White’s Mill.  Established in 1790, it is one of Virginia’s oldest standing grist mills.Providing flour for folks from miles around for well over a 100 years, it saw Stoneman’s Raid during the Civil War and was nearly destroyed.  Thankfully, a thunderstorm prevented it from being burned down.  Today, White’s Mill is no longer in operation, but is a beloved countryside attraction, and is on the US Register of Historic Places.  It now serves as a history lesson and the building across the street houses a gift & consignment shop full of treasures.

High Knob & Lady Bugs!

We were headed back to Kentucky, but the lure of the incredible fall colors drew us in to yet another adventure.  It was here in the Jefferson National Forest we found High Knob–the peak of Stone Mountain, rising up over 4,000 ft. above sea level among the Cumberland Mountains.  After an incredible drive through more spectacular scenery–yes more!, we climbed to an observation tower overlooking more breathtaking views over five states– VA, KY, WV, NC, and TN!

Beware of the lady bugs if you come here during the fall of the year! They must love those mountain views too because they were literally swarming at the observation deck.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  Those jaw dropping views can land a lady bug in your mouth if you’re not careful!

More BLM Land!

Because the High Knob Recreation Area is within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, it is BLM land.  Although there are only 14 developed campsites in this area, the cost is only $10 per night!

There is a shower house and flush toilets.  Free dispersed camping is available for free in surrounding areas within these forests without any services. According the the website, some dispersed campsites here is allowed up to 21 consecutive days! https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/gwj/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=73539&actid=34

There are no crowds here–most likely because of its remoteness and the small number of developed campsites. If you love to get off the beaten path like me, this is a great place! There is a spring fed lake with a sandy beach to enjoy in the summer, and temperatures here are cooler than most places due to the higher elevation.

No crowds, cool temps, incredible scenery, great trails, remote, free to very low cost campsites…what’s not to love? CAUTION: Be very careful on the drive to and from the High Knob and Flag Rock Area.  You are climbing a 4,000 plus ft. mountain full of switchbacks.  This may be another reason for the lack of people.  A big shout out to my friend Angie for doing a great job driving.  Yes–one of the rare times I was not behind the wheel!

‘Carry Me Back To Old Virginia’

I’m not one for going down the same road twice because “there’s just too many places I gotta see” (everything’s a song with me ya know), but I’m quite certain I will be coming back here because there’s just too many places here I gotta explore!

We could not possibly have packed any more fun and adventure into one weekend.  It always amazes me how much you can do if you time everything right and how far you can be in just a few hours drive time.  I can’t say enough about this trip– I enjoyed it immensely.  Virginia has always been one of my favorite states. I made some new discoveries and love sharing them with you all.  I highly recommend each one!

Until next time, remember…DON’T WAIT TO LIVE!

See ya down the road,

Catrina