Blogger Jessica Bowser from Virginia Outdoor Adventures is at it again. She loves getting outdoors into nature. And we love it when she shares her latest trips with us!
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. As the host of Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast, I get to share my love and appreciation for the outdoors and encourage others to experience their own adventures close to home. That is why I am excited to be visiting with Destination Virginia so I can share even more places to go and things to do around our beautiful state. Connect with me on Instagram (virginia_outdoor_adventures) or Facebook and Twitter (@VAOAPodcast) to follow the adventure.
Westmoreland is one of the six original Virginia State Parks. The cabins here were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and have an old, rustic charm. I love the huge stone fireplace, exposed beams, and hardwood floors in my quaint one-bedroom accommodation. Each cabin has rocking chairs, a picnic table, a grill, and a firepit in the yard.
Located on the Potomac River, Westmoreland is best known for its views from atop Horsehead Cliffs. Fossil hunters enjoy looking for ancient shark teeth on the beach along the Potomac. It is an excellent location to spot Bald Eagles, Osprey, and other wildlife. I chose to hike the Laurel Point Trail to Rock Spring Pond. This time of year, native Mountain Laurel are beginning to bloom and the Laurel Point Trail is lined with these evergreen shrubs with pink and white clusters of flowers. The trail runs parallel to a small stream that feeds into the pond. While the forested trail was beautiful, the real treat was reaching Rock Spring Pond where the entire perimeter of the pond was lined with Mountain Laurel on the cusp of bursting into full bloom. Turtles were sunbathing on logs and migratory songbirds filled the air with their joyous calls. Several benches are located around the pond, providing a perfect location to pause and take it all in.
Laurel Point Trail continues past the pond all the way to the Potomac River. The descent to the water is steep but wooden steps make the last trek manageable. I could hear the waves from the water just before reaching the top of the steps where I was rewarded with a stunning view of the river through the tops of the trees. Once at the bottom, I was able to walk out onto one of many piers where I enjoyed the views before retracing my steps to the trailhead. Laurel Point Trail is 1.4 miles one-way, which makes it a perfect choice for a shorter but beautiful hike with differing scenery.
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To see out some other great places to visit in Virginia make sure to check out:
