Blue Ridge kangaroos? The roots of the tow truck? Six hundred and fifty varieties of irises? Our writers and photographers have scoured the Blue Ridge in search of some rare destinations – secret or nearly-secret spots for exploring.
Read this complete article in the new Blue Ridge Country, now available at bookstores, on newsstands or by calling (800) 877-6026. Or try our Free Issue Offer.
Have a secret you want to share? E mail the editor at
cmodisett@leisurepublishing.com. We'll publish reader's secrets in a
future issue of Blue Ridge Country magazine.
MORE SECRET INFORMATION...
from Joe Tennis's "Southwest Virginia Crossroads: An Almanac of Place
Names and Places to See" (The Overmountain Press, 2004,
http://www.overmountainpress.com):
DIRECTIONS TO SECRET #38, DEVIL'S BATHTUB
"The noisy waters of the Devils Fork of Big Stony Creek have carved a
hole about 20 feet long and eight feet wide in solid rock, known as
'The Devil's Bathtub.' And the name fits; the 12-foot-deep depression
in the creek bed is shaped just like a bathtub. An eight-foot-hight
cascade drips into the basin like a faucet. Local tradition says the
tub is named for the devil because its clear-as-ice water is 'cold as
hell.' Downstream from the tub, water files through a narrow raceway
and spits into a crystal clear swimming hole. Because this hole is
approached first on the 2.2-mile-long Devils Fork Trail, hikers often
mistake it for the Devil's Bathtub...
"From VA 65/72 at Fort Blackmore, follow VA 619 north for about five
miles, bearing to the right at the Glen Carter Memorial Bridge. At the
crossroads of VA 619 and VA 657, turn left onto a one-lane bridge to
follow VA 619 for about a quarter mile. Turn left on a gravel lane next
to a white house and a chain-link fence. Follow this gravel road for
about a half mile, bearing to the right when the road forks, then,
after another 0.1 miles, bear left when the road forks again and leads
to the small parking area.
"The gated road above the parking lot is the trail. After a quarter
mile, the trail crosses a stream. At a sharp curve about 50 yards
further, a sign designates USFS 619. Bear left here to follow the trail
for 20 yards, then bear right and follow the trail marked with yellow
blaze as it goes up the creek. After about two miles, pass the swimming
hole. Continue on the trail for several more yards to a small sign
pointing to the Devil's Bathtub, at the center of the creek bed. To
find the waterfall, follow the trail for a half mile beyond the
bathtub. Pass two large rock walls on the left, and look for the falls
on the right."
DIRECTIONS TO SECRET #40, BIRCH KNOB OVERLOOK
"Getting to Birch Knob requires driving uphill for five miles on
semi-rough forest roads. The half-acre Mullins Pond, lined with reeds,
marks the halfway point. The pond's name comes from early homesteader
John P. Mullins.
"From VA 83 (W. Main St.) in Clintwood, follow VA 631 (Brush Creek Rd.)
north for three miles. Turn right on VA 611 and follow for 2.3 miles.
Turn left at a wooden shed on USFS 616 and follow uphill to reach the
Mullins Pond parking lot at 2.5 miles. Bear left at the pond entrance
and continue following the forest road to reach the parking area for
Birch Knob Overlook in 2.4 miles. An informal overlook at "Buzzard's
Roost" is 1.1 miles beyond Mullins Pond, near a monument marking the
site of a 1965 airplane crash."
Plus, check out these other great resources for out-of-the-way secret
places:
Jeanne Mozier's "Way Out in West Virginia" (Quarrier Press, 2004, with
upcoming new edition planned later in 2007)
Su Clauson-Wicker's "West Virginia Off the Beaten Path" (Globe Pequot
6th edition, 2006, http://www.globepequot.com)
