Events - Saturday, December 1
December FSO - Hike with Us!
December 1, 2018
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Dan River Basin Association Plans
Hike on
Mountain Laurel Trail December 1
The Mountain Laurel Trail in Horsepasture, Virginia, will be the site of a 5-mile hike with the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1. Coordinated by experienced hiker and former DRBA board member Lucas Conkle, the hike on 150 acres of private land is open to all.
Located off Horsepasture Price Road (Route 692) in Henry County, Virginia (GPS 36.6052, -79.9510), the trail system is designed and used primarily by mountain bikers, but hikers are welcome. Because of the rocky terrain, hikers are advised to wear boots or shoes with lots of cushioning.
The landowner, a mountain biking enthusiast, “welcomes the public to enjoy the serenity of a quiet woodland at their leisure,” according to the trail system’s website. Conkle adds, “The large hills, rocky landscape, clear creek, and mountain laurel make you feel like you’re hiking in the mountains.”
Local lore says the cabin remains on the property belonged to an eighteenth-century trapper who was killed by Indians. With several trail sections to choose from, Conkle says, “A larger portion of the hike will parallel scenic Jennings Creek, with a side trip to the remains of the cabin reputed to have been occupied by the creek’s namesake.”
Participants in the outing are asked to dress in layered clothing and stout, well-cushioned boots or shoes, bring a walking stick, lunch, and water, and be prepared for rain. All participants will be asked to sign a waiver.
Directions: From US 220 west of Martinsville, VA, exit onto US Hwy 58 west. Drive 3.3 miles, and turn south onto Horsepasture Price Road (Rt 692). Drive 1.5 miles to the entrance driveway (GPS 36.6052, -79.9510) on the right. Watch for a small sign indicating “Mountain Laurel Trail.” Follow the driveway for approximately 1/2 mile to the trailhead on the right, just after the fork in the road. There is plenty of parking onsite.
From the south, take US 220 north. Turn left onto Martinsville Loop, and drive 0.8 miles. Turn left onto Spencer Road. After 0.4 miles, as the road enters Virginia it becomes Horsepasture Price Road. Continue for 5.3 miles to the entrance driveway (GPS 36.6052, -79.9510) on the left. Watch for a small sign indicating “Mountain Laurel Trail.” Follow the driveway for approximately 1/2 mile to the trailhead on the right, just after the fork in the road. There is plenty of parking onsite.
Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are free and open to the public. For information about the outing, contact Lucas Conkle, conklel@alumni.greensboro.edu
For information about the Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), visit www.danriver.org.
