ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, October 14, 1996 TAG: 9610150054
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
There are as many ways to observe fall colors as there are colors to see, but, for John Piedmont, nothing beats a hike into the high country.
``I can start at the base of a mountain, where maybe it still is a little bit green, then go up and see the oranges, the golds and the reds,'' he said. ``At the top, maybe it is almost wintertime. I love the gradation of colors as they crawl down the mountains.''
There is an abundance of mountains to observe now that the days are shorter and the air sharper. We asked Piedmont, a 29-year-old Roanoker, to tell us about four favorite fall hikes. An avid outdoorsman, he is the public relations director for the Roanoke Valley SPCA, a contributing writer for the Blue Ridge Business Journal and a captain in the Marine Corps Reserve. Here are his picks:
HOUSE MOUNTAIN
Whenever I am driving past Lexington or walking around the VMI campus (Piedmont is a 1989 graduate), my eyes often rise to the great mass of House Mountain off to the west. At first sight, it appears to be a single feature, but it actually is two mountains, one behind the other and slightly offset, so that from Lexington they appear to be one.
While trails run to both heights from the saddle between the twin mountains, the usual destination is the northeast corner of the eastern peak. VMI cadets and W&L students hike it frequently.
In 1989, the land was purchased jointly by the Rockbridge Area Conservation Council and the Virginia Outdoor Foundation to preserve it for recreational use.
If you have the leg power, this hike will reward your efforts with one of the finest all-around views of autumn in Virginia. In return for your exertion, you'll see what seems to be the entire Blue Ridge draped across the eastern horizon, and pretty much all of Rockbridge County laid out before you. From the saddle to Students' Rock on Little House Mountain is a mile or so. The saddle does not have basic camping facilities.
CHESSIE NATURE TRAIL
If you take one look at House Mountain and decide it can wait until you are in better shape, don't head for home yet. The Chessie Nature Trail is easy to reach and perfect for a family outing.
Converted in the late 1970s from the old C&O rail line, which ran between Lexington and Buena Vista (you can enter it from either town), it is now owned and managed by the VMI Foundation.
All along the seven-mile route you hug the bank of the Maury River, walking at times past tall cliffs and through small, sunny fields.
The most fascinating points are the four gray stone locks that once made the river navigable as part of the James River and Kanawha Canal. The best is at Ben Salem Wayside, which is on the opposite bank of the Maury, along U.S. 60 between Interstate 81 and Buena Vista.
Cross-country skiers should keep the trail in mind for the snow season. For the latest details or for a map, contact the Lexington Visitors Center, (540) 463-3777.
CRABTREE FALLS
Another challenging - but not exhausting - hike that offers autumn-seekers colorful views is Crabtree Falls in Nelson County.
Look forward to three distinct features on this hike:
One is the continuous cataract of the creek, which can be seen and heard up close from several places.
The second, you should be able to see all stages of autumn not just on this steep trail but on the drive to it.
Finally, from the top you can sit on a bench and admire the color season propped up like a painting in front of you.
The three-mile trail has been constructed with stairs and platforms so you can take your time, pausing to enjoy the sights and sounds.
Crabtree Falls also is suitable for a family outing, although very small children might have a tough time. For backpackers looking for an extended trip, the path connects to the Appalachian Trail a few miles past the top of the falls. Caution: Heed the solemn warning about staying off the rocks at the falls.
BOTTOM CREEK GORGE
Hidden away at the corner of Montgomery, Roanoke and Floyd counties is the Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve. A parcel of land encompassing old homesteads, pasture land and forest, the preserve is operated through the good offices of the Nature Conservancy.
The conservancy has developed an excellent, yet simple, trail network for exploring this remote place. Hikers can combine these trails into larger loops that give a decent workout, as well as let you see everything the preserve has to offer.
The trails pass ponds, streams and meadows and follow tunnels of rhododendron that lead you around and down to the Bottom Creek Gorge, then up to a vantage point to see Bent Mountain Falls flow from a mountain side. No single trail is longer than 1.5 miles one way. Degree of difficulty ranges from easy to strenuous.
The map kiosk at the preserve notes the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
This is a fine Sunday afternoon excursion. Take binoculars and a field guide to wildlife. For information, call the Nature Conservancy, (804) 295-6106.
LENGTH: Long : 105 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: NHAT MEYER/Staff. 1. John Piedmont hikes a leafy carpetby CNBinto the high country
where the autumn woods are beginning to show their colors. 2. John
Piedmont. color. Graphics: 4 maps by Robert Lunsford. color.