Our next stop was Claytor Lake State Park. We have camped there several times and enjoyed every one of our visits. On our last morning I saw about 8 deer running through the woods as Blondie and I walked on one of the several hiking trails.
Early morning at the Claytor Lake Marina
Claytor Lake Marina
Swimming beach at Claytor Lake State Park
Swim platform at Claytor Lake State Park
Moon rising through the trees
The Redbuds were blooming all through the woods in the park.
Our mountain journey continued at Virginia’s Natural Bridge where we walked along the nature trail beside Cedar Creek to the Natural Bridge and Lace Falls. The bridge and trail are privately owned and beautifully maintained.
The arch is 215 feet high, 55 feet higher than Niagara Falls. It is 40 feet thick, 100 feet wide, and is 90 feet between the walls. Highway 11 crosses over the bridge.
George Washington surveyed the bridge and the surrounding area in 1750. What is believed to be his initials can be seen high up on one of the walls.
The warm, sunny spring day was perfect for walking along the nature trail.
Natural Bridge, Virginia
Small waterfall beside the trail at Natural Bridge, Virginia
The trail next to Cedar Creek
Blondie got to play in the creek
The trail ends at beautiful Lace Waterfall
The Lost River flowing from the mountain
Another small waterfall in the creek
Relaxing at Lace Waterfall
View of the bridge as we returned from our hike
Waterfall on Cedar Creek
Survey Marker with George Washington’s initials from 1750
Wildflowers were blooming all along the trail
I think this is Dewberry
Moss surrounds this wildflower growing in the rock wall
Perriwinkle
Daffodil beside the trail
Yellow wildflower beside the trail
Wildflowers beside the trail
We camped for 2 nights at the Natural Bridge KOA, about 5 miles from the Natural Bridge.
Day 2, Friday May 17: We traveled 113 miles from Statesville, NC to Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin, VA. Claytor Lake is a great state park and an easy drive to our daughter’s house. Her family came to the park on Friday night for burgers, hot dogs and s’mores. We started having sprinkles in the afternoon but the weather cooperated and didn’t start raining until after dinner.
Welcome to Virginia!
Claytor Lake State Park, Dublin, VA Site D22
View out our back window at Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia
Slash pine at Claytor Lake State Park
Many trees displayed their springtime blooms at Claytor Lake State Park
Claytor Lake
Early morning at Claytor Lake
Day 3, Saturday, May 18: We watched the rain come down all day, hoping it would stop in time for our grandson’s soccer game. The game was canceled but they were still able to spend the night with us. I picked up a brick oven pizza from MK’s Gourmet Pizzeria – it was delicious! We watched DVD’s, ate pizza, and made s’mores in a drizzle. What a great night!
Day 4, Sunday, May 19: We woke up to more rain so we decided to take the kids to meet their parents in Floyd, VA. We were hoping to take a hike on the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway but again, the weather didn’t cooperate. As it turned out, I’m glad it rained. We really enjoyed the Sunday Jam Session at the Floyd Country Store.
Floyd Country Store in Floyd, VA
Sunday Jam Session at the Floyd Country Store
Enjoying the music at the Floyd Country Store
Jam Session at Floyd Country Store
These guys could really play!
I never saw a blonde fiddle before
Loved their music!
Listening to a jam session at the Floyd Country Store is a great way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon in Southwestern Virginia. You can read about our experience on our daughter’s blog entry Indoor Appalachian entertainment at the Floyd Country Store.
Day 5, Monday, May 20: A day of housekeeping, grocery shopping, and a final visit with family. We said our goodbyes after our granddaughter’s swim team practice. We’re going to miss them!
Wandering Dawgs 