Welcome to the Virginia Save Our Streams Chapter

	Welcome to the Virginia Save Our Streams Chapter
	of the
	Izaak Walton League of America

About the Virginia Save Our Streams Chapter		We host Hikes the second Sunday of every month. Below is a list of Hikes we can select
		We will walk the second Sunday of every month(except 5/23) weather permitting. The location of the walk will depend on who wants to go. If you want to go to a particular spot we will accommodate and the first person to nominate a particular walk will prevail that Sunday. Please let us know at least one week ahead if you want to come with us (804-615-5036). We have a variety of meeting places. We are also very anxious to learn new walks from others and are open to all ideas.

Join our Chapter!		We won’t go if the weather is very cold, rainy, or windy. We need to have your contact information in case we need to cancel because of weather. Some walks are in designated Wilderness Areas and there is a limit on the size of a group. Unless specified, dogs are welcome, but please be responsible for your dogs behavior. Bring a leash in case they misbehave. The same principle applies to children.

		It is not necessary to be a member of the Virginia Save Our Streams Chapter to come along on these walks, but we are pleased to increase our membership. The dues support the national IWLA and the Virginia Division of the IWLA as well as our Chapter. Chapter dues are one of several sources of support for the Virginia Save Our Stream Program. All of these levels of IWLA do good work.
Programs
	Member's Pledge "To strive for the purity of water, the clarity of air, and the wise stewardship of the land and its resources; To know the beauty and understanding of nature and the value of wildlife, woodlands, and open space; To the preservation of this heritage and to man's sharing in it. I pledge myself as a member of the Izaak Walton League of America."

Mount Pleasant

Amherst Co., 5 ½ mile loop in the George Washington National Forest to rock outcroppings at the summit, with an almost 360-degree view at 4,070 feet.

The Priest

Nelson Co., The Priest is the highest point in the Religious Range, as series of summits that includes The Friar, Little Friar and the Cardinal. A 2.8 mile circuit hike from Crabtree Meadows parking, along the Appalachian Trail, to the beautiful view at the summit of The Priest. One option is to make this a 6-mile hike by continuing from the summit down to the Tye River and leaving a car at Rt. 56.

Spy Rock

Spy Rock is a favorite hike. Leave from the Montebello Hatchery and hike to the Appalachian Trail and climb Spy Rock, recently described as “ one of the best lunching, thinking and relaxing spots between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Mason-Dixon line.” On a clear day, you can see from Goshen Pass to Charlottesville.

North River Gorge

Augusta County: A beautiful 4 ½ mile, easy hike. The trail “twists and turns on a nearly level route of exuberantly full, vibrant and green foliage.” We’ve hope the hundreds of pink lady’s slippers that this trail is known for will be in bloom. Nine fords of the river.

Apple Orchard Falls

Apple Orchard Falls National Recreation Trail is in the Glenwood Ranger District of the Jefferson National Forest. The hike passes a spectacular 200-foot cascade

Sugar Hollow and Moorman’s River

Albemarle County: This hike begins at the Sugar Hollow Reservoir, 25 minutes west of Charlottesville. An easy 4 mile hike along the Moormans in Shenandoah National Park.

Cole Mountain

Cole (sometimes called Cold) Mountain provides a 360-degree view from the Appalachian Trail on a 4000’ grass-covered summit. Views every Virginian should see. There is a short 1-mile option to the summit, or the more challenging, and rewarding, 5-mile Old Hotel Trail. Amherst Co.

Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is a lovely, level trail along the Jackson River in Bath County. Leave from the Warwick Mansion near Warm Springs for a 5.6 mile hike between Back Creek Mountain and ridges to the east. Ford the river once in this loop.

Chambers Ridge

Approximately 3-mile loop trail at the west end of Goshen view. Includes a great view of Goshen and a swinging bridge (or ford)!

Rich Hole

A unique wilderness area just into Allegheny County. One mile steep at the beginning then 5 miles slow gentle decent through fern glades. Lots of wildlife. One way trail – we will leave cars at both ends.

St. Marys

In a Wilderness area near Vesuvius. Must go in small groups. We may start at the “Green Pond” at the top and walk down or do the 4-mile in and back to the falls from the bottom. We will decide when we know who is coming.

Devil’s Marbleyard

A unique geological formation in Arnolds Valley South of Glasgow. A remarkable place. We need to go before too late in the spring because it is reputed to be a snake haven.

Forge Mountain

The Mount Everest of Rockbridge County! After a mile of so of steady, fairly difficult uphill climb you get to the part where it really gets steep. This walk will test your “personhood”. The effort is worthwhile however when you reach a unique geological display at the summit. Not a walk for children or dogs or one to attempt in hot weather. Approximately 6.5 miles round trip.

Roaring Run Furnace

This is a really easy walk of less than a mile to a spectacular waterfall in northern Botetourt County. It is a special regulation, stocked trout stream. There are picnic tables and very nice grills so it makes for a great picnic spot as well as a short walk. The old furnace is standing and stabilized. There is some good interpretive information on 19^th century iron ore production. There is another short Craig Creek loop nearby to fill out the day.