Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory

Valley view a little more off the beaten path

The observatory is a nice place for an off-the-beaten-path view of the valleys. It was a nice hike and a nice view. The hike: The hike was not terribly strenuous, but also not just a walk in the ...

Worth the detour

This has been on my list for a while, but it’s a little off the beaten track. I stayed in Lewisburg, WV and, without set plans the next day, decided to make the detour en route back to Charleston. Fro...

Worth the hike!

If you can make the trek, it is 100% worth it. I will never forget making my way up to the observatory on July 4th! We watched the sunset and countless firework shows. This was such a cool place to go...

Some Better Weather Would Have Been Nice

This observatory in rural West Virginia is on a major north-south flyway for hawks of various kinds, and things really heat up during spring and fall migrations. My visit, my first, was for the broad-...

Awesome short moderate hike leads to breathtaking views

This is my favorite hike. It takes a while to drive to the trailhead from the Roanoke, Virginia area but it is worth the drive. Combine this outing with a meal at the Swinging Bridge Restaurant in Pai...