Claytor SP VA

A four day trip to Claytor SP, which is south of Roanoke. We drove up Thursday and set up camp. We got a new canopy that is bigger and sturdier than the old one. I was able to attach a tarp to it, then hold it up with tent poles. That way I could just drive the truck out, and back it in with no trouble.

Friday we drove to Falls Ridge Preserve. You walk up through this meadow into the forest.

If you turn right, you come to the falls -

(From the website - The rocks in the travertine falls watershed grew steadily, as minerals and lime dissolved in the water precipitate upon them. Over thousands of years, the build-up of calcium carbonate steepened the stream's gradient and slowly created both the waterfall and one of the largest-known exposed travertine deposits. ) This is just a part of it, my other pictures don't even do it justice.

If you turn left, there is a huge rock face of limestone and travertine, full of holes and caves -

A closer look at the formations -

It was so incredible to see up close. I don't think too many people go there, but probably some day they will have to limit access to the caves. We were able to explore them all we wanted, and only saw a few other people the whole time.

After all that exploring and awe, we went straight to the swimming area back at the campground. It was so beautiful! And to swim until we were cold felt amazing.

Saturday we headed to Roaring Run Falls and Furnace 

There is no way to do this trail justice with pictures. It's about .03 miles of following the creek upstream, and it is just cascade after cascade until you get to the main falls. 

On the way down we took the woodland trail, and ended up at the old iron furnace.

Then back to the lake for more swimming until 6:30. A fire, and then snoozing.

And now, a safety tip -