Adventures from a Traveler’s Notebook
by Lisa C Cantwell
It’s the dead of winter. The last thing you want to do is to leave the cozy warmth of home and venture out into the “bleak midwinter.” But on days when the sun gains some momentum, the wind stills, and the sky glows with an intense blue. “Maybe,” you think, “I could bundle up and go outside for a walk.” Lucky you, for winter hiking abounds in our northernmost Blue Ridge Mountain region! Nearby parks offer trails and roads just perfect for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. All that is needed for winter walks is a sturdy pair of hiking boots; temperature appropriate garments to layer and remove, if needed; insulated and waterproof socks and gloves; a light daypack for water and snacks; and a hiking staff for balance. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are not commonly rented, so plan to purchase this fun equipment in-store from an outfitter. They can be ordered; however, for adjustment purposes, it’s preferable to be fitted in the store. So, if you’re game to wonder the bare woods of January, here are a couple of destinations in our region that offer such pleasing vistas, you may just forget it’s a bit chilly outside!
Bear’s Den, Bluemont, VA
Perched high above the Shenandoah Valley, on a ridge where the Appalachian Trail (AT) earns the nickname, “The Rollercoaster,” is a historic lodge that serves as a hostel to hikers. Bear’s Den, as it is known, is about an hour drive from Thurmont and is near the Virginia quaint towns of Purcellville, Upperville, and Berryville. In addition to the AT, there are six trails that offer short hikes, no more than two thirds of a mile in length, with spectacular views. My favorite trail is the overlook on the AT (pictured), that offers a sunset panoramic view of Winchester, VA, Front Royal, VA and Charlestown, WV. The fascinating lodge was built in 1933 by a Washington doctor and his wife, who was an opera singer. They traveled to Europe and designed their summer retreat to resemble a medieval castle, complete with a turret, tower, and a grand room. The lodge has rooms available for overnight stays this time of year, as AT through-hikers are rare until spring. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) owns Bear’s Den, while the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) manages it. In addition to the lodge, a rustic cottage can be rented and there is a primitive campground for the more adventurous of winter wanderers. Of course, day-use only explorers can wander the grounds until the parking lot closes at 9:00 p.m. A $3.00 fee is charged for parking lot. Should you decide to stay overnight, linens and bedding are provided in the main lodge and a kitchen is available for your use. Frozen pizzas, snacks, beverages, and pancake mix is stocked, should you choose not to bring groceries. When we visited and sought a bacon and egg breakfast, we found several friendly cafes to choose from in nearby Berryville, VA. The lodge has an extensive library, as hikers have left their favorite books behind for fellow off-the-beaten-trackers to relish. Consider an overnight reservation so you can put your feet up in the grand room after a few hours of hiking. I read by the crackling fire in the stone hearth there, while my husband chatted with other guests. Bear’s Den is an informal and welcoming place, but party animals beware, as strictly enforced “quiet time” begins at 9:00 p.m. Keep in mind that this is a hostel and unless you specify a private room, another guest could climb into the overhead bunk. There’s little privacy during the summer, as the lodge is often full of weary hikers. Lastly, Harper’s Ferry is a mere 20.5 miles away via the AT. A shuttle is available to return to Bear’s Den, but that is a challenge best reserved for warmer weather, at least for this hiker. This beautiful spot is approximately 60 miles from Thurmont and is indeed, a trip worth taking! For more information about day use and lodging rates, visit the website at bearsdencenter.org or call 540-554-8708.
Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, Fairfield, PA
Perhaps you are acquainted with this lovely 600-acre park in nearby Adams County, Pennsylvania, that features ten miles of well-maintained hiking trails through a gently rolling, diverse ecosystem. School children and adults in the area have enjoyed the nature center and many programs offered by this non-profit preserve for over thirty years. But did you know that with seven trails to choose from, this is a wonderful place to cross-country ski? I have a friend who swears that this is one of the best places to cross-country ski in the region. And, did you know there is a two-bedroom vacation cabin available for a two-night minimum stay? Private and cozy, it sleeps five and has all the amenities and appliances of home, to include a washer and dryer. Linens and towels are also provided, and the kitchen has pots and pans, plates, and silverware. If you decide to enjoy a weekend of cross-country skiing or hiking, there will be plenty of warmth for après ski in this 815-sq. ft. accommodation with electric heat and propane back up. If a Yankee clipper blows in, don’t worry, there’s TV/DVD and WIFI to keep you entertained. What’s truly wonderful about reserving the cabin is that the proceeds from the rental are used for environmental education at the preserve. Activities will pick up in late February and early March when the annual Mt. Hope Maple Madness festival occurs, and pancakes are consumed smothered in maple syrup tapped from the preserve’s trees. Until then, lace up your hiking boots or snap on cross-country skis and explore the winter wonderland of Strawberry Hill! This is a trip worth taking so close to home! There are no fees to visit the nature center or to hike trails. but donations are appreciated. A brochure with a detailed map of all trails can be downloaded and cabin reservations can be arranged on the website, strawberryhill.org. For additional information, call 717-642-5840.
