Crooked Trails Hiking Series Kicks Off This Month

A new hiking series will help you explore six different trail systems in Franklin County this fall.

The Crooked Trails of Franklin County is a six hike, six week series offered by Franklin County Parks and Recreation. You can hike all the hikes or pick the ones that work best in your schedule.

The series is designed so that almost anyone can take part in the hikes. The first hike – Grassy Hill Preserve – is Tuesday, Nov. 7 at noon. (Participants meet at the Essig Recreation Center and there’s a free shuttle to each trailhead.)

The hike schedule includes:

Nov. 7: Grassy Hill Natural Preserve, 4.75 miles

The hike gains over 500 feet in elevation as hikers climb to the most spectacular view of Rocky Mount in the area.

Nov. 14: Dogwood Glen Trail (Philpott Dam), 4 miles

The trail follows access roads along the shoreline of Philpott Lake, ending at Salthouse Branch Recreation Area. The hike will go out about 2 miles where everyone can enjoy a snack on a secluded lakeside beach before the return route.

Nov. 21: Coves Cliffs at Smith Mountain Lake, 2.5 miles

The private waterfront community has a trail system with great views of the lake. There are a few steep sections and plenty of great surprises.

Nov. 28: Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, 2 miles

The 37-acre peninsula includes 2 miles of trails with one-of-a-kind views.

Dec. 5: Ferrum College Trails

The college has a network of trails that traverse Ferrum Mountain.

Dec. 12: Jamison Mill (Philpott Lake), 4 miles

Franklin County’s newest park has a wonderful network of trails along the quiet banks of Philpott Lake.

Registration for the full series (or individual hikes) is open online.