Saturday, January 12, 2008

Sugar Hollow

Down Sugar Hollow Road is one of the more popular Albemarle County hiking spots. With parking outside the park proper, there aren't those pesky fees encountered upon entering Skyline Drive. Winter keeps the crowds away. Mild January weather still makes it a great place to hike.

Getting there is easy. Take Barracks Road/Garth Road west all the way to White Hall. At the curve to the right bear left onto Sugar Hollow Road. The road will turn to gravel just beyond the reservoir dam. There is parking along the road and space at the end. The trail heads north from there along the North Fork of the Moorman's River. Just beyond the trailhead, the National Park begins and continues for three miles along the river. There are multiple creek crossings and canyon views with icicles in winter. High water may make some of the crossings more treacherous.

As for the Reservoir, it's not full as the below picture attests. This has accounted for the recent drought warning signs around town. According to the recent C-ville Weekly, the RWSA has downgraded the drought warning to a drought watch. Check out some more about the water situation.

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