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Kurt’s Hikes

CURRENT Kurt’s Hikes

Lightening the Load

We made our way up this familiar hike pretty quickly this outing, what with visiting family back at the ranch.

Kurt’s Hikes: Fun Lunch at “Hey” Rock

On a pretty Sunday, we made this old-favorite walk with son Eric, Erica and their son Aden, who did his share of leading the way as we went up Tinker Mountain.

New Loop (For Us) at Carvins Cove

We'd never gone in to the Carvins Cove parking lot at the end of Timberview Road, the smallest and least-used of the three access points to the trail system.

Dragon’s Tooth, via Sawtooth Ridge

This favorite area destination gets a little extra twist with the addition of the use of the Scout Trail on the way up.

Grassy Hill: Easy Miles Near Rocky Mount, Va.

These trails, just off of U.S. 220 at Rocky Mount, Va., are as easy and enjoyable as any around Roanoke.

Current Issue

Lightening the Load

We made our way up this familiar hike pretty quickly this outing, what with visiting family back at the ranch.
Erica, Aden and Eric on "Hey" Rock

Kurt’s Hikes: Fun Lunch at “Hey” Rock

On a pretty Sunday, we made this old-favorite walk with son Eric, Erica and their son Aden, who did his share of leading the way as we went up Tinker Mountain.
Old Kurt and Young Matthew just off the northern end of the Horse Pen trail, on the shore of Carvins Cove.

New Loop (For Us) at Carvins Cove

We'd never gone in to the Carvins Cove parking lot at the end of Timberview Road, the smallest and least-used of the three access points to the trail system.

Dragon’s Tooth, via Sawtooth Ridge

This favorite area destination gets a little extra twist with the addition of the use of the Scout Trail on the way up.
The Day Hiker, ahead as always, on one of the trails of the Grassy Hill Natural Area Preserve.

Grassy Hill: Easy Miles Near Rocky Mount, Va.

These trails, just off of U.S. 220 at Rocky Mount, Va., are as easy and enjoyable as any around Roanoke.
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Departments

Smith Mountain Lake Virginia is a hidden gem within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful area features boating, sailing, hiking, shopping, fishing, and much more.
From The Editor

Sarah Smiles: The Lake Effect

Growing up, many of my weekends were spent at my late step-grandmother’s house on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

June 26, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS