Hiking Apple Orchard Falls Trail at the Blue Ridge Parkway, and a Coupon for Apple Picking at Peaks of Otter Winery Orchard

I'm not one to complain about the sweet summertime (sunny skies and warm weather are two of my favorite things). But good grief, is it hot as blue blazes outside for a mid-September day! After getting a taste last weekend of sunny skies minus the triple digit temps, I can honestly say I am ready for cooler days.
We had a taste of fall this past Labor Day weekend, when we found out that despite hurricane weather closing in to the east and south of us, it was going to be mid-70s and sunny along the Blue Ridge Parkway. We decided to take advantage of Southern (and Western) Virginia's good fortune and went for a scenic drive, a nature hike at Apple Orchard Falls, and some slow paced quality time with friends and each other.
 
We chose Apple Orchard Falls as our hiking destination, called our friends and asked them to join us, packed our snacks and lunch, loaded up the Outback, and were on our way. (Partly true story. After searching Pinterest for the perfect picnic ideas, I realized I actually had no food worth packing, so we stopped at the WalMart deli in Bedford to grab sandwiches and a can of bug spray that we forgot to pack. And mini cupcakes, of course.) 
We carried our blanket and food with us, so when we got to the bottom of the falls, we spread out and had lunch right there. The falls were a lovely backdrop. 
 
Don't you love these wooden stairs in the woods? Yeah, we did, too, on the way down. On the way back, not so much. As someone we met on the trail said, this hike should be inverted! You start out fresh and energetic for the entire trek DOWN the mountain toward the waterfalls. Once there, starting to get tired, hot, and having a full belly from picnicking, you have to climb the entire way back UP the mountain, and it is no joke.  But we made it. We did stop for a brief rest on the way back to the top, but  we made it. I would say depending on how experienced of a hiker you are, it is moderate to slightly strenuous. Did I mention that we made it?  **For info on a slightly less strenuous route, read our article here about Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, VA. It has a spacious overlook at the top. 
We topped off our hike with melted WalMart mini-cupcakes and a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The children played. It was awesome. And... it kept getting better.
When we left, we made an impromptu stop at the Peaks of Otter lodge. A National Park Ranger gave each of the children a bamboo fishing pole. Mark and I sat in Adirondack chairs by the edge of the pond and drank coffee from the lodge's coffee shop while the children played catch and release. It was so enjoyable. Aren't these pictures gorgeous? These were taken at Peaks of Otter just two hours from home. 
On the way home, we passed Peaks of Otter Winery and Johnson Orchard. We hope to go back this fall.  Apple picking at Peaks of Otter is a great way to spend family time this fall, y'all! If you're heading to Peaks of Otter, take advantage of this great Family Fun Pack Groupon deal. Apple picking, animal feed, and gift shop jams and jellies...need I say more? Click here to access the Groupon deal.  
Getting to Apple Orchard Falls Trail:  From South Boston, we took 501 North toward Lynchburg, then 460 West toward Bedford. In Bedford, we took 43 toward the Parkway. 43 intersects the Parkway at Peaks of Otter. There are two different places that you can begin to see the falls. One is at SF59, in which you can hike the 7 mile Cascades Trail loop. The other option is to park at Sunset Field, Mile marker 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  There is ample parking at this spot, proper signage, and a gorgeous overlook and flat grassy area for picnicking and watching the sunset. We opted for Sunset Field. It is a down and back hike, about 3 miles total according to the signs, though Mark's activity tracker said we walked closer to 4 miles.
So what do you think? Would you hike Apple Orchard Falls Trail? What about a trip to Peaks of Otter? How about a day trip to the Winery and Orchards?  We have had more people tell us that they honeymooned or were married there. I had no idea it was such the wedding destination, but it is so beautiful, I can certainly see why. If you're looking for a hike, a scenic drive, a family outing, or just something to different to do, I hope this suggestion has been helpful. Enjoy your day, however you choose to spend it! 
xoxo, Erin
Southern Virginia Mom


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