Ready to leave the city behind? The Brandywine Area Recreation Area awaits offering two drastically different hiking experiences.
Welcome to the Brandywine Area Recreation Area a haven straddling Virginia and West Virginia. It is a perfect weekend getaway. The Brandywine Area Recreation Area features diverse recreational activities. Choose your own adventure.
For the brave at heart High Knob challenges you. It is a strenuous climb to a fire tower. The reward is a spectacular 360-degree view.
If you are seeking a gentler path the Saw Mill Loop is ideal. This easy 3.7-mile walk meanders alongside two creeks. This offers a peaceful communion with nature.
Imagine spending a weekend here. The Brandywine Area Recreation Area has a man-made beach on Brandywine Lake. There are 32 campsites available and they provide modern conveniences such as clean bathrooms with hot showers and potable water.
Large groups can use the overflow camping area. Picnic tables and fire rings are available. Note that the camping rating refers to these facilities not trailside campsites.
High Knob trail is steep. It ascends without switchbacks for 2.9 miles. Begin at the Group Campground’s right front. Follow the yellow blazes. The trail climbs steeply for 0.2 miles. It then eases along the ridge. The final 0.5 miles are very steep leading to the Shenandoah Mountain Trail intersection.
Conversely the Saw Mill Loop offers an easy walk. Open wildlife clearings dot the landscape. Two seasonal creeks enhance the scenery. From the campground’s back loop follow the yellow blazed Saw Mill Loop trail for 0.3 miles. Turn right to follow the 3.1-mile loop. Hawes Creek flows to your left initially. Cross a small ridge and follow a feeder stream. Finally turn right for 0.3 miles back to your starting point.
Campers have shared their experiences here. One hiker noted the High Knob views are amazing. Another hiker trained on High Knob to prepare for hiking down Pikes Peak. He found High Knob more challenging due to its relentless ascent. The Saw Mill Loop hikers enjoyed pretty open woods. They did mention numerous fallen trees which you have to climb over, though.
Steve S. recommends a post-hike swim in the Brandywine Area Recreation Area swimming pond and showers. It is a refreshing reward after a sweaty climb.
Whether you seek strenuous solitude or peaceful streams the Brandywine Area Recreation Area provides. It is a memorable outdoor experience leaving you refreshed and connected with nature. The Brandywine Area Recreation Area is calling to you.