Norton Reservoir to Flag Rock

Shew!  Finally got a very slight break from the heat.  It still gets hot, but at least the mornings are nice.  Hike number eight for 2019 was at Flag Rock area.  The elevation made for slighter cooler temps and light breezes, and we enjoyed both on this beautiful sunny morning.  We started at Upper Norton Reservoir just past the main Flag Rock entrance.  We did a 3.25 loop trail on the fairly new bike/hike trail system.  We hiked along the upper reservoir, crossed the dam, and hiked out to Flag Rock.  We enjoyed some time there soaking in the breezes and views.  We hiked back along the opposite side of the reservoirs to return the the parking area.

Peeks of color at Upper Norton Reservoir

View from Flag Rock

Flag Rock area

Cleveland Barrens/Tank Hollow Falls

We drove today to Cleveland, Virginia, a previously unheard of town, that lies East of St. Paul.  If you blink you will miss it, but it is a Clinch River town and home to Tank Hollow Falls.  There has been access to Tank Hollow Falls for quite a while, but recently the DCR set aside some land known as the Cleveland Barrens which includes Tank Hollow Falls.  There were improvements made to allow for handicapped access to Tank Hollow Falls, and a loop trail system installed with signage and trail blazes.  The trail I would rate as moderate, with some lengthy climbs, but it is in good shape.  There are a couple of picnic tables at the trailhead which we took advantage of after the warm September hike.