Mountain Adventures: Carrollwood Campground, New River Paddle and Bicycling

Guess we still needed an old-time music fix after the Mt. Airy Old-time Fiddlers Convention  because we headed across the state line to a campground in Virginia.

View from our campsite

To be honest this just isn't any campground, this is Matthew's Carrollwood Campground and Big FishPark. We stumbled upon this jewel in 2013 and knew it was worth a return trip.

Above view at sunrise

Hillsville is centrally located in this mountain music mecca, it is beautiful, and owned by a friendly family. What is not to like... the sites are on the side of a hill and most have a wonderful view, the air is scented with the aroma of white pines, you can fish in one of two lakes, birdwatch anywhere on the property, and hike along a few trails. I only hope my recommendation doesn't leave me without a campsite next year!

A few rapids to ford on the river

Monday to prove there is more to life than music, we put the canoe in the New River near Fries VA.  The river runs rather fast but we managed to paddle upstream over small rapids and against the swift current. For about an hour and a half we fought the current and managed to ford several small rapids; however, several of the rapids required more than one attempt. Finally, it was time to turn and ride the swift current downstream allowing the canoe to float over the rapids while we observed the herons, campsites, and fields that border the river. As we left the river we chatted with a local mom as here three young sons played in the river.

Beaver Creek Trail

Being near Fries we opted for lunch at the gas station-deli owned by the mom we met at the river. Lunch was homemade, fresh, and tasty which we enjoyed at their outdoor table overlooking the New River. Following our repast it was time to cycle along the New River on the New River Trail State Park. This is a relatively flat another two hours. I called this Bill Messer's “Get Fit Trip”. Needless to say, Monday night was a quiet evening.

Tuesday we hiked to Beaver Creek Dam, please see that post as it is a lengthy story.

Our friend Norma Jean at the Independence Jam

As we live on the road, Wednesday was the day for chores. One chore is a trip to the grocery or local vegetable stands. It just so happens that the Southwest VirginiaFarmers' Market is just across the road so this is a no-brainer. We visited them for fruit, fresh tomatoes, local vegetables, and the experience. Luckily the weather held for an afternoon walk in Matthew's State Forest, please see that post, on the way to Independence for a jam.

Playing in Independence VA

There are many wonderful locations in our country and this area deserves a visit.