High Bridge Trail

 

A nice day trip from the Fenton inn, is the town of Farmington.  This sleepy former railroad town has converted the once important High Bridge and the railroad beds to a very long park perfect for biking and walking.  

The bridge is nearly half a mile long and has some scenic benches to rest in the shade.

Below the bridge is a small river meandering through the trees.

The aptly named High Bridge is way above the river below.

The original bridge was actually two levels with rail and wagon crossing.  Now it a quiet place to ride a bike or stroll in the wilderness.

Falls at Saint Mary Wilderness

 

The trail head is about 25 minutes drive from the Fenton Inn.  It is a windy road that will end at the trail head with a small parking area.  The easier route goes through Vesuvius which despite its name sake, is not a volcano, but a small town near a rail road track.  This route is mostly on paved road from 56 and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The waterfall is about 2 miles in.  Expect to get your shoes wet on the stream crossings.  The first few are easier to stay dry on, but at some point it is just easier and safer to get wet rather than balancing on wet rocks in the stream.

The stream is clear and inviting, but very very cold.  Even on a hot day, you need to prepare for the cold shock therapy.

One of the four stream crossings, depending on the rainfall and water level it is an easy crossing.

There were a lot of wild mushrooms, but not being an expert, I never pick the wild ones.

The first little waterfall and swimming spot.  I took a while to get in slowly, others jumped from the rock shelf and got it over quickly.

The main waterfall and swimming hole is more popular in summer, and the jump is over 10 feet into the cold water.  People cheer and watch from the cliffs around it.  

No one swims for too long in the cold water, but it will leave you feeling super awake and energized for the hike back down the trail.