Hungry Mother State Park: Difference between revisions

From TEHCC Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(→‎Maps: Lake Trail kml)
(remove ccc stub, and change highlight photo)
 
(19 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.  Please scroll down to edit the main content of the article. -->
{{Park
{{Infobox Trail
|Banner Image=File:Hungry Mother Lake.jpg
                    | Image Name = placeholder.JPG
|Park Type=State Park
                    | City = Marion
|Park Website=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/hungry-mother?rewrite_uri=state_parks/hun
                    | State = Virginia
|Trail Map Link=https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-hungrymother.pdf
                    | Trail Use = {{Hike}} {{Biking}} {{Dogs}}
|Entrance Fee=7.00
                    | Difficulty Rating = Medium
|Entrance Fee Type=per vehicle
                    | Hike Time = 3.5
|Activities=Hiking, Boating, Biking, Geocaching, Camping, Fishing
                    | Distance = 6.5
|Features=Vistas, Rivers, Lakes, Mountains
                    | Elevation Gain = ~1300
|Park Amenities=Fast Food Grill, Beaches, Sports, Picnicking, Playgrounds
                    | High Point = 3247
|Lodging Types=Group Lodge, Cabins, Campground
                    | Latitude = N36°53.118
|Camping Amenities=Site water, Site sewer, Dump station, 20 amp electrical, 30 amp electrical, 50 amp electrical, Tent only, Showers, Clothes Washing, Playgrounds, Wi-Fi, Camp Store
                    | Longitude = W81°31.305
|City=Marion
                    | Medical = Marion, VA
|Area=3,334 acres
<!-- DON'T EDIT THE GOOGLEMAP TAG -->
|Operated By=Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
                    | googlemap =  
|Main Location=36.8853, -81.52175
<googlemap lat="36.881748" lon="-81.532974"  zoom="9" width="270" type="map" height="180" selector="no" controls="small">
36.88845, -81.52137, Hungry Mother State Park
</googlemap>
}}
}}
<!-- End Infobox template table-->
{{Park trail map}}


<!-- Start of Main Page -->
__TOC__
 
== Park Overview ==
== Trail Overview ==
[http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hun.shtml Hungry Mother State Park] has {{Park trail count|Park={{PAGENAME}}}} trails covering {{Park trail miles|Park={{PAGENAME}}}} running along the lake, through woods, and up to park's 3,270 feet high point. The park is also very geocache friendly with several caches within the park, a brochure on caching, and rental handheld units.
<!-- Enter a overview of the trail. What attracts you to this trail, points of interest, types of flowers, lakes, and peaks that you see along the way. -->
[http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hun.shtml Hungry Mother State Park] offers eight hiking trails covering around 12 miles running along the lake, through woods, and up to park's 3,270 feet highpoint.


== How to get there ==
== How to get there ==
Line 36: Line 31:
#Day parking for the main trails on right below dam - and back by the CCC cabins.
#Day parking for the main trails on right below dam - and back by the CCC cabins.


== Route Description==
== Park Trails ==
<!-- Detailed description of the route. Is there any side trails that are worth traveling? -->
The park offers the following trails to explore:
The following trails are available in Hungry Mother State Park.   
{{Park trail table|Park={{PAGENAME}}}}
 
An interesting loop hike through the forest with both summit and lake views could be created.  Start by parking in the back by the cabins at the trailhead for Molly's Knob Trail (coordinates in infobox).  After mile and quarter travel, take left and up 0.4 mile Molly's Vista Trail to the 3247 ft summit.  Back down and left to finish out the one-third mile remaining on Molly's Knob Trail to the intersection with CCC Trail.  Take a left for a mile until Lake Trail is reached.  Following the winding Lake Trail back to parking lotRoughly 6.5 miles in three and half hours.


{| class="wikitable" border="1"
==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
|-
Fee is $7 per vehicle per day. Every day. Always. Self pay at the booth if not attended.
!Trail
!Miles
!Blaze
!Difficulty
!Usage
|-
|CCC Trail
|1.0
|Orange
|Medium
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|Fisherman's Run Trail
|1.1
|Lt Green
|Easy
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|Lake Trail
|2.9
|Dk Blue
|Medium
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|Middle Ridge Trail
|1.2
|Yellow
|Medium
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|Molly's Knob Trail
|1.6
|White
|Difficult
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|Molly's Vista Trail
|0.4
|Purple
|Medium
|{{Hike}}
|-
|Old Shawnee Trail
|1.0
|Green
|Medium
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|Powder House Trail
|1.0
|Red
|Medium
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|Raider's Run Trail
|0.9
|Royal Blue
|Difficult
|{{Hike}} {{Biking}}
|-
|}


An interesting loop hike through the forest with both summit and lake views could be created. Start by parking in the back by the cabins at the trailhead for Molly's Knob Trail (coordinates in infobox). After mile and quarter travel, take left and up 0.4 mile Molly's Vista Trail to the 3247 ft summit. Back down and left to finish out the one-third mile remaining on Molly's Knob Trail to the intersection with CCC Trail. Take a left for a mile until Lake Trail is reached. Following the winding Lake Trail back to parking lot. Roughly 6.5 miles in three and half hours.
==Park Lodging==
The park has several options for overnight stays. Group lodges, cabins, and campgrounds (some include yurts). There is no general lodge/inn/hotel on the premises.
 
===Group Lodge===
The group lodge is a six bedroom unit built by the CCC in the 1930's and allows up to 15 guests. The group lodge does include a dishwasher as well as washer/dryer.
 
===Cabins===
Several cabins are available. Generally of modern amenities (electricity, bathrooms, HVAC, etc.), but ''do not'' include dishwasher, telephone, TV, or washer/dryer.
 
Sizes range from two to eight overnight guests. Cabins also span historic CCC built units, to more modern units. Pets are allowed (at any?) for a fee.
 
Hemlock Haven cabins are also near the Hemlock Conference Center which is also available for rental for larger groups. While catering is offered, it does not appear to allow renters to use a commercial kitchen. Of special note are the Chestnut, Sycamore, and Hickory cabins as they ''do not'' have a classic kitchen. They have mini-fridges and an outdoor gas grill.
 
Cabins have minimum stay requirements. Between Memorial and Labor day, one week rentals are required. If within 30 days, shorter stays are accepted. Remainder of year has a two night minimum.
 
===Campground===
The park has three campgrounds. Burson and Creekside are all RV/tent sites. Royal Oak is tent only.
 
Camp Burson is the largest at 50 sites and offers the most modern hookups including site sewer at some sites and 50-amp service and water at all sites. Two four-person yurts are also available. The campground bathrooms include showers and washer/dryers.
 
Royal Oak campground is the most rustic and secluded. One yurt is available for rental. The remaining 11 tent sites are on wooden platforms. Bring a freestanding tent or be prepared for alternate means of securing. No hookups at the sites are available. The campground bathrooms include showers but not washer/dryers.
 
Creekside Campground has twenty RV/tent sites. Sites include 30-amp service and water. The campground bathrooms include showers and washer/dryers.  


== Typical Conditions ==
==Other Park Amenities==
<!-- Typical conditions throughout the year of what to expect on the trail. Rocky, muddy, sandy, flowers, lots of downed trees?  -->
The park offers a few amenities of fishing, boating, swimming, and hunting.
Being a VA state park, the dirt and gravel trails are kept in excellent condition.  Some of the trail sections do narrow to a tight single-track, but adequate use of switchbacks keeps the elevation change reasonably gradual.  Most of the trails are in the forest, some with lake views.


==Fees, Permits, etc. ==
===Restaurant===
<!-- Please list any Fees, Permits, Regulations, etc. that may be required on this trail.-->
The restaurant is not currently open to the general public. It may be rented for catering and private functions.  
Daily parking fee for passenger vehicles into VA state parks is $2 weekdays, $3 weekends.


== Misc. Information ==
===Picnic Shelters===
<!-- Enter any additional information that doesn't fit an any other fields. Any seasonal features, factoids, etc...? -->
Several picnic shelters are available for rent.


== Maps ==
===Beach===
<!-- You can place pictures, PDF's, links, or even create a Google map with your waypoints and place it here. -->
The park has a beach. The beach is guarded and has concessions from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During guarded times there is a fee. At other times, park guests may swim at the designated area at their own risk.  
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="36.8818" lon="-81.5289" type="terrain" zoom="14" width="700" scale="yes" icons="http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/marker{label}.png">
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/HMSP_Mollys_Knob_Trail.kml
http://tehcc.org/clubwiki/kml/HMSP_Lake_Trail.kml


(G) 36.88597,-81.5212
===Hunting===
Molly's Knob Trailhead
About 800 acres on Walker Mountain are open to deer and small game hunting annually. A valid Virginia hunting license is required. Check with the park office regarding specific areas that are open for hunting.
(G) 36.88243,-81.50953
Molly's Vista trailhead
(E) 36.8839, -81.51027
Molly's Knob
(G) 36.88117,-81.51055
Molly's Knob and CCC Trail intersection
(G) 36.87365,-81.51063
CCC and Lake Trails intersection
(A) 36.8853,-81.52175
Parking Area by cabins
(A) 36.86922,-81.52559
Parking Area by spillway
</googlemap>


===Boating===
Non-gas powered boats are permitted on the lake. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and on weekends through October, weather permitting.


[http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/documents/hungrymother.pdf Park Trail Map]  Note that this map does not have "Lake Loop" broken up into now Lake, Fisherman's Run, and Powder House trails sections.
==Seasonal Events==


== Photos ==
== Misc. Information ==
<gallery>
A legend states that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raiders’ base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek. Upon finding help, the only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." When the search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly had collapsed, they found the child's mother dead. Today, that mountain is Molly's Knob (3,270 feet), and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek.
<!-- Place any pictures from this trail below. Ideally we would have a picture of the trailhead to help people know when they found it -->
<!-- Add a picture by typing Image:imagename.extension  -->
Image:placeholder.jpg|caption
<!-- Do not remove the end gallery code.-->
</gallery>


<!-- Finally add the trail to any Categories it should belong to. -->
==Gallery==
[[Category:Virginia]] [[Category:Medium]] [[Category:Hiking]] [[Category:Dog Friendly]]
{{Park trail gallery|Park={{PAGENAME}}}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Stone Lick Trail
|Trail Distance=0.8 mi
|Difficulty=Medium
|Trail Marking=Red
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail
|Trail Distance=4 mi
|Difficulty=Hard
|Trail Marking=Lime Green
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Clyburn Hollow Trail
|Trail Distance=0.5 mi
|Difficulty=Easy
|Trail Marking=Gold
}}
{{Trail Stub
|Trail=Ridge Trail
|Trail Distance=0.2 mi
|Difficulty=Easy
|Trail Marking=Green
|Trail Highlight=Connects Lake Trail and Molly's Knob Trail
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Overlook
|Marker Title=Molly's Knob
|Marker Location=36.8839, -81.51027
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=Molly's Knob and CCC Trail intersection
|Marker Location=36.88117,-81.51055
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Point of interest
|Marker Title=CCC and Lake Trails intersection
|Marker Location=36.87365,-81.51063
}}
{{Map Marker
|Icon Type=Parking
|Marker Title=Parking Area by spillway
|Marker Location=36.86922,-81.52559
}}

Latest revision as of 10:51, 23 September 2020

Hungry Mother State Park
Hungry Mother Lake.jpg
Park Type State Park
Located Marion, Virginia
External Links Official Website

Official Trail Map

Entrance Fee $7.00 per vehicle
ActivitiesThings to do at the park HikingBoatingBikingGeocachingCampingFishing
Park AmenitiesThings built to enjoy or use at the park Fast Food GrillBeachesSportsPicnickingPlaygrounds
FeaturesNatural things to see at the park VistasRiversLakesMountains
Park Trails

10 Trails / Total of 17.33 miles27.89 km <br />

Lodging Types CabinsCampground
Group Lodge
Camping Amenities

Site waterDump station20 amp electrical30 amp electrical50 amp electricalTent onlyShowersClothes WashingPlaygroundsWi-FiCamp Store
Site sewer

Park Area 3,334 acres13.492 km² <br />
Operated By Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Main Location 36° 53' 7.08" N, 81° 31' 18.30" W Map
Loading map...
Show In Google Maps
Loading map...

Download KML / Upload new version / KML File Page

Park Overview[edit]

Hungry Mother State Park has 10 trails covering 17.33 miles running along the lake, through woods, and up to park's 3,270 feet high point. The park is also very geocache friendly with several caches within the park, a brochure on caching, and rental handheld units.

How to get there[edit]

From the TriCities area:

  1. Take I-81 up to Exit 44 (US-11/Marion).
  2. Turn right/NE on US-11/Lee Highway and proceed into town just over three miles.
  3. Turn left/NW onto VA-16 and continue another four miles.
  4. Turn right/NW into state park.
  5. Day parking for the main trails on right below dam - and back by the CCC cabins.

Park Trails[edit]

The park offers the following trails to explore:

Park Trails Distance Difficulty Marking Usage Highlight
CCC Trail 1.90 mi Medium Orange

HikingBikingGeocaching

Additional hike option to Molly's Knob and Vista Trail
Lake Trail Loop 5.70 mi Medium Navy Blue

HikingBikingGeocachingFishing

A loop hike around the lake and access to most of the park's amenities.
Molly's Knob Trail 1.99 mi Hard White

HikingBikingGeocaching

Access to the vista trail
Old Shawnee Trail 0.94 mi Medium Yellow

HikingBiking

One mile extension to Raider's Run
Raider's Run Trail 0.90 mi Medium Royal Blue

HikingBikingGeocaching

Short but moderate loop for hikers and bikers
Vista Trail 0.40 mi Hard Purple

HikingGeocaching

A steep climb to a 180° stunning view of the countryside
Clyburn Hollow TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 0.50 mi Easy Gold
Clyburn Ridge Loop TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 4.00 mi Hard Lime Green
Ridge TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 0.20 mi Easy Green Connects Lake Trail and Molly's Knob Trail
Stone Lick TrailThis trail is a "stub" either because of its short length, lack of significance, or the page hasn't been created yet. The page can be created, but then delete the stub reference from this park. 0.80 mi Medium Red

An interesting loop hike through the forest with both summit and lake views could be created. Start by parking in the back by the cabins at the trailhead for Molly's Knob Trail (coordinates in infobox). After mile and quarter travel, take left and up 0.4 mile Molly's Vista Trail to the 3247 ft summit. Back down and left to finish out the one-third mile remaining on Molly's Knob Trail to the intersection with CCC Trail. Take a left for a mile until Lake Trail is reached. Following the winding Lake Trail back to parking lot. Roughly 6.5 miles in three and half hours.

Fees, Permits, etc.[edit]

Fee is $7 per vehicle per day. Every day. Always. Self pay at the booth if not attended.

Park Lodging[edit]

The park has several options for overnight stays. Group lodges, cabins, and campgrounds (some include yurts). There is no general lodge/inn/hotel on the premises.

Group Lodge[edit]

The group lodge is a six bedroom unit built by the CCC in the 1930's and allows up to 15 guests. The group lodge does include a dishwasher as well as washer/dryer.

Cabins[edit]

Several cabins are available. Generally of modern amenities (electricity, bathrooms, HVAC, etc.), but do not include dishwasher, telephone, TV, or washer/dryer.

Sizes range from two to eight overnight guests. Cabins also span historic CCC built units, to more modern units. Pets are allowed (at any?) for a fee.

Hemlock Haven cabins are also near the Hemlock Conference Center which is also available for rental for larger groups. While catering is offered, it does not appear to allow renters to use a commercial kitchen. Of special note are the Chestnut, Sycamore, and Hickory cabins as they do not have a classic kitchen. They have mini-fridges and an outdoor gas grill.

Cabins have minimum stay requirements. Between Memorial and Labor day, one week rentals are required. If within 30 days, shorter stays are accepted. Remainder of year has a two night minimum.

Campground[edit]

The park has three campgrounds. Burson and Creekside are all RV/tent sites. Royal Oak is tent only.

Camp Burson is the largest at 50 sites and offers the most modern hookups including site sewer at some sites and 50-amp service and water at all sites. Two four-person yurts are also available. The campground bathrooms include showers and washer/dryers.

Royal Oak campground is the most rustic and secluded. One yurt is available for rental. The remaining 11 tent sites are on wooden platforms. Bring a freestanding tent or be prepared for alternate means of securing. No hookups at the sites are available. The campground bathrooms include showers but not washer/dryers.

Creekside Campground has twenty RV/tent sites. Sites include 30-amp service and water. The campground bathrooms include showers and washer/dryers.

Other Park Amenities[edit]

The park offers a few amenities of fishing, boating, swimming, and hunting.

Restaurant[edit]

The restaurant is not currently open to the general public. It may be rented for catering and private functions.

Picnic Shelters[edit]

Several picnic shelters are available for rent.

Beach[edit]

The park has a beach. The beach is guarded and has concessions from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During guarded times there is a fee. At other times, park guests may swim at the designated area at their own risk.

Hunting[edit]

About 800 acres on Walker Mountain are open to deer and small game hunting annually. A valid Virginia hunting license is required. Check with the park office regarding specific areas that are open for hunting.

Boating[edit]

Non-gas powered boats are permitted on the lake. Boat rentals for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and paddleboats are available Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day and on weekends through October, weather permitting.

Seasonal Events[edit]

Misc. Information[edit]

A legend states that when the Native Americans destroyed several settlements on the New River south of the park, Molly Marley and her small child were among the survivors taken to the raiders’ base north of the park. They eventually escaped, wandering through the wilderness eating berries. Molly finally collapsed, and her child wandered down a creek. Upon finding help, the only words the child could utter were "Hungry Mother." When the search party arrived at the foot of the mountain where Molly had collapsed, they found the child's mother dead. Today, that mountain is Molly's Knob (3,270 feet), and the stream is Hungry Mother Creek.

Gallery[edit]