Blue Ridge Parkway
Julian Price Memorial Park
Price Lake Loop Trail
Price Lake Loop Trail On 12-12-15, I hiked the Price Lake Loop Trail. It is a 2.3-mile loop trail that is part of the Julian Price Memorial Park. I don’t think the trail has an official start but I started at the Boat House. The Parking Area is between Mile Markers 296 & 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. NOTE: Depending on the weather and conditions, I strongly recommend waterproof boots. In the dry season, they should not be needed. The day I hiked this trail, it had not rained in about a week. However, there were some places where keeping your feet dry was a real challenge. The first part of the trail was very well cared for. It was dry, gravel, smooth and plenty wide. There are numerous park benches if you need to sit and rest or just enjoy the view. After the first 6 or 7 bridges, the trail becomes more like a mountain trail. There are roots and rocks in the trail and it narrows. Because the trail follows the edge of the lake, the trail is very flat with only a few small hills to climb. As you continue around the lake there are several places where you will need to cross small streams. Some will challenge you to keep your feet dry. In the dryer season, this may not be a problem. Parts of this trail are not very well marked. At least twice I took a turn that ended up being a dead end and I had to backtrack to get on the trail. The trail will come out at the Price Lake Dam. The Blue Ridge Parkway also crosses over the dam. The trail will be on the lake side of the road. Continue through the parking lot and on around. You will pass through part of the Camp Ground and past the Amphitheater. Then you will come out at the Parking Lot near the Boat House where you started. This is a very nice easy trail suitable for a family hike. If you have small children you may want to just hike the first part. Whatever your choice, this is a very nice park with a lot to enjoy. Wayne McBryde |
