With so many nearby lakes and hiking trails, Virginia Tech's environs offer an opportunity that many city-based peer universities do not: a chance to enjoy nature, a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of a scholar's life. Whether you would prefer to contemplate beauty with a breathtaking panorama from McAfee's knob or pit yourself against the rapids of the New River, you should take care not to miss out on the lands surrounding (and including) Tech.
Though the best and wildest nature sites are outside of Blacksburg, you shouldn't forget your new backyard: Virginia Tech has a beautiful campus. Even after four years, I find that a walk in the nearby Duck Pond, sitting on a bench surrounded by the playful lines of geese, soothes the stress of projects and exams. In addition to the Duck Pond, Blacksburg boasts more than 500 acres of parkland, and you'll find this land spread throughout, in over 20 parks. A full list can be found on the Parks and Recreation subsection on the Town of Blacksburg's Web site.
Perhaps the most well-known of Blacksburg trails is the Huckleberry Trail. Beginning at the Blacksburg Public Library, it runs through about five and a half miles of serene pastures and forests to the New River Mall in Christiansburg. For a fine time, take a walk to the mall, see a movie, then hike back. But be sure to plan ahead, it will probably take you about half the day.
The other well-known trail, the hiking of which should be a requirement for graduation, is the Cascades. About 30 to 40 minutes from campus, this beautiful hike offers four miles of rough-hewn beauty parallel to a stream. And once you get to the top, you're greeted with the Cascades themselves, a waterfall that crashes into a small pool. Feel free to jump in and cool yourself off but beware - it's cold enough to steal your breath. Make the hike in the winter, and you'll be rewarded with the intriguing sight of a frozen waterfall.
Virginia contains 550 miles of the Appalachian Trail and, though most students don't have the time to attempt the several-month journey of hiking the entire trail, there are a few section hikes that are well worth the effort. In particular is McAfee's Knob, the poster child for Virginia's section of the AT, a decently vertical hike that ends with a sweet view of the surrounding area. Just be careful that you don't step off the edge.
The New River offers an alternative for those more inclined to a watery adventure. The New River is great for tubing, canoeing or kayaking. Although the best whitewater rapids occur once the river enters West Virginia (up to class V rapids), you can still have some fun in our section.
And then there are the lakes. One of the closest - only four miles from Blacksburg - is Pandapas Pond, an eight-acre body of water that is a great place for a romantic picnic or wildlife watching.
It's day use only, closing at sunset. Another water-spot is Claytor Lake, some 30 minutes from campus, which offers overnight cabins if you really must get away. And, of course, there is the massive 20,600 acre Smith Mountain Lake about an hour and a half from campus.
On the reflections of nearby mountains you can enjoy sailing, power boating, and canoeing. You can even mini putt-putt at the nearby Hot Shots family entertainment center.
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