Shared by Rachel Blevins - Chief Ranger Visitor Experience, Natural Tunnel State Park, as Guest Blogger.

Everyone loves a good sunrise and the Clyburn Ridge Trail’s overlook at Hungry Mother State Park offers a phenomenal view.

From the overlook, you get a bird’s eye view of the park; the lake, the mountains expanding into the distance, and Molly’s Knob standing tall and mighty. This view is breath-taking anytime of day but taking it all in as the sun begins to rise is just so warm and inviting.

Imagine starting your day with this view

How it all began

Back in the spring of 2014, I went on an Alternative Spring Break trip to Hungry Mother State Park in Marion, Virginia. I spent my spring break with eleven strangers working alongside park staff. This Alternative Spring Break trip led to the opportunity to return to Hungry Mother a few months later to work as a park interpreter and now a Chief Ranger at Natural Tunnel State Park.

Twelve strangers making a difference for the future

One of the perks of working as a Park Ranger for Virginia State Parks, is we often get the opportunity to visit the variety of parks throughout Virginia. And one of the best ways to truly experience a park is by exploring the trails, whether by foot, bike, or hoof. So when I was asked to write about my favorite trail in Virginia State Parks, it was near impossible to narrow it down to just one. But after some more thought, one trail in particular was always in the back of my mind. The very first time I hiked this trail was before I worked for Virginia State Parks, before I moved to Virginia, and in fact, was the first trail I had ever been on in a Virginia State Park.  

Throughout that week with our Alternative Spring Break team, we worked on a variety of projects at Hungry Mother including trail improvements on the Clyburn Ridge Trail. When I walk the Clyburn Ridge Trail now, I look around and am reminded of the countless hours spent as a volunteer working on the trail. As I walk among the dense forest and rolling hills of the trail, I see progress, teamwork, and accomplishment. At the start, 12 strangers began working on this trail together.

As the week continued, we underwent a transformation- much like the trail did, becoming a very close group of friends rather than strangers. Future guests can now enjoy the panoramic views, unique ecosystems, and sole beauty this trail has to offer and as a park interpreter, I get to meet these park guests to establish an even greater connection with the outdoors.

Working as a park interpreter has caused me to look at the trail in a different way. I’ve learned so much about the fascinating features Mother Nature modestly displays. Not only does this trail hold sweet memories but offers unique attributes that really show how special Southwest Virginia is.

Here are just a few of my favorite things that you can see next time you hike the Clyburn Ridge Trail.

The Ever-Changing Forest 

Clyburn Ridge Trail is beautiful during all seasons

A unique feature on the Clyburn Ridge Trail is having the opportunity to visually see the forest around you change as you walk through different community types. Essentially, groups of tree or plant species that commonly grow together are categorized into different community types. Soil, sunlight, and slope are a few factors that influence these community types.

 As you begin the hike up to the overlook, you’ll be trekking along the north side of the ridge. You’ll be surrounded by Beech, Maple, and Oak tree species. Because the north side is generally more shaded, only trees that prefer this habitat will be able to grow. (Oak-Heath Community Type: higher on the ridges with acidic cove forest lower in the drainages). Once you reach the overlook and continue down the trail, you’ll find yourself on the south side of the ridge. It is noticeably different, the soil is dry and exposed and various Pine Tree species are predominant. As you can guess, the south slope sees more sun and is more of a Pine-Oak Heath Woodland community type.

You can tell a lot about the forest around you simply by observing what trees or plants are growing where and this trail is great for that.

Experience the Rhododendrons and Mountain Laurel in Bloom 

Mother Nature knows how to paint a pretty picture

Although these two evergreen trees hold their deep green leaves year-round, their bloom is something you do not want to miss. You’ll find both at several locations along the Clyburn Ridge Trail. View the Catawba Rhododendrons bloom in late May and the Mountain Laurel in late May to mid-June. The bloom dates vary on when spring arrives back in the mountains of southwest Virginia.

Quick ID Tip: Rhododendrons have large, leathery leaves and their blooms, either pink or white bloom in showy groupings. Mountain Laurel on the other hand have small, shiny leaves with a bloom that looks delicate and simple but if you get a closer look its exquisite.

A Rare Find: The Table Mountain Pine 

Just one more reason Hungry Mother State Park is special

This is a unique tree, only found in a few locations throughout the Appalachian Mountains.

The Table Mountain Pine requires a very specific habitat and a few locations along the Clyburn Ridge Trail provides the optimum conditions for this tree to grow. It is easily recognized by its sharp and spiky pinecones that grow in clusters. The most fascinating part about this tree is found within the pinecone itself. The cone is sealed shut with a thick resin, almost like superglue – often called a serotinous cone. The only way for the cone to open up to release its seeds is with heat (to melt the resin). This means that the Table Mountain Pine depends on fire to reproduce. There is no other tree like this in Virginia.

If you stumble upon this tree, remember that fire must have gone through the area at some point in time and each pinecone waiting on the forest floor is waiting for the next flame to help aid in this species survival.

The CCC Impact 

Civilian Conservation Corps took pride in building the park

Hungry Mother State Park is known for the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). As a result of the Great Depression came the New Deal. The idea was to get Americans working again and one of the many programs that came about was the CCC. In the 1930’s three camps of 200 men were stationed at what is now Hungry Mother State Park.

Their hard work is visible to this day. Original CCC Cabins are available to rent, Shelters 1 and 2 are great location to have a picnic while admiring the work of the CCC, and of course the iconic CCC built dam at the entrance to the park. 

A dream comes true

What started as a volunteer trip transformed into a career but more importantly, a passion. Having the opportunity to connect park guests with the outdoors is a dream come true. Every time I hike the Clyburn Ridge Trail, I think about my Alternative Spring Break and all of the fond memories but I also think about all of the unique and hidden gems I find along the way when I’m hiking and it’s a simple reminder of why this trail is so special to me.

Click here for the Hungry Mother trail guide. For information Cabins, lodge, yurts and camping, click here or call 800-933-7275 during business hours.

Happy hiking and go out and find your trail.