Shared by  Instagrammer Lauren MacGregor @lroof04, as Guest Blogger.

Posted July 2, 2017 | Updated December 27, 2018

My husband and I moved to Virginia a little over a year ago, and we decided that visiting all of the state parks would be a great way to immerse ourselves in the state's beauty. 

Most recently, we went camping at Hungry Mother State Park, checking park number six off of the list.

Magical scenery along the trail

The view from the top at Molly's Knob Trail is indeed the reward for a strenuous hike

We spent our first evening at Camp Burson relaxing by the campfire. The following morning, we geared up for a day full of hiking.

Grab a paper trail-guide with map before you hike the trails

The setting was very nostalgic at the swimming beach

The tranquil setting of the Lake Trail Loop eased us into our hike. The beach, with the mountains as a backdrop, instantly carried my imagination to a different time period; like a scene from a vintage photograph.

Our hike at Hungry Mother State Park in the mountains of Virginia

As we continued on, we saw butterflies and said "hi" to a duck. We took the Ridge Trail to Molly's Knob Trail and began our ascent. We came across a family on their way back down the trail. They were using trekking poles and the youngest family member exclaimed:

"It's really hard! It took us like two hours!"

Another person said:

"It only gets steeper from here!"

My husband and I are in good shape, so we were both in disbelief that it would be that difficult. Boy, were we wrong! The trail became steeper and steeper and seemed like it would never end.

With lovely Mountain Laurel in the foreground, the breathtaking view goes on and on

We finally reached the top, making the long journey well worth it. I have never seen a view quite like it...it was absolutely breathtaking!

We sat on the two benches for quite some time, snacking on trail mix and soaking in the tranquil beauty of our surroundings. We watched a cloud come toward us from over the horizon bringing rain with it, but we didn't mind. The rain added to the peacefulness.

We sat on these benches soaking in the magnificent views atop Molly's Knob

Selfie at the top to share this fabulous hike on Molly's Knob Trail

After descending Molly's Knob, we took a different trail to get back to our campsite. I was amazed at how drastically the landscaped changed as we got closer and closer to the base of the mountain. The plant life was very green and lush, closing in on our path in almost a jungle-like manner.

A stream ran next to the trail, and the air had an almost eerie chill to it.

Interesting things to see as we climbed up Molly's Knob Trail at Hungry Mother State Park

We were pretty exhausted when we got back to the campsite but that didn't stop us from hiking the Clyburn Ridge Loop Trail before heading home the next day.

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Editor's Note: If you would like to learn more about our Trail Quest program, click here. We'd be pleased to have you follow @VirginiaStateParks on Instagram, and hashtag your photos from your visit #vastateparks. 

Posted July 2, 2017 | Updated December 27, 2018