Saturday’s National Parks Centennial celebration at Humpback Rocks Farm

The one-room log cabin anchors the mountain farm, an outdoor museum of cabin and outbuildings like those found all along the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains in the 1890s.

Humpback Rock is visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located 0.25 mile from Humpback Rocks Farm, it is a very popular hike with expansive scenic views from the top that overlook the Shenandoah Valley.

Humpback Rock Visitor Center, adjacent to Humpback Rocks Farm, has a small gift shop to purchase trail maps and informational books and restrooms.

If your family is looking for something to do this weekend, take a drive to the Blue Ride Mountains and help the Park Service celebrate the Centennial of America’s National Parks. This free event will take place Saturday, August 20, 2016, from 11am until 4pm, at Humpback Rocks Farm, located just six miles south of I-64 and Afton Mountain.

We have visited this historical farm in all seasons — the barn, various outbuildings, fences, rock walls, garden, and everything else that made up a way to survive in the isolation of these mountains. It’s a beautiful location in all seasons inclding spring, fall, winter, and summer — and even foggy days.

Escape to the outdoors … National Parks offer free admission April 16-24

Graphic by National Park Service

By Lynn R. Mitchell

In celebration of America’s National Parks turning 100 years old, next week you can visit any of the country’s national parks free.

Beginning Saturday, April 16, through Sunday, April 24, each of the 400 national parks is waiting to be explored with no entrance fees during National Park Week. In Virginia that includes Shenandoah National Park, Jamestowne Island, Yorktown Battlefield, Appomattox Courthouse, Assateague Island National Seashore, Claude Moore Colonial Farm in McLean, and many more (see list of parks here and here). With 21 sites in Virginia, there is something for everyone.

In addition to free admission, the Park Service is hosting a variety of special events in honor of its centennial. For those who live near Wolf Trap Farm, there is a free tour backstage at the Filene Center on Sunday, April 24.