Take This Beautiful Yet Incredibly Haunted Hike Through Virginia If You Dare
By Beth|Published October 19, 2016
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Beth
Author
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
It’s hard to imagine a season more beautiful than autumn for hiking in Virginia. As the leaves continue to change and eventually fall, the gorgeous landscapes become all the more inviting for a stroll. Just outside of Roanoke sits a beautiful trail that is seasonally-appropriate for another reason: it’s said to be haunted. The area known as Sarver Hollow has a fascinating history, and makes for a great walk through the woods…if you dare.
This beautiful hike lasts for approximately 2.5 miles, winding its way through the gorgeous terrain of southwestern Virginia. To access the trail, head north on VA-630 and follow the blue blazes which lead to Sarver Cabin. The hike is considerably easier if you begin along the ridgeline; otherwise, prepare for about an hour’s worth of uphill walking.
One of the first sites you’ll pass on this scenic route is Keffer Oak, a massive 300-year-old tree that’s one of the largest along the southern portion of the Appalachian Trail. This monumental tree is the perfect reminder of just how historic both the land and trail are.
After that, the trail opens up to beautiful views of Sinking Creek Valley as well as Craig Creek Valley. On a fall day, the clear skies and changing leaves will make for a splendid panorama, as seen in the photo above.
Next, prepare for the trail to make a steep drop as the ridge winds down to the site of the original Sarver home. You’ll know you’re close when you start seeing signs pointing towards the Sarver Hollow Shelter. Built in 2002, this shelter stands in homage of a family who once called this land home.
In the 1850s, a man by the name of Henry Sarver built a modest cabin for his family in these woods. Marked by the Civil War and then the Great Depression, the time the family spent here proved difficult. Many of the Sarver children suffered death, as made evident by the nearby tombstones. The area has not been occupied by the Sarver family since the 1950s.
One thing that makes hikers curious is the piles of rocks along this portion of the trail. These piles aren’t merely thrown together, but have been stacked neatly. Many believe that the Sarvers would collect these stones and purposefully stack them elegantly, perhaps even as a way of passing time.
The house has deteriorated considerably, even in the past decade. Abandoned buildings are often the subject of haunted tales, and the Sarver Cabin is no exception. According to legend, there’s a ghost who surveys the woods after dark and likes to shake campers awake. Disembodied footsteps are heard, particularly around the shelter, and sometimes ghostly figures appear in photographs.
Whether or not you believe this trail could be haunted, there’s no denying the fact that taking this portion of the Appalachian Trail is to take a trip back in history. Have you seen these ruins in the woods or camped near Sarver Hollow Shelter? Be sure to share your experience!
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