It’s the season for the bluebells…wouldn’t it be FUN to take a spontaneous road trip to see the bluebells and explore the area too?!
Well, that’s EXACTLY what North and I did today! I searched for hikes in the local area where I could see these “bluebells.” I’ve had zero encounter with such a flower; yet, they appeared to be so beautiful online. I had to check them out for myself.
My search began. AllTrails is my go-to for hikes and it suggested the Hemlock Hollow, Bluebell and Overlook Trail Loop. Say no more! Sounds good to me. Downloaded my hiking map, google directions, packed our bags and off we went! Don’t let North’s expression fool you. She LOVES adventures and this one did not disappoint!
To be clear, when I said I searched for hikes that would welcome us to see the bluebell wildflowers, I did not entirely see where I was going. Rather, I just checked the distance from my home to the bluebell hike. Therefore, I did NOT know we were driving to the Shenandoah River State Park. Hah, another FIRST for North and I. Let the adventures begin, friend!!
The Bluebell, Overlook and Hemlock Hollow Hiking Trails
Given the season for the bluebell wildflowers, I thought wouldn’t it be fun to also go hiking in the area! We started off on the Bluebell trail, switched over to the Overlook trail and then finished off with the Hemlock Hollow trail. Total distance was approx. 4.3 miles. I highly recommend if you decide to do this trail, start the opposite direction as North and I did. Hahaha…we saw the bluebells first and then ended with the Hemlock Hollow trail. While the entire trail was worth it, I would’ve preferred to end my hike seeing all the beautiful bluebells last. I’m a ‘save the best for last’ kinda person. 😉 Here’s a glance at our actual hiking path.
The overall hike was fantastic! Nothing too crazy. Kids of all ages could do this hike as long as they’ve got the energy to walk 2.8 miles or else mom/dad, you’re going to be carrying some littles! The only portion of this hike that is stroller-friendly is the Bluebell Trail. A stroller will not survive the other portions of this hike. Or rather, as the parent, you may be hating the other portions of the trails with a stroller. Lol. The description above in this photo shows 4.3 miles. But that’s only because North and I parked in the overflow parking to hike. The Bluebell Festival was going on when we arrived. Little did I know! 😉
Beware of the Paparazzi
It was a quiet walk for both North and me for the most part. We encountered many families and kiddos who asked to pet North. AKA: The Paparazzi. Yes, the paparazzi made their presence in the season of the bluebell wildflowers. Hahaha. This was primarily on the Bluebell Trail. She was a real champ! Such a sweetheart and welcomed anyone to pet her…until…one nice pet became another nice pet and another and another. I’m kidding! She did great and loved everyone!!! When someone was done petting her, she’d turn to look up at me and jump on my shoulders with her two front paws with the look like, “Mom, save me!” She’s such a great sport.
Bluebell Trail
Wouldn’t it be fun if, during our hike, we stumbled upon a carpet full of bluebell wildflowers? Well, my friend, that’s exactly what happened! I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I’ve seen wildflowers before, but being surrounded by such gorgeous bluebells of beauty was truly breathtaking. The Bluebell Trail did not disappoint! The carpet of bluebell wildflowers was along both sides of the trail and leaning against the Shenandoah River. Absolutely gorgeous views!!! The Bluebell Trail was approximately 0.8 miles in length. There are signs throughout the trail that picking the bluebells is prohibited. Let’s keep the beauty in its natural home.
Break Time
Anytime North and I are hiking, the weather is warm and there’s a body of water nearby…North loves to cool off by either taking a quick swim or dipping her toes in the water. On this hike, I let her dip her toes, which turned into her deciding to sit in the water. Hahaha…she always manages to crack me up! I wanted to share with you a little sneak peek into our break time before we headed out of the Bluebell Trail into the Overlook Trail.
It’s worth noting that the Shenandoah River runs alongside the entire Bluebell Trail, so if you’re traveling with a dog, there’s no need to worry about them not having access to water. There are many inlets where you can step off the Bluebell Trail to take in views of the Shenandoah River or let your pup cool off.
Overlook Trail
It’s interesting to note that during this hike, there were times I wasn’t so sure we were going the right way. The trails switch over, but in between the trails, you’ll find yourself either walking through parking lots or campgrounds. That’s where we landed when a lady approached me asking if we were coming from the Bluebell Trail. The Overlook Trail was a much different terrain and scenery than that of the Bluebell Trail. This trail consists of up and down terrain with tree roots on parts of the trail, and some muddy pathways we crossed. I recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes. The trail itself is not difficult at all, just different than the smooth path of bluebell beauty we just left. This trail is about 1 mile in length.
The Snake That Almost Did
Ok, so I’ve got to tell you this story or this blog will just be missing some of the excitement we encountered during our hike. North loves to sniff. That nose of hers is trouble. This isn’t the first time either. Hahaha…she decides while we are hiking that she’s going to sniff a pile of leaves to our left. Well, lo and behold, if a snake doesn’t come out slithering its way towards us!! North had no clue what the hell that thing was, but she obviously knew, “This isn’t good!” She and I BOTH hauled ass, yes friend, we ran as fast as we could away from this snake. I was not about to risk my favorite furry friend getting bitten, nor myself, to see what kind of snake it was. Needless to say, this put North on edge for the remainder of our hike. Poor baby. Yes, she’s a German Sthat hepherd. Lol…she’s a big baby and protects when necessary. Obviously she knew as well as I did it’s better to run than to fight this one. Pick your battles. 😉
Hemlock Hollow Trail
Ah, North and I were about done by now after the event on the Outlook Trail, hahaha. We spent a lot of time on the Bluebell Trail, and by the time we reached the Hemlock Hollow Trail, the weather had really warmed up. Between the two of us, we were chugging some H2O! The Hemlock Hollow Trail sums up the remainder of the hiking distance. There really wasn’t much of a view to capture on this part of the hike. There was no season of bluebell wildflowers found on this trail. The terrain and scenery here were very similar to those found on the Outlook Trail. If you’re looking to get distance in, I would recommend adding the Hemlock Hollow Trail. Yet, if you’re looking for views, skipping this trail is probably best. The Hemlock Hollow Trail is about 1 mile in length as well.
The next time you’re looking for an adventure to take, maybe…just maybe, you’ll say to yourself, “It’s the season for bluebell wildflowers, wouldn’t it be FUN if…” and you explore that thought by putting it into action!
Let me leave you with this…
“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure.”
– Christopher McCandless
Come with me on my next adventure here in Adventures Beyond Boundaries.
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