Natural Chimney Regional Park

From Trinity Episcopal Church we headed to Natural Chimney Regional Park near Mt. Solon, Virginia. Our first order of business was to eat the picnic lunch we'd packed sitting in the truck because there were no convenient picnic tables available.

After lunch, we got out and walked around the unusual rock formations that give this park its name. The rocks form a series of spires that resemble chimneys. It’s hard to describe but check out the pictures. The rock spires rise right next to a relatively flat grassy area where park users might play lawn games or baseball. Actually, the area has been used annually for the premier jousting event in the US since 1821. It’s quite a contrast between the flat park-like yard and the spires that rise ten stories above the grass. We spent a little while walking around and among the spires (to the extent that you are allowed among the spires). We also explored some of the park beyond the area where the spires are and found a campground where even RVs can be accommodated. There is also a Junior Olympic size swimming pool and a performance stage in the park.