Camp Office:
929-4062

Roanoke Office
982-1322

Apple Ridge is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Floyd County, Virginia. This area west of Copper Hill has been known for a long time as the headwaters of the Roanoke River (south fork). The ecology of Apple Ridge is typical for the region. The canopy is a diverse mix of hardwoods and conifers. Oak, beech, tulip poplar, hickory, locust, gum and maple are dominate hardwoods.

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The cucumber tree can also be located throughout the open woods. White pine and hemlock are the most common evergreens. Both are being thinned out by various insects and disease, so the complexion of the forest is changing once again.

The understory is also typical of the region. However, the farming and logging practices of past generations have promoted an over-abundant growth of rhododendron in some areas. This is true for a large portion of Apple Ridge. These "laurel beds" as known by local folk are quite stunning at full bloom in mid-summer. Dogwood, witch hazel, shadbush, stripped maple and sourwood round out the lower reaches of the forest. Mountain laurel (known locally as ivy) and various native azaleas are present but often hidden by the rhododendron.

Once a working orchard, Apple Ridge still has over 10 varieties of apples; some no longer common to today's market. At the right time of year, a stroll through the orchard on a "tasting tour" is quite a treat!

Whitetail deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, raccoon, 'possum, and skunks are all plentiful at Apple Ridge. Bobcats have been heard but not yet seen. Black bear is scarce and reclusive. Many other species of birds, snakes, reptiles and mammals can also be found here. Taking the time to discover these creatures, their homes and habits, can be a rewarding experience. This often takes time, patience and quietness. None of these animals will be aggressive unless they are threatened. Some mammals can be infected with rabies and this will affect their behavior. If you notice an animal acting in an unusual way, it is best not to investigate but to give it a wide berth. Please report any of these observations to the Apple Ridge staff. At this time, rabies is quite uncommon in this region.

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This is the "new road" of the farm. When construction is finished it will become the most improved road of the camp for vehicular access to the athletic fields, recreation facilities, a new lodge and then on to the upper meadows.

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This road starts at the barn (Apple Ridge Center) and goes to the "back side" of the property. It was the main farm road at the time the camp was an operating orchard and farm of Brown Conner. Along with Apple Ridge Road, it forms the main trunk of the trail system. Take note that all other trails begin and end on these roads.

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Moonshine Hollow Trail

This is a Universal Access Trail for the first 1,000 feet past the Trading Post. This section of the trail follows a small creek and old road bed that once led to a moonshine still. After it crosses the creek, there is a half mile climb toward the summit of Lewis Mt. During construction of the trail there was some work actually done by moonlight. Watch for the turns — check for blazes: Some sections follow old logging roads and then turn away into the woods.

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This pathway loops around a hollow of very dense "laurel." One of our more popular and easily accessed trails. By using the designated shortcuts to other trails, a variety of short or long hikes can be made within the same general area. The Ivy Ridge Campsites are located along the north section of this trail. When occupied by campers, please detour on Moonshine Hollow Trail. Take notice of Nature reclaiming an old Model T that somehow fell into Truck Run some years ago. Now natural forces are slowly returning it to the environment.

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On a short hike along Log Camp Trail you will find more open woods. This location has often been used as a staging area for logging operations over the past 100 years. Apple Ridge Farm now practices a sustainable forest management program under the guidance of local logger, Jason Rutledge. The last selective timber cutting took place here in 1998. Some of the trails in this area are the same used by Jason's draft horses to skid the trees out of the woods. This area will be developed in the future for improved campsites and lodges for the summer camp program.

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Lewis Mt. Summit Trail

Climbing to the highest elevation at Apple Ridge (2865') provides a 360 degree view after the leaves have fallen for the year. This trail is named in the honor of the Lewis family, especially for Peter Lewis, founder and president of Apple Ridge Farm and his far reaching vision and belief in what is possible for all Apple Ridge Kids to achieve. The limit is only the mountain top!

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An open woodland trail which passes by two steep springs, it follows along the north rim of the Lost Hollow Natural Area. Larger poplars are the dominate trees along this pathway. Take notice of the alternate leaf dogwood laying prostrate midway through the trail. As it attempted to escape the encroaching canopy, it fell under its own weight and the load of snow and ice of past winters. Its flower structure is different than the more common dogwood used for ornamental purposes in yards and gardens.

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The name of this trail recalls a common family name found in the region. This land once was owned by Brown Conner and the upper portion of the trail borders the present land of Ernest Conner. The lower section of the trail is located on the old road to the upper meadows. The section leading from the edge of the ridge to Chestnut Creek is known to the trail construction crew as "The Crawl." The trail here is steep and narrow, but offers the best views of Lost Hollow Natural Area.

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Orchard Hollow Trail

Originally constructed by summer campers in 1997 and 1998, this is a moderate stroll with rewards of apple tastiness in the early fall. This is the best trail to illustrate old field succession and the many different stages of the forest reclaiming once cleared areas.

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The Team Challenge Course is located on the lower portions of Moonshine Hollow Trail and Laurel Bed Trail. You will notice various stations as you hike in this area. The course is available to groups who are seeking to build stronger ties in team building and cooperation. Information on this program is available from the Jefferson Center Apple Ridge Office — 982-1322. Please do not use these elements without the supervision of an Apple Ridge Instructor.

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Five overlooks provide an opportunity for rest and relaxation. These areas offer different settings and views. Copper Hill Overlook is the most panoramic. Lost Hollow Overlook provides a good, open view of the Lost Hollow Natural Area. Laurel Bed Overlook is in the woods and a nice place for sunset views through the open canopy of trees. Panther Point and Chestnut Ridge Overlooks also provide woodland views.

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The American Chestnut was a very dominant tree and important resource of the Southern Appalachians. It provided food and shelter to animals, early settiers and their livestock. The nut, tan bark and rot resistant wood was a good source of income to the mountaineer. By the early 1930's, a blight accidentally imported from Asia had decimated every native chestnut in the United States. This was a tremendous blow to the ecology and economy of the Southern Appalachians. Today, sapling sprouts from the old root systems make a heroic effort at survival, but fall victim to the blight just at maturity as they reach the ability to reproduce. Along Old Conner Road on Chestnut Ridge are many of these saplings, some reaching to thirty foot in height. The largest American Chestnut yet found alive at Apple Ridge is located at Panther Point Overlook. Please help us preserve these specimens and be cautious not to cause damage as you observe them.

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Apple Ridge Farm is a private, non-profit organization. The trails are open to the public by reservation. The other camp facilities are available to groups, individuals and organizations on a fee basis.

Please contact the Camp Office — 929-4062 or Roanoke Office — 982-1322 for more information.