Dr Kayes' Favorite Outdoor Places
Because dental problems are often related to physical or emotional health, and because physical activity is known to help promote health and reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and problems of aging, I encourage my patients to seek a physically active lifestyle. I have seen over the years that my patients who are active throughout life usually have happier outlooks and are generally healthier physically. I know for myself that getting out for fun in the outdoors helps me immensely to maintain a high energy level, to keep me feeling calm and unstressed, and to help improve my flexibility and balance.
Here are some of my favorite places to hike, bike, climb, ski, canoe, or swim. I welcome hearing about other favorite local spots. If you are new to active physical activity or have chronic health problems, be sure to check with your health care provider to determine any fitness testing needs before starting an exercise program. For more information on exercise, visit the website of the American College of Sports Medicine, http://www.acsm.org
Shenandoah National Park
While hiking in the park I strongly recommend purchasing topographic maps of the park to avoid getting lost. (Maps are available at REI and other sporting outlets.) I always take a map and compass, even though I am very familiar with most of the trails I travel. It comes from my Boy Scout training motto of ÒBe Prepared.Ó Pets are allowed on many trails but are prohibited on the more popular, crowded trails. Below I have detailed some of my personal favorites.
Mary's Rock
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/ upload/panorama_area.pdf (pdf)
Easily accessible from Rt. 211 out of Sperryville Virginia this is probably my most visited site in the park. Accessible year round, even when the Skyline Drive is closed, Maureen and I take the hike up to the viewpoint when we need a quick getaway to the mountains. Park at the Panorama visitor's parking lot either in the park, or in the lot on the left off of Rt. 211 just after the bridge under the Skyline Drive.
Hazel Mountain
Go south past Panorama from the Rt. 211 entrance station and after passing through the tunnel go past mile post 33 and start looking for the Meadow Spring Parking area on the left. This is a beautiful hiking area with a nice little waterfall down the trail. Take the Hazel Mountain Trail to the White Rocks Trail and the falls will be on the left.
Buck Hollow / Buck Ridge
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/skyland_area.pdf (pdf)
A great quick hike that is also accessible when the Skyline Drive is closed due to snow and ice in winter. This hike is accessed from Rt. 211 shortly after passing the park boundary markers just west of Sperryville, Virginia. It is on the left and there are usually some cars parked in the pull off on the left. The hike starts off crossing two vigorous streams so be prepared to get wet if your stone hopping skills aren't the greatest. This can be a quick stroll in and out up the Buck Hollow trail that follows a happy little stream or a strenuous workout if you choose to climb the Buck Ridge Trail or do the entire loop. The Buck Ridge trail is not as well maintained so wear long pants because the brambles grow into the trail at times in the summer.
Little Stony Man / Stony Man Mountain
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/skyland_map.pdf (pdf)
Little Stony Man is my favorite climbing location. It is easily accessed from a parking area just after mile post 39. I have spent many enjoyable climbing expeditions at this beautiful climbing spot along the Appalachian I most often find at least one other climbing group at this challenging climb site, many coming from great distances to climb.
Little Devil's Staircase
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/mathews_arm_area.pdf (pdf)
This site is accessible off Rt. 211 just past Washington Virginia. Turn right on Rt. 622, Gidbrown Hollow Road, and proceed until you find Rt. 614, Keyser Run Road. Turn left and follow the gravel road to the parking area at the end of the road. The trail to the right goes up the mountain following a creek. The trail is often wet and slippery so be prepared for a strenuous hike in wet conditions. The climb is well worth the effort as this is a beautiful little hollow and many peaceful spots can be found for a quick snack or a full lunch. At the top the trail crosses above a waterfall and proceeds left up the fire trail that is a longer but gentler way down if you wish to make the hike a circuit. Many people just go down the way they came up.
White Oak Canyon (a waterfall hike)
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/whiteoak_canyon_area.pdf (pdf)
This is a popular place in the park to see some waterfalls. The parking area is just after mile post 45 on the left. The Limberlost Trail is handicapped accessible. There are six waterfalls along this popular trail. Enjoy!
Old Rag Mountain
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/ upload/old_rag_area.pdf (pdf)
This is the classic hike you've just "got to do" for bragging rights. It is strenuous with rock scramble but it is loads of fun. I have hiked the Old Rag mountain trails since I was a young Boy Scout. It has always been one of my favorite spots. The views from the top are spectacular, which has led to crowded conditions and hard to find parking at the trailhead on weekends. If you want to hike the seven mile loop, I suggest an early start. Parking is on the left at the Park Service's entrance station. Proceed up the road to the trail. I prefer going up the ridge trail which is a challenging but rewarding trail. There is a lot of rock scramble and there are some great photo opportunities so charge your camera batteries and take extra memory cards. Once on the top allow plenty of time to soak in the view and be sure to pack food for a picnic lunch. The fire road trail down the other side allows for a gentle return to civilization passing the Byrd's Nest shelters and some beautiful restful scenery.
Fountainhead Park
http://qoc.nova.org/fountain.htm
I just found this park. My son Sean called me up one weekend and asked if I wanted to go trail cycling and of course I told him I did. Fountainhead, nestled against the Occoquan River in Fairfax County, has a wonderful mountain bike and hiking trail system. There are separate trails for each activity so hikers and cyclists do not get in each others' way. I have only cycled there so I reserve comment on the hiking except to say the area is spectacular. I had a wonderful experience on my bike and actually managed to keep up with my sons.