Elk Garden to Buzzard Rock and Elk Garden Summit

Casey and I had the opportunity for a longer day hike recently.  We hit the road early because we had read that Mt. Rogers is placing a cap on the number of cars who can enter the park.  It turns out that I was mistaken and this hike didn't actually place us in a state park parking lot, but even still, I am glad that we arrived early and glad that we did not climb Mt. Rogers.  We were the second car in the Elk Garden lot at about 9:15 a.m., but when we returned to the lot midday, the lot was overflowing.  Most of the hikers were headed in the opposite direction - toward Mt. Rogers vs. toward buzzard rock.  Stay safe out there!  I have felt so fortunate to have hiking as a wonderful outlet for exercise and stress relief during this time, but if you're hiking to the same point as dozens of other people at the same time, it's probably defeating the point of physical distancing!

Sign at Elk Garden

Trail

I got such a kick out of all of the moss.  It was magical!

Little overlook right before the road crossing

Honey says hello

Approaching buzzard rock

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