On Saturday June 16, learn the fascinating history of the Rock Castle community—a community that thrived in Patrick County, VA from the late 1700s to the 1930s on this five-mile ranger-guided hike. The trip is lead by Park Ranger and historian Mike Ryan whose local research makes the Rock Castle Community come alive.

Meet at the Rocky Knob Cabins off of Woodberry Road near milepost 174 at 9:30. Wear waterproof boots (or bring old shoes for stream crossings) and bring water and lunch. The hike will end at the lower end of the Rock Castle Gorge Trail at the CC Camp Road off of Route 8 and usually takes about 4.5 hours. Shuttle back to cars will be available for drivers, or you may set up your own shuttle ahead of time, or hike back to the starting point.

Call ahead for directions or information about shuttle: (540)745-9662. The hike will also be offered on three additional Saturdays: July 21, August 4, and September 22.

On Sunday, June 17 actress and poet Phyllis Stump will reprise her role as Southwest Virginia’s famous midwife, Orlene Puckett. The play, “They Call Me Aunt Orlene” will take place at the site of the midwife’s cabin at milepost 190 on the Blue Ridge Parkway at 2 p.m. It is presented free of charge with support from the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway organization. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. This presentation will be repeated July 15, August 19, September 16, and September 30.