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Green Pastures Recreation Area
THE STORY OF GREEN PASTURES RECREATION AREA
Public lands we now recognize as belonging to everyone had restricted access less than a century ago. But the National Forest Service, under the direction of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, created a safe space for AfricanAmericans and their families to visit. Green Pastures Recreation Area opened to the public on June 15, 1940, on the George Washington Jefferson National Forest near recently opened Douthat State Park. Since the early 2000s, the National Forest Service has worked closely with a group of volunteers that includes long-time residents and the Alleghany Historical Society to help maintain this once segregated and now very historic recreation site.
In 2018, Green Pastures was placed on the list of Virginia’s Most Endangered Historic Places by Preservation Virginia, a national leader in historic preservation. There has been a grassroots movement to reopen the beloved recreation site and restore it to its former condition.
Recently, the state of Virginia announced its plans to restore the Longdale Recreation Area in Alleghany County under its historic name, Green Pastures. Under the plan, the state would also work with the Forest Service to take possession of Green Pastures and reopen it as an outpost of Douthat State Park.
ANTHONY KNOB TRAIL
This 4.7 mile loop begins and ends at the Longdale Furnace Recreation Area. As the trail climbs in elevation towards Anthony Knob, it offers nice views of North Mountain and McKinney’s Hollow.
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/hiking/ recarea/?recid=78567&actid=50
DIRECTIONS:
From I-64, take exit 35 and go west on SR 269 for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn left into Longdale Recreation Area and continue to the last parking area on the right.
BLUE SUCK RUN TRAIL
Blue Suck Run Trail is a pleasant and popular 1.4 mile hike that begins at the southern gate in Longdale Recreation Area. There are lots of stream crossings and abundant wildflowers along the trail. The rhododendron is thick in places which provides for a spectacular springtime show.
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/otheractivities/ recarea/?recid=79389&actid=50
DIRECTIONS:
From I-64, take exit 35 and go west on SR 269 for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn left into Longdale Recreation Area and continue to the last parking area on the right.
YACCR’S RUN TRAIL
Yaccr’s Run Trail is a moderate 3.0 mile hike with stream crossings and some short steep climbs. This trail winds around the Longdale Recreation Area in the hollows and on the small ridge tops. Rhododendron, wildflowers, and other moist site species are visible in the hollows, while yellow pines and scarlet oaks are abundant on the ridges.
www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recreation/otheractivities/ recarea/?recid=79387&actid=50
DIRECTIONS:
From I-64, take exit 35 and travel west on SR 269 for approximately 2.1 miles. Turn left into Longdale Recreation Area and continue to the last parking area on the right.
in the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia
HELPFUL TIPS TO STAY SAFE ON THE TRAILS
• Be prepared before heading out on the trail. Cell phone service may be limited in remote areas of the Alleghany Highlands. • Have plenty of food and water. Dehydration can occur in any kind of weather. • Carry a first aid kit with materials to treat minor cuts, bug bites and stings, sprained ankles and other common injuries. • Always let someone else know your planned itinerary and when you expect to be back. • Know the terrain you’ll encounter. This is especially important when hiking, biking or riding with kids. • Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Check the latest forecast and be prepared for any possible weather situation. • Practice Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment. More information can be found at www.lnt.org
In case of emergency anywhere in the Alleghany Highlands, call 9-1-1. For more information about hiking, biking, riding and camping in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, contact the James River Ranger District: 540-962-2214.
alleghanyhighlandstrails.com
Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
visitalleghanyhighlands.com · 540-962-2178 · 888-430-5786 110 Mall Road · Covington, VA 24426
