Marjorie Turner Hollman helps authors self-publish their nonfiction books. She is also a disability advocate, sharing information about Easy Walks (not too many roots or rocks, relatively level with firm footing, and something of interest along the way) in open space. Learn more.
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It began as a simple lunch stop on our way from New England to Tennessee to see grandboys. Just off I-81 in Raphine, Virginia, the sign on the highway said McCormick Farm. We were curious. So we turned off at the exit.
After that first visit, we have returned several times, each occasion offering a simple opportunity to stop, get lunch, and stretch our legs.
We allowed for a half hour to tour the buildings next to the parking area that document the industry of the McCormick family and their famous family member, Cyrus, the inventor of the McCormick reaper. The buildings are now registered as a National Historic Landmark
Another trip to the farm was just a basic lunch stop before we continued our travels. Our most recent visit was on a bright sunny day in the fall, with seasonable weather. We decided to investigate the sign indicating a trail, just beyond the parking area and the historical buildings and exhibits.
The first thing I noticed (in late fall) was the plethora of black walnuts littering the grounds. Turns out that the farm was originally called “Black Walnut Farm.” Seems like these trees have been producing nuts for many, many years!
We recently discovered that our own yard is now hosting a volunteer black walnut tree. It appears that our local squirrels are hungrier than those in Virginia. (The northern squirrels managed to steal all thirty nuts dangling from our young tree) When in Virginia, we had to watch our step on the grounds of the farm.
We set off on the half mile Marl Creek trail which is a mostly Easy walk with a few rocks and roots on the trail. The foot path followed the course of Marl Creek, which at one time provided water to power the mill McCormick used to produce various farm implements.
A storywalk™ was posted along the half-mile trail, adding interest for children visiting the farm.
The land was donated in 1954 to Virginia Tech, and provides a place for students to study forestry and livestock production.
Visitor parking is quite limited, so those with larger campers will be advised to avoid entering the designated parking area. We spotted school groups during at least one visit, and the picnic tables on the grounds make this a great spot for a picnic lunch or simply a place to rest awhile.
The expanse of open fields, with the Blue Ridge mountains visible in the distance, makes this a picturesque spot. Highly recommended. Happy trails!
Marjorie
Marjorie Turner Hollman 