Virginia Fall Foliage along the Roanoke River

Experience peak fall foliage surrounded by a 50,000-acre lake extending 39 miles up the Roanoke River. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, swimming, boating or just relaxing and enjoying the scenic beauty. There are 30 recreation areas around Kerr Reservoir: campsites, swim beaches, picnic areas, hiking, nature trails, marinas all available for public use.This area is truly known for its natural beauty and recreational/nature opportunities.

The project will focus on the Liberty Hill Nature Trail an interpretive hiking trail where visitors can learn more about the natural environment, history, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Volunteers will support three main maintenance projects including: a short section of trail rerouted due to riverbank erosion; a 3 ft wide by 10 ft long footbridge re-build; and a short section of trail that needs maintenance due to rainwater erosion (i.e. adding ditches, sinuosity to trail). This trail work will include hiking approximately 0.75 mile, one-way to the three work-site locations along the trail. This trail is entirely shaded. Work will include bending, lifting, shoveling, use of hand tools, etc. There will be some elevation change along the trail. It is downhill going towards the maintenance projects, mostly flat the remainder of the trail, and then a short section of uphill going back up to the parking lot (this is a loop trail). There is a vault toilet at the trailhead parking lot. All levels of trail work and expertise are welcome, and we will work with the trail crew leader and volunteers to assign tasks that volunteers are comfortable executing.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of roughly 60–65°F and lows of 40–45°F. Early November in south-central Virginia is generally cool and dry to partly cloudy, with only occasional light rain.

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Land Acknowledgment:

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Occaneechi, Saponi, Lumbee, people past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded these islands and mountain landscapes for countless generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This acknowledgement is one step in our ongoing commitment to uplift Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to learn about, support, and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.