Point 1: The trail begins by the Blue Spruce in the lawn near the Lodge. See the “Nature Trail” sign on the tree where the trail enters the woods. As you get underway you’ll quickly pass through an old stone wall that runs North – South through the property. These walls were made of the rocks collected by the pioneers of Jewell Hollow who farmed and raised livestock here in the late 19th century. Hard to imagine today… these folk collected up the rocks to make way for planting crops and to contain livestock. Many of these type walls still exist throughout the mountains in the area; they range from beautifully laid cobbler walls to loosely laid walls as you see here. All the rocks for the stone work you see on SME structures come from this wall.

Point 2: Cedar Grove-About a hundred feet beyond the wall, you will see a nice stand of Red Cedars off to the left – take a detour into that stand and notice the different “feel” of the Cedars. The smell is distinctly different and the woods are darker due to the dense evergreen foliage. These Eastern Red Cedars are remarkable trees; they are extremely tough with insect resistant wood, a wonderful aroma, and are usually the first to grow in some of the toughest habitats. They are also a good wood for building, burning and woodworking. Go back to the path and look at the large wild grape vines growing across the path and up the trees. These wild grapes grow throughout Virginia and can grow hundreds of feet (we’ve seen them grow to 12” in diameter). The grapes are edible and were routinely used in the past to eat and make moonshine and homemade wines. Lastly, (before crossing the electric line easement) take a peak toward the rock wall and notice the large Sycamore growing out of it. Look up high and see an old deer stand once used by local hunters to harvest the many deer and bear that pass through the land here – there’s no more hunting here… the animals still roam.

Point 8: Brook Trout-Slowly walk to the edge of the stream here and look into the water. Native Brook Trout
(a protected species) abound in the clean, clear water of this stream – they’re a beautiful colorful fish (more so than rainbow trout). Unfortunately, it is only noticeable once in your hand… when in the water, they are nearly perfectly camouflage! They’re very fast and difficult to see in the water… watch closely in the deeper pools as you slowly approach them and you’ll likely see one zip by. If you’re warm, don’t hesitate to lay yourself under a little cascade in one of the pools in this area of the stream. You won’t believe how refreshing and “spiritual” the experience can be. You’ll get a kick out of the little fish that will appear and nibble at your skin (people pay big $ for defoliants and revitalizing skin products!). When you’re refreshed, slowly walk north along the stream and veer to the right after the fence on your right side breaks to the right. If you like, walk up to the fence and take a peek at the garden (spring – late summer)

Point 9: The Garden - Make a right up the incline toward the house and take a look at the garden plot and fruit trees. Here is where some of the finest fresh vegetables and fruit in the Shenandoah Valley are grown! For the gardeners out there, the following is grown here: tomatoes, potatoes, beans, onions, lettuce, gourds, zucchini, peppers, various herbs, current, blueberries, goose berries, apples, plums, peaches and cherries… and more. When you’re done imagining gobbling down a handful of SME grown blueberries or cherries, continue on the nature trail until you arrive back on SME’s gravel lane (Black Bear Lane).

Point 10: Black Bear Lane-The gravel lane is at the heart of the SME complex. This lane was originally carved out of overgrown wilderness and has matured to the point you see today. It has taken over a decade to complete the lane and “clean up” the land around it. Efforts will continue to beautify the property and create a welcoming habitat for the many wild creatures that let us share this land with them. We hope you enjoyed the little walk!

Ask if you have any questions about our landscape, plants, animals, etc…

Point 11: Garden Plot. When the trail breaks to the right away from the stream, just before the road, you will notice the Shadow Mountain Escape garden on the high ground next to our home to your right. In late spring through fall we’ll begin to harvest a variety of crops from this small garden plot to include potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, squash, herbs and onions.

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