Day 2 - GA to DC Spring Trip

March 28, 2026 - We explored Paintsville Lake State Park this morning. We found a trail around the lake and walked to the Mountain Homeplace outdoor museum. We were lucky to find the trail because when we ask if there was a trail at the campground office the campground personnel told us we should just walk along the road but that it was a long way. They said, “We didn’t walk much”. The trail was much better than the road. Unfortunately the museum was closed, scheduled to open April 1st. Luckily a worker told us we could look around anyway. It was a pretty spot with old log cabins, barns, farm equipment and some goats, horses and chickens.

We buttoned up the camper and headed to the Jenny's Creek Trailhead on the Dawkins Line Rail Trail. The rail trail is the reason we decided to stay in this area. After a quick lunch, we bundled up and headed out. Although it was cold and a little windy we enjoyed the ride. The beautifully paved trail followed the Jenny Creek. Numerous wooden bridges crossed the winding creek. We passed old farms and plenty of “youper yards” but the views of the surrounding hills were lovely. We saw donkeys, horses, chickens and an even a couple hairy cows (coos, if you’re from Scotland). We turned around at the Griffith Family Farms. A little country store/farmers market. It reminded me of Ike Godsey’s General Store from The Walton’s. Total distance 11.5 miles.

After out ride we headed south toward Asheville, NC. We stopped at Nature Tunnel State Park for a quick look around. We started up a trail, looking for the tunnel and almost gave up seeing it until we realized it was below us. The tunnel was visible at the base of the mountain. A small river rushing out of it. Next to river was a rail road track. It seems at some point some rail road company decided to take advantage of the natural tunnel.

We drove into Asheville NC to find dinner. We noticed a tourist information sign near the downtown and luckily found it had a place for RV parking. Asheville NC  downtown is on the top of a hill and there are mountain views in many directions. We walked down Haywood street toward an area with several restaurants. We ate at The Bier Garden sports bar restaurant and they had the Iowa vs Illinois sweet 16 game on. Cathy had a burger with a side of broccoli and Andy had fish and chips.

From there the campground-Lake Powhatan Recreation Area was an easy 20 minute drive. Parked in the dark and waiting for about an hour for the camper to warm up before bed time. The temperature has been cool high 30s to high 40s windy and sunny.

Sent from my iPhone