You know what’s the great thing about hiking? No greens fees. Also, if you go in winter, you’re unlikely to run into many other people. That is why my 4-hour Old Mill hike in Staunton State Park yesterday was so cool. Nothing against greens fees or other people, but for just the low low price of a 1500′ elevation gain, I got to be out in the fresh air enjoying the views without having to worry about catching a deadly virus. Who could ask for anything more? Well, other than straight drives and accurate putts, that is.
And as an added bonus, you get a bit of local history for free.
Staunton has only been a State Park since 2013. Before that it was Staunton Ranch. It has tons of amenities like a nice new visitor center (which I did not visit) and great-smelling toilets (which I did visit – twice). For those with more of a death-wish than I currently have, there is also ample opportunity to climb hundreds of feet straight up vertical granite cliffs on the Staunton property. Me personally, I wouldn’t have tried this even in my misguided youth. The near-45-degree 1-mile climb up to the Old Mill was plenty for me, thank you very much. But hey, whatever floats your boat. Go ahead, knock yourself out. Just be careful, because paths are icy in spots and the State Parks System makes it clear they are not responsible for any injury you incur – up to and including being beaned by a stray golf ball. Ahem.