Folks walking the Mayo River Rail Trail may have noticed something new – a bright blue bench where one can rest a bit and enjoy the flowing waters of the Mayo River. Located just a bit upriver from the center kiosk, the bench was donated by The Homestead Hikers, a local hiking club with its beginnings from the Reynolds Homestead.
The club arranged monthly hikes led by experienced leaders. Hikes were held locally throughout the county as well as in areas as far away as Roanoke, Galax or Winston-Salem. An annual membership fee collected through the organization helped improve local community parks providing picnic tables, park benches, and pet stations along hiking trails.
After eight years of fun and friendship with over 50 members, 80-plus hikes and more than 400 miles of trails — the club is hanging up the backpack.
The club’s final contribution went toward the Dolly Parton Imagination Library being sponsored by several civic organizations in the county.
