One of the more impressive ruins at the Rattlesnake Lodge site is this old tool shed. At this point on the hike, you have passed the site of the main lodge, swimming pool, and tennis courts. These two stone pillars (upper right) mark the downhill corners of the shed. The trail heading to the left of the pillars leads to the spring house.

The trail on the left side is the main Mountains to Sea trail, which is also the old wagon road bed you have been hiking up from Bull Gap. The steps leading down and to the right take you to the Blue Ridge Parkway after about 1/4 mile. If you went that way, you'd come out at a small parking area at the end of the Tanbark Ridge tunnel. If you want, you can start at the tunnel and hike up to the lodge. However, it is much steeper than coming up from Bull Gap as in this hike.

<< Previous | Thumbnails | Next >>