Hiking Field Guide of the NRV

6 mi. 

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The Rice Fields are on the AT near Pearisburg 3 miles from the nearest parking area with an elevation gain of 1200 feet.  This trail isn't particularly steep but it has a steady gain the whole way to the top.  There isn't any actual rice growing on the ridge line but from the top hikers can see far off into the horizon and the landscape is dotted with more small ridges and large fields and is reminiscent of rice fields.  Unfortunately in recent years there has been an influx of foreign invasive plants in the area such as Winged Euonymus, Tree-of-heaven, and Morrow's Honeysuckle.  In recent years the Outdoor Club of Virginia Tech has been taking trips to this trail to try and trim back the invasive species which has been helping.  This trail is suitable for pets and small children so long as hikers provide plenty of water. PC: The Hiking Hokie