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MOUNTAIN MEMORY WALKS OFFERS

MEMORABLE MID-ATLANTIC HIKING TRIPS

Hiking is hot with the adventure travel set, but the hassles of hiking, including the logistics of sleeping, eating, and planning, aren't. Mountain Memory Walks provides all of the hiking enjoyment without any of the hassles. They have introduced hundreds of happy hikers to many Mid-Atlantic trails, as well as the region's quaint accommodations and creative cooking.

Based in The Plains, Virginia, Lucy Morison's unique company offers several dozen Day Walks, Weekends and Long Weekends, and Inn to Inn Excursions. On all of the walks, participants only need to carry a picnic lunch, water, and a rain jacket. It's hassle-free hiking in its highest form.

The Day Walks (typically Sunday) appeal to beginning walkers or hikers with limited time. The options include the rocky outcroppings of Raven's Rock, Harper's Ferry, wildflower walks, or many other beautiful trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains that Lucy knows so well.

The Weekends and Long Weekends, ranging from three to five days, include: Wildflower (stay at the restored Hotel Strasburg); Old Virginia (stay at the Mimslyn, a grand old Virginia inn); Bear Mountain (Virginia's Highlands and cozy cabins); Blue Ridge Waterfall (two B&Bs); Mountain Top (two B&Bs); Fall Celebration; Memorial Day; Columbus Day; and many other standard or extended weekend options.

The Inn to Inn Excursions (usually midweek, with three to four nights at two or three inns) include: Massanutten/Shenandoah (along the Shenandoah River, with stays at Hotel Strasburg, the Inn at Narrow Passage, and Widow Kip's Country Inn); Highland/Warm Springs (Monterey's Highland Inn and the Warm Springs Inn); Plantation/Blue Ridge (Willow Grove Inn and Fountain Hall); and several other options throughout the tri-state area.

The advantage of going with a company like Mountain Memory Walks is that they've already found the beautiful vistas, special wildflowers, waterfalls, rock formations, and much more. They cater to almost any length and pace. The groups generally range from six to 14 people. The multi-day hikes normally begin with a wine and cheese reception, followed by dinner at the host inn.

After breakfast each morning, hikers review maps and trail descriptions. Treks can generally vary from four to 12 miles, with lunch somewhere along the way. Hikers sometimes walk directly from inn to inn, but there's often a convenient option to be driven a short distance.

The Old Virginia Weekend is typical of the unique offerings of Mountain Memory Walks. Following a Friday night reception, guests stay at the Mimslyn, with its columned front porch, terrace, and boxwood gardens. On Saturday, hikers head east to the Blue Ridge Mountains and hike beside a magnificent waterfall. On Sunday, hikers venture to another ridge on the Massanutten Mountains, overlooking the Shenandoah River.

The hikes on both days start near the tops of the ridges, making this weekend an excellent choice for all abilities. The spring trip features a number of wildflowers and the fall trip features lovely fall foliage. The cost starts at $329 per person, double occupancy.

For dates and further information about any of the hiking packages, contact Mountain Memory Walks at P.O. Box 281, The Plains, VA 22171, (703) 253-9622.