This rare piece of geology was first discovered in the 1740’s by James Burke while hunting in the area. The name “Burke’s Garden” was given to the valley as a joke in 1748 after Burke planted potato peelings by the campfire of a surveying party. The next year, a fine crop of potatoes was found. It is oftentimes referred to as “God’s Thumbprint” because of its view from the air. This mountain-ringed bowl is 10 miles in diameter and filled with some of the most fertile farmland in the state. The area, at 3000 feet, is the highest mountain valley in Virginia. It was designated a National and Virginia Rural Historical District.The community can be viewed from the Appalachian Trail or by car from state route 623. Visitors can buy baked goods and vegetables, bike on area roads, hike and hunt in nearby Jefferson National Forest.
Garden Mountain Hostel sits right in the middle of this! How cool is that!
There it is on Guthook!!!
Just an FYI. For my new AT friends.
All-In
Gray In The Woods 
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