Pickem Mountain Loop, Norton VA

December 8, 2025

Pickem mountain loop — Pickem Mountain Loop, Norton VA

Sunday reached a high of 45° which just meant it was a great day for a hike! I'd originally planned to put my new tonneau cover on my truck but they didn't send the correct parts. Oh well, hikes are always better! lol

From AllTrails: The loop begins by following Lake Lake Show around the upper reservoir, and branches off to the right near the dam, onto Grind Central. This creates the start of your loop and the trail connects back at this same point. This hikes takes you by impressive sheer cliff-lined rock faces, undercut rock houses to explore, and massive cube-like boulders. Fossils are particularly common on this hike, especially the scaly impressions of lycopods or tree ferns.

Map of completed hike from AllTrails Looking down through trees at the lake Looking back towards the bare trees and a light dusting of snow on the hike Some of the rock formations located along the hike Stepping stones across a small stream on the Pickem Mountain Trail Looking up the trail through the bare woods with a small amount of snow on the leaves The lower Norton Reservoir from the spillway. My dog Teddy looking over the Norton Reservoir from the spillway.

TED: Totally Excellent Dog

Teddy has some weird genetic hair issues going on. He's gone from short hair to long hair to a full mane to no mane, with plenty of iterations in between—and it doesn't depend on the season!

He's always happy to answer any questions too! You can email us at hillary@mybuzzabout.com but I'll respond for him as he hasn't gotten the knack of typing yet. WOOF!

Teddy the dog looking out a car window Close up of Teddy the dog