This view of the Catawba Valley (Virginia Tech farm) is the exception: No Apco lines.

The New Catawba Valley Greenway Trail: 

Not Much To Recommend It 

I took a short drive out to the Catawba Valley this morning to walk the new Catawba Greenway spur, which ultimately leads up to McAfee's Knob (after 5.9 miles of walking, mostly uphill). I did the modified hour and a half version and, frankly, I saw all I needed of this trail.

It is not one I would recommend for any reason other than the exercise and the quiet (given that it runs parallel to Rt. 311). You see little of the lovely Catawba Valley (which I once observed while riding upside down in an open cockpit bi-plane) without the intrusion of Appalachian Power lines. That simply spoils the view.

The walk is up and down (mostly up), but not exhausting or even particularly challenging. It is a hike I likely won't take again because there simply is little to it.

This young fellow pranced out across the road in front of me.

This view is indicative of what's ahead. Not much. 

These random steps help you climb a fence that crosses the trail.

The view here? Appalachian Power.