Bristol City High Point Trip Report

BM Wallace 9 - 1/2 mile east of Scenic Park Church (2,129 ft)

Date: July 2, 2002
Author: Mike Coltrin

I found myself passing through Bristol, Virginia, with time on my hands and thought I'd take a look. With no more to go on than the short line (above) in the County High Point's book it looked like a challenge.

I went to the Virginia Visitor Center at the state line and asked the person how to get to Scenic Park Church. "Get off the Interstate at Exit 7, go right, it is on the left in about a mile." I guess that was technically correct. There was no Scenic Park Church in sight anywhere along the stated road. I decided to look into a housing development and began cruising around. Before long, there it was. It is small, among a group of houses, and for sale.

I took a GPS reading and headed east, winding my way through the development. I couldn't help but notice the ridge line ahead of me. When I ran out of paved road I parked near the Villa Ridge Apartments and followed a dirt road to the ridge line. A trail then took me up to the highpoint. I couldn't find the benchmark but there was a piece of rebar with two colored ribbons tied to it at the apparent summit.

Below is a driving log:

At Exit 7 go south 0.1 mile to Stage Coach Road. Turn left.
Follow Stage Coach Road 0.1 mile to Hassan Heights. Turn right.
In 0.2 mile turn left on Indiana.
Drive 0.2 mile to dead end at Villa Ridge Apartments.
Find your way to the summit.
(If you pass Scenic Park Church you are lost!)