The EarthwalkCenter is located in the heart of an intimate and enchanted beech/hardwood forest, bordering a rocky stream that flows down a small secluded canyon to the RappahannockRiver.There are 4,000 acres of wild riparian public land accessible from the Retreat. This green belt space follows the Rappahannock River and can be used for hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, swimming, birding, etc.connections We are approximately 10 miles from FredericksburgVirginia.There are three major airports in the region and rail and bus in nearby Fredericksburg. For a map of the region please click here.
Accomodations
We currently offer secluded, intimate and beautiful camping spaces along the creek, as well as B&B style indoor accomodations. The main cedar log dwelling has 2 retreat rooms with private entrance and a shared bath. They can serve as two separate sleeping rooms or as a small suit. Prepared meals are an option, or you can go simple with the small frig and crock pot, hot plate, and oven in one room.
Scamper is my 14 foot backwoods trailor, which offers, frig, stove and oven, beds, lights, and potable water, outdoor shower and toilet. It is separate from the lodge and offers seclusion and access to the canyon and river lands and is more contained than tent camping.
The primitive camping is very private and there are several perfect places along the stream to pitch a tent. There is no trail down stream, and is strictly pack in/pack out. We use this for camping retreats and vision quests. There is an area for Tail gate camping but it is not on the creek. I can supply tents, mats, bedding, and most of your camping equipment needs or you can bring your own.
Depending on the retreat package, created by listening to what you feel you need and want, there are other facilities available for use.
There is a 26'X28' sanctuary that is used for yoga, dance, meditation, indoor sessions or small group space. There is SpaToGo, outdoor hot tub, an 11 circuit classical labyrinth, an audio/visual library for personal or small group study.
The kitchen and dining area can be rented for workshops and small group retreats. The entire home can be rented over certain weekends and by the week on occasion. We can accommodate small groups of up to 15 people for non residential workshops.
It is usually best used for one or two people overnight, but if your group is ok with slumber party's and sleeping on the floor, camping or using the trailer, I can accommodate more overnight.
You can follow the stream through "Little Wilderness Canyon" approximately 1/3 mile to the Rappahannock River. It is an enchanting canyon with pools and rock ledges all along the way. Once you reach the Rappahannock you can wade or swim out to Turkey Island. (This walk is on uneven and rocky teraine and require's a certain amount of physical ability.)
Attractions
There are numerous outdoor sanctuary areas including a sweat lodge, and medicine wheel, an eleven circuit classical garden labyrinth , an indoor labyrinth of stars, a fire circle area, and a meditation path with various meditation stations alongside a natural spring. There is a small beach area with large dramatic boulders along the run where it adjoins center property with a great rope hammock overlooking it all.
The retreat joins the run just at the fall line and now the Beaver have made a dam there, so we are growing a new pond just above the canyon. They are improving the view of the water.
There are no formal trails along the Rappahannock , and you can rent canoes and kayaks nearby for a day or overnight float trip on the Rappahannock. You can also hike the riparian lands, blazing your own trail. For more pictures please visit the photo gallery. For More information please e-mail heaven@earthwalkways.com.
