Mushroom Hunting near Blacksburg, VA, USA
"can I eat it?"
Disclaimer: Some mushrooms can kill you. This website contains no information about the edibility or toxicity of mushrooms.
where to go?
below are suggestions for New River Valley, Virginia
+ Ellett Valley Recreational Area
+ George Washington & Jefferson National Forests no permit required for personal use (don't be a hoarder, don't sale)
+ Mcafee Knob and Tinker Cliffs
+ Pandapas Pond - Watch "NRV Mushroom Club" video on Blue Ridge PBS
When? Below are suggested dates for Southwestern VA, USA. These mushrooms do occur outside of these date ranges.
Morels April 1-May 5
Beefsteak Aug-Oct
Lion's Mane April & Sept-Oct
Giant Puffball Sept 20-Oct 10
what gear?
+ i carry a cheap tiny knife
+ i carry a cheap sling bag instead of a basket
+ i wear cheap boots for ankle biters
+ i bring a cheap egg-carton if doing a bio-blitz (sampling of mushrooms for studying)
+ i wear expensive tick-repellent
...you might prefer something else. it's okay.
there's a picture of a poisonous mushroom on this page
+ which is it? don't know?
+ please never eat any mushroom unless you are 100% confident it is truly edible
+ + + most ghosts who died of mushroom poisoning regret eating it
+ + + different types of mushrooms can grow together in same spot, so carefully pick each
+ + + there's always more mushrooms next season, but only 1 of you
