I've sped past Purgatory Mountain countless times along I-81 and have always been mesmerized by its shape and size when considering the surrounding environment. The James River sneaks around its base, and both served as geographic landmarks for so long. I finally researched the gravel road that leads to the towers on its peak. A four-mile, winding road of 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Surprisingly, it was very quiet considering the proximity of the interstate. This was great alone time in the wilderness surrounded by immense forest.