Mountain View
blueridgeoutdoors
Urban Escapes
When the backwoods are too far afield, find adventures in these five Southern cities. Exploring a lonely mountain trail is top-notch fun—there’s no denying that. But what if you’re among the 80 percent of the country that lives in urban areas? Is outdoor recreation accessible among the South’s skyscrapers and sidewalks?
Walk on Water: 6 Paddleboarding Spots
These six river paddleboarding trips pair awesome mountain scenery and family fun. Don’t get me wrong. Floating a tranquil, secluded river is great, but I’m a high-energy person and there are times when hours of canoeing with the fam leaves me feeling more anxious than relaxed. I cherish the quiet, wildlife-rich scenery of a backwoods waterway. But I also jones for the immersive physicality of surfing and wakeboarding.
BYOB: (Bring Your Own Boat)
To these incredibly scenic lakeside camping spots in the Blue Ridge. Lake Trips are summer classics. Maybe it’s the sunrise paddling announced by belted kingfishers, lazy afternoons spent floating in a tube (cold drink in hand, of course), and evenings spent casting for brawny bass. Or maybe it’s all those lingering technicolor sunsets. Luckily, in the Blue Ridge region we have big bodies of water to make your own lasting memories. Here are some of the best places to snag a lakeside campsite during the vacation months.
Carolina Calling: When a Southern state finally feels like home
The question came to me during a spring sunset in the Blue Ridge Mountains, pink and purple clouds painted across the sky, a campfire flickering before me. The beauty slowed my breath, and I wondered: How exactly did I get here?. It was my last night at a writing retreat...
Meeting the Riverman
Author Ben McGrath reflects on his book about a man who quit his job, thru-paddled nearly every major river in America, and then disappeared. New Yorker staff writer Ben McGrath met Dick Conant by accident on the banks of the Hudson River at a friend’s 2014 birthday party in Piermont, New York, when the latter floated up uninvited and docked his canoe at a backyard seawall. The 63-year-old wore a trucker’s cap, long Santa Claus beard, battered overalls, and work boots. His canoe brimmed with coolers, canned foodstuffs, tarps, and fishing and camping gear.
A Tennessee Man Ties His Hobby to Water Conservation
Mike Kesselring owns roughly 18,000 fishing flies. There are flies from as close as his local outfitters and as far away as Japan. There are flies made for catching local trout, Taimen in Mongolia, and Golden Dorado in Argentina. He knows each one’s story and intended use. They sit stacked in 14 x 9-inch plastic divided trays that line one end of his living room in Walland, Tennessee. But none of them came from his own hands.
Join Veritas Winery for the Starry Nights All-Day Music Festival
Headed to Virginia this August? Check out Veritas Vineyards and Winery’s Starry Nights All-Day Music Festival on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The annual event in Afton, has grown into a beloved tradition over the winery’s 25-year history. This year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience, blending live music, gourmet food, and fine wine in the picturesque shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Two States to Stay at in Bristol, TN/VA
Bristol is rather unique, considering it’s in both Tennessee and Virginia, and the state line runs smack dab through its historic downtown. But when you add its outdoor scene, it’s a destination you simply must see to believe. And once you’re here, it won’t be easy to leave.
Reserve a Campsite in a Virginia State Park
Whether you’re looking for a night of solitude or a place to camp with the whole family, there’s a Virginia State Park out there to fit your needs. More than half of the state’s 42 parks feature some type of lodging, from tent and RV sites to cabins, lodges, and yurts. Find your spot by the water or amongst the trees today.
Night at the Museum? Preserve History while Living like a Lock Keeper
Nestled along the Potomac River and spanning across four Maryland counties and into the District of Columbia, the C&O Canal National Historical Park is a living, breathing time capsule dating back to 1850. For visitors today, the Park is a place of refuge, where you can bike, walk, fish, or paddle across 184.5 miles from Cumberland to Georgetown, Maryland.
Fresh Tracks: 49 Winchester Falls “Fast Asleep”
Fast-rising Virginia alt-country band 49 Winchester is prepping a new album, Leavin’ This Holler, which will be released on August 2 by New West Records. The itinerant group from the tiny town of Castlewood made the record in various studios across the country with help from producer Stewart Myers. In the past few years band founder Isaac Gibson and company have been touring relentlessly, gigging in Europe, opening huge venues for the likes of Tyler Childers and Luke Combs, and selling out large theaters on their own in the South and beyond.
Pick your Place in Jefferson County, WV
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and historic charm of West Virginia, Jefferson County offers a quintessential blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. From its quaint towns to its sprawling countryside, this region beckons visitors to unwind, explore, and immerse themselves in its rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, historical discoveries, or simply a peaceful retreat, Jefferson County has a place for every traveler.
Ditch the crowds and take the backroads with Old 96 District
With summer and its warm, sunny days on its way, there has never been a better time to plan your trip to South Carolina’s Old 96 District! Ditch the crowds and take the backroads; enjoy life at a slower pace and breathe the fresh air in peace. Discover the...
Paddling & Biking in Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Slow down and enjoy the fresh mountain air in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. Explore the woodland scenery of West Virginia’s longest rail-to-trail conversion, the Greenbrier River Trail. With 78 miles of lush green forests and remote West Virginia backcountry to enjoy, scenic beauty awaits around every bend. The trail follows the winding Greenbrier River through the mountains and valleys of Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties, featuring some of the most secluded areas in the state. It runs through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges and passes through two tunnels. The trail is ideal for leisure biking at less than a one percent grade. Rent bikes from local outfitters and explore the trail at your own pace, taking breaks to enjoy the scenery or have a picnic along the way.
Why Lynchburg, Virginia is a Runner Friendly City
The ultimate runner-friendly city, Lynchburg holds miles of trails that vary in elevation and snake past jaw-dropping vistas. These trails not only appeal to residents out for a breath of fresh air; they also make Lynchburg the perfect host city for competitive races. The Road Runners Club of America bestowed the city a “Runner-Friendly Community Designation®,” and Lynchburg has been named among the “Top Trail Towns” by Trail Runner magazine. Whether you’re an aspiring runner or are ready for a new challenge, the city of Lynchburg’s Parks and Recreation department maintains a network of urban trails totaling some 40 miles of paved and natural pathways. Read on for some of our favorite places to kick up our feet.
North Carolina Climbers Fest Returns With Inclusivity Focus
Carolina Climbers Coalition’s (CCC) North Carolina Climbers Fest returns this weekend with promises of new experiences welcoming a diverse group of climbers. The festival offers expert-led clinics for all skill levels, and this year the event, which runs from May 17-19 near Pinnacle, North Carolina, will implement new initiatives to promote inclusivity in the climbing community. This includes two new clinics focused on supporting women and BIPOC climbers making the transition from climbing gyms to outdoor crags.
The Long Downhill
I am ashamed to admit this, but my kids hate hiking. It is one of my great failings as an outdoor dad. On our most recent hike, they complained for the entire car ride to the trailhead. “Hiking is slow and boring. It’s just walking. How long will this take?”...
Our Favorite Songs in May
Every month our editors curate a playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. In May we’re highlighting new tunes from the Avett Brothers and Adrianne Lenker. Waxahatchee. “Right Back to It”. Katie Crutchfield continues moving in a country direction on her new album, “Tigers...
Returning Champ East Tennessee State University Wins Top Adventure College Contest
For the second year in a row, East Tennessee State University (ETSU) has been voted our region’s Top Adventure College in Blue Ridge Outdoors’ annual competition. The contest puts 32 colleges and universities from the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic head-to-head in bracket-style voting rounds. Note only were votes counted towards the schools, they also entered participants to win two pairs of Ultra Light Merino Performance Crew hiking socks from this year’s sponsor Bridgedale.
Bed Down in Bedford County, VA
View from Sharp Top, Peaks of Otter – Bedford, VA – Photo Credit Savanah Graham. Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bedford County boasts the longest stretch of this scenic roadway in Virginia. From the majestic Peaks of Otter to the tranquil shores of Smith Mountain Lake, iconic landmarks await your exploration. With a wealth of activities and accommodations, Bedford offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for every traveler.
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Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing in the Southeast, moutain biking in the Blue Ridge and adventure travel from the Highlands to the Piedmont.
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