Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!

In this solo episode, I'm taking you along on another whirlwind journey that spans thousands of miles and some of the most memorable outdoor adventures I've had all year. From birding along Alabama's Gulf Coast and exploring Chincoteague's marshes to rock climbing in Shenandoah National Park, hiking brand new trails at the Breaks, and standing under giant Redwoods in California...

In this solo episode, I'm taking you along on another whirlwind journey that spans thousands of miles and some of the most memorable outdoor adventures I've had all year. From birding along Alabama's Gulf Coast and exploring Chincoteague's marshes to rock climbing in Shenandoah National Park, hiking brand new trails at the Breaks, and standing under giant Redwoods in California...

A flash of color across a meadow. A flute-like melody sung from a nearby branch. A raptor soaring high above a mountain ridge. These small moments of discovery are what make birding one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities today. Few places can match our incredible diversity of birdlife. From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the majestic Tundra Swan, Virginia is home to hundreds of bird...

A flash of color across a meadow. A flute-like melody sung from a nearby branch. A raptor soaring high above a mountain ridge. These small moments of discovery are what make birding one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities today. Few places can match our incredible diversity of birdlife. From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the majestic Tundra Swan, Virginia is home to hundreds of bird...

What if I told you that one of the most incredible outdoor experiences in Virginia doesn’t happen during the day, but after the sun goes down? We’re heading into one of the most overlooked and truly magical parts of Virginia’s outdoors - the night sky. The kind where the Milky Way stretches overhead, planets come into view, and for a moment, everything feels a little bigger. Virginia is home to se...

What if I told you that one of the most incredible outdoor experiences in Virginia doesn’t happen during the day, but after the sun goes down? We’re heading into one of the most overlooked and truly magical parts of Virginia’s outdoors - the night sky. The kind where the Milky Way stretches overhead, planets come into view, and for a moment, everything feels a little bigger. Virginia is home to se...

We’re heading deep into the mountains of Southwest Virginia to explore Norton, a small city with a big reputation as an outdoor recreation hub in the Heart of Appalachia. Tucked into the High Knob Region and surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, Norton offers something truly special - easy, immediate access to some of the most diverse and scenic outdoor experiences in the region. From panor...

We’re heading deep into the mountains of Southwest Virginia to explore Norton, a small city with a big reputation as an outdoor recreation hub in the Heart of Appalachia. Tucked into the High Knob Region and surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, Norton offers something truly special - easy, immediate access to some of the most diverse and scenic outdoor experiences in the region. From panor...

Welcome back to the second half of Season 6 of Virginia Outdoor Adventures ! I’ve got a packed episode for you today, coming off a stretch of incredible nationwide travel - from the towering saguaros of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to the dramatic cliffs of California’s Channel Islands, frozen shorelines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and even dinosaur tracks deep in the heart of Texas. By popular dem...

Welcome back to the second half of Season 6 of Virginia Outdoor Adventures ! I’ve got a packed episode for you today, coming off a stretch of incredible nationwide travel - from the towering saguaros of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to the dramatic cliffs of California’s Channel Islands, frozen shorelines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and even dinosaur tracks deep in the heart of Texas. By popular dem...

We’re heading to Massanutten - “your backyard mountain resort” and one of the best places in Virginia to dive into mountain biking. For Morgan Mowbry and Charles Sexton, it’s more than a destination, it’s home turf for adventure. As dedicated trail builders and volunteers, they’ve helped shape the riding experience on Massanutten’s Western Slope, where passion for both riding and community come to...

We’re heading to Massanutten - “your backyard mountain resort” and one of the best places in Virginia to dive into mountain biking. For Morgan Mowbry and Charles Sexton, it’s more than a destination, it’s home turf for adventure. As dedicated trail builders and volunteers, they’ve helped shape the riding experience on Massanutten’s Western Slope, where passion for both riding and community come to...

The Appalachian Trail is more than a footpath - it’s a living piece of American history. Stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the A.T. winds through some of Virginia’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes. But have you ever wondered how this legendary trail came to be, and who the dreamers, builders, and hikers were that shaped it? We’re hiking through history with someone who knows...

The Appalachian Trail is more than a footpath - it’s a living piece of American history. Stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the A.T. winds through some of Virginia’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes. But have you ever wondered how this legendary trail came to be, and who the dreamers, builders, and hikers were that shaped it? We’re hiking through history with someone who knows...

When you think of Grayson County, you probably picture some of the most iconic outdoor destinations in Virginia, such as the sweeping vistas of Grayson Highlands or the summits of Mount Rogers or Whitetop. But just down the New River lies a place that’s every bit as rich in beauty and history - the small, riverside town of Fries. Once a bustling textile mill town, Fries is now a quiet haven for pa...

When you think of Grayson County, you probably picture some of the most iconic outdoor destinations in Virginia, such as the sweeping vistas of Grayson Highlands or the summits of Mount Rogers or Whitetop. But just down the New River lies a place that’s every bit as rich in beauty and history - the small, riverside town of Fries. Once a bustling textile mill town, Fries is now a quiet haven for pa...

Virginia’s forests are alive with hidden treasures—and they taste delicious. From morels to chicken-of-the-woods, Virginia is a forager’s dream.    Dive into the fascinating world of mushroom foraging with Gabrielle Cerberville, better known online as the “Chaotic Forager.” Gabrielle is a foraging educator, community mycologist, and the author of her debut book, “Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, a...

Virginia’s forests are alive with hidden treasures—and they taste delicious. From morels to chicken-of-the-woods, Virginia is a forager’s dream.    Dive into the fascinating world of mushroom foraging with Gabrielle Cerberville, better known online as the “Chaotic Forager.” Gabrielle is a foraging educator, community mycologist, and the author of her debut book, “Gathered: On Foraging, Feasting, a...

Nestled between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, King George County is a destination that offers adventure on land and water.   Our guests, Jenna and Warren Veazey, members of the Friends of Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail and the Friends of Caledon State Park, lead us on an exploration of this Northern Neck community’s hidden gems.    Hike, run, or cycle the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail,...

Nestled between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, King George County is a destination that offers adventure on land and water.   Our guests, Jenna and Warren Veazey, members of the Friends of Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail and the Friends of Caledon State Park, lead us on an exploration of this Northern Neck community’s hidden gems.    Hike, run, or cycle the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail,...

Big news, Adventurers - Virginia Outdoor Adventures is back with a brand new season! That means more inspiring stories, hidden gems, travel-ready resources, and new adventures across our Commonwealth. In this Season 6 Trailer, get a sneak peek at new content inspired by you, as well as a chance to shape future episodes with your feedback.  Be the first to hear about new features designed to keep y...

After 10,000 miles crisscrossing Virginia, 17 full episodes, and 4 bonus features, Season Five of Virginia Outdoor Adventures has been a remarkable journey of discovery and connection. What began as a pandemic project has evolved into a five-season exploration of the Commonwealth's most breathtaking outdoor destinations, hidden gems, and adventure opportunities.   This season marked several f...

If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground.  Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving you a true taste of the wild.  We review each prim...

If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground.  Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving you a true taste of the wild.  We review each prim...

Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville reveals itself as an unexpected paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams from the Dan River Basin Association share their intimate knowledge of this small city with its outsized adventure potential. The Smith River Blueway provides 45 miles of accessible paddling and world-class trout fishing on the crown...