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Guardians of the Blooms

Helen and Julia Smith spent a quarter century documenting the wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway on slides and in notebooks, eventually influencing the Parkway to change its mowing practices to preserve the blooms.

Brown Mountain Lights

Cherokee maidens in search of fallen warriors? The souls of a slain mother and child? A war hero in search of his family? Let's go find out.

Mabry Mill: The History of A Twice Saved Beauty On The Parkway

The most-photographed spot along the 470 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway was nearly lost before the roadway was built. And then again even after it was decided to save it. Old Ed Mabry would sure stand proud at what's happened to his mill.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Frescoes of Ashe County, N.C.

It's Not Just Their Subjects That Are The Stuff Of Miracles

The Storm That Swallowed a County

In late August, 1969, Hurricane Camille produced a once-in-10,000-years inland storm with the strength of a 40,000-megaton nuclear bomb that nearly destroyed Nelson County, Va.

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Helen and Julia Smith

Guardians of the Blooms

Helen and Julia Smith spent a quarter century documenting the wildflowers along the Blue Ridge Parkway on slides and in notebooks, eventually influencing the Parkway to change its mowing practices to preserve the blooms.
9e8aa284-70af-11e8-a215-12408cbff2b0-Brown_Mtn_Lights

Brown Mountain Lights

Cherokee maidens in search of fallen warriors? The souls of a slain mother and child? A war hero in search of his family? Let's go find out.
While World War II raged, they restored the mill. From left: A.N. Hylton, C.A. Goad, Scott, Ken McCarter.

Mabry Mill: The History of A Twice Saved Beauty On The Parkway

The most-photographed spot along the 470 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway was nearly lost before the roadway was built. And then again even after it was decided to save it. Old Ed Mabry would sure stand proud at what's happened to his mill.
A dedication to the memory of artist Ben Long's grandfather, the 12' x 27' fresco was completed in 1977.

The Blue Ridge Mountain Frescoes of Ashe County, N.C.

It's Not Just Their Subjects That Are The Stuff Of Miracles
The storm inundated Nelson County with some 630 million tons of water over August 19-20, 1969.

The Storm That Swallowed a County

In late August, 1969, Hurricane Camille produced a once-in-10,000-years inland storm with the strength of a 40,000-megaton nuclear bomb that nearly destroyed Nelson County, Va.
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Departments

At Coopers Rock State Forest, new Stargazer cabins invite guests to look up through skylights and telescopes.
Country Roads

Even Closer to Almost Heaven

New Stargazer cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest offer a skyward escape in the mountains of West Virginia.

June 29, 2026
©Duncan Seaman
Country Roads

A Mountain Tradition Turns 90 

Visitors flock to Galax, Virginia, each summer for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention, a days-long celebration of Appalachian music.

June 29, 2026
Synchronous Fireflies
Creature Feature

The Light Fantastic

Fireflies are struggling with the effects of artificial light.

June 29, 2026

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