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Behind Blue Ridge Country

CURRENT Behind Blue Ridge Country

November’s Blue Ridge Mountain Apple Profile: Stayman Winesap

The Stayman Winesap originated in Kansas in the mid-1800s, but it began to appear in our region late in that century and quickly became a fixture in highland orchards.

July’s Wild Edible: Cinnabar Chanterelles

If I hadn’t been scanning the ground for mushrooms, I likely would never have spotted one of the smallest – and tastiest - of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s edible fungi… the cinnabar chanterelle.

Fish the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia!

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia, home to some of the best and most diverse freshwater fishing in the state.

May’s Wild Edible: Dryad’s Saddle

Though most foragers concentrate on yellow and black morels, Dryad’s saddles are well worth pursuing, too.

June’s Mountain Wildflower: Wild Geranium

Take a close look at the petals of a wild geranium flower and you will see dark blue lines leading from the outer edge to the center of the blossom.

Current Issue

Stayman Winesap apples are a heritage Blue Ridge apple.

November’s Blue Ridge Mountain Apple Profile: Stayman Winesap

The Stayman Winesap originated in Kansas in the mid-1800s, but it began to appear in our region late in that century and quickly became a fixture in highland orchards.
Cinnabar chanterelles growing in a Roanoke County, Virginia hardwood stand.

July’s Wild Edible: Cinnabar Chanterelles

If I hadn’t been scanning the ground for mushrooms, I likely would never have spotted one of the smallest – and tastiest - of the Blue Ridge Mountain’s edible fungi… the cinnabar chanterelle.
Matt Reilly fly fishing

Fish the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia!

Welcome to the Blue Ridge Highlands of Virginia, home to some of the best and most diverse freshwater fishing in the state.
Dryad’s Saddle found growing in Monroe County, West Virginia

May’s Wild Edible: Dryad’s Saddle

Though most foragers concentrate on yellow and black morels, Dryad’s saddles are well worth pursuing, too.
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June’s Mountain Wildflower: Wild Geranium

Take a close look at the petals of a wild geranium flower and you will see dark blue lines leading from the outer edge to the center of the blossom.
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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

CALENDAR OF EVENTS