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25 Years of Rhythm and Roots at the Birthplace of Country Music
Twenty-five years ago, a small festival dedicated to the music forged from the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains took
September 14, 2026
Kurt’s Hikes
CURRENT Kurt’s Hikes
Appalachian Trail from Va. 311 to McAfee Knob and back. 7.6 miles.
At Carvins Cove Preserve, a loop using the Horse Pen, Gauntlet, Brushy Mountain and Trough trails. About 7.5 miles
Flat Top Mountain Trail up and down. 5.6 miles. Well, more like 6.2 with the find-lost-item added distance.
Roanoke's Tinker Creek Greenway from near Plantation Road to Carvins Cove boat dock and back. 5 miles.
Appalachian Trail from Va. 311 to McAfee Knob and back. 7.6 miles.
At Carvins Cove Preserve, a loop using the Horse Pen, Gauntlet, Brushy Mountain and Trough trails. About 7.5 miles
Flat Top Mountain Trail up and down. 5.6 miles. Well, more like 6.2 with the find-lost-item added distance.
Roanoke's Tinker Creek Greenway from near Plantation Road to Carvins Cove boat dock and back. 5 miles.
Departments
Singing in the Garden
Singing in the Garden: The Practically Perfect Pear
“There are only 10 minutes in the life of [the average] pear when it is perfect to eat.” —Abraham Lincoln,
September 1, 2026
The Mountain Q&A
Vic Isley: President & CEO of Explore Asheville
“At my core, I’m a proud Carolina girl, foodie, travel and music lover, and farmer’s daughter.”
September 1, 2026
