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Aquatic Wonders Await on the Upper James River Water Trail

From its origin in Botetourt County to where it meets the Maury River in Rockbridge County, the Upper James River is 64 miles of designated Virginia Scenic River — and 100% natural outdoor adventure.

September’s Wild Edible: Hackberries

You won’t find enough for a pie, but you’ll enjoy them as a quick pick-me-up.

December’s Blue Ridge Mountain Apple Profile: The Old Fashion Winesap

One of the truly great heritage Blue Ridge apples is the Old Fashion Winesap, often called simply Winesap.

October’s Mountain Wildflower: Black-eyed Susan

Favoring dry fields, open woods, waste areas and roadsides, the individual blossoms are long-lasting, staying healthy and blooming for nearly a month when conditions are right.

September’s Mountain Wildflower: Yellow-fringed Orchid

Once you spot the yellow-fringed orchids as you struggle up a steep slope while hiking during the heat of a September afternoon, you may wish you had never seen them.

Current Issue

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Aquatic Wonders Await on the Upper James River Water Trail

From its origin in Botetourt County to where it meets the Maury River in Rockbridge County, the Upper James River is 64 miles of designated Virginia Scenic River — and 100% natural outdoor adventure.
Hackberries are pea-shaped and are great to snack on.

September’s Wild Edible: Hackberries

You won’t find enough for a pie, but you’ll enjoy them as a quick pick-me-up.
Old Fashion Winesaps, freshly picked.

December’s Blue Ridge Mountain Apple Profile: The Old Fashion Winesap

One of the truly great heritage Blue Ridge apples is the Old Fashion Winesap, often called simply Winesap.
4f92dd66-96e8-11ef-991c-12163087a831-10-2024blackeyedsusan--credit-Joe-Cook-and-Monica-Sheppard_1_

October’s Mountain Wildflower: Black-eyed Susan

Favoring dry fields, open woods, waste areas and roadsides, the individual blossoms are long-lasting, staying healthy and blooming for nearly a month when conditions are right.
f858b574-2361-11ef-8aed-12163087a831-9-2024yellowfringedorchid--credit-Joe-Cook

September’s Mountain Wildflower: Yellow-fringed Orchid

Once you spot the yellow-fringed orchids as you struggle up a steep slope while hiking during the heat of a September afternoon, you may wish you had never seen them.
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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