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One of the Blue Ridge’s Best Rivers to Paddle: The Shenandoah

For easy paddling, fetching scenery, quality bird watching and much improved fishing, the South Fork of the Shenandoah and the Main Stem Shenandoah in Virginia and West Virginia rate a look.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Prothonotary Warbler

Of the three dozen or more warblers that visit the eastern U.S., this bright yellow species is one of only two warblers that nest in tree cavities.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Indigo Bunting

The stunning turquoises, blues and purples of this bird are a “trick of the light.”

Waterfall Wednesday: The Other Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is a stunning hidden gem tucked away in a small Tennessee town.

Kurt’s Hikes: Jan-May, 2023

One highlight of the walks of the first five months of the year was a semi-surprise for The Day Hiker when, upon our arrival at the base of the Star Trail up Roanoke Mountain, pretty much the whole dang family (all but the Raleigh family)

Current Issue

As this action shows, the South Fork and Main Stem are once again offering quality smallmouth fishing.

One of the Blue Ridge’s Best Rivers to Paddle: The Shenandoah

For easy paddling, fetching scenery, quality bird watching and much improved fishing, the South Fork of the Shenandoah and the Main Stem Shenandoah in Virginia and West Virginia rate a look.
253a10dc-1680-11ee-91a7-12163087a831-Prothonotary-Warbler---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Prothonotary Warbler

Of the three dozen or more warblers that visit the eastern U.S., this bright yellow species is one of only two warblers that nest in tree cavities.
Indigo Bunting, male

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Indigo Bunting

The stunning turquoises, blues and purples of this bird are a “trick of the light.”
Laurel Falls

Waterfall Wednesday: The Other Laurel Falls

Laurel Falls is a stunning hidden gem tucked away in a small Tennessee town.
March 5: On the way up the Star Trail.

Kurt’s Hikes: Jan-May, 2023

One highlight of the walks of the first five months of the year was a semi-surprise for The Day Hiker when, upon our arrival at the base of the Star Trail up Roanoke Mountain, pretty much the whole dang family (all but the Raleigh family) was there.
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Departments

Smith Mountain Lake Virginia is a hidden gem within the Blue Ridge Mountains. This beautiful area features boating, sailing, hiking, shopping, fishing, and much more.
From The Editor

Sarah Smiles: The Lake Effect

Growing up, many of my weekends were spent at my late step-grandmother’s house on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

June 26, 2026

CALENDAR OF EVENTS