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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)

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Blue Grosbeak

While widespread, these retiring birds are often heard before they are seen.

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Great Blue Heron

The statuesque pose of our continent’s largest heron is a familiar site along many bodies of water.

Waterfall Wednesday: Falling Spring Falls – A Beautiful Waterfall in Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands

Nestled along the side of Route 220, just five miles north of Covington, Virginia, lies Falling Spring Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall that is easily accessible and even handicap accessible.

Current Issue

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.
Blue Grosbeak, male

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Blue Grosbeak

While widespread, these retiring birds are often heard before they are seen.
c44fa69a-fa2f-11ed-a411-12163087a831-Great-Blue-Heron---photo-by-Mike-Blevins

Birds of the Blue Ridge: Great Blue Heron

The statuesque pose of our continent’s largest heron is a familiar site along many bodies of water.
af5e0f78-f332-11ed-9a18-12163087a831-JTM_8207

Waterfall Wednesday: Falling Spring Falls – A Beautiful Waterfall in Virginia’s Allegheny Highlands

Nestled along the side of Route 220, just five miles north of Covington, Virginia, lies Falling Spring Falls, a stunning 80-foot waterfall that is easily accessible and even handicap accessible.
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Departments

Vibrant Monarch butterfly clings to its translucent dew covered cocoon
Creature Feature

Monarch Mimickers

It’s easy to mistake other orange species for the king of fall butterflies.

August 26, 2026
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

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