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Country Roads

CURRENT Country Roads

Help for Hellbender? Tiny Bog Turtle Imperiled Too

Biologists look for help to protect several mountain species.

January/February Skywatch: The Bright Lights of Winter’s Sky

Winter skies are known by skywatchers for its many bright, beautiful stars, more so than for any other season.

Washed-Up Treasure Provides Tiny Respite from Helene Destruction

When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Blue Ridge region, the loss was unimaginable. But sometimes what’s lost finds a way back home.

National Parks, Forests Still Assessing

In some federally owned areas of the Southern Appalachians, recovery will take years.

November/December Skywatch: A Star Like Our Sun Twinkles Overhead

Almost all stars seen on a clear night are intrinsically much larger and much brighter than the sun. But one star is neither.

Current Issue

About 2,000 Southern bog turtles remain.

Help for Hellbender? Tiny Bog Turtle Imperiled Too

Biologists look for help to protect several mountain species.
skywatch

January/February Skywatch: The Bright Lights of Winter’s Sky

Winter skies are known by skywatchers for its many bright, beautiful stars, more so than for any other season.
c618bbd4-c9da-11ef-8b61-12163087a831-Hurricane-Milk-Can_2

Washed-Up Treasure Provides Tiny Respite from Helene Destruction

When Hurricane Helene devastated parts of the Blue Ridge region, the loss was unimaginable. But sometimes what’s lost finds a way back home.
4930ef0c-c9d9-11ef-af4a-12163087a831-baa1b1dc-2784-4b29-9ec7-25fa2bf55362Original

National Parks, Forests Still Assessing

In some federally owned areas of the Southern Appalachians, recovery will take years.
skywatch

November/December Skywatch: A Star Like Our Sun Twinkles Overhead

Almost all stars seen on a clear night are intrinsically much larger and much brighter than the sun. But one star is neither.
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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