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CURRENT Features

Photo Essay Preview: Late Fall Beauty

The leaves linger here and there, the air is crisp and carries just a hint of flurries overnight. It’s the delightful, poignant end to a season.

Go Extreme!

Well, pretty extreme. Here’s your guide to four seasons full of zip lines and white water, biking and hiking and a whole lot more.

25 Waterfalls Our Editors Love

Looking for a rewarding walk to some of the southern mountains’ loveliest falls? Here are some of our top picks, with details on the walks to get to them.

Cass Scenic Railroad: Still a Beauty at 50

The trains reach back to the early 1900s, when they began hauling logs up 8 percent grades. That era ended by 1960, but since 1963, the trains have delighted riders with scenery, history and fun.

The Wilds of West Virginia

As spring turns to early summer, Ed Rehbein traverses West Virginia, capturing some of its wild and unique places in landscape, waterfall, and wildflower photography. Rehbein is co-author of "West Virginia Waterfalls: The New River Gorge."

Current Issue

Lingering twilight slowly overtakes a porch “setter” at a rustic cabin northeast of the Smokies.

Photo Essay Preview: Late Fall Beauty

The leaves linger here and there, the air is crisp and carries just a hint of flurries overnight. It’s the delightful, poignant end to a season.
zorbing in pigeon forge Climb inside a giant inflatable globe that’s tucked inside a larger ball and roll down a hillside. It’s called Zorb and it’s one of the newest adventure sports out of New Zealand. Pigeon Forge, Tenn., boasts the first Zorb site in North America. There are some choices here – you can be strapped in a safety harness inside a dry ball known as a Zorbit or you can spin and slosh your way down the mountainside in a Zydro ball that’s partially filled with water. Strapped participants careen down the slope solo while the water balls can carry up to three people at a time. If you stand at the top of the run and lose your nerve, they’ll give you a refund. The daredevils who do accept the challenge can relive the experience on video. A camera is tucked inside the ball to record all the fun. The Pigeon Forge site offers a straight track and a more challenging zigzag course. The Zorbit travels only the straight path. Check it out at zorb.com. ~Marla Hardee Milling

Go Extreme!

Well, pretty extreme. Here’s your guide to four seasons full of zip lines and white water, biking and hiking and a whole lot more.
Western North Carolina photographer Dave Allen won our recent Facebook photo contest with this shot, which he calls Autumn at Dry Falls. In case you want to visit: Where it is: Outside of Highlands, N.C. How to get there: Take U.S. 64 west out of Highlands toward Franklin. To reach it: There is newly remodeled parking and restrooms, and a handicap-accessible viewing platform for those who can’t make it down the stairs and trail to the falls. The steps and groomed trail lead down to the falls and even behind the waterfall. Why it’s worth the short walk: It’s easily one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians in Allen’s opinion, and considering the ease of access it should be high on anyone’s list of places to visit. For more photos from our contest, visit: BlueRidgeCountry.com/Waterfalls

25 Waterfalls Our Editors Love

Looking for a rewarding walk to some of the southern mountains’ loveliest falls? Here are some of our top picks, with details on the walks to get to them.
Shay #6 hauls freight to Bald Knob.

Cass Scenic Railroad: Still a Beauty at 50

The trains reach back to the early 1900s, when they began hauling logs up 8 percent grades. That era ended by 1960, but since 1963, the trains have delighted riders with scenery, history and fun.
Blackwater Falls is the primary attraction at the state park of the same name; falls is here seen from below instead of from the more-often seen perspective from the platform near the top.

The Wilds of West Virginia

As spring turns to early summer, Ed Rehbein traverses West Virginia, capturing some of its wild and unique places in landscape, waterfall, and wildflower photography. Rehbein is co-author of "West Virginia Waterfalls: The New River Gorge."
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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

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