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CURRENT Features

Photo Essay: Fabulous Fall

The color! The crisp air! The lure of a mountain vista and a cool-flowing stream! It’s autumn, and our contributing photographers have the lovely proof.

Balancing Act: Applying the Race Mentality to Work and Family

Former pro athlete Jay Curwen gave up life on the competition road to be home with his family, and to help build an outdoor retailer.

Sneak Peek: “Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge” 8 Treks in Virginia & North Carolina

East Tennessee’s Johnny Molloy has been writing about the Southern Appalachians (and beyond) for more than 30 years. We’re pleased to present a few easy walks-to-falls from his new book on waterfalls.

Long Way Home to the Forest: A Forest Service Career Comes Full Circle

JaSal Morris wants to protect the Cherokee National Forest—and inspire minority youth to do the same.

21 Top Outdoor Experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains

We’ve scoured our seven-state coverage area to come back with three fun destinations for each state. And—bonus item!—they fit into the old family game of Animal, Vegetable, Mineral.

Current Issue

The Rough Ridge Bridge is on the Tanawha Trail in North Carolina near Grandfather Mountain. From the photographer: “I’ve been on Rough Ridge Trail when the fog was so thick you couldn’t see your own nose, only to have the wind change direction and give you vista views for miles. Add to this the changing of seasons, varying weather conditions and different angles of light from the sun and you have something truly magical.”

Photo Essay: Fabulous Fall

The color! The crisp air! The lure of a mountain vista and a cool-flowing stream! It’s autumn, and our contributing photographers have the lovely proof.
Former national-champion triathlete Jay Curwen now spends some of his outdoor time coaching youth teams.

Balancing Act: Applying the Race Mentality to Work and Family

Former pro athlete Jay Curwen gave up life on the competition road to be home with his family, and to help build an outdoor retailer.
e7ace7ec-e96a-11eb-87e8-1244d5f7c7c6-Falls

Sneak Peek: “Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge” 8 Treks in Virginia & North Carolina

East Tennessee’s Johnny Molloy has been writing about the Southern Appalachians (and beyond) for more than 30 years. We’re pleased to present a few easy walks-to-falls from his new book on waterfalls.
Morris, forest supervisor for Tennessee’s Cherokee National Forest, says that Cherokee has more biodiversity along the Conasauga River than some larger rivers out west.

Long Way Home to the Forest: A Forest Service Career Comes Full Circle

JaSal Morris wants to protect the Cherokee National Forest—and inspire minority youth to do the same.
Virginia’s Channels Natural Area Preserve, over-used of late, is great for a mid-week visit to the Channels formation.

21 Top Outdoor Experiences in the Blue Ridge Mountains

We’ve scoured our seven-state coverage area to come back with three fun destinations for each state. And—bonus item!—they fit into the old family game of Animal, Vegetable, Mineral.
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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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