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CURRENT Features

Photo Essay: Spring Awakens

And as it does, it brings forth a blend of beautiful color to the mountains—from the pastel hues of new leaves and blooms to that warm light of an early morning. Our contributing photographers present a few enticing glimpses.

New Book for Youth Explores Road Ecology

Great Smoky Mountains Association, a partner in Safe Passage: The Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project, has just released its newest title for youth: “A Search for Safe Passage.”

Helping Wildlife Cross I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge

Black bears crossing I-40 are emblematic of the challenges facing wildlife as they try to navigate habitat sliced by major highways.

Curios: Pearl Rush on the Clinch River? Yes.

At the forefront of the 1895-1935 harvest was a young man without sight, who used his feet to feel for pearl-holding mussels.

Curios: Natural Vegetation Control – Goat Busters on the Land

Goats eat between 3 and 9% of their body weight each day, and put on a bit of a show while they do it.

Current Issue

Spring storms at sunset pass over the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia at the Point Overlook at Milepost 55.5 of Skyline Drive.

Photo Essay: Spring Awakens

And as it does, it brings forth a blend of beautiful color to the mountains—from the pastel hues of new leaves and blooms to that warm light of an early morning. Our contributing photographers present a few enticing glimpses.
056f16e2-811a-11eb-a6d9-1244d5f7c7c6-A-Search-for-Safe-Passage-cover

New Book for Youth Explores Road Ecology

Great Smoky Mountains Association, a partner in Safe Passage: The Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project, has just released its newest title for youth: “A Search for Safe Passage.”
A female bear looks for the best opportunity to cross as her cubs surround her at the guardrail on I-64 in Virginia near the top of Afton Mountain where the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway meet.

Helping Wildlife Cross I-40 in the Pigeon River Gorge

Black bears crossing I-40 are emblematic of the challenges facing wildlife as they try to navigate habitat sliced by major highways.
The promise of pearls was strong on the Clinch River for about 40 years, until the advent of hydroelectric dams and plastic buttons brought it to an end.

Curios: Pearl Rush on the Clinch River? Yes.

At the forefront of the 1895-1935 harvest was a young man without sight, who used his feet to feel for pearl-holding mussels.
Eager goats race toward their next meal on private property in Cismont, Virginia.

Curios: Natural Vegetation Control – Goat Busters on the Land

Goats eat between 3 and 9% of their body weight each day, and put on a bit of a show while they do it.
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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

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