nature

Joe Morris says he “started coming with a regular Thursday crew and now it’s exploded. It’s essentially the entirety of my life.”

Forging a New Trail in Life

A series of tragedies steered Joe Morris toward the Appalachian Trail—and a new calling.
Alleghany Special approaches from the west beneath an iron truss bridge built in 1905.

Queen for a Day: Delightful, Delicious Train Rides

Whether it’s aboard the Alleghany Special or the Blue Ridge Flyer, a Virginia Scenic Railway ride can transform your day, regally.
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Birds of the Blue Ridge: Bald Eagle

This stunning raptor (who is not actually “bald”) is on the I’d-love-to-see-one list of both casual and dedicated bird lovers everywhere.
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Birds of the Blue Ridge: American Kestrel

Birding from a moving vehicle is not exactly the ideal circumstance to identify an avian species…unless you’re on the lookout for the American Kestrel.
View from deck

Waterfall Wednesday: Dry Falls – Nantahala’s Backside of Water Roadside Attraction

Setting alongside U.S. Highway 64 in Highlands, North Carolina, sits nature's premier waterfall attraction.

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Behind Blue Ridge Country

Even More Sweet Virginia Breezes

Casually cruising to Claytor Lake in southwest Virginia, I felt like I had come home – back to where it

CALENDAR OF EVENTS