Water

What Lake Moomaw offers today is, at least for one writer, “wildness on its own mountain terms.”

Far From the Madding Crowd

When Lake Moomaw opened in 1982 in Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands, 300,000 visitors were forecast to flock to its shores the next year. Today, Moomaw is a solitary, beautiful place with stories to share. If you’re willing to look closely and listen
The Market Street Bridge and downtown Chattanooga reflect on a calm-surfaced Tennessee River.

7 Rich and Rewarding River Walks in the Blue Ridge

Our walks columnist and his wife have done the homework for your enjoyment of these fulfilling wanders along the riverside.
Stone Mountain State Park, NC features a huge granite dome about 600 feet tall. This view is from the trail to the summit of Stone Mountain. The BRP forms the north-side border for the mountain.

Pools & Peaks: A Photo Essay Submitted by Our Readers

Come the warmest months, we have tendency to seek out the coolest spots, and in this part of the country that means mountaintops and waterfalls. Let's visit a few.
Looking Glass Falls is right beside U.S. 276, about 5 miles north of Brevard in Pisgah National Forest.

Photo Essay: Wondrous Waterfalls of Western North Carolina

"Waterfall Guy" Kevin Adams, author of "North Carolina Waterfalls," has also become a master night photographer and, with Bill Lea, is founder of WNC Foto Fest, held in September near Asheville.
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.
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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

April 12, 2018

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