Dance all day and sleep under the stars by night with our picks for the best outdoor festival gear.
80
| THE OUT AND BACK
That first beer after a great adventure just hits different.
82 | TRAIL MIX
Our monthly playlist of new Southern songs, including tracks from Hiss Golden Messenger and Steep Canyon Rangers.
FEATURES
14 | OUTDOOR FESTIVAL GUIDE
Find your kind of outdoor fun in our annual guide to the region’s best events in music, art, and adventure.
44 | BANDS ON THE RISE
Six Blue Ridge-based independent acts that need to be on your radar.
52 | BREWS AND TUNES
We round up eight Blue Ridge breweries that pair live music with top-notch craft beer.
68 | HELLBENDERS ARE HAVING A MOMENT
Why snot otters have become the mascot of the mountains.
PHOTO BY MIKE BEZEMEK
Solutions start in the South.
We are the Southern Environmental Law Center, one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted right here in the South. As lawyers, policy and issue experts, and community advocates and partners, we take on the toughest challenges to protect our air, water, land, wildlife and the people who live here. Together, we can solve the most complex environmental challenges right here in the South.
PITCH A TENT ALONG THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Famed trail angel Janet Hensley shares four of her favorite camp spots along the famous footpath
BY ERIC J. WALLACE
LEGENDARY APPALACHIAN
Trail angel and former Erwin, Tennessee, hostel owner Janet Hensley—aka “Miss Janet”—has spent the better part of three decades helping trekkers achieve their thru-hike dreams. She’s followed the bubble from Springer Mountain to Katahdin in a support van for 10 years and knows the insand-outs of the iconic long trail as well as anyone.
“One of my favorite things I’ve picked up along the way is boondocking,” she says. The road trip equivalent of pitching a tent in the backcountry trades the noisy, often sardine-like confines of payto-play campgrounds for a more primitive and spacious national forest experience. What about sacrificing amenities? According to Hensley, proper planning and a fine-tuned setup can transform a dispersed site into a comfortable, off-grid paradise.
“I’ll consult a ranger or forest service map, find some promising gravel roads near where I’m at, then go exploring,” says Hensley. Routes tend to be peppered with pull- or walk-in sites tucked into scenic troves like a rhododendronlined creek or secluded ridge. “I’ve found some truly amazing spots this way,” she says, “and I usually have them all to myself.”
Best of all, it’s easy to position your home away from home within a quick walk or drive of some of the A.T.’s most memorable hikes. This list highlights some of Hensley’s most coveted basecamps to help you plot an A.T. boondocking adventure of your own.
CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST: SPRINGER MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA
The A.T.’s southern terminus is a magical place to be as the NOBO thru-hiking season kicks off in March and early April.
“It’s such an experience to get to see and talk to all the different people,” says Hensley. Hikers from around the nation and world converge on the same point with the same goal, but the why of it’s always a little different— “and that’s part of what makes the A.T. so amazing.”
Hensley likes to soak up the culture and positive vibes, then follow trekkers’ progress via backcountry routes like Forest Service 42 and Coopers Creek Road. She was posted up on the latter at Locust Gap about two miles as-the-crow-flies from the A.T. at Jarrard Gap when we talked. The site boasted spectacular views of the tiny village of Suches and Lake Winfield Scott from a small clearing on a forested 3,200-foot ridgeline.
NANTAHALA NATIONAL FOREST: FRANKLIN, NORTH CAROLINA
When it comes to primo boondocking, “not all national forests are created equal,” Hensley says. Western North Carolina “has a ton of gravel service roads, does an amazing job of maintaining them,” and features countless sites within a short walk of majestic waterfalls and soaring overlooks.
She calls the Franklin area a must-visit among the region’s million-plus-acre span of protected
lands. Rural lanes around Wayah Bald are particularly wondrous.
A national forest road climbs to a ridgeline parking lot and a paved .2-ish-mile walk on the A.T. to a grassy summit with sweeping 3,440-foot eye candy.
While Hensley says there are plenty of enticing pull-in spots on nearby routes like Forest Service 711— which traces a series of picturesque high ridges above Nantahala Lake— their legality can vary. She thus advises first-time visitors to stop by the Wilson Lick Historic Site Ranger Station on the road to Waya Bald and consult a ranger.
CHEROKEE NATIONAL FOREST, ERWIN, TENNESSEE
The famed Unaka Mountains trace the border of North Carolina and Tennessee and are home to some of the A.T.’s most awe-inspiring vistas. A namesake gravel road brings pull-up access to the world-famous Beauty Spot, where you’ll find an intense and oceanic, 4,400-foot vision of untrammeled peaks cascading away to the east and west.
Pitching a tent in the broad grassy meadow makes it easy to enjoy world-class sunsets and sunrises. But Hensley prefers a
more private overnight. Unaka Mountain and Red Fork Road switchbacks through the mountains just west of the A.T. and boasts established pull-ins tucked into nifty environs like hemlock or spruce-fir groves.
GEORGE WASHINGTON & JEFFERSON NATIONAL FOREST, AZEN, VIRGINIA
The westward cruise on U.S. 58 from the celebrated trail town of Damascus through the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is one of the state’s most scenic and ecologically diverse. “And it just gets better as you leave the highway and climb the long gravel road to Whitetop,” says Hensley.
The drive ascends through fairytale rhododendron thickets and rare hemlock coves into even rarer southern Appalachian spruce-fir forests. It culminates in a 5,500foot, emerald-green bald with an expansive, 360-degree field of vision that includes the Iron Mountain range, Mt. Rogers, and tripoint convergence of Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina. Weekday trips are rewarded with sparse crowds and a handful of open car camping spots below the peak.
WHITETOP IN VIRGINIA. PHOTO BY EIFEL KREUTZ/GETTY IMAGES
BLACKWATER BOUNTY
Paddling Options are Plentiful at a
State Park in North Carolina’s Coastal
Plain
WHEN MY WIFE AND I BEGAN
exploring the Coastal Plain, we were surprised to learn how clean blackwater rivers can be. One of the best examples that we’ve found in the region is at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina.
This unique park protects two scenic river segments and about two dozen access points along the 131-mile Lumber River. Paddling, swimming, and fishing are the most common activities, plus there are opportunities for camping and short hikes. Both the upper and lower segments are listed in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, and each offers something different for visitors.
WHAT IS A BLACKWATER RIVER?
BY MIKE BEZEMEK
The Lumber River is a perfect example of a blackwater river, with a typically slow channel meandering through beautiful bald cypress wetlands. People passing by sometimes wrongly assume the dark waters are muddy or polluted. However, the Lumber is one of the cleanest rivers of its kind, mostly due to its undeveloped watershed. One reason for the confusion could be that when folks hear the word “blackwater,” they may think about pollution.
But natural blackwater is produced by high concentrations of dissolved tannins from decaying
vegetation, such as trees, leaves, and needles falling into the river. This results in slightly acidic waters that are lower in nutrients but biologically healthy. A blackwater river’s translucent reddish-black color is often compared to dark tea—or, even better, how about a porter from your favorite brewery. Look, I’m not saying drink the stuff with a straw, but you can definitely paddle and usually swim without worry.
UPPER LUMBER: CHALK BANKS
For a more remote adventure, head to the upper Lumber River at Chalk Banks Access near Wagram, N.C. Here, the Lumber is more like a
seasonal blackwater creek with a narrow and twisting channel swiftly passing through oldgrowth cypress forest. There are occasional riffles, and lime-green saw palmettos line the channel. Chalk Banks has a primitive campground with about a dozen sites with no hookups, and three miles of hiking trails loop through the recreation area.
This is a great section for paddling by canoe or kayak, while solid paddleboarders will find it sporty. After launching at the Chalk Banks boat ramp, you can paddle about three miles to the Lumber River Boat Ramp just off Highway 41/Raeford Road. One
LUMBER RIVER PADDLERS TWIST THROUGH OLD-GROWTH CYPRESS FOREST. ALL PHOTOS BY THE AUTHOR
nice thing about this short section is that you can hike or bike your shuttle back to put-in on park trails or roads. This section also has a float-in campsite, with more found downstream.
Located higher in the watershed, Chalk Banks typically has enough water after recent rainstorms during winter and spring, though downed trees can be an issue.
LOWER LUMBER RIVER: PRINCESS ANN
For a more typical blackwater experience, head to the lower Lumber River at Princess Ann Access near Fair Bluff, N.C. This is the park’s main recreation area, where you’ll find about 10 primitive campsites and picnic facilities. There are also several miles of
trails, including a half-mile walk to Griffin’s Whirl, a unique bend in the channel where the river appears to flow backward.
Down here, the Lumber River is wider with slower current and possible motorboat traffic, especially on warmer weekends. Longdistance paddlers will typically start from various upstream launches and use Princess Ann as a take-out, with overnights possible using a series of float-in campsites. Another option is to paddle upstream from Princess Ann as an out-and-back, which is possible at normal water levels.
The nearby town of Fair Bluff is sadly known for suffering repeated devastation by hurricanes and flooding over the years. However, consider checking out the Lumber River Walk, a boardwalk stretching nearly a mile along the scenic river.
Step outside, and you’ll discover a side of Frankfort that’s made for adventure. Paddle the scenic Kentucky River, hike miles of wooded trails, bike through rolling bluegrass hills, or simply unwind under wide-open skies.
Live it up. Underground.
You may think you know Kentucky, but you’ll discover surprises at every turn. Explore exhilarating above- and below-ground experiences. Come and play where the future is bright and the adventures are never-ending. Y’all interested? Plan your trip to our new Kentucky home today.
PADDLING BLACKWATER: NAVIGATION AND ALLIGATORS
Compared to inland or mountain rivers, one major difference when paddling blackwater relates to navigation. There won’t always be clearly defined banks. Instead, there’s usually a main channel that’s mostly free of trees. Sometimes this channel passes elevated hummocks of dry land. Other times, the main channel flows through a wetland where shallow waters spread into the surrounding trees. Blackwater rivers also have countless side channels and oxbows (old meanders that the river has abandoned).
To follow the main channel, watch for the gentle but steady current typically flowing through a tunnel-like passage between denser stands of trees. Carry a map and possibly a compass. Pay
attention to your surroundings and be prepared to backtrack if you take a wrong turn.
People often mention being concerned about alligators. Yes, it’s possible you will encounter a gator on a blackwater river. Think about the American alligator like the black bear of blackwater rivers, while the more aggressive crocodile that’s found in other countries are like grizzlies.
Since gators are less aggressive, they usually don’t want anything to do with humans, unless they are startled or feel threatened. Always keep your eyes open for gators, which might be floating or resting on the banks in slower pools, side channels, around corners, and near the edges of the main channel. Give gators a wide berth. They will usually move off, and you can continue on your way.
THE LUMBER RIVER BOARDWALK.
BY JEDD FERRIS
avorites estival F
BY JEDD FERRIS
OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO THE BLUE RIDGE REGION’S TOP OUTDOOR EVENTS FOR MUSIC, ART, AND ADVENTURE
FeSTIvAL guide 2026
IT’S TIME TO FIND YOUR FESTIVAL. In the warm months, the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states are full of outdoor events in incredibly scenic locations featuring loads of live music, local food and craft beer, art vendors, and opportunities to play in the mountains. To find the outdoor party that’s right for you, here’s an extended calendar of the region’s best fests.
CheaT R Iver FeStival
Albright, W.Va.
May 1-2
Cheat Fest is a regional favorite, filled with arts, boating, bluegrass, food, and fun, all to support the namesake watershed. Paddle in the Downriver Race, run a 5K, and catch some live music. cheatfest.org
shakoRI H I lls GrasSRooTs
FeStival oF MuSIc and dance
Pittsboro, N.C.
May 7-10
Shakori Hills is a family-friendly fest that takes place on a scenic 75-acre farm about 30 miles west of Raleigh. Headliners include Donna the Buffalo, Rising Appalachia, and Lila Ike, Jim Lauderdale, and Chatham Rabbits. shakorihillsgrassroots.org
AppalAChIan TraI l days
FeStivAl
Damascus, Va.
May 15-17
All are invited to the Appalachian Trail hiking community’s annual summit. Hosted since 1987, Trail Days turns the vibrant small mountain town of Damascus into a fun family reunion for thru-hikers from different generations, who come together at the world’s largest A.T. celebration to trade boot-worn stories by bonfire, dress up in crazy costumes and march in a parade, check out a variety of gear and food vendor booths, and get rowdy at the campgrounds in the evenings. visitdamascus.org
June 11 - June 13, 2026
ROCKINGHAM COMMUNITY COLLEGE AUDITORIUM
(LOCATED INSIDE THE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES BUILDING) 560 COUNTY HOME RD WENTWORTH, NC
THURS JUNE 11
THE RAILROAD RAMBLERS THE NEW NORTH CAROLINA RAMBLERS JESSE SMATHERS 6:30 PM
FRI JUNE 12 6:30 PM
LU FURTADO & ELIZABETH DUNLAP
MARTHA SPENCER
RISSI PALMER
Youth Competitions begin at 4 pm in the Apple Amphitheater
P.I.C.K.
MURPHY CAMPBELL
AMYTHYST KIAH SAT JUNE 13 6:30 PM
Competitions begin at 10 am in the Apple Amphitheater
Competition Info:
(Entry is Free and Located in the Apple Amphitheater)
Awards - Cash Prizes & Ribbons in Bluegrass and Old-time Styles
Youth and Any age - Individual & Band Categories
$1000 cash - for Grand Champion Banjoold time 3-finger style
ADMISSION
SINGLE DAY $30.00; 3-DAY PASS $75.00
CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE
TICKETS & INFO AT CHARLIE-POOLE.COM
dom I nion R Iverrock
Richmond, Va.
May 15-17
This big annual free fest showcases the abundance of recreation opportunities along the James River in downtown Richmond. Riverrock is a huge mountain sports and music festival featuring a long weekend of outdoor activities. Run the James River Scramble 10K, ride the MTB Enduro, go for a paddle, and catch sets by Circles Around the Sun, Clay Street Unit, and Illiterate Light. dominionriverrock.com
delFeSt
Cumberland, Md.
May 21-24
DelFest honors living bluegrass legend Del McCoury—once a member of genre founder Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys—who turned 87 this year. Del and his band headline the festival in the scenic Potomac River Valley of
western Maryland with help from a generation-spanning lineup of top-notch bluegrass and Americana all-stars, this year including Alison Krauss and Union Station, Blackberry Smoke, and Punch Brothers. delfest.com
Rooster Walk MuSIc and Arts FeStival
Axton, Va.
May 21-24
Named the Best Music Festival in the region by our readers earlier this year, Rooster Walk once again has an impressive slate of bands on tap, including St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, and Moe. The family friendly festival takes place at Pop’s Farm, a scenic property located just outside of Martinsville that offers an ideal setting for four days of music on multiple lakeside stages, wooded camping, and plenty of kids’ activities. roosterwalk.com
SCENES FROM DOMINION ENERGY RIVERROCK. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SPORTS BACKERS
FeSTIvAL guide 2026
cold Mountain MuSIc FeStival
Canton, N.C.
May 29-30
This regional favorite takes place on a pristine 300-acre property surrounded by the Shining Rock Wilderness with mile-long Lake Logan as its centerpiece. So in between sets from JD Clayton, Mason Via, and Amanda Platt and the Honeycutters, you can hike, swim, and explore the local vendor village. coldmountainmusic.org
Mountain MuSIc FeStival
Oak Hill, W.Va.
June 4-6
ACE Adventure Resort hosts this big outdoor party that mixes music and adventure, pairing a deep roster of jam bands with access to world-class whitewater and a top-notch trail
network in the scenic New River Gorge. Ride, paddle, and listen to sounds from a stacked lineup that includes Andy Frasco and the U.N., Melvin Seals, and JGB, the Floozies, Tropidelic, and Big Something. mountainmusicfestwv.com
TraIls and TraI ns FeStival
Old Fort, N.C.
June 4-6
This growing festival in Old Fort celebrates pathways that have shaped the Blue Ridge in western North Carolina. Learn about trails and rail history in the region, while you enjoy live bluegrass and browse the vendor village. And if you’re feeling competitive, run varied distances at the Ridge to Rails Race on the Old Fort Gateway Trails System. oldfortfest.com
THE CROWD AT RED WING ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL IN VIRGINIA. PHOTO BY RUBY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
6/13- Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
7/17- Gary Clark Jr. with Goldford
7/18- Turnpike Troubadours with Willow Avalon
8/8- Lord Huron with Lucius Fri. - Family Fun Night Sat. - Afternoons @ 5506’ Sun. - Concerts on the Lawn and Sunset Concerts
Rai Lbird FeStival Lexington. Ky.
June 6-7
This Kentucky music bash at the Infield at Red Mile has become a high-profile favorite among Americana and country fans in the South. The deep lineup features Tyler Childers, the Lumineers, Zach Top, and Mt. Joy. railbirdfest.com
nC TraI l days
Elkin and Jonesville, N.C.
June 4-7
The North Carolina towns of Elkin and Jonesville are separated by the Yadkin River and sit at the confluence of three trails: the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, and the Yadkin River Paddle Trail. This four-day event celebrates the bounty of recreation opportunities in the area with live tunes, outdoor vendors, guided hikes, mountain bike clinics, and an adventure film festival. nctraildays.com
DOMINION ENERGY RIVERROCK BLENDS ADVENTURE AND LIVE MUSIC IN DOWNTOWN RICHMOND. PHOTO COURTESY OF SPORTS BACKERS
FeSTIvAL guide 2026
Loudoun AppalAChIan TraI l FeStival
Hillsboro, Va.
June 6
A day-long celebration of the Appalachian Trail returns to Round Hill. The festival includes trail talks and workshops, an A.T.-inspired art show, and tunes from Rock Creek Revival and Short Hill Mountain Boys. loudounat.org
BonnaRoo MuSIc and Arts FeStival
June 11-14
Manchester, Tenn.
Taking place on a 700-acre farm in the middle of Tennessee, Bonnaroo has planned another big summer event, with top billing going to the Strokes, Noah Kahan,
and Rufus Du Sol. The undercard is quite impressive, too, featuring Mt. Joy, Alabama Shakes, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise.
Beyond the music, the fest has plenty to explore, with a parade, village market, and 5K Roo Run. bonnaroo.com
ChaR lie Poole FeStival
Wentworth, N.C.
June 11-13
Charlie Poole—the Influential old-time music hero—is honored at this annual festival that takes place at Rockingham Community College. In addition to an impressive roster of roots music acts, the event features local vendors and music competitions and workshops for both adults and kids. charlie-poole.com
RED WING ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL. PHOTO BY RUBY SKY PHOTOGRAPHY
The BeaCh li fe MuSIc
FeStival Stuart, Va.
June 11-13
No worries if you can’t make it to the coast. This festival brings the beach vibes home to the Blue Ridge hills with a long weekend of island-ready music at Wayside Park. Catch sets from Special Occasion Band, Pink Slips, and Jim Quick and the Coastline. beachfestival.com
Red WI ng Roots MuSIc
FeStival
Mount Solon, Va.
June 19-21
Longstanding Virginia string band the Steel Wheels hosts this annual gathering at Natural Chimneys
Park in the Shenandoah Valley. The lineup is always impressive, featuring a full slate of Americana, indie, and bluegrass acts, and the atmosphere is intimate, scenic, and friendly for music fans of all ages. This year’s lineup includes the Beths, the Wood Brothers, Lucius, and Mon Rovia. redwingroots.com
FLame
Azalea FeStival
Robbinsville, N.C.
June 20
This one-day festival celebrates the beautiful, rare azaleas native to the mountains of western North Carolina with a fun festival featuring live music, local food, and an array of arts and crafts. Lauded Americana outfit Chatham County Lines headlines. grahamcountytravel.com
4848 FeStival
Snowshoe, W.Va.
July 16-18
This festival at West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain Resort— elevation 4,848 feet—features a great lineup of roots and jam favorites. Acts on this year’s bill include Greensky Bluegrass, the Revivalists, and STS9. In between sets, ride the resort’s downhill bike trails, play a round of disc golf, or chill on the beach at Shavers Lake. 4848festival.com
BIke BaSh WeSt VIrgin IA
Bruceton Mills, W.Va.
July 17-19
Mountain bikers get plenty of fat tire fun at this big annual bash offering plenty of opportunities to ride some of West Virginia’s finest
singletrack. In addition to access to 50 miles of trails at the Big Bear Lake Trail center, the fest also features a bike expo, skills clinics, group rides, and live music. bikebigbearwv.com
shenandoAh Valley MuSIc FeStival
Orkney Springs, Va.
July 17 – September 6
This longstanding concert series takes place on the scenic grounds of Shrine Mont in the Shenandoah Valley. Acts confirmed include Al Jardine of the Beach Boys on August 7, the Bacon Brothers on August 8 and an Americana Minifest with Michael Cleveland and Jason Carter on September 6, with more to be announced soon. musicfest.org
take adventure to new heights
Discover a summer beyond the beaten path. From uncrowded adventures to cozy mountain hideaways, Tucker County promises every explorer the room to roam.
F LoydFeSt Check, Va.
July 22-26
FloydFest hosts a carefully curated lineup of roots music on seven stages over five days. Headliners include Tedeschi Trucks Band, Lukas Nelson, and My Morning Jacket. Beyond the tunes, the event will feature craft brews, wilderness workshops, bike rides, and local vendor booths. floydfest.com
o ld FI ddlers’ convention Galax, Va.
August 3-8
An essential event for old-time and bluegrass fans, the renowned Old Fiddlers’ Convention is the world’s oldest and largest of its kind. Approaching its 90th year, the festival in Galax features some of Appalachia’s best string pickers squaring off in a range of instrument competitions, including banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin. oldfiddlersconvention.com
Meet Th e Mountains FeStival
Johnson City, Tenn.
August 14-15
This summer festival seeks to make the outdoors more accessible by showcasing adventure opportunities in northeast Tennessee. Taking place at Winged Deer Park’s lakefront, the event features local vendors and plenty of chances to test top gear, including kayaks, paddleboards, fly rods, and mountain bikes. mtmfest.org
Wnc BIgfoot FeStival
Marion, N.C.
August 29
“Come a skeptic. Leave a Believer.” That’s the motto of this free fest—a one-day event in downtown Marion that celebrates Sasquatch with educational panels, local vendor booths, kids’ activities, and a Bigfoot Calling Contest. marionbigfootfestival.wordpress.com
Front PorCh FeSt
Stuart, Va.
September 3-6
Front Porch Fest is a familyfriendly music and camping festival that takes place in a scenic stretch of the Blue Ridge on the picturesque Spirit Haven Farm in Patrick County. Lineup leaders: Jon Stickley Trio and Big Daddy Love. frontporchfest.com
ear L sCrug Gs MuSIc FeStival
Mill Spring, N.C.
September 4-6
A packed lineup of roots artists will pay tribute to the late bluegrass pioneer Earl Scruggs at the Tryon International Equestrian Center. The big headliner this year is North Carolina native sons the Avett Brothers, and additional sets will come from Greensky Bluegrass, Bela Fleck, and Del McCoury. earlscruggsmusicfest.com
Shenandoah Valley Music Festival
Plan your next adventure at
VIRGINIA STATE PARKS
Stay in a cozy cabin. Twenty-one parks rent climate-controlled cabins. Many are available year-round and most are pet-friendly!
Camp under the stars. With more than 1,700 campsites, including sites with electric and water hookups and primitive options, campers of all kinds will find the perfect spot.
Can’t decide between a tent and a cabin? Try a yurt. This modern adaptation of an ancient nomadic shelter provides a comfortable camping experience without too much roughing it.
Make your reservation today. www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275)
POCAHONTAS
Mountain song FeStival Brevard, N.C.
September 11-12
Hosted by hometown favorites the Steep Canyon Rangers, this festival features a weekend of top acts in roots music at the Brevard Music Center’s open-air auditorium. mountainsongfestival.com
Bristo L RhyTh m and Roots Reunion
Bristol, Tenn./Va.
September 11-13
Bristol celebrates its roots as the “Birthplace of Country Music” with a lively street fest that incorporates artists from many generations. This annual gala features a range of acts from national headliners to down home Appalachian pickers playing along the bustling main drag of State Street on more than 20 stages. This
guide 2026
FeSTIvAL guide 2026
Gauley FeSt
Summersville, W.Va.
September 17-20
Started back in the early 80s to celebrate the derailment of a dam project that would have disrupted flows of the mighty Gauley, this event brings together class V whitewater runs, live music, and a big boater hang as the largest paddling festival in the world. americanwhitewater.org
The WeSt VIrgin IA BIgfoot FeStival
Summersville, W.Va.
October 9-11
The fun festival for Cryptid enthusiasts is moving to a new location this year, as the West Virginia Bigfoot Museum, hosts a variety of speakers, live music, and approximately 400 vendors at Nicholas County Veteran Memorial Park. wvbigfootmuseum.org
nC liver MuSh FeStival: MuSh, MuSIc & Mutts
Shelby, N.C.
October 17
Approximately 20,000 people gathered in Uptown Shelby for this celebration of a favorite regional dish, which features plenty of liver mush, along with live music, kids’ activities, and a designated pet zone. nclivermushfestival.com
Go outSide FeStival
Roanoke, Va.
October 16-18
Located near the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke is one of the most adventure-friendly towns in the Blue Ridge. This fall fest spotlights the area’s abundance of mountain sports action with three days of fun events around downtown and in Elmwood Park. roanokegofest.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF SPORTS BACKERS
Downtown Bristol
Iron Blossom Music Festival FloydFest Rooster Walk Richmond Folk Festival
THE FESTIVAL & EVENT ADVENTURE GUIDE
The Blue Ridge region is filled with standout festivals that celebrate the spirit of the mountains. From lively music gatherings and craft celebrations to food festivals and outdoor adventure events, these communities know how to bring people together.
BIG TALENT IN A BOUTIQUE SETTING IN SOMERSET, KY
A REAL RALLY IN RANDOLPH COUNTY, WV
Set on the welcoming campus of Somerset Community College, the Master Musicians Festival returns July 17–18, 2026, bringing nationally recognized talent to the heart of Somerset. With a crowd of around 5,000, this beloved event strikes a rare balance—delivering big-stage performances in an intimate, easygoing atmosphere that feels more like a community gathering than a packed concert.
ACCESSIBLE CHARM AND NEW SOUNDS
What makes this festival truly special is its accessibility and charm. Families are front and center, with free admission for kids 12 and under and programming designed for all ages. Attendees can bring chairs, blankets, and coolers, creating a personalized, laidback experience that’s both comfortable and affordable—without sacrificing the quality of the lineup.
This year’s festival brings exciting additions, including a long-awaited performance by Trampled by Turtles—a perfect fit for an event dedicated to true musicianship. The festival
also expands its reach with the debut of the Young Songwriters Retreat, where 15 emerging artists will learn directly from performers while immersing themselves in a weekend of live music.
AN AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY SPIRIT
Beyond the stage, the festival reflects the spirit of the Lake Cumberland region. As an independent nonprofit, it champions local businesses, artisans, and food vendors, offering visitors an authentic taste of the community. Between sets, explore nearby outdoor gems like Pulaski County Park , featuring miles of hiking and biking trails, or take to the water on one of the region’s scenic lakes.
FESTIVAL TIPS
• Buy tickets early for the best pricing at mastermusiciansfestival.org
• Arrive early to claim your ideal spot
• Bring chairs, blankets, and a cooler for comfort
• Stay nearby—hotels and rentals are within minutes
• Don’t miss the openers—you might discover your next favorite artist!
Rev your engine for an unforgettable long weekend in the mountains at the Blackwater Adventure Rally, hosted at Camp Pioneer in Beverly, West Virginia, just outside Elkins. Taking place August 27–30, 2026, this highenergy event is West Virginia’s premier gathering for dual-sport and adventure motorcyclists— whether you’re brand new to the scene or a seasoned backcountry rider.
RIDE BEYOND THE PAVEMENT
The Rally delivers access to 21 curated GPX routes totaling more than 2,000 miles of riding through some of the state’s most iconic landscapes. Riders can explore bucket-list destinations like Blackwater Falls State Park , Dolly Sods Wilderness , Seneca Rocks , Sinks of Gandy , and Spruce Knob . Routes are designed for all skill levels, with optional training sessions to help riders build confidence on rugged terrain.
MORE THAN JUST A RIDE
Back at basecamp, the energy continues with live music, field games, rider challenges, and hearty catered meals from the beloved The
FESTIVAL TIP
Book early and consider extending your stay. Between nearby trail systems like the West Fork Rail Trail and endless mountain backroads, one weekend might not be enough!
Lodge at Alpena. GPS routes also guide you through charming Appalachian towns, encouraging riders to connect with local culture and businesses along the way.
Camp Pioneer offers a variety of on-site lodging options, from primitive camping to RV hookups, making it easy to stay close to the action. For a quieter retreat, nearby accommodations like Trails at Files Creek provide modern comfort in a scenic setting.
THE FESTIVAL & EVENT ADVENTURE GUIDE: VIRGINIA
The Commonwealth is brimming with familyfriendly events and festivals all year long, many set against a backdrop of outdoor adventure. Use this guide to discover some of our favorite ways to celebrate, explore, and make lasting memories together.
A MOUNTAIN DAYDREAM AT FLOYDFEST
Set in Virginia’s Blue Ridge, FloydFest returns to FestivalPark in Check, Va., July 22–26, 2026, offering a mountain music experience that feels both expansive and deeply personal. Just a short drive from Roanoke, the festival’s scenic new home blends easy access with breathtaking surroundings.
This year’s “Daydream” theme brings a genre-spanning lineup led by Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, Stephen Wilson Jr., and Lukas Nelson, alongside more than 100 additional performers. Beyond the stages, FloydFest delivers a full cultural immersion with yoga sessions, artisan markets, outdoor
adventures, and a welcoming, familyfriendly atmosphere that defines the beloved “FloydFest Family.”
New upgrades, including enhanced glamping, park-and-camp options, and hotel travel packages, make it easier than ever to tailor your stay. Between sets, explore nearby stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway or join guided hikes and bike rides woven into the festival experience.
Tip: Book tickets and parking early, especially VIP, and consider camping onsite for the most seamless, communitydriven weekend!
EXPERIENCE TRAIL DAYS IN DAMASCUS, VA
Each spring, the trail town of Damascus transforms into a vibrant hub for outdoor lovers during the Appalachian Trail Days Festival, happening May 15–17. Known as the world’s largest celebration of the Appalachian Trail, this beloved event brings together thruhikers, locals, and visitors for an unforgettable weekend rooted in trail culture.
Saturday is the main event, featuring the lively Hiker Parade, a spirited live auction, and a crowd-favorite talent show, alongside
a full lineup of live music and downtown festivities. More than 100 vendors showcase handmade goods and top outdoor gear, creating a festival atmosphere that blends community and adventure.
While in town, explore nearby highlights like Grayson Highlands State Park or hop on the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail. Best of all, the festival is free—arrive early or stay late to enjoy it all with fewer crowds.
FOUR DAYS OF FUN IN SOSI, VA
Set against the rolling countryside of southern Virginia, Rooster Walk 16 returns to Pop’s Farm in Martinsville from May 21–24, 2026, bringing four days of music, mountain air, and community-driven energy. Just a short drive from Danville, this beloved festival blends big-stage talent with a laid-back, local feel that keeps fans coming back year after year.
MORE THAN JUST A MUSIC FEST
With more than 45 bands performing across six stages, Rooster Walk delivers a packed lineup spanning genres and vibes. But it’s more than just the music—this is a full-on experience. Festivalgoers can unwind with yoga sessions and healing arts, explore arts and crafts vendors, or cool off on the slip n’ slide between sets. Families are welcome, too, thanks to a dedicated Teen Scene and Kid’s Area filled with activities like face painting and interactive fun. Elevated options like VIP packages and on-site glamping make it easy to tailor your weekend, whether you’re going rustic or all-in on comfort.
FESTIVAL TIPS
• Book on-site glamping or stay nearby with the Danville Hotel Collection.
• Take advantage of the Visit SoSi shuttle for easy transportation to and from the festival.
• Purchase tickets early—this event often sells out!
• Check the festival’s packing list and vendor map ahead of time to come prepared.
ADVENTURE BEYOND THE STAGES
Rooster Walk also shines in how it connects visitors to the outdoors. Unique add-ons like guided fly fishing trips on the Smith River, group hikes, pedal boating, and disc golf excursions highlight the region’s natural beauty. Beyond the festival grounds, attendees can explore nearby gems like the newly-opened Riverfront Park, paddle along the Dan River, or cast a line at Burton Lake
CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF BLUEGRASS MAGIC IN BEDFORD, VA
This June 25-27, the Doc McCabe Bluegrass Festival returns to the scenic Sedalia Center in Bedford, Virginia. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the festival brings together live music on two stages, interactive workshops, and a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. Kids 12 and under attend free, and pets are welcome in the camping area, making it a perfect weekend for the whole family.
MUSIC, CAMPING, AND COZY STAYS
Visitors can camp right on-site for a full festival experience or stay nearby at Cedar Post Inn Bed & Breakfast, mountain cabins, or farm stays. Don’t forget your chair—enjoy every note from the covered music pavilion or relax under the open sky. The festival grounds also feature a playground, keeping young festival-goers entertained between sets.
EXPLORE
BEDFORD’S OUTDOOR AND HISTORIC GEMS
Bedford offers more than music. Hiking trails, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Peaks of Otter are nearby for scenic adventures. Bring your bike for cycling or your motorcycle for backroad
explorations. History enthusiasts can visit the National D-Day Memorial or Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, while local wineries, breweries, and orchards make for delicious stops along the way.
FESTIVAL TIPS
• Bring a chair or blanket for comfort during performances.
• Pets are welcome in the camping area.
• Kids 12 and under are free!
• Reserve accommodations early, especially cabins or Airbnb stays.
• Check out workshops to learn from talented bluegrass musicians.
SALEM, VA: A DESTINATION MADE FOR HOSTING
THE BIRTHPLACE OF RHYTHM & ROOTS IN BRISTOL, VA/TN
Salem is known as Virginia’s Championship City because of the collegiate, high school and other sports tournaments it welcomes every year. In addition to sports, Salem knows how to host an array of special events including ones that celebrate arts, history, outdoors and life in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
AN AMERICAN HERO
The Salem Museum has special events and exhibits to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence. Andrew Lewis, a General in the Continental Army under George Washington, settled in Salem, Virginia. His life and legacy will be celebrated with a special look at his leadership in the consequential Battle of Gwynn’s Island in 1776. Gwynn’s Island Weekend on June 27-28 includes living history and exhibits.
THE 38TH ANNUAL SALEM FAIR
Every July, the entire region flocks to one of Salem’s signature events – The Salem Fair. The
largest free gate fair in Virginia returns July 1 – 11, 2026, with rides, games, exhibits and, of course, great food. A spectacular July 4th fireworks display (weather permitting) is an official VA250 event in Salem.
SALEM ROCKS
The Salem Civic Center has been the hub of entertainment in Salem for more than 40 years. The beat continues throughout 2026 with big shows like Weird Al Yankovic on October 7, and Foreigner’s 50th Anniversary Tour on September 23. See the full schedule at salemciviccenter.com
GAME DAY FUN
Every Salem RidgeYaks home game has a festival atmosphere. Salem’s minor league baseball team offers an affordable and family-friendly experience in one of the most scenic ballparks on the east coast.
Even with an exciting line up of events, festivals, and shows, there is still time to relax and enjoy Salem’s exceptional hospitality. Discover boutique lodging and great restaurants, all amid the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Set amidst the historic streets of Bristol, the 25th anniversary of the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion will take place from September 11 to 13, 2026, celebrating three days of sound, culture, and community. Known as the Birthplace of Country Music, Bristol comes alive with more than 100 acts across multiple downtown stages, honoring its deep Appalachian roots while embracing a wide range of genres.
A LEGACY OF SOUND
This milestone year features a strong lineup led by Sierra Ferrell, fresh off a breakout year with multiple Grammy wins, alongside genre-blending icons like Los Lobos, the powerhouse duo The War and Treaty, and the legendary Marty Stuart with His Fabulous Superlatives. From Americana and bluegrass to rock, folk, and more, every performance captures the spirit that made Bristol a cornerstone of American music history.
A TOWN TRANSFORMED
During the festival, downtown Bristol transforms into a vibrant cultural hub. Local businesses
decorate their storefronts, while artisans, food vendors, and makers line the streets with handmade goods and regional flavors. Stops like Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol and Tennessee Hills Distillery contribute to the atmosphere, giving visitors even more ways to experience the local vibe.
Outside of the music scene, Bristol’s outdoors beckon for adventure. Visit South Holston Lake , hike or bike along the Mendota Trail , or relax at Steele Creek Park and Sugar Hollow Park for a complete mountain retreat.
FESTIVAL TIPS
• Purchase tickets in advance for the best access
• Download the official app for schedules and updates
• Plan ahead for parking or shuttle options
• Downtown hotels like The Bristol Hotel and The Sessions Hotel offer convenient stays.
BASECAMP CULPEPER, VA: MUSIC, MILES, AND MOUNTAIN AIR
Set against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Culpeper, Virginia, offers the kind of weekend that blends live music, open roads, and easy access to the outdoors. With a lively downtown and a calendar full of can’t miss events, this historic town invites visitors to experience Virginia’s Piedmont at its most vibrant. Culpeper’s 2026 event lineup brings energy to every corner of town, drawing visitors who appreciate good music, great rides, and a strong sense of community.
DOWNTOWN CULPEPER THURSDAY CONCERTS
MAY - AUGUST, 2026
There is no better way to ease into a summer evening than with live music in the heart of downtown. The Thursday Concert Series fills the streets with sound as locals and visitors gather for performances spanning rock, country, and more. Grab dinner from a nearby restaurant, bring a chair, and settle in as the sun sets and the music carries through town.
CULPEPER RODEO
SEPTEMBER 5, 2026
A long-standing local tradition, the 5th Annual Culpeper Rodeo brings high-energy competition and western heritage to the region for one unforgettable night. From bull riding to barrel racing, this event delivers fast-paced excitement under the open sky. It is a perfect way to experience a different side of Culpeper’s culture while enjoying the crisp early fall air.
BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL AT DEATH RIDGE BREWERY
OCTOBER 3, 2026
Set against a scenic backdrop just outside downtown, this festival pairs high energy bluegrass with craft beer and fresh mountain air. Expect a lineup of regional talent, laid back vibes, and plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the music. It is a natural fit for those who like their festivals rooted in both tradition and landscape.
CULPEPER BIKEFEST
OCTOBER 24 - 25, 2026
For riders and enthusiasts, Bikefest is a fall highlight. Hosted by Fulton Moto, this three day event brings together motorcycles, community, and the open road. Demo rides, group rides through winding country routes, and an electric atmosphere make it a must for anyone who loves two wheels and scenic terrain.
SMALL TOWN CHARM, BIG OUTDOOR ACCESS
Between events, downtown Culpeper offers a walkable mix of historic architecture, locally owned shops, and inviting restaurants. It is the kind of place where you can park once and explore at your own pace with coffee in the morning, live music at night, and plenty in between.
What sets Culpeper apart is how quickly the experience shifts from lively streets to wide-open spaces. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are just a short drive away, offering panoramic overlooks and access to some of Virginia’s most iconic hikes. Closer to town, Mountain Run Lake Park provides a peaceful setting for fishing, picnics or a midday reset.
For an easy on the water option, Lake Culpeper Adventures offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals on a calm, motor free lake. Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside woven with backroads, vineyards, and river views makes every drive or ride part of the experience.
Whether you are planning around a concert, a rodeo, a festival, or a ride, Culpeper delivers more than just an event. It offers a full escape. Come for the music or the motorcycles, stay for the trails and water, and leave with a new favorite basecamp for exploring the Blue Ridge region.
AMERICA’S MOST MEANINGFUL RACE WEEKEND
Run Richmond 16.19 is a cultural run-or-walk through 400+ years of Black history — at the very places where that history happened. In Virginia, where the full arc of American history comes into focus, you can see it, feel it, and move through it beneath your feet. As America turns 250, there is no better place to come together and celebrate history, community, and culture. Hosted by the Djimon Hounsou Foundation and celebrating its 5th Anniversary, this three-day weekend brings it all to life from September 11 - 13th in Richmond, VA. Two-time Oscar nominee Djimon Hounsou will attend in person.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 11 | OPENING NIGHT
A free evening with runners, walkers, and 40+ community partners featuring a welcome ceremony, African libation, drum performance, live music, Black history pop-up exhibit, and food and drink.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 12 | THE RUN/ WALK + FINISH FESTIVAL
Choose your challenge: 8K Run/Walk or signature 16.19K Run. On the toughest climb, Amanda Gorman’s The Hill We Climb sound installation lifts you onward. Finish into a full festival with live music, drum circle, living history performances, vendor village, exhibits, food, and drink.
EVENT TIPS
• Book Early
• Reserve Lodging
• Stay the Weekend
• Explore Trails
SUNDAY, SEPT. 13 | FILM SCREENING & COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
At the Virginia Museum of History & Culture , enjoy brunch and a screening of Declarations of Independence , exploring what the Declaration meant for Black Americans, followed by a community conversation on belonging in America.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Extend the adventure on the scenic Virginia Capital Trail by bike or foot from Richmond toward Jamestown. Participants travel from across the country. Register early — prices rise and hotels fill fast.
c oby h ageman , 2025 winner of the 16.19 k r un
Old trails often lead to new discoveries.
e world-famous Appalachian Trail is just the beginning of what you will nd. Each step leads to a new adventure. Explore the unexpected in Je erson County, West Virginia.
HARPERS
FERRY SHEPHERDSTOWN CHARLES TOWN RANSON BOLIVAR
Local Legend
River Riders Family
Adventure Resort is known throughout the region for whitewater rafting, tubing, zip lining, snow tubing, and a brand-new waterpark.
Discover more stories about the incredible outdoor adventures in Jefferson County at WHEREALMOSTHEAVENBEGINS.COM/OUTDOORS
The Buzz
“Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, pairs beautiful historic Colonial architecture with amazing kayaking on the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.”
— Outside Magazine
BY LAUREN STEPP
Mountain Sound S
Six rising bands to have on your radar right now
ACROSS THE BLUE RIDGE, A NEW generation of musicians is reworking tradition, blurring genres, and carving out space for something entirely their own. From so-called “living room folk” to experimental string work and “eclectic rock,” these acts reflect the breadth of what’s happening here in the region.
the Wild Man S
Anchoring the heart of Floyd, Va., the Floyd Country Store is an old-time hangout with new-age influence. Just ask siblings Aila and Elisha Wildman, the sibling duo behind The Wildmans.
“Our sound is inspired largely by our upbringing in rural Appalachia,” Elisha says, recalling evenings spent at the general store-turned-music venue, along with long days at fiddlers conventions and a steady rotation of ’60s and ’70s records at home.
You can hear those influences in everything the brother and sister play, whether they’re leaning into the lonesome ache of a cover like “Hot Burrito #2” or tracing something more introspective and shadowy on an original like “Longtime Friend.” The throughline is unmistakable: tradition, reworked in their own voice.
“The impact of Floyd—our hometown—on our music is the perspective it’s given us,” Aila says. “The opportunity to be surrounded by that type of music isn’t something you can find just anywhere.”
The band will perform on Tuesday, June 23, at Rustic Church at Modern Homestead in Reedsville, W.Va. See more at TheWildmans.net.
RiveR Whyle SS
For more than a decade, the Asheville, N.C.-based band River Whyless has stretched the edges
of folk music, creating a style that resists easy definition.
“It’s a mixed bag of broad sonic landscapes, global influences, multiple singers, and intimate folk songs,” says Halli Anderson, the group’s vocalist and violinist. “The sound is ever evolving, and with such a collaborative crew, we never know what is going to happen next.”
You can hear that openness across their catalog, from earlier, sweeping arrangements to the more focused, song-driven approach of “Monoflora,” released in 2022. Now, the band is working on what comes next.
“It’s been several years since our last album, and in that time we’ve all entered different stages of life that have shifted our perspective,” says bassist and harmonium player Daniel Shearin. “We’re hoping those new experiences will find their way into the music.”
While summer tour dates are still in the works, the band recently filmed an episode of PBS North Carolina’s Shaped by Sound. See more at RiverWhyless.com.
Redd & the PaPeR FloWeRS
Life can change quickly, and sometimes all at once. Redd Daugherty knows that firsthand. In 2023, she was willed Rush’s Music, a beloved community fixture in Knoxville, Tenn., after its owner— her best friend—was murdered. Around that same time, she also stepped away from her job as a high school English teacher to focus on her career as frontwoman of Redd & The Paper Flowers.
Today, the chaos and grief from those unsettled years shape the group’s work, from their debut EP, “Appalachian Bell Jar,” to their latest release, “Dead Little Thing.”
REDD & THE PAPER FLOWERS.
ASHEVILLE-BASED RIVER WHYLESS CONTINUES TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF FOLK WITH LAYERED ARRANGEMENTS AND AN EVER-EVOLVING APPROACH.
VIRGINIA SIBLINGS AILA AND ELISHA WILDMAN OF THE WILDMANS BLEND TRADITIONAL APPALACHIAN ROOTS WITH A FRESH, CONTEMPORARY EDGE.
“I love sunshine and summertime and flowers and yellow, but these albums are very sad-coated,” Daugherty says.
Still, for all their heartache, the four-piece band leans into what they call “living room folk,” a style that feels less like a performance and more like an invitation to sit a spell.
“We try to make it as cozy as we possibly can,” Daugherty says. “When we perform, it just feels like we’re visiting with someone in their home.”
Catch the band Saturday, May 2, at The Music Hall in Lynchburg, Va. See more at ReddandThePaperFlowers.com.
the Fly BiRd S
“Free range mountain sirens” is how The Fly Birds describe themselves, and it fits.
Based between Virginia and West Virginia, the trio pulls from across the Appalachian tradition while leaving plenty of room to roam
Miles of hiking, biking, and water trails are waiting to be explored in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Two Audubon Society managed preserves are the perfect locations for bird watchers to spend the day. Serene
fishing spots, championship golf, and world-class geocaching make for the perfect adventure vacation.
June 13, at the Appalachian Art & Music Festival in Petersburg, W.Va., and Saturday, June 27, at the South Branch Bluegrass Festival in Romney, W.Va. Follow them on Instagram @theflybirds.
Maura Shawn Scanlin grew up in two musical worlds. There was the formal one: classical violin lessons, hours of structured practice, and eventually conservatory training. And then there was the pull of Appalachian music around Boone, N.C.
“I definitely soaked up a lot of that music,” says Scanlin, who has fond memories of attending
APPALACHIAN TRIO THE FLY BIRDS BRING
GRIT AND ATTITUDE TO BLUEGRASS-INSPIRED
ORIGINALS AND INVENTIVE COVERS. PHOTO
BY TERESA FURTADO OF FAE & FOREST PHOTOGRAPHY, LLC
MerleFest as a kid. “It’s in my musical subconscious.”
That duality sits at the core of Rakish, the duo she formed with guitarist Conor Hearn after the two met while studying in Boston. Now based in Asheville, the pair moves easily between Irish, Scottish, and Scandinavian traditions.
Though much of their work is instrumental, their latest album, “Now, O Now,” stretches that approach, weaving in vocals and new textures. On tracks like “Lightly Come or Lightly Go,” the duo sets James Joyce’s poetry to music, while “Lonely Hotel Room” reflects on isolation and the passage of time.
“We’re always chasing
something that feels old and new at the same time, but still honest,” says Scalin. “Rakish is a meeting place for all the different things we love.”
This summer, Scanlin joins the faculty at the 2026 Swannanoa Gathering’s Fiddle Week, June 28-July 4 at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa, N.C. See more at RakishMusic.com.
k endall StReet Co MP any
Kendall Street Company didn’t start as a grand plan so much as a loose orbit of friends, house shows, and college-town gigs in Charlottesville, Va. Over time, that spirit stuck. Today, the five-piece outfit
ASHEVILLE-BASED DUO RAKISH BLENDS CELTIC TRADITIONS WITH CLASSICAL TRAINING AND AMERICAN ROOTS INFLUENCES. PHOTO BY SASHA PEDRO
Festivals & Flowers
describes their music as “eclectic rock,” pulling from folk, country, indie, and more experimental corners without settling in one place for long.
“We try to keep it high-energy and danceable,” says sax and keyboard player Jake Vanaman. “But we also like those moments where things dip and get a little weird.”
That flexibility carries into their songwriting, which shifts depending on who brings the idea to the table. Songs might start as voice memos, jam sessions, or fully formed concepts, often shaped collaboratively and sometimes unexpectedly. Even inspiration can be unpredictable.
“A lot of our songs come from everyday stuff—food, relationships, just life happening,” Vanaman says. “We’re not afraid to follow an idea wherever it goes.”
Catch Kendall Street Company on Friday, June 12, at 185 King Street in Brevard, N.C. See more at KendallStreetCompany.com.
peak adventure
From biking to boating, every moment along the Mountaineer Trail Network leads to unforgettable memories. Consider this your invitation to experience the world-class adventure and charming mountain towns known only to Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
BY ERIC J. WALLACE
These 8 Blue Ridge breweries pair live music with top-notch craft beer
NOTHING TOPS OFF AN AWESOME outdoor adventure like hard-earned pints of cold and delicious craft beer in a vibey mountain brewery. Add the sweet sounds of live music from a killer local or regional act on an outdoor stage in front of a grassy lawn with sunset views, and you’ve got the perfect combination. If this sounds like your kind of fun, check out these eight Blue Ridge venues for guaranteed good times.
GeOrGIA FROM THE EARTH BREWING COMPANY, ROSWELL
In-the-know-locals laud this Georgia brew pub as a live music haven. Short commutes from Atlanta and Marietta attract top talent to play on a dedicated indoor stage nearly every night of the week. With songs in the air, patrons enjoy a cadre of 15 brews with plenty of seasonal offerings backed up by an impressive wine and craft cocktail list. And the scene gets better in the warmer months with a pandemic-birthed summer music series in the spacious front parking lot. Formidable alumni include Chuck Leavell, Sierra Hull, and Leftover Salmon.
T ennessee
YEE-HAW BREWING COMPANY, KNOXVILLE
The latest location to launch in Yee-Haw’s formidable four-venue fleet has partnered with listenersupported Knoxville radio station WDVX on a Summer Nights concert series that runs from May through October. The brewery occupies a sprawling, 9,000-square-foot space outfitted with multiple lounges and soft-seating areas that pay homage to the region’s historic whisky and cigar culture.
Bay doors open onto an impressive beer garden with a covered bar area, shaded outdoor seating, and a state-of-the-art stage. Wash down superb hot chicken, gourmet pretzels, smash burgers, and classic Southern sides with picks from 21 house beers and ciders. Entertainment trends toward the roots and Americana spectrum, and comes courtesy of noteworthy headliners like Jim Lauderdale, the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, and Jon Stickley Trio.
nOrTH CA rOLIn A
OSKAR BLUES BREWERY, BREVARD
One of Colorado’s pioneering craft breweries came to the Blue Ridge back in 2012, and Oskar Blues’ Brevard outpost been a regular destination for brew hounds ever since. A food truck offers tasty specials, like a Berkshire pork smash burger topped with bacon, caramelized balsamic onions, and gooey blue cheese butter, and they’re washed down with iconic staples like Dale’s Pale Ale or 17 experimental brews exclusive to the taphouse. Small groups play indoors, while bigger weekend acts perform on an outdoor stage in a grassy seating area. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and soak up the stylings of regional favorites like the Isaac Hadden Trio, Larry Keel, and Dangermuffin.
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY, ASHEVILLE
The famed Biltmore Village watering hole is known for its heady combo of good-time vibes and primo tuneage. Hurricane Helene flooded the venue with more than six feet of water in September 2024, but FBRB is back and better than ever after a 14-month rebuild. A capacious, warehouse-style bar area serves as an incubator for an array of area up-and-comers—look for everything from straight-ahead jazz to reggae, and progressive bluegrass— while a seasonal parking lot stage hosts heavy hitters like Steel Pulse and Keller & The Keels.
The kitchen team dishes up a robust collection of gourmet pizzas, handhelds, and calzones. A dozen tap beers run the gamut from Kölsches, to fruity IPAs, and hearty porters. And as a bonus: The fantastically cool Eda Rhyne Distilling Company sits right next door and opens onto the stage area.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
Appalachian Trail-Weverton
Cliffs overlook
VIrGInIA
DEVILS BACKBONE BASECAMP, NELSON COUNTY
The vast brewery and distillery complex fans out across a broad field in the picturesque Rockfish Valley about five miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail crossing at Reids Gap. The original bar area is in a relaxed lodge-style restaurant that’s outfitted with loads of salvaged lumber and stone. With woodpaneled cathedral ceilings, working hearths, and weathered wide-plank floors, the place has the feel of something plucked from turn-of-the century Montana.
A menu of excellent pub staples complements a fleet of about 19 house brews and craft cocktails. Abundant outdoor
bluegrass sheroes like Sam Bush and the Infamous Stringdusters.
TWIN CREEKS BREWPUB AT EXPLORE PARK, ROANOKE
Find one of the Star City’s coolest pubs just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in the walkout basement of a historic Great Wagon Road tavern that dates to 1792. The outpost sits in the heart of 1,100-acre Explore Park and hosts a city-sponsored annual summer concert series. Events run on Friday evenings from May to September on an adjacent outdoor stage surrounded by forests and a beautiful grassy sitting area. Expect a genre-spanning lineup of all-stars from around the region like jam aces Cinémathèque or soulful, R&Binfused rock from Jordan Harman & The Humble Brags.
While watching the tunes, sip nine rotating house brews on tap are bolstered by a solid wine and cider list from top Virginia makers. The kitchen serves a limited, but
ELMWOOD
CREEK BOTTOM BREWING AND DISTILLERY, GALAX
The little southwest Virginia mountain town of Galax is best known for hosting the Old Fiddler’s Convention, the world’s oldest and largest fiddler’s convention. If you make the journey to the fest watch some of Appalachia’s best string pickers, stop by popular local spot, which makes a range of great brews like the fruity Rail 2 Trail Pale. In line with town tradition, the brewery has plenty of live music, hosting regional country, bluegrass, and rock bands. On the third Tuesday of every month, guests can bring their own instruments and join the open Old-Time Music Session.
wesT VIrGInIA
GENE’S BEER GARDEN, MORGANTOWN
No, Gene’s isn’t technically a craft brewery—but the legendary dive and juke joint does offer a hardy selection from the Mountain State and beyond. The bar originally opened in 1944 and its status as the oldest in the city is a primary claim to fame. But the place’s unparallelled ambience, motley crew of regulars, stupid good greasy spoon fare, and longtime dedication to the West Virginia grassroots music scene is the true draw.
Push through a weathered plate glass door into a long narrow room that looks like it stepped out of Smokey and the Bandit. A two-tone bar is backed by vintage equipment and signage and overhung with 50s Tiffany-style chandeliers, and corridors lead to strange rooms like a graffitied pool table area with a row of displaced theater seats. A tiny stage in the back has been graced by stars like Bill Kirchen and regularly boasts notable area performers like Ryan Cain and the Ables.
EPIC ITINERARIES: CAMPING AND CABIN RETREATS
From starry campsites to cozy cabins and scenic mountain stays, the Blue Ridge offers countless ways to unwind. This guide highlights some of our favorite places to stay, each blending comfort, adventure, and unforgettable views.
MEMORABLE PLACES TO STAY IN MCDOWELL COUNTY, NC
Some places ask you to choose between roughing it and relaxing, but McDowell County refuses. Here, mornings begin in misty forests and end beside crackling fires or cozy cabins. From hidden backcountry sites to thoughtfully designed glamping retreats, this Blue Ridge escape invites you to experience the outdoors exactly your way.
GLAMPING IN MARION, NC OFFERS A
Wake up to the Blue Ridge Mountains your way, whether that’s a back-to-basics campsite at Lake James State Park or a cozy glamping pod tucked into the forest. Start your day slowly with coffee and mountain views before heading out to explore. If you’re staying at Wunderland Resort, ease into the morning with a sauna session or cold plunge before joining a guided foraging or biking excursion. For a quieter start, opt for a peaceful farm setting at Serene Pastures Retreat, where you can enjoy the company of friendly animals and wide-open views.
Spend your afternoon diving into McDowell County’s vast outdoor playground, where over 70% of the land is national forest or wilderness. Hike into Linville Gorge or visit the iconic
Linville Falls for breathtaking scenery and trail access. Prefer water? Cool off along the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail or cast a line in one of Old Fort’s heritage trout streams like Curtis Creek. If you’re staying nearby, Linville Falls Lodge & Cabins offers easy access to both adventure and a relaxing home base, while Soulshine Glamping provides a unique dome stay to recharge between outings.
As the sun sets, settle into your campsite or retreat for a laid-back evening. Grill dinner under the stars at a primitive site in Linville Gorge or unwind at Gold River Camp, where luxury meets history near a former gold mine. Back at Wunderland, gather in the community space, keep an ear out for live music, and see if you can find the hidden keyboard. End the day fireside, soaking in the quiet magic of the mountains.
SETTLE DOWN INTO NATURE IN LAUREL HIGHLANDS, PA
Where rushing water carves through sandstone and architectural masterpieces are surrounded by nature, Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands welcomes every type of adventurer. Here, your basecamp might sit along a river bend or beneath a canopy of stars, with days unfolding into waterfall hikes, scenic bike rides, and unforgettable outdoor experiences.
DAY ONE
Wake up at a cozy retreat like Benner’s Meadow Run Campground, glamping at Wander Ridge or a quirky cabin such as the Hobbit House. Start the morning in Ohiopyle State Park, with whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Youghiogheny River. Or, head underground to Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s first underground state park. Explore winding passages and massive chambers for a truly unique start to your morning.
Refuel with lunch at Bittersweet Café before hiking to scenic overlooks and the iconic Cucumber Falls. Later, take a short drive to explore Fallingwater, one of four nearby Frank Lloyd Wright masterpieces and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy music under the stars at Timber Rock Amphitheatre, if there’s a performance scheduled, and consider the historic charm of Stone House Restaurant for dinner. End the night back at camp, or opt for a site downstream along the river at Blue Canoe RV Resort,where the sounds of the Youghiogheny River set the tone for the next day’s adventures.
TWO
Ease into the day with coffee by the fire before the slower pace of a kayak or tube float downstream.
If you’re craving two wheels, hop onto the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) for a leisurely ride through lush river valleys then wind down with a craft beer at Bloom Brew.
Continue your outdoor immersion with a section hike on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a 70mile route celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026. Alternatively, visit the powerful Flight 93 National Memorial for a reflective and moving experience.
Wrap up your trip with a peaceful final night under the stars at Somerset Resort & Campground Whether you’re camping, glamping, or tucked into a cabin, the Laurel Highlands deliver a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and restorative escape.
CAMP, STAY, AND PLAY IN ABINGDON, VA
Wake up to misty mountain views, winding rivers, and the thrill of outdoor adventure—all within a short distance of Abingdon’s historic downtown. Whether you’re chasing river bends, bike trails, or lakeside serenity, this Southwest Virginia town turns a single day into an unforgettable escape.
Start your day with a scenic ride or walk along the Virginia Creeper Trail, accessible from Creeper’s End Lodging or Black’s Fort Inn Bed & Breakfast. Stop by Wolf Hills Coffee or The Girl & The Raven for a fresh cup before hitting the trail. Explore nearby Alvarado Station or cruise the wooded paths along the Creeper Trail for stunning Blue Ridge views.
Head to Washington County Park or Sportsmans Marina on South Holston Lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, or fishing. Guided trips are available with Riverfeet Fly Fishing or Southwest Virginia Outdoor Adventures , whether
you want to float the Holston River or try a “Bike & Fish” excursion along the trail. For an invigorating hike, visit natural highlights like Backbone Rock or The Channels
After dinner along historic Main Street or a refreshing local cider from Tumbling Creek, take time to soak in the peaceful mountain atmosphere as the sun dips behind the mountains. Then unwind at your home for the night, whether that’s a cozy campsite or a welcoming cabin. Choose from a colonialstyle cottage at Creeper’s End Lodging, a peaceful Appalachian farmstay at Wyndale Gardens, primitive camping beneath the stars at Hidden Valley Lake, or a waterside stay at Riverside Campground
RUSTIC CAMPSITES
MEET COZY CABINS IN VIRGINIA’S BLUE RIDGE
Wake up to misty mountain views, breathe in the crisp river air, and step into a day of adventure in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. In the Roanoke Region, you can hike a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, paddle the James River, and cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway—all before dinner. Whether you’re pitching a tent, parking an RV, or settling into a cozy cabin, this one-day escape blends outdoor thrills with relaxing lakeside and forest retreats.
Start your day at Explore Park in Roanoke County, where a network of hiking and biking trails winds through lush forested landscapes. Adventure-seekers can tackle the Treetop Quest aerial course, or simply float along the Roanoke River for a serene paddle. For a scenic drive, cruise a portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway, soaking in sweeping mountain vistas and crisp morning air.
Head to Smith Mountain Lake State Park or the luxurious Karoo Resort in Franklin County. Enjoy kayaking, swimming at the community pier, or fishing in the lake’s calm waters. Pack a picnic or stop by a local eatery for lunch before relaxing on
the shoreline. If you prefer a more rustic setting, Jamison Mill Park offers camping by Philpott Lake with easy access to water activities.
As the sun sets, retreat to your chosen lodging. Pitch a tent at Middle Creek Campground in Botetourt County for a quiet forest escape, complete with trout-filled creeks and trails for evening hikes. Or, make your way up to Natural Bridge State Park, which is a designated International Dark Sky Park that regularly hosts Stargazing Nights For guided trips and river rentals, Twin River Outfitters in Buchanan provides everything you need for multi-day adventures on the James River, from paddling to camping and glamping excursions.
A DAY AT YOUR OWN PACE IN ALLEGHANY HIGHLANDS, VA
Tucked in the western mountains of Virginia, Alleghany Highlands is a scenic destination that delivers a seamless blend of rugged outdoor adventure and small-town charm. With fewer crowds and easy access to trails, rivers, and quiet backroads, it’s the perfect place to settle into camp and explore at your own pace.
Wake up surrounded by nature at Douthat State Park, one of Virginia’s original six state parks and a longtime favorite for outdoor lovers. Choose from a full-service campground, lakeside tent sites, or newly renovated cabins. Start your morning on the trails—Douthat is widely known for some of the best mountain biking in the state, along with a robust hiking network. For a more relaxed option, take a bike ride on the Jackson River Scenic Trail, a flat, accessible multi-use path perfect for all skill levels. You can also cast a line in the nearby Jackson River, a blue ribbon trout fishery.
Refuel with lunch at Kanawha Café or Jack Mason’s Tavern, then spend the afternoon
exploring the region’s abundant water access. Paddle, boat, or swim at Lake Moomaw, where 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline create a true backcountry feel. Nearby, the Cowpasture River offers a quieter float experience. Don’t miss iconic stops like Falling Spring Falls and the historic Humpback Bridge. Need gear or a shuttle? Alleghany Outdoors has you covered with rentals, including accessible options.
Settle into your home base for the night, from secluded cabins near Beaverdam Falls to peaceful creekside stays. Grab dinner at Cucci’s Pizzeria or Family Treet’s Restaurant, then explore the walkable charm of Clifton Forge or Covington. End the day with stargazing, wildlife watching, and a quiet campfire under mountain skies.
SLEEP BY THE WATER IN PULASKI COUNTY, VA
If your ideal getaway starts and ends next to the water, Pulaski County delivers. Anchored by the scenic New River and the expansive Claytor Lake, this destination makes it easy to settle in and stay awhile.
There’s nothing better than waking up steps from the water at Claytor Lake State Park or Gatewood Park and Reservoir. Both offer a variety of lodging options, including tent and RV sites, cabins, and even yurts for a more unique stay. At Claytor Lake, cabin guests can enjoy dock access and easy rentals for pontoons, kayaks, and paddleboards. Gatewood Park offers a quieter, tuckedaway experience with boat and paddle rentals ready to go. Start your day slow with coffee by the water or head straight out for an early paddle.
One of the best parts of staying here is how close everything is. From your
campsite, you’re just minutes from top-tier trails like New River Trail State Park and the Draper Mountain Bike Trail System . Spend the afternoon hiking, biking, or fishing, or simply relax back at camp with a lakeside picnic.
As the sun dips low, settle into the simple pleasures of camp life. Grill dinner, gather around the fire, and enjoy the quiet of the outdoors. If you’re craving a night out, head to The Mason Jar at Claytor Lake for a casual meal, or sip your way through local favorites like Iron Heart Winery, New River Vineyard & Winery, or Spinning Jenny Vineyard
ESCAPE TO NATURE IN HARRIS COUNTY, GA
Trade your screens for trails and your alarms for birdsong. Harris County, Georgia, is where every day begins with adventure and ends with a crackling campfire. Whether you’re chasing mountain vistas, hidden lakes, or quiet corners of the forest, this is a place that invites you to unplug, explore, and sleep under the stars.
Kick off your day at F.D. Roosevelt State Park, Georgia’s largest state park. Wander 40+ miles of trails with diverse terrain and stunning overlooks, or ride horseback along the 28-mile trail network. Choose from 21 cottages or 100+ campsites, RV or backcountry, to set the tone for your nature escape.
Grab some lunch, then trek the historic Man O’ War Trail, a 13.4-mile route tracing a retired diesel train. After your hike, cool off at Liberty Bell Pool, ideal for a family splash or a relaxing dip under the sun.
Settle in at Blanton Creek Campground with its lakefront charm, fishing piers, and fire rings. For a touch of comfort, Mountain Top Inn and Pine Mountain Chalets offer cozy stays with panoramic mountain views. RV travelers will love Pine Mountain RV Resort , complete with all the essentials for a starry-night retreat.
From sunrise hikes to evening campfires, Harris County is a playground for every camper and cabin seeker. Pack your gear and let the mountains, trails, and lakes welcome you.
CHOOSE HOW YOU STAY IN A VIRGINIA STATE PARK
Settle into a cabin, lodge, or yurt at Natural Tunnel State Park, James River State Park, or Bear Creek Lake State Park. Spend your day hiking, paddling, or relaxing by the water, then return to a cozy space with modern amenities. At Natural Tunnel, yurts offer a unique blend of rustic charm and comfort, perfect for campers who want a little extra ease.
Roll into one of Virginia’s RV-friendly parks like Staunton River State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, or Westmoreland State Park. Set up your site with hookups and
enjoy a full day of biking, fishing, or exploring scenic trails. Wrap up the evening with dinner at your campsite and sunset views just steps from your door.
Discover your perfect outdoor escape with Virginia State Parks. Whether you’re seeking cozy cabins, RV convenience, or a rugged backcountry experience, these diverse camping options make it easy to plan a day outdoors that fits your style, pace, and sense of adventure. PRIMITIVE ESCAPE DAY
For a more rugged experience, head to Sky Meadows State Park, Belle Isle State Park, or New River Trail State Park. Hike into a primitive site, unplug from distractions, and immerse yourself in Virginia’s natural beauty. Cook over a campfire, enjoy peaceful solitude, and fall asleep under a sky full of stars.
However you choose to spend your day, Virginia State Parks offer a camping experience to match every style of adventure!
A WEEKEND BASECAMP FOR BLUE RIDGE ADVENTURE IN CULPEPER, VA
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Culpeper delivers the perfect weekend escape where outdoor adventure meets small-town charm. Whether you crave riverside camping, mountain hikes, scenic byways, or cozy local eats and drinks, this vibrant gateway to nature has it all. MORNING
DAY ONE
Kick off your adventure by settling in at a scenic spot like Rappahannock River Campground. With tent sites, primitive cabins, and direct access to the Rappahannock River, you’ll be ready to launch kayaks or float the river in no time. Prefer a unique countryside stay? The rustic luxury of The Cabins at Cibola Farm, set on a working bison farm, is a memorable home base.
Spend the afternoon exploring Culpeper’s trails and roads. Mountain bikers will love the growing network at Deer Springs Farm, while road cyclists can enjoy rolling farmland and vineyard views. For a gentler pace, rent a paddleboard or kayak at Lake Culpeper Adventures for a peaceful paddle on calm water.
Head into downtown Culpeper for dinner. Savor vibrant Thai at Pinto Thai, seasonal plates at Grass Rootes, or classic comfort at Uncle Elder’s BBQ. Cap the night with a craft beer at Far Gohn Brewing Company before cozying up by your campfire.
DAY TWO
Wake early and take a short drive to Shenandoah National Park
Here you’ll find some of the best hiking and wilderness camping in
the region. For true back-to-nature thrill seekers, primitive camping at Big Meadows invites you to disconnect beneath towering trees and star-filled skies. Grassy open fields and forested backcountry sites offer a peaceful contrast to tent pads and facilities.
After a morning in the mountains, drive or pedal Culpeper’s scenic byways. These quiet country roads are perfect for a relaxed afternoon ride or drive with photo stops at vineyards and panoramic overlooks.
Before you head home, unwind at one of the area’s craft beverage spots. Sip award-worthy wines at Old House Vineyards or Mountain Run Winery, or enjoy a relaxed pour at Belmont Farm Distillery. It’s the perfect end to a weekend where rivers, trails, and open skies refresh every nature lover.
A NEW WAY TO STAY IN TUCKER COUNTY, WV
In Tucker County, where misty ridgelines meet rushing rivers, adventure has long been the main attraction, but now, there’s a new way to experience it. At Valley View Cabin Resort and Spa, days spent chasing waterfalls and trailheads are perfectly balanced with evenings of spa treatments, mountain views, and elevated cabin comfort.
MORNING
Settle into your cabin at Valley View Cabin Resort and Canaan Valley Spa, where floor-to-ceiling views and thoughtful design create a sense of “rough luxury.” From here, it’s just a short drive to Blackwater Falls State Park. Start your stay with a visit to the park’s iconic waterfall or join a guided hike through the Blackwater Falls Nature Center
Trade hiking boots for relaxation with a visit to the resort’s spa. Afterward, head into Davis for a burrito at Hellbenders, then venture off the mountain to Corks Knob Winery in Parson
Spend your evening exploring the local craft scene. Grab a drink at Stumptown Ales or Mountain State Brewing Co., then catch live music at The Purple Fiddle. Return to your cabin for a quiet night under the stars.
mountain views before heading to the spa for a massage, facial, or wellness treatment. The resort’s peaceful atmosphere makes it easy to fully unplug.
Lean into the balance of adventure and comfort with a flexible afternoon. Venture out for a short excursion, rent bikes from
Slow things down and savor the setting at Valley View Cabin Resort and Canaan Valley Spa. Start your morning with coffee on your private deck, taking in sweeping
Blackwater Bikes or explore nearby trails, or simply return to the resort to relax. Spacious cabins, cozy interiors, and scenic surroundings invite you to linger a little longer.
For a final taste of Tucker County, enjoy a laid-back dinner at Milo’s Cafe & Restaurant or opt for a
more curated, seasonal experience at Ish Kitchen at The Billy Motel Then head back to Valley View Cabin Resort and Spa for one last evening—whether that’s stargazing from your cabin deck or simply soaking in the quiet luxury that defines this elevated mountain stay.
Set on 2,600 acres of Appalachian wilderness, Mountain Lake Lodge, A member of Historic Hotels of America has been a celebrated Appalachian retreat since 1851. A proud member of Historic Hotels of America, this storied 2,600-acre estate combines the grandeur of its natural surroundings with the gracious hospitality and timeless character that have welcomed generations of guests to the mountaintop.
Sponsored by
Pembroke,
HAVING A MOMENT
Snot otters have become the mascot of the mountains
LURKING BENEATH SOUTHERN
Appalachia’s celebrated trout streams is a mucous-covered monster—a benthic behemoth that ambushes prey from beneath boulders. Their size and stealth are as badass as their name: hellbenders.
Hellbenders are North America’s largest salamanders, weighing up to five pounds and reaching two-anda-half feet in length. They depend on clear, well-oxygenated rivers, primarily in Appalachia, and they are key indicators of clean water. Where there are hellbenders, there are also likely trout and dozens of other species of fish, crayfish, snails, and mussels.
Hellbenders already have a host
The Asheville Tourists, Asheville’s minor league baseball team, rolled out a “Snot Otter” jersey last June.
The snot-green jerseys reading “Asheville Snot Otters” across the chest were highly touted and earned a nomination for the top Minor League Baseball jersey of the season.
Even before becoming sports team celebrities, hellbenders have been celebrated across Appalachia, and in the past decade, they have become pop culture icons. Beers, bike components, bed and breakfasts, and burrito shops have adopted hellbenders as their namesake.
and landslides. Hundreds of dead hellbenders were found stranded on roads and in backyards in Helene’s aftermath. However, many of these grippy-toed salamanders found a way to hang on and ride out the storms. Surveys last summer revealed that many hellbender populations survived Helene. They sheltered beneath boulders, clung to river bottoms, or washed downstream and made their way back.
Their resilience has made them even more beloved post-Helene. Hellbenders have become a symbol of strength and recovery. As hellbenders have hung on and bounced back, so have mountain communities across Appalachia. Boone, N.C., has made hellbenders their hometown heroes. In 2024, the town commissioned a hellbender mural in downtown. The mural also features the rich aquatic of colorful nicknames, including Allegeheny alligators, devil dogs, lasagna lizards, and snot otters.
Not to be outdone, Asheville City Soccer completely rebranded last year and adopted hellbenders as their new name and mascot. Bender—a swollen brown hellbender sporting a blue Asheville City jersey—roams the sidelines of the semi-professional soccer team.
Tumbling Creek Cider Company features a Hellbender Hard Cider. Knoxville is home to Hellbender Fishing Nets, and Hellbender Vinyl is a celebrated record-making shop in Pennsylvania.
A few months ago, hellbenders ascended even higher in their celebrity status. Asheville’s premier music venue, The Orange Peel, announced a new outdoor music
PHOTO
biodiversity that often accompanies hellbenders, including rare mussels, fish, and crayfish. The Boone Town Council also passed a resolution supporting the listing of hellbenders under the Endangered Species Act.
The popularity of hellbenders has grown so much that they now have an official festival named after them. The inaugural Hellbender Festival took place in Spruce Pine, N.C., last August as a free, daylong celebration of eastern hellbenders. The event featured live music, local food trucks, and even a live hellbender named Rocky. The festival drew more than 5,000 attendees, more than double the population of the town where the event was held.
Spruce Pine was under eight feet of water during Hurricane Helene. Like the hellbenders themselves, Spruce Pine has made an amazing comeback. “If this weird, squishy amphibian can survive something as traumatic as Hurricane Helene, then surely we can too,” said Spencer Bost, founder and director of the Hellbender Festival.
Hellbenders also are the
namesake for one of the toughest trail races in the country: the Hellbender 100. The annual 100-mile race starts and finishes at Camp Grier in Old Fort, N.C., and climbs through the Black Mountains, some of the highest and steepest mountains in the East. With many trails from the original course closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene, organizers have had some fun with the race’s name. “Last year we started calling it ‘Helenebender,’ combining the storm and hellbender,” said Carrie Baris, co-race director of the Hellbender 100 and president of the Run828 Foundation. “We had a picture of a cartoon hellbender holding a hurricane symbol on our shirts.” Proceeds from the shirts were donated to trail maintenance in the area.
Hellbender Bed & Beverage, a restaurant, bar and hotel in downtown Blowing Rock, N.C., has also embraced the amphibian’s identity. Along with eight hotel rooms available for booking and the Boca Rista restaurant, the inn has served a variety of cocktails and
specialty drinks, including a spicy pomegranate margarita called the “Devil Dog.” The bar released the hellbender-themed cocktail last May in honor of Endangered Species Awareness Month. A portion of sales was donated to the Endangered Species Coalition.
One of the original hellbender hotspots is Davis, West Virginia, home to Hellbender Burritos. The long-running eatery, which reopened this year after a nearly year-long closure due to ownership change, is as iconic as its namesake—the go-to spot for post-adventure fuel for skiers, bikers, and hikers.
Despite their popularity, hellbenders are endangered. Hellbenders breathe through their skin, making them especially susceptible to pollution and sedimentation from coal mining pollution, logging, and development. In rivers and streams near clearcuts or where forested buffers have been cut down, hellbenders often suffocate or starve. In streams without forested buffers, hellbenders are also more
likely to resort to cannibalism. In 2024, after 14 years of lawsuits and advocacy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finally proposed to list eastern hellbenders as an endangered species, but the decision still has not been finalized by the Trump administration. Fewer than 12 percent of hellbender populations across Appalachia are stable and healthy, and Hurricane Helene has pushed them even closer to extinction.
What can you do to protect these symbols of Southern Appalachian resilience? Protecting their rivers from logging, pollution, and sediment is priority one. Forested buffers along streams are essential for their survival. Trees stabilize soils, absorb runoff, and keep their streams shaded and cool.
Perhaps it’s not surprising that hellbenders have become cultural icons in Appalachia and a source of pride for the people who live here. Both hellbenders and mountain folk are survivors who are unique, tough, sometimes misunderstood, and incredibly resilient.
OUTDOOR HAPPENINGS
MAY
Hot Springs NC Town & Trail Fest
Hot Springs, N.C.
May 2
A free event celebrating local Appalachian culture, the resilience of our community, and our special connection to the Appalachian Trail. Festivities include live music, games, vendors, Appalachian storytelling, our famous Duck Race, and more.
TOWNANDTRAILFEST.ORG
East Coast Triathlon Festival
Richmond, Va.
May 2 - 3
ECTF is more than a race - it’s a multisport festival with 8 individual
Dominion Energy Riverrock
Richmond, Va.
May 15-17
From live music to trail runs, bikes to beer, SUPs to pups, and climbing to kayaking, this epic festival brings thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to Richmond's downtown riverfront every May. Don't miss the nation's premier celebration of outdoor sports, music, and adventure! Featuring free demos, vendors, food trucks, and more!
RIVERROCKRVA.COM
Cheat River Triathlon Parsons, W.Va.
May 16
Mill Race Park in Parsons will be the starting point. A 3.9 mile run to Hendricks Park. Kayak or Canoe 3 + miles back to Mill Race Park. Bike to Hendricks Park and back to Mill Race Park to complete a 7-mile bike. A 2 mile walk is also available.
triathlon and running races, youth and adult opportunities, and unique formats on a fast, safe course. Whether your first race or one of many, ECTF blends competition and community. Recently named a Triathlete Magazine reader favorite.
LIVERED.ORG/EAST-COASTTRIATHLON-FESTIVAL/
Agony
in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo
Alleghany Highlands, Va.
May 9
The Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo features four epic distances: 103, 69, 64, & 30 miles, challenging every rider. For the fiercest competitors, the King/Queen of the Mountain climb crowns those who conquer the ascent of Warm Springs Mountain. It's a scenic and epic ride not to be missed!
GRANFONDOALLEGHANY.COM
The Virginia Street Arts Festival brings large-scale murals, live painting, and hands-on art experiences to downtown Waynesboro. Artists from across the country transform walls in real time, while visitors explore an artisan market, live music, and interactive activities that turn the streets into a weekend-long celebration.
DOWNTOWNWAYNESBORO.ORG
Memorial Day Celebration at Snowshoe Mountain Snowshoe, W.Va.
May 22 - 25
Long days, cool breezes, and that first real taste of summer freedom set the tone for an unforgettable weekend. And when the sun goes down, Saturday night fireworks light up the
Basin, turning the mountain into a fullblown celebration.
Celebrate the season on the slopes of Massanutten Resort for ValleyFest 2026 to highlight the beautiful Shenandoah Valley with local musicians, beer/wine, food trucks, and artisans.
MASSRESORT.COM/VALLEYFEST
Minetana XC
Huttonsville, W.Va.
May 24
Hosted on the scenic Mower Basin Tract of the Monongahela National Forest, Minetana XC is a WVMBAsanctioned cross-country race that attracted 73 riders in 2025. The 2026 event will take place on May 24, 2026, offering early-season exposure to a motivated and competitive rider base.
POCAHONTASTRAILS.COM/MINETANAXC-RACE/
Cold
Mountain Music Festival
Canton, N.C.
May 29 - 30
Nestled in Shining Rock Wilderness and Pisgah National Forest, Cold Mountain Music Festival at Lake Logan is two days of live music, vendors, trails, paddling, local food and beer, & more! Unplug and play for a cause - benefitting Lake Logan, Camp Henry, and the Outdoor School.
COLDMOUNTAINMUSIC.ORG
Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival
Thomas, W.Va.
May 30 - 31
A FREE festival set to celebrate the art of fly fishing in the beautiful setting of Thomas, WV. The event will showcase the community that makes fly fishing a destination here in Appalachia through educational classes and fly fishing demonstrations, all free to the public.
THEAFFF.COM
JUNE
Mountain Music Festival
Oak Hill, W.Va.
June 4 - 6
West Virginia’s premier music festival returns to ACE Adventure Resort offering an electrifying mix of live performances, outdoor adventures, and fun. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the New River Gorge National Park, featuring Andy Frasco, Mevin Seals & JGB, The Floozies, Here Come the Mummies, Tropidelic, Big Something and more.
MOUNTAINMUSICFESTWV.COM
Old Fort Trails and Trains Festival
Old Fort, N.C.
June 4 - 6
The Old Fort Trails & Trains Festival is June 4-6, 2026! Help celebrate the Great Trails State in downtown Old Fort, NC. Enjoy the rich history of our Blue Ridge Mountain community with a weekend long festival filled with outdoor recreation, vendors live bluegrass concerts, Keynote Speakers, Railroad Expo and Races!
OLDFORTFEST.COM
Hiker Fest 2026
Waynesboro, Va.
June 6
Hiker Fest brings the trail to downtown Waynesboro with live music, outdoor vendors, and a laidback, post-hike energy. Designed with Appalachian Trail hikers in mind, the festival also welcomes outdoor lovers for a weekend of food, gear, community, and a wellearned good time.
DOWNTOWNWAYNESBORO.ORG
Canaan Mountain Bike Festival
Davis, W.Va.
June 11 - 14
Group rides, mountain bike skills sessions, children and adult riding competitions and fundraiser party all supporting the mountain biking community in Tucker County, West
Virginia. Other activities include hikes, yoga, trail maintenance and more.
Downhill Southeast returns to Snowshoe Mountain for a highspeed weekend of gravity racing at Snowshoe Bike Park. Elite and amateur riders tackle steep, technical terrain down the iconic Western Territory in one of the Southeast’s premier downhill series stops. Spectators can expect fast lines and big sends.
SNOWSHOEMTN.COM/THINGS-TODO/EVENTS/DHSE
Bluff Mountain Music Festival
Hot Springs, N.C.
June 13
The largest regional traditional and old-time music event and silent art auction in the county. Silent Auction, Artist Market, Food Vendors, Cash Raffle, Kid’s Tent. Fundraiser for the Madison County Arts Council.
Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, & 5K
Alleghany Highlands, Va.
June 13
The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon offers a race distance for every runner, including the Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Set alongside the beautiful Jackson River, participants experience a peaceful, flat, and fast course surrounded by mountain views, making it a favorite for both first-time runners and seasoned athletes.
RUNSIGNUP.COM/RACE/VA/ COVINGTON/JRSTHALF
Red
Wing
Roots Music Festival
Mt. Solon, Va.
June 19 - 21
Discover great music in the great outdoors! The 13th annual Red Wing Roots Music Festival takes place at Natural Chimneys Park in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. This family-friendly event features an outstanding artist line up, outdoor activities, fantastic food and beverage options and onsite camping.
REDWINGROOTS.COM
Flame Azalea Festival
Robbinsville, N.C.
June 20
The annual Flame Azalea Festival is a family friendly, jam-packed day of arts, crafts, live music, food, and more. Shop for native flame azaleas, watch glass blowing, and take in Cherokee demonstrations and more. Admission is free, though donations to Graham County Fire & Rescue are encouraged and appreciated.
FLAMEAZALEAFESTIVAL.COM
Monday Lick Enduro
Marlinton, W.Va.
June 20 - 21
The Monday Lick Enduro is the newest addition to our race lineup and showcases the brand-new Monday Lick Trail System—30 miles of purpose-built, optimized mountain bike trail. The inaugural event drew 60 riders, many traveling specifically to experience this emerging trail network.
POCAHONTASTRAILS.COM/MONDAYLICK-ENDURO/
Hellbender Hootenanny
Mount Nebo, WV
June 25 - 28
The legendary Hellbender Hootenanny returns to ride into the mountains once again to honor our veterans and celebrate our freedom. The annual motorcycle event is hosted by
the Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse and you'll join riders from near and far for a weekend of fun and fellowship.
HELLBENDERHOOTENANNY.COM
JULY
Independence Day
Celebrations at Snowshoe Mountain Snowshoe, W.Va.
July 3 - 5
Kick off the summer season with a full slate of sunny sky adventures finally back in action. Long days, cool breezes, and that first real taste of summer freedom set the tone for an unforgettable weekend.
Get your paws in the dirt with a fun and family friendly 5k around the beautiful woods and Village of Snowshoe. Go as fast or slow as you and your pet want.
SNOWSHOEMTN.COM/THINGS-TODO/EVENTS/RUFF-RACE
USA
Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships Roanoke, Va.
July 12 - 20
Top cyclists from around the country will make their way to the Roanoke Region in Virginia's Blue Ridge to compete in the 2026 USA Cycling Endurance Mountain Bike National Championships. It will be an incredible week of racing and a great event for fans and spectators.
VISITVBR.COM/USAMTB
4848 Festival at Snowshoe Mountain Snowshoe W.Va.
July 16 - 18
4848 Festival offers a festivacation experience combining a full-scale
AUTHENTIC • PEACEFUL • REJUVENATING
Escape to the quiet shores of Cherokee Lake and find your
Whether you’re here for the mountain views or our famous festivals, discover genuine renewal in Grainger County.
GRAINGER COUNTY TOMATO FESTIVAL | July 17-18, 2026
GRAINGER COUNTY FALL FESTIVAL | October 3, 2026
*Request your free Visitors Guide online.*
music festival with a mountain resort getaway. Guests enjoy multiple days of crowd-pleasing performers, craft beer, delicious food, lake activities, scenic lift rides, and three days of live music at 4,848 feet in West Virginia annually.
SNOWSHOEMTN.COM/THINGS-TODO/EVENTS/4848-FESTIVAL
Master Musicians Festival
Somerset, Ky.
July 17 - 18
In its 33rd year, the Master Musicians Festival delivers toe-tapping music from blues and bluegrass to jazz, rock, and Americana on its stage while celebrating vibrant food, culture, and unforgettable energy in southern Kentucky. MMF is a fun, family-friendly music festival.
MASTERMUSICIANSFESTIVAL.ORG
FloydFest
Check, Va.
July 22 - 26
FloydFest is a vibrant, multi-day "Daydream" of music and mountain culture, featuring headliners like
Tedeschi Trucks Band, My Morning Jacket, Lukas Nelson, and Stephen Wilson Jr., alongside diverse performances, outdoor adventures, craft vendors, yoga, and familyfriendly experiences.
FLOYDFEST.COM
The Culpeper Triathlon Culpeper, Va. July 25
The Culpeper Triathlon returns July 25, 2026, to Mountain Run Lake Park, featuring Olympic and sprint races plus aquabike and gran fondo options. Athletes swim, bike, and run through scenic Blue Ridge foothills on challenging, rolling courses with sweeping lake and countryside views.
KINETICMULTISPORTS.COM/RACES/ CULPEPER/
Boots in the Gorge Country Music Festival
New River Gorge, W.Va.
July 31 - August 1
Get ready to kick up some dust and dance under the stars at the newest country music festival in the heart
of West Virginia’s New River Gorge! For two unforgettable days, we’re bringing the best of country music to the mountaintop featuring Clint Black, Josh Turner, Confederate Railroad and more!
BOOTSINTHEGORGE.COM
AUGUST
Blues & Brews Festival at Snowshoe Mountain Snowshoe, W.Va.
August 1
Craft beer, soothing tunes, and good food in the middle of the picturesque Snowshoe Village await at Blues & Brews. After a big day on the trails, enjoy an evening of live music, food, and drinks to recount the day, catch the sunset, and dance the night away.
Lake Moomaw One-Mile Open Water Swim Alleghany Highlands, Va. August 1
The Lake Moomaw Open Water Swim event invites participants to take on a one-mile swim in the pristine, emerald waters of Lake Moomaw. Surrounded by mountain views and calm natural beauty, this open water challenge offers a memorable and rewarding experience for swimmers of all levels.
LAKEMOOMAWSWIM.COM
Domefest
New River Gorge, W.Va.
August 6 - 8
The flock is flying to the mountaintop for a high-energy, heart-full weekend in the New River Gorge. Featuring three nights of Pigeons Playing Ping Pong and the ultimate Domie gathering in the mountains of West Virginia. Expect marathon jams, surprise sit-ins, and that signature Pigeons positivity echoing through the gorge.
DOMEFESTIVAL.COM
SlatyFork Enduro
Slaty Fork, W.Va.
August 8
Slatyfork Enduro is a long-standing, classic Enduro race that has been held in Pocahontas County for over a decade. Hosted in the Tea Creek area of the Monongahela National Forest, the course delivers raw, technical racing from the start. In 2025, the event hosted 80 riders.
POCAHONTASTRAILS.COM/ SLATYFORK-ENDURO/
Treasure on Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe, W.Va.
August 8
Enter for a chance to win over $300,000 in prizes including cars, vacations, campers, cash, and more all while raising money for the Snowshoe Foundation. Your ticket gets you into the venue, loads of food, and entry into a ton of raffles.
Celebrate Summer at the Sourwood Festival. Featuring 150+ artisan vendors, live music and entertainment, local food, and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in the family or friend group.
EXPLORETHEVALLEY.ORG/ SOURWOOD-FESTIVAL/
Meet the Mountains
Johnson City, Tenn.
August 14 - 15
Meet the Mountains, August 14–15 at Winged Deer Park Lakefront, is a free event celebrating Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor recreation. Explore adventure activities in one place, connect with nature, and embrace active lifestyles. Join us and support a growing outdoor community making a positive impact across the region.
MTMFEST.ORG
Culpeper Arts Festival
Culpeper, Va.
August 21 - 23
The Culpeper Arts Festival debuts August 21 through 23, 2026, turning downtown into a vibrant open air gallery. Visitors can watch muralists create large scale works in real time, enjoy live entertainment, and explore nearby hiking, paddling, and scenic Blue Ridge experiences for a full weekend getaway.
VISITCULPEPERVA.COM/ARTSFESTIVAL/
Ashland Half Marathon & 5k
Ashland, Va.
August 29
If you’ve never been to Ashland, look no further than the Ashland Half to find yourself soaking in every ounce of the colorful town! Escape to smalltown Virginia and run 13.1 miles along rolling hills, picturesque fields, and maybe even a train or two. Don't miss summer's hottest half & 5k!
SPORTSBACKERS.ORG
SEPTEMBER
Front Porch Fest 17
Stuart, Va.
September 3 - 6
Front Porch Fest 17 is a 4-day family-friendly music festival held on the Front Porch of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Patrick County, Virginia, and will take place September 3rd-6th at Spirithaven Farm. The festival features 30+ bands, children's activities, yoga, on-site camping, delicious craft brews and foods, and more!
FRONTPORCHFEST.COM
Ballhooter Festival at Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe, W.Va
September 4 - 6
Get ready for a 3-day-long hootenanny at Snowshoe Mountain. More details and lineup to come.
SNOWSHOEMTN.COM/BALLHOOTERFESTIVAL
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
Bristol, Va.
September 11 - 13
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is an award-winning music festival celebrating the 1927 Bristol Sessions in the downtown twin cities of Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia along historic State Street. The festival is renowned for diverse acts, from established headliners to up-andcoming artists, and showcases Appalachian roots music. Three days, two states, one reunion.
BRISTOLRHYTHM.COM
Run Richmond 16.19
Richmond, Va.
September 11 - 13
A cultural run-or-walk event for all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, exploring more than 400 years of Black history and culture. A storytelling mobile app turns Richmond into a living outdoor museum. Race weekend features a vibrant Opening Night and Finish Festival celebrating community and culture.
RUNRICHMOND1619.ORG
OCTOBER
Greenbrier River Trail
Marathon and Half Marathon
Marlinton, W.Va.
October 4
This unique marathon and halfmarathon takes place on a flat, fast, USATF-certified course along the scenic Greenbrier River Trail in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. As a Boston Qualifier, it offers generous cut-off times, making it ideal for all runners during peak fall foliage season.
POCAHONTASCOUNTYWV.COM
West Virginia Bigfoot Festival
Summersville, W.Va.
October 9 - 11
Some of the best Cryptozoology speakers in the world will be in attendance at the West Virginia Bigfoot Festival. Visitors will enjoy an extensive vendor market, food trucks, and Bigfoot-themed family activities.
The event, centered on Appalachian cryptid lore, will be held October 9-11, 2026 in Summersville, WV.
FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/1546160456381898
Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival
Alpharetta, Ga.
October 9 - 10
This FREE two-day festival features more than 30 performances across 6+ stages throughout downtown Alpharetta, GA., representing a variety of genres, from Americana and Indie to Southern Rock, Pop, Country, and more. Come see what makes Alpharetta Music City rock!
Enjoy live music, kids activities, RollOver Pet Zone, 100+ vendors and, of course, Liver Mush!! We are proud to bring the festival back better than ever in 2025! Free to attend, pets welcome, and fun for the whole family!
NCLIVERMUSHFESTIVAL.COM
NOVEMBER
Allianz Richmond Marathon Richmond, Va.
November 14
Whether you take part in the marathon, CarMax Richmond Half Marathon, or 8k, Richmond provides phenomenal course support, fall scenery, and awesome finisher swag. "America's Friendliest Marathon" is a top 25 Boston Qualifier, and the course is mostly flat with some rolling hills—perfect for first-timers. Don't miss this sellout event!
RICHMONDMARATHON.ORG
DEADLINE: JUNE 1 JULY/AUGUST
Deadline: May 1
BEST OF FEST
OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR TIME AT ANY FESTIVAL FIT YOUR VIBE THIS SUMMER.
BY DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN
Blundstone
Men’s Classic #558
The Blundstone does it all—kick back, travel, hike, hit the town—making it a go-to for festival season and beyond. The full-grain leather with subtle weatherproofing and a rugged TPU outsole that can handle muddy campgrounds, dusty fields, and long days on your feet. It’s easy to slip on and good for dancing. $220; blundstone.com
JBL
Boom Box 3
It’s always key to keep the jams going between sets. This waterproof portable speaker delivers powerful, full-spectrum sound with plenty of bass, making it ideal for everything from campsite dance parties to laidback afternoons. With up to 24 hours of battery life, it’ll last all weekend without missing a beat (just be mindful of your neighbors when the headliners wrap). $450; jbl.com
Livsn Creek Shirt
Designed with versatility in mind, the Creek Shirt is equally at home on the trail or at a festival. Its lightweight, breathable fabric keeps you cool during sun-soaked sets, while durable construction stands up to the wear and tear of multi-day use. $149; livsn. com
Kelty Wireless 8P Tent
Rolling in with the whole crew? Or the whole family? Kelty’s fan-favorite car camping tent gets a thoughtful refresh with increased mesh for better
airflow and prime stargazing potential. The spacious eight-person footprint makes it ideal for larger groups, while dual vestibules provide extra storage for gear. Easy to pitch and built for comfort, it’s a reliable home base for any festival weekend. kelty.com
Bajío Cocho Sunglasses
From bright afternoon sets to lazy river mornings, the Cocho sunglasses are built for long days on the water. They offer crisp optics, solid coverage, and a comfortable fit that stays put whether you’re dancing in the crowd or kicking back at camp. $219–$269; bajiosunglasses.com
Oboz
Katabatic LT GTX
When you’re bouncing between stages or hustling to lock down the perfect blanket spot, lightweight performance footwear makes all the difference. The Katabatic LT GTX offers waterproof protection, breathable comfort, and a responsive feel underfoot, helping you stay quick and comfortable no matter the terrain or weather. $190; obozfootwear.com
Oyster
Tempo Pro Cooler
It’s essential to keep your goodies and beverages cold all weekend long while camping at a festival. This high-end iceless cooler builds on the brand’s high-performance cooler lineup with an integrated temperature monitoring system on the lid, giving you real-time insight without having to constantly open it up and let warm air in. You’ll be the classiest camp at the fest. $550; oyster.cool
BLUNDSTONE
BAJÍO
OBOZ
KELTY
OYSTER
THE BEST BEER I EVER HAD?
That’s easy. I was in the middle of a multi-day bikepacking trip through Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We were riding fat bikes loaded down with gear through classic desert terrain, putting in at least 50 miles a day. Picture towering pillars of stone, endless washboard dirt roads and the occasional sandy wash that felt like pedaling through quicksand. It was gorgeous, but hard. And on the second evening, when our spirits were probably at their lowest after being beat down by the sun and the realization that we had so many miles left to pedal, our guide wandered away from the camp and came back with a handful of canned beers; one for each of us. This legendary human being had caches of beers stashed all over Utah’s desert for just such an occasion.
Side note: This simple act of foresight and kindness should be enough to get this man a fast pass into heaven when the time comes. Some heroes cure cancer, others create a treasure map of stashed beer. I’m not willing to say which is
THE BEST BEER I EVER HAD
BY GRAHAM AVERILL
know how long it had been stashed beneath those rocks, deep in the belly of a backcountry canyon. We were camping near a creek—the only water we’d see on that four-day romp—so we decided to let the cans rest in a pool of cold water to bring their temperature down. The beer never got truly cold, but we didn’t care. It was delicious. I sipped my can slowly, savoring every ounce as we sat on rocks in our dusty trail clothes, watching the sun just beginning to fall from the sky. Soon we’d boil water for our freeze-dried meals, and there would be hard earned sleep before more riding the next day. There would certainly be more time in the pain cave. But right then, with that can of beer in my hand, I felt like I could do anything.
That’s the single greatest beer I’ve ever had in my entire life. I could fill out my Top 10 Best Personal Beers with similar situations. The cold beer at the finish line of my first ultra marathon. Riding directly from a gnarly, downhill trail deep in Idaho’s backcountry to a lonely outpost of a bar for a bottle of Coors Banquet, aka Yellow Belly. The cans
Stage Race, a brutal multi-day push through the forest’s toughest singletrack. Any, apres ski beer in the parking lot of a ski hill while the sun sets.
The actual beers are always different—an IPA, a pilsner, the occasional winter stout—but the situation is always the same. There’s a recipe to it: Hard adventure, sunshine, and 12 ounces of something delicious. I’m also usually with good people. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. The second beer is always good, but that first beer after pedaling or running or hiking my ass off is downright delicious. I’ve never heard an angel sing, but I imagine the sensation is about the same as that first sip of beer at the trailhead after running 10 miles up and down a mountain.
I don’t drink as much as I used to. It would be a problem if I did. I consume a lot more sparkling waters and the occasional NA craft option these days. I like the new wave of NA beers, especially when I’m really craving a beer but know I shouldn’t for whatever reason. And it’s not crazy to think at some point in my life, I could give up beer entirely.
kind of beers that will ruin any chance of me being productive the next day. Or let’s be honest, the next two days because I’m getting older and hangovers seem to be more of a commitment now.
I can see myself giving up those nighttime beers. But daytime beers? Daytime beers are sacred. They’re ritualistic. I’ll even go so far as to say that the daytime beer is an important part of the culture of my people. My people being adventure athletes who decide for whatever reason to make life difficult for themselves in confounding but undeniably aesthetic ways.
There are a few key elements to this culture that get overlooked. We all focus on the training and the adventure itself, but the real beauty of any culture lies in the small rituals just off to the side of the main thing. The culture of adventure athletes has these small rituals. Changing clothes in a gravel parking lot beneath a towel. Telling stories around a campfire beneath a blanket of stars. Driving deep into a forest and sleeping outside even though we have perfectly comfortable homes. And drinking a beer while the sun is still in the sky after you pushed yourself physically is an important part of that culture. It’s sacred. It’s a celebration of our effort, an expression of our choice to live this life of long miles, epic
How could I ever give up such an
OUR FAVORITE SONGS FOR TIME IN THE MOUNTAINS
Best New Music from the Blue Ridge and Beyond
BY JEDD FERRIS AND DAVE STALLARD
IN EVERY ISSUE, OUR EDITORS
curate a playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. As spring turns to summer, we’re highlighting new tunes from Hiss Golden Messenger and Steep Canyon Rangers.
HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER
“In the Middle of It” MC Taylor, the North Carolina tunesmith behind the longrunning indie-folk project Hiss Golden Messenger, is back with a new album, “I’m People,” which drops May 1. The lead single is reminiscent of the tried-and-true Hiss sound heard on records like 2016’s “Heart Like a Levee,” with a gently comforting groove buoyed by gospel-hued harmonies. At the core are Taylor’s spiritually searching lyrics, which always seem to be reaching for big existential truths inside little moments. – J.F.
MORGAN NAGLER
“Cradle the Pain”
Morgan Nagler made her name behind the scenes, as an in-demand songwriter helping craft tunes for the likes of HAIM, Phoebe Bridgers, and Margo Price. But this spring she took her own step into the spotlight and released a debut album, “I’ve Got Nothing to Lose, and I’m Losing It,” back in March. Nagler said she made the album to help deal with a breakup, and the record’s lead track is a fuzzy slice of alternative rock with a shoegaze-vibed mantra on how to handle raw feelings after a major life shakeup. – J.F.
PEDAL STEEL NOAH
“How Soon Is Now?”
The future of the pedal steel guitar is firmly held in the hands of Texasbased 18-year-old Noah Faulkner, known to his legions of fans as Pedal Steel Noah. Instagram famous for his pedal steel prowess on a series of ‘80s covers, Faulkner has outdone himself with his take on The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now?,” offering a brilliant interpretation of Johnny Marr’s iconic guitar line on a tune that defined a decade for many a Gen Xer. – D.S.
DOGSTAR
“All In Now”
Being a Hollywood icon and one of the movie industry’s all-around nicest guys doesn’t keep Keanu Reeves busy enough. Off and on for the last thirty years, he’s also held down bass duties in the rock group Dogstar. After a hiatus of nearly two decades, Reeves reunited with mates Robert Mailhouse and Bret Domrose a few years ago to return to touring and recording, and the band’s newest record, “All In Now,” drops May 29th. The title track, a grungy banger, features a relentless bass line from Reeves and nearly operatic vocals from Domrose. –
D.S.
DUANE BETTS
“Down to Houston”
JAMES JUSTIN & CO.
“Make It Blue”
Virginia folk rockers James Justin & Co. have returned with their first new music in around a decade with the release of their new EP, “Make It Blue.” Lead singer/guitarist James Justin Burke has gotten the original band back together, reuniting with bassist Tom Propst, banjoist Bailey Horsley, and mandolinist Dave Vaughan to rekindle the quartet’s trademark coastal Americana sound. The EP’s title track features soaring harmonies, funky guitar effects, and a brisk rhythm, proving that even a decade off hasn’t slowed these guys down. – D.S.
give a listen to Ovven, the moniker of singer-songwriter Owen Burton. This sad and twangy ballad comes from his new album, “Gnawing at the Cord,” which was recorded at Drop of Sun Studios in Asheville, N.C. It’s an introspective, universally felt heartbreaker about making mistakes and dealing with the fallout. – J.F.
STEEP CANYON RANGERS
“Heart’s the Only Compass”
OVVEN
“Embarrassing”
If you dig the indie country sound of MJ Lenderman and predecessors like Jason Molina,
D.S.
Duane Betts, son of Dickey Betts, founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, continues the tradition of ABB progeny creating kick ass music. “Down To Houston,” the lead single from his new record, “Isle of Hope,” is a bluesy firestorm. Featuring Betts’ smoking guitar leads and roadhouse piano runs from Phillip Towns, “Down to Houston” is a rocker that would certainly make his father, whom he lost in 2024, incredibly proud. –
An engaging tale of love, lust, and secrets unfolds in this sweeping bluegrass tune from longstanding Blue Ridge string band Steep Canyon Rangers. The track comes from the band’s new album, “Next Act,” and it features an appearance from the Rangers’ most famous regular collaborator, Steve Martin, on banjo. – J.F.
To hear these songs and more, follow the Blue Ridge Outdoors’ Trail Mix playlist on Spotify.
OWEN BURTON, WHO PERFORMS AS OVVEN, MADE HIS NEW ALBUM, “GNAWING AT THE CORD,” AT DROP OF SUN STUDIOS IN ASHEVILLE, N.C. PHOTO COURTESY OF OVVEN
PENNSYLVANIA’S LAUREL HIGHLANDS
An Escape W th Discovering
Trade traffic for trailheads in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Southeast of Pittsburgh, this incredible escape serves up mountain air, winding roads, rich history, and the right amount of outdoor adventure. Hike, bike the Great Allegheny Passage, or find the perfect fishing hole then unwind in a wooded cabin or scenic cottage. The vibrant culture of music, art, and architecture including Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, Fallingwater, is yours to explore. It’s authentic, a little unexpected—and exactly what you’ve been craving. Plan your escape today.
