The head of Asheville-born Astral tells us about the company’s new thru-hiking shoe.
8 | OVERLOOK
The Roadless Rule is being threatened, and 45 million acres of protected wild lands are at stake.
46 | THE GOODS
Check out our picks for the best new hiking gear.
48 | THE OUT AND BACK
Crowds at national parks can be annoying, but these spots are busy for a reason.
50 | TRAIL MIX
Our monthly playlist of new Southern songs, including tracks from Seth Avett and Mavis Staples.
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FEATURES
11 | ESSENTIAL SOUTHERN HIKES
Expert, record-setting hikers share their favorite trails in the region.
15 | BIRDING IN THE BLUE RIDGE
Seasoned birders offer beginner-friendly tips and share essential locations for spotting. October
24 | GREAT DISC GOLF COURSES
Grab your discs and play one of these amazing courses in the Blue Ridge.
36 | MEET A DISC GOLF PRO
West Virginia’s Corey Ellis is throwing discs on the world stage.
40 | MIND THE GAP
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers a surprisingly adventurous destination on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line.
PHOTO BY KEVIN HUVER
PHOTO BY PAUL LAURENT
ASTRAL CAME OUT WITH A THRU-HIKING SHOE. THE COMPANY FOUNDER TOLD
US ALL ABOUT IT.
Formerly based in Asheville, Astral Designs brings decades of water sports experience to its newest shoe release.
BY MARY BETH SKYLIS
ASTRAL BEGAN AS A LIFE JACKET
brand, but owner and founder Philip Curry always intended to expand the company to include active apparel. With the release of Astral’s debut thru-hiking shoe, the NoSobo, Curry is pushing forward the latest iteration of the company’s evolution. Like Astral, Curry was born on the East Coast. His earliest years were spent in Charlotte, he was raised in Chattanooga and he “became an adult in Asheville.” He’s always loved the region due to its year-round kayaking. Eventually he fell in love with mountain biking in the area.
Astral was formally founded in Asheville in 2002, and the brand’s beloved PFDs became a mainstay in the city’s storied whitewater scene. As the company grew in popularity, it began expanding operations.
In 2019, Curry decided to head west to Seattle, where the company headquarters are today, although some operations remain in Asheville. And thru-hiking popularity in the Blue Ridge is one of the factors that helped inspire the release of the NoSobo.
The shoe has some patented Astral touches. It features external durability to accommodate normal trail wear, but it’s also designed to
include a removable midsole like Astral’s best-selling water shoe, the Loyak, a minimalist, performanceoriented option.
“What people love about [the NoSobo midsole] is it’s just a piece of EVA, and its ability to compress and rebound is not at all hindered by a layer on top that’s bonded, which can impact the foam’s ability to rebound,” explained Curry.
The result is a shoe with a lower stack height that provides stability and agility since it keeps hikers closer to the ground. But the area in which it really excels is in breathability. “Being able to take [the midsole] out is really nice because the shoe can dry easier,” said Curry. And a quick-drying shoe is just what East Coast thru-hikers need.
“I spent a lot of time with thruhikers, and they described that their footwear of choice were these trail running shoes,” added Curry, realizing long-distance hikers favored shoes from Altra, Hoka, and Topo. “[Hikers] love them because they’re light, they’re breathable. In Altra’s case, they have a really wide front end on them. So, your feet can spread out, which thru-hikers really appreciate.”
The NoSobo adopts a similar style, featuring a wide toe box and zero-drop style. But the replaceable
makes them unique, too. Curry kept hearing that thruhikers were ditching their shoes somewhere around the 400-mile mark because they didn’t feel like they had enough cushion or support (even though the uppers were generally okay). That’s what inspired him to take design elements that already existed in the Astral Loyak shoe like the midsole and bring them to the hiking world.
Conservation has long motivated for Curry’s clean manufacturing choices. In 1999, he sold his first business to Patagonia before becoming a biodynamic farmer. While he worked, he kept asking himself if he’d have a greater sustainable impact by farming or getting back into outdoor equipment. That’s what led him to establish Astral.
“The idea all along was to build a brand and then get into other products that are made with natural fibers,” said Curry. Before long, he started using an organic material from the upper canopy of rainforest trees in lifejackets to create extra
buoyancy. Then the company took a stab at making natural-fiber pants with little success.
One day, a stranger walked into the Asheville shop and told Curry that he’d been working on Salomon shoes in France but was getting into freelance work. And that’s when Astral started gravitating towards footwear.
“I know almost immediately that that was the right product for us because it’s a technical product that's made with foam and secured around a bony part of your body,” said Curry. Fundamentally, pivoting towards footwear felt similar to life jackets because of their construction.
When asked if we should expect to see more long-distance shoes or apparel from Astral in the future, Curry said, “Yeah, definitely.” He explained that there are a lot of similarities between thru-hikers and people who love to whitewater kayak. “They think alike.”
What’s more was that the NoSobo shoe, “was just as much created by [thru-hikers] than by us,” said Curry.
midsole
PHOTO COURTESY OF ASTRAL
YOUR 45 MILLION ACRES
We are about to lose our wildest places.
BY WILL HARLAN
YOU ARE THE CO-OWNER OF 45 million acres. These public lands are called Roadless Areas, and they are some of the wildest places left.
For the past 25 years, they have been protected under the Roadless Rule, which you helped create. More than 1.6 million Americans submitted comments supporting the Roadless Rule—the most comments ever submitted on a conservation policy— and it remains overwhelmingly popular today. The Roadless Rule prohibits most logging, roadbuilding, mining, and drilling in these areas.
Now, you and the other co-owners of Roadless Areas are about to lose them all.
The Trump administration recently proposed ending the Roadless Rule, which would remove protections for Roadless Areas nationwide and open them to logging, fossil fuel extraction, roadbuilding, and development. Roadless Areas protect our drinking water, scenery, economy, and recreational oases. Most Roadless Areas are adjacent to national parks, including Yellowstone, Glacier, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Here are a few of the places we stand to lose:
• Coconino Rim and Big Ridge Roadless Area, next to Grand Canyon National Park, which protects panoramic vistas, the Arizona National Scenic Trail, and Tribal sacred sites.
• North Mountain Roadless Area, which protects the Merced River adjacent to Yosemite National Park.
• Lionhead Roadless Area, adjacent to Yellowstone National Park and home to grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and wolverines.
• Tuolumne River Roadless Area, which safeguards California’s most popular Wild and Scenic River.
• The Badger-Two Medicine Roadless Area near Montana’s Glacier National Park, a sacred site for members of the Blackfeet Nation.
• Kupreanof Roadless Area in the Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, the world’s largest oldgrowth forest.
Nearly all the Roadless Areas in the East are concentrated in Appalachia. More than one million acres of Appalachian forests and rivers are currently protected by Roadless Areas, which provide the best remaining fish and wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities. In the Southeast, a few of the iconic and beloved lands and waters that will lose protections include:
• The rim of the Linville Gorge—the Grand Canyon of the East.
• The Black Mountain Crest Trail— the toughest trail in Appalachia that tops out at the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the Eastern U.S.
• The headwaters of the Chattooga River, made famous by the movie Deliverance
• The edge of the Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness and home of Joyce Kilmer Forest—the largest oldgrowth in the East.
• Beloved trout streams and paddling on Wilson Creek and South Mills River.
• World-class mountain biking trails in North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest.
• West Virginia’s Cranberry Glades bogs, beloved for backpacking.
• Three Sisters Roadless Area protecting the headwaters of the James River, a drinking water source for millions of Virginians.
• Sections of the Appalachian Trail, Benton Mackaye Trail, Bartram Trail, and Mountains to Sea Trail corridors.
Ending the Roadless Rule would be the single-largest evisceration of public lands protection in American history. Drinking water, wildlife habitat, rivers, and recreation hotspots would be threatened across 37 states. Once you start punching roads into Roadless Areas for industrial extraction, there’s no going back. They’re lost forever.
So are the species that depend on them. Roadless Areas provide habitat for hundreds of rare and endangered species, including grizzly bears, wolverines, salmon, and hellbenders. More than half of all imperiled species in the U.S. have habitat in Roadless Areas.
Rescinding the Roadless Rule is being pitched as a way to reduce wildfire risk. It will actually make wildfires worse. Roads increase human-caused wildfires: Research shows that from 1992 to 2024, wildfires were four times as likely in areas with roads than in roadless forest tracts. Another study showed that more than 90% of all U.S. wildfires happened within half a mile of a road, caused by things like unattended campfires or sparks from a vehicle. More roads mean more wildfires.
Meanwhile, the Roadless Rule already allows for logging and fire management. It contains provisions specifically to allow actions to address fire and forest health. So ending the Roadless Rule is not about fire. Fire is being used as a smokescreen and scare tactic. The real reason that the administration wants to strip protections from Roadless Areas is to profit from them through industrial extraction.
But Roadless Areas are worth far more standing than cut down. Roadless Areas are national recreation hubs that sustain local economies. Outdoor recreation in Roadless Areas and other public lands is a $1.2 trillion economic engine that generates more than five million jobs—12 times more jobs than logging, mining, and drilling combined.
Roadless Areas are also the beating heart of biodiversity—places where the wild can still be wild, where bears can be bears and salmon can be salmon. They are also a vital part of our country’s heritage and identity.
Roadless areas often contain mature and old-growth forests, which store more carbon than anything else except oceans. Old growth forests are our cheapest, easiest, and most effective method of carbon capture and storage. Logging releases most of that stored carbon, and roadbuilding makes forests more vulnerable to wildfires.
Roadless areas protect the headwaters of rivers and clean drinking water downstream. National forests and their roadless areas are the largest source of U.S. municipal water supplies, serving more than 66 million people in 33 states.
We don’t need more roads in our national forests. The U.S. Forest Service already has a 370,000-mile road system—twice as long as the nation’s highway system. American taxpayers are already on the hook for a multibillion-dollar road maintenance backlog. We would also be stuck footing the bill for new roads that multinational corporations would use to log, mine, and drill in Roadless Areas.
Roadless Areas are the wildest spots left—and they are about to be wiped off the map. Ending the Roadless Rule is a death sentence for your 45 million acres, which protect our country’s most climate-critical, wildlife-rich, and recreationally beloved forests and rivers.
Earlier this year, millions of Americans stepped up and successfully stopped a selloff of public lands. Once again, our public lands are under attack. If you want to preserve them, remind your elected leaders that Roadless Areas are wildly popular and precious. While a public comment period on Roadless Rule recission ended in late summer, outdoor enthusiasts should till speak up.
Now more than ever, forests and rivers need your voice.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
No one voted for dirty air and water.
That’s why we’re fighting to defend our bedrock environmental protections — in the courtroom, the halls of government, and our communities.
With four decades of experience and 130 legal and policy experts, we’re standing with our partners and the people across the South to protect the healthy environment we all depend on. Together, we can build a brighter future.
BY ERIC J. WALLACE
Follow the Leaders
Experienced Hikers Share Favorite Blue Ridge Trails
LOOKING FOR FALL HIKING recommendations? We’ve got you covered. To put you on the path towards the region’s best autumn trails, we’ve enlisted help from the experts, gathering favorites from some of the region’s record-setting hiking pros with 10K-plus-trail-miles under their boots.
JENNIFER PHARR DAVIS
The former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year previously held the record for the fastest supported Appalachian Trail thruhike. Pharr Davis has held countless other fastest known times (FKTs) on routes across six different continents, including Australia’s 623-mile Bibbulmun Track. The 42-year-old is a best-selling author
and continues to smoke long trails in the U.S. and beyond—often with her two kids in tow.
Favorite Hike I: Shining Rock Wilderness Loop, North Carolina
While the Asheville resident laments having to pick just one nearby walk—western North Carolina is home to many stunners—Pharr Davis says the loop from Black Balsam Knob to Shining Rock and Ivestor Gap may well be her all-time backyard fave.
“You take a magical section of Blue Ridge Parkway to get there, so the drive is incredible in itself,” says Pharr Davis. The roughly 10mile route pursues the Art Loeb and Ivestor Gap trails through Pisgah National Forest and the
state’s largest wilderness area and includes stunning vistas from a quartet of 6,000-ish-foot peaks.
Favorite Hike II: Channels State Forest and Natural Area Preserve, Virginia
Find one of Virginia’s largest and most unique rock formations about 21 miles west of the historic city of Abingdon atop 4,000-foot Clinch Mountain. A 5.5-mile out-and-back climbs through the 4,800-acre swath of protected lands past an old fire tower to a maze-like sandstone outcropping with soaring 360-degree views of the surrounding Alleghany Mountains.
Like the famed slot canyons of the southwestern U.S., “you can walk on top and look down into the labyrinth or climb inside and explore for hours on end,” says Pharr Davis. The feature makes Channels the perfect spot for an awe-inspiring family adventure.
Favorite Hike III: Cumberland Island National Seashore, St. Marys Georgia
Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island sits about a mile off the coast and is home to one of the most diverse ecosystems in the South. “I’ve hiked all around the world and this is one of my favorite spots, bar none,” says Pharr Davis.
Around 50 miles of trails weave through mature live oak forests, marshlands and pristine beaches.
“I love to take the ferry out there and spend a day or two just roaming around,” says Pharr Davis. She’s visited numerous times “and never had an issue finding a beach to relax on where there’s not another soul in sight.”
HEATHER “ANISH” ANDERSON
Anderson gained hiking stardom in 2013 when she broke the Pacific Crest Trail self-supported speed record. She cemented her position in the trekker pantheon with a record-setting A.T. attempt two years later. The 43-year-old has since become the first woman to tackle the American Triple Crown in a single calendar year and complete the trifecta three times.
Favorite Hike I: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Maryland’s Weverton Cliffs
The eight-mile out-and-back begins and ends in the downtown area of one of the Appalachian Trail’s coolest trail towns and leads to scenic vistas of the Potomac River and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park from a sheer, 700-foot stone cliff.
Cross the river via a restored
The Foothills are Calling...
slowly give way to dense hemlock
“It’s kind of an odd trajectory for found near the car,” says Anderson.
for drive-up sunsets and highelevation picnics. Park in the lot off its namesake access road and pause to soak up 360-degree panoramas of an ocean-esque cascade of peaks in Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests.
The northward hike follows the AT along the Unaka Mountain ridgeline for about 3 miles and climbs through high meadows that
love of hiking inspired a transition to high-profile routes like the Smokies
Vermont’s Long Trail. Kelly was on track to break the A.T. speed record this past August, but a critical injury forced him to pack it in just 300 miles from Springer Mountain.
Hike I: Carvers Gap to Roan High Bluff, Roan Mountain, North Carolina / Tennessee
The 6.7-mile out-and-back on the A.T. includes some of the route’s
most coveted high-elevation scenery. The trek traces the spine of Roan Mountain and starts out with a near-thousand-foot climb through dense rhododendron thickets, spruce-fir forests and altitudinous grasslands to mindboggling vistas at 6,285-foot Roan High Knob—which is the fifth tallest peak on the A.T.
And things only get better from there. Elevation remains similar for the rest of the hike and a trio of lengthy balds brings profuse eye candy. The party concludes at a wooden viewing platform perched atop 6,240-foot Roan High Bluff.
“This might be my favorite spot on the Appalachian Trail,” says Kelly. “On a clear day, you can see for a hundred miles—and it’s nothing but wild, green valleys, forests and mountains.”
Hike II: Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock, North Carolina
The iconic, 5,945-foot peak sits about 20 miles from downtown Boone and is Kelly’s go-to for a hike with visiting friends. Take a scenic southwestward cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway to set the mood, then “take your pick from a ton of great trails,” he says.
Families with small children may prefer an easy but bucketlist-cool .8-mile jaunt to the ridge’s namesake peak that includes a stroll across the famous “Mile High Swinging Bridge.” A challenging, 9.1-mile out-and-back, meanwhile, ascends Green Ridge from a parking
lot on the outskirts of Banner Elk to amazing vistas from the top of 5,964-foot Calloway Peak.
TARA DOWER
Dower made international headlines when she shattered the A.T. supported speed record by a previously unfathomable 13 hours in September 2024. The 32-yearold ultramarathoner was raised in North Carolina and has broken a boatload of records since she went full-bore pro in 2020. Her resume recently added an FKT on the Long Trail in Vermont.
Favorite Hike: Crabtree Falls and
The Priest, Virginia Dower calls this one of Virginia’s most challenging and rewarding. Start off with a steep, 1.5-mile climb that parallels the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Enjoy near-omnipresent views of the Tye River tributary plummeting for 1,200 feet through a series of five, picturesque drops.
Pause above the upper falls for a northward tableau of the Tye’s South Fork, surrounding George Washington National Forest, and Fork Mountain from a 2,500-foot stone platform. Follow the creek through tunnelesque rhododendron forests and wildflower meadows, then head NOBO on the AT to a bouldery, 4,063-foot summit that opens onto what Dower calls a “breathtaking panorama” of the peak’s namesake wilderness area.
Hiker’s Gear Picks
With the annual warm-weather winddown on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about fall hiking gear. Here are three pro-endorsed options
ASTRAL TR1 MESH 2.0
This next-gen, ultralight trail shoe is fast-drying, super breathable and boasts a natural shape that’s geared for performance. Astral’s patented zero-drop footbed, slightly wider toe box, and nitrogen-infused TPE foam midsole provides superior support, responsiveness, and overall balance.
MAMMUT HIKING V PANT
The Swiss brand is known for elite quality and a focus on sustainability,
and these pants profoundly meet the mark. The recycled polyamide and elastane fabric is plush but rugged and offers lightweight, four-way stretchability. UPF 50 sun protection, and a wicking finish.
GREGORY KIRO 24
Looking for a tech-driven daypack that combines peak comfort and durability but won’t break the bank? The streamlined Kiro brings features like easy-access external stretchmesh pockets, loads of interior nooks, trekking pole attachments and Gregory’s CloudControl strap system / 3D foam back panel for a stable and supportive fit that feels almost garment-like.
SCARLET TANAGERS SPEND WINTERS IN
SOUTH AMERICA AND RETURN TO THE
APPALACHIANS TO BREED. PHOTO BY REBECCA BOYD
JOHN KOON WASN’T ALWAYS a birder. Though he grew up backpacking and camping, his avian expertise was only “Boy Scout merit badge-deep.” That changed during his last tour in the Navy, when he was stationed at an embassy in West Africa.
“The birds there were incredible,” Koon recalls. “I had some friends who were birders, and they got me into it. When I came back stateside, I was hooked for good.”
Now based in Asheville, N.C., Koon spends his days chasing scarlet tanagers and red-bellied woodpeckers as president of the Blue Ridge Audubon Chapter. He says the region is a birder’s paradise—its ridges, valleys, and river corridors
knit together a mosaic of habitats that never disappoint.
“This area is wonderful for birds in pretty much any season of the year,” Koon says. “Go up a couple thousand feet on the Blue Ridge Parkway and you’ll meet one mix of species, then drop down into the valleys and it’s completely different again.”
Curious about the Blue Ridge’s feathered treasures, or just wondering who’s singing in your backyard? These beginner-friendly tips from Koon and other seasoned birders will help you spread your wings.
Tip #1: Tap the Apps, Crack the Books
Once upon a time, birders had to lug around brick-thick field guides,
WHETHER AT A FEEDER OR ALONG A MOUNTAIN TRAIL, THE BLUE RIDGE HUMS WITH BIRDLIFE. PHOTO COURTESY OF VISITNC.COM
flipping through page after page to match a mystery bird. Now? There’s an app for that.
Merlin Bird ID, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, helps you identify birds in seconds—whether you record a song, snap a photo, or type in a few details. Its sister app, eBird, shows real-time maps of what other birders are reporting nearby. “These apps have really lowered the barriers for people who want to get into birding,” says Koon.
But don’t ditch the paperbacks just yet. Kevin Burke, who owns Carolina Nature Tours in Hendersonville, N.C., still swears by his dog-eared copy of “The Sibley Guide to Birds” by David Sibley.
“There are a lot of good field guides out there,” Burke says. “Find one that works for you and have it handy while birding.”
Tip #2: Find Your Flock
If you’re new to the pastime, surround yourself with bird nerds— the kind who can tell a Carolina wren’s teakettle song from a white-throated sparrow’s plaintive whistle, or spot the tail-bobbing of an eastern phoebe.
“Connect with local bird watching enthusiasts,” says Tennessee nature photographer Rebecca Boyd. “They can become friends, companions on group outings, and guides to spotting elusive species.”
Luckily, there’s no shortage of company in the birding world. More than 500 Audubon chapters exist across the United States, and most host beginner-friendly walks in local parks and sanctuaries. There are also regional groups like the Carolina Bird Club, which unites bird lovers from both Carolinas for seasonal meetings, field trips, and educational programs.
Tip #3: Start Close to Home
You don’t need to disappear into the backcountry to be a birder. Some of the best lessons happen right outside your window. Cardinals at the feeder, chickadees in the hedges, robins tugging at worms in the lawn—these familiar faces are an easy way to ease into the bigger birding world.
“Once you know the common species,” says Burke, “the unusual ones stand out.”
Backyard birding also trains your eye for the subtleties: the downy woodpecker’s steady tap, the goldfinch’s buoyant flight, the nuthatch shuffling headfirst down a trunk. Pay close attention, and those “little brown birds” that once looked alike will start to reveal their differences.
When you’re ready to venture beyond the fence line, bring a solid pair of binoculars—8x42s strike the
OFTEN HEARD BEFORE THEY’RE SEEN, BARRED OWLS ARE VOCAL YEAR-ROUND. PHOTO BY REBECCA BOYD
CHOOSE YOUR PATH.
Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Alamance County. Tucked between the mountains and the coast, our towns offer small surprises at every turn. Whether by land or water, you’ll find numerous trails winding their way through parks, alongside lakes and over enchanted waterways – such as the Haw River Trail, part of the Mountains to Sea Trail. What you find at the end of the trail may just be yourself.
You’ll find small surprises lead to big memories in Alamance County.
best balance of clarity, brightness, and comfort.
Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Wing It
Every birder blows an ID now and then. In fact, it’s practically a rite of passage. Maybe you’ll swear a chipmunk’s chatter is some rare warbler or spend 20 minutes arguing with yourself over whether that hawk overhead is a Cooper’s or a sharp-shinned.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” says Koon. “What matters is showing up with a willingness to learn.”
Those slip-ups aren’t failures— they’re steppingstones. Each one pushes you to slow down, look closer, and listen a little harder the next time.
As Burke puts it, “The difference between a novice birder and an expert birder is that the novice birder has misidentified hundreds of birds, and the expert birder has misidentified thousands.”
FEATHERED FAVORITES: 4 BLUE RIDGE BIRDING HOTSPOTS
These four birder-approved destinations showcase the Blue Ridge at its best.
Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary — Asheville, North Carolina
At just eight acres, this north Asheville gem is small but mighty.
“It’s a migrant trap,” says Koon. “Birds flying along see this patch of woods by a lake and know it’s good for food.”
More than 200 species have been recorded here, from green herons stalking the shallows to goldfinches brightening the meadows.
Peaks of Otter — Bedford, Virginia
Perched at around 4,000 feet on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Peaks of Otter is a haven for high-elevation and migrant-specialist birds. “I once hiked a mile there and saw 35 species,” says Koon. The area offers a mix
ELIZABETHTON • ROAN MOUNTAIN • WATAUGA LAKE
of trails for all skill levels, from the gentle, family-friendly Abbott Lake Loop Trail to the steep, three-mile Sharp Top Trail.
Seven Islands State Birding Park — Kodak, Tennessee
Tennessee’s only state park devoted to birding packs remarkable diversity into its 416 acres. “Here, I first encountered indigo buntings and prothonotary warblers,” says Boyd. “Each visit yields memorable experiences.” The mix of grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands attracts everything from bald eagles to yellow-
breasted chats, while careful habitat management helps northern bobwhite quail thrive in rare numbers.
Trout Lake — Blowing Rock, North Carolina
For Paul Laurent, a member of the Carolina Bird Club, Trout Lake is a must-stop. “It’s great for breeding warblers, as well as migrants in spring and fall,” he says. On good mornings, blackburnian warblers blaze orange from the canopy while wood thrushes call from the understory. “The diversity here really shows what makes the Southern Highlands so special.”
THE KENTUCKY WARBLER BREEDS IN THE SOUTHEAST BEFORE WINTERING IN CENTRAL AMERICA. PHOTO BY KEVIN BURKE
THE HERMIT THRUSH IS BEST KNOWN FOR ITS ETHEREAL, FLUTE-LIKE SONG.
PHOTO BY PAUL LAURENT
BY ERIC J. WALLACE
Great Blue Ridge Disc Golf Courses Five
These destination-grade links offer stunning views and gorgeous mountain scenery near cool towns with great amenities.
DISC GOLF IS ON THE RISE. Picturesque settings, relatively cheap equipment and about zero pretentiousness have helped the sport explode in popularity and spread around the world like some kind of amiable pandemic. What started as an inventive game of frisbee for California summer campers in the 1960s has since birthed a high-stakes international pro tour and tens of thousands of courses.
Lucky for us, the Blue Ridge region is home to some of the best and most beautiful. Here, we
highlight five, destination-grade links that offer wooded escapes, scenic views, and proximity to cool mountain towns with sweet aprèsround amenities.
LOCUST POST BREWERY, LITTLE ORLEANS, MARYLAND
A husband-and-wife artist duo has created a haven for craft-beer-loving disc golfers in the rural mountains of Maryland’s western panhandle. The tasting room for the course’s eponymous brewery sits about 20
miles west of Berkley Springs, W.Va., and centers a large farmstead on the outskirts of 47,500-acre Green Ridge State Forest.
The nine-bucket course winds through pastures with lovely views of protected lands along the Cacapon Mountain range to the east and Town Hill ridgeline to the west. It features frequent forays into forests that feel more natural than manicured. Holes also bring an opportunity to check out artisan barns crafted from lumber harvested onsite.
Stay
/ Eat
Take your rest in an overhauled turn-of-the-century Victorian home at the Grand Castalian Inn in the historic hot springs town of Berkely Springs. The newly and elegantly restored stay spot offers a mix of modern farmhouse luxury and period nods like tufted camelback sofas and ornately carved mahogany four-post beds. Feast on upscale steakhouse cuisine and sample expertly crafted cocktails just down the street at Proof on Washington.
GREENBRIER STATE FOREST, CALDWELL, WEST VIRGINIA
If you’re in the market for Alleghany eye candy, it doesn’t get much better than this. The 24-hole course unfolds across 5,100 acres of protected lands along the undulating, 2,000-plus-foot ridgeline of White Rock Mountain. Stunning views of surrounding peaks and the bucolic Greenbrier Valley are near omnipresent on the mostly open and meadowy front nine—which makes for a fun fall foliage outing. Back links are almost exclusively forested and offer challenges like hard bootlegs to buckets, steep ascents up wooden stairways, and multiple crossings
over large, bouldery creeks.
The rich scenery has won the course a widespread following and attracted annual tournaments sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association.
Stay / Eat
Pitch a tent, grab a rustic log cabin in the state forest, or spring for something more upscale eight miles away in the lowkey, artsy community of Lewisburg. The Thomas Rose Inn dates to 1804 and has thoughtfully equipped suites that pay homage to its age while offering modern amenities. Celebrate the day with regional craft brews, wines, or cocktails paired with delicious
handhelds and wood-fired pizza at locally beloved Max on Main.
NEW LONDON TECH, FOREST, VIRGINIA
The nationally acclaimed, 18-hole course was designed (and recently redesigned) by legendary world champion, Paul McBeth, and is playing host to the Professional Disc Golf Association Champions Cup next spring (April 9-12). Leading disc golf app and website, UDisc, ranks it as one of the planet’s top 20 spots to play—and for good reason.
The action begins about 15 miles west of Lynchburg in the forested lands and open green spaces of the New London Business and
Technology Center. Links offer a wonderful mix of woodlands, creekcrossings, small ponds, gorgeously manicured fairways, and views of the distant Blue Ridge Mountains. Expect a challenging layout, prograde tee pads, and extremely well-maintained holes.
Diehard players will want to make a weekend of it by following up with a round at the equally formidable course at Ivy Hill Golf Club, which is hosting the DGPT Championship this month (October 15-18).
Stay / Eat
Overnight at the Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg’s Lower Basin Historic District in a former 1890s
DISC GOLFERS AT LOCUST POST BREWERY, HEADING FROM THE TAPROOM TO THE BREWERY'S 9-HOLE COURSE. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY TOURISM
riverfront shoe factory turned 44-room boutique. Stroll a few blocks up the street for European-inspired seasonal small plates at the hip and intimate Dish Restaurant & Wine Bar. The cocktail and wine menu is exquisite, and if you stick around long enough, you’ll catch some great live music on weekends.
SUGAR HOLLOW PARK, BRISTOL, VIRGINIA
This cherished 400-acre municipal park in southwest Virginia is about five miles from downtown Bristol. While it’s probably best known for 14 miles of purpose-built mountain biking trails, the professionally designed, 18-hole disc golf course is excellent and currently sits at number 67 on UDisc’s global Top 100 list. It meanders through a complex of high, picturesque meadows, mature deciduous forests, and pine groves interspersed with small creeks and a long tract of highelevation wetlands. discoverbristol. org/attractions/sugar-hollow-park
Stay / Eat
Take your rest in downtown Bristol at the Sessions Hotel. The immaculately renovated boutique holds 70 rooms decorated with touches that tip their hat to the building’s history as a 1920s music studio that helped birth country music. Head to Hickory at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards for inspired, locally sourced Appalachian-style cuisine courtesy of 2025 James Beard Foundation Best Chef semifinalist, Travis Milton.
NORTH COVE LEISURE
CLUB & DISC GOLF, MARION, NORTH CAROLINA
One of the few dedicated disc golf resorts in the U.S., North Cove is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest and is home to three of the most photogenic frisbee links on the planet. The 18-hole flagship, “Boulders,” is ranked 18th in the world by UDisc and hosts annual A-tier professional
November 27th - December 23rd
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLEGANY COUNTY TOURISM
competitions, including the Blue Ridge Championship.
The course fans out along the base of Honeycutt Mountain and features panoramas of undeveloped, 3,000-plus-foot peaks in the Linville Mountain range. The natural eye candy is complimented by a prograde layout that feels more PGA than local parks & rec. Here you get features like groomed sand traps, golf-style greens, and insanely cool holes along the Catawba River’s North Fork.
Stay / Eat
Indulge an overnight or two at the Switzerland Inn on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The chateau-style lodge sprawls across a 3,500-foot summit with soaring, southeastward views of the Chestnut Ridge and Pisgah National Forest. Of the inn’s four eateries, Chalet Restaurant steals the show with a broad menu of delectable, local-focused New American staples served in an elegant room with wraparound windows and vistas galore.
PATHFINDER: THE TRAILS ADVENTURE GUIDE
Fall in the Blue Ridge region means fiery hikes, golden bike rides, and trails that go beyond the outdoors. From ale pours to historic paths, the region offers countless ways to savor the season. Whether you’re chasing mountain views, pedaling backroads, or exploring local culture, this guide will help you find your path this fall.
TAKE A HIKE OR RIDE A BIKE IN PULASKI COUNTY, VA
Adventure in Pulaski County comes with plenty of options: pedal past sweeping river vistas, hike through scenic parkland, or roll into history where crayons were once born. From relaxing lakeside strolls to heartpumping singletrack thrills, every trail leads to fresh views, unexpected discoveries, and authentic local charm.
FUN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY TRAILS MEET LOCAL FLAVOR AND HISTORY
New River Trail State Park features over 10 miles of the 57-mile trail running through the county, with access points in Pulaski, Draper, Hiwassee, and Allisonia. The trail is wheelchair accessible and perfect for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Connected to the New River Trail, Hoover Mountain Bike Complex is a singletrack favorite, offering about three miles of thrilling rides with stunning views of an abandoned iron oxide mine once used for Crayola Crayons.
Randolph Park, located just off Interstate 81 exit 98, spans 87 acres and offers hiking-only trails alongside sports fields, courts, a waterpark, and a disc golf course. Claytor Lake State Park features about seven miles of relaxed trails around Virginia’s premier lake, suitable for both hiking and biking, including a wheelchairaccessible option. Both New River Trail and Claytor Lake provide regular updates and camping information on their websites!
The New River Trail connects Pulaski County’s natural assets, linking to the Dora Trail and Pulaski Bike Park , a skills park for BMX and mountain bikers. For a scenic journey, try the stretch from the Draper access point to Hiwassee (about four miles one way), where scenic river views begin about a mile in. At Claytor Lake State Park , visitors can explore the historic Howe House , enjoy nature exhibits, and attend events at the Water’s Edge Meeting Facility Local stops along the trails add a taste of Pulaski County’s charm. Thee Draper Village , located along the New River Trail, is perfect for a gourmet meal at Draper Mercantile , unique finds at The Merc Shops , or ice cream at The Conery The Mason Jar at Claytor Lake is also a favorite spot for visitors, serving great food with live music on most weekends.
VisitPulaskiVA.org
Near Allisonia, Hiwassee, and Hoover Mountain along the New River Trail, Iron Heart Winery offers cabins and scenic experiences in Pulaski County. SIP AND STAY!
OLD FORT ON THE RISE IN MCDOWELL COUNTY, NC
Tucked at the base of the Pisgah National Forest, Old Fort, NC has become the hub of outdoor recreation in McDowell County. With more than 42 miles of trails in the Grandfather Ranger District—and a recent expansion adding 8 new miles—the community continues to grow as a destination for hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and anyone looking to experience Western North Carolina’s natural beauty.
FROM RECOVERY TO RENEWAL
This growth hasn’t come easy. Trails like the Deep Cove Trail opened the week of September 25th, but after Hurricane Helene battered the region in fall 2024 with over 30 inches of rain, destructive winds and historic levels of flooding, trails and infrastructure across Old Fort were devastated. Thanks to the dedicated work of the Forest Service, G5 Trail Collective, Camp Grier, McDowell Tech, and hundreds of volunteers, the trails have been repaired and reopened—stronger than ever.
Old Fort’s trail system continues to grow with new options for every type of adventurer. The Catawba View Trail, a gentle 1.5-mile loop, offers family-friendly riding and sweeping views of
the Catawba River Valley. For a moderate challenge, the threemile Deep Cove Trail winds through rhododendron tunnels and rocky coves, while the 2.5-mile Camp Rock Trail climbs Jerdon Mountain to a ridge overlook into Camp Grier Valley. Shorter routes like the Jerdon Connector and Stagecoach Trail expand loop options and connect to the historic Point Lookout Greenway. Parking has also improved with new lots at the Gateway and Camp Grier trailheads, giving visitors easier access as flood-damaged areas continue to be restored.
Beyond the newest additions, Old Fort is already home to some of Western North Carolina’s most popular hikes and rides. The Catawba Falls Trail, a 4+ mile waterfall hike recently restored through the Great American
Outdoors Act, continues to draw thousands each year. For mountain bikers, the legendary Kitsuma Trail offers heartpumping climbs and technical descents just outside town.
Closer to downtown, the Gateway Trail System has quickly become a favorite for families, birdwatchers, trail runners, and equestrians. With its interconnected loops, riders can flow from Gateway to Foundation, Forager, and Oak Hollow before circling back to Jarrett Creek Road.
Old Fort’s history and culture add depth to its outdoor offerings. The Mountain Gateway Museum shares stories of pioneer life, Andrews Geyser honors rail and Civil War history, and monthly train depot tours give visitors a glimpse of the town’s railroad roots.
Local businesses also fuel the trail-town atmosphere. Hillman Beer – Old Fort is a post-ride favorite among cyclists. MountainTop Shuttles, operated
by local trail builder Jeremy Poore, helps riders link up routes. Outdoor retailers like Waterways and the Old Fort Bike Shop keep adventurers geared up, while eateries such as Foothills Watershed, Seeker Coffee, and the legendary Gogos Cinnamon Rolls give trail-goers a reason to stick around.
MORE THAN TRAILS
Before heading out, check for postHelene updates on the Destination McDowell website or stop by the Visitor Center at 91 Catawba Ave in Old Fort. TRAIL UPDATES
SCENIC TRAILS MEET SMALL-TOWN
CHARM IN THURMONT, MD
Thurmont, Maryland, offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm. Just minutes from the trails, you can explore the town’s vibrant Main Street, filled with local shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s the ideal destination for hikers looking to enjoy scenic routes while staying close to the heart of town for a post-hike bite or stroll.
WATERFALLS AND WINERIES
Just three miles from historic Main Street, Cunningham Falls State Park features Maryland’s highest cascading waterfall and a picturesque lake perfect for paddling and canoeing. Nearby, Catoctin Mountain Park offers 13 scenic trails, including Chimney Rock, Hog Rock, and Wolf Rock, while Cunningham Falls boasts 10 additional trails.
Main Street Thurmont features the Thurmont Trolley Trail, a scenic rail-to-trail ideal for walking and cycling. The town is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering excellent birding, fishing, and camping opportunities. With its rich natural habitat, Thurmont is a favorite spot for outdoor activities, and nature lovers will appreciate the area’s blend of scenic trails and diverse wildlife.
For those looking to unwind, Thurmont offers three wineries, including Springfield Manor Winery, Distillery, & Brewery the only venue of its kind in Maryland. Uncle Dirty’s Brew Works is a local favorite, along with numerous locally-owned restaurants like Thurmont Kountry Kitchen, 10Tavern, and Mountain Gate Restaurant. For Italian or Mexican cuisine, check out Fratelli’s, Rocky’s NY Pizza & Italian Restaurant, and Los Amigos
Thurmont is home to three of Maryland’s five historic covered bridges, the Catoctin Wildlife Preserve with 800 exotic animals, and the storied Catoctin Furnace, rich in history. As one of the 34 designated Main Streets in Maryland and an accredited National Main Street, Thurmont offers a perfect mix of outdoor beauty, rich history, and local flavor.
Hike Chimney Rock in Catoctin Mountain Park on a clear day, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking, endless views!
BLAZING NEW PATHS IN ALLEGHANY
HIGHLANDS, VA
From rugged ridges to scenic riverside paths, the Alleghany Highlands offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re on two wheels, two feet, or horseback, the region’s trails and parks deliver a true mountain getaway.
TRAILS FOR EVERY EXPLORER
Douthat State Park is a must-visit for mountain bikers. Nationally recognized for its extensive trail system, the park’s challenging singletrack and rolling terrain keep riders coming back for more. Thanks to the support of the Alleghany Highlands Trails Alliance, these trails are continually maintained and improved, ensuring topquality riding experiences.
Hikers will find no shortage of adventure either. The Blue Suck Falls Trail rewards effort with waterfall views and ridge-top overlooks. For panoramic mountain vistas, the Tuscarora Overlook Trail offers a rewarding out-and-back climb. Meanwhile, the North Mountain Trail stretches 8.6 rigorous miles through hardwood forest, perfect for those seeking
a full-day trek.
Another gem is the Jackson River Scenic Trail, now spanning 16 miles. Ideal for biking, walking, or horseback riding, this rail trail winds along the river with gentle grades and sweeping scenery. Alleghany Outdoors, the region’s local outfitter, makes it easy to explore with bike and e-bike rentals, as well as river and lake experiences. For a unique adventure, Let’s Ride Horses provides guided horseback rides along the Jackson River Scenic Trail, within Douthat State Park and throughout the national forest in the region.
After a day outdoors, recharge at Jack Mason’s Tavern & Brewery in Clifton Forge, enjoy a convenient meal at Family Treet’s near Douthat State Park, or grab wings and handhelds at The Rail Bar & Grille in Covington.
VisitAlleghanyHighlands.com
The Alleghany Highlands Trails Alliance is a local nonprofit dedicated to maintaining and improving trail access. Their work ensures visitors—from casual hikers to seasoned travel writers—experience the region at its very best.
TRAILS TO LIFT YOUR SPIRITS IN MARTINSBURG, WV
Martinsburg, West Virginia is blessed with some great hiking opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk in the woods, or a challenging climb to a mountain overlook there’s a trail just for you.
PEACEFUL WALKS AND RUGGED TREKS
For a peaceful walk in the woods it’s hard to beat the Tuscarora Trail. The Tuscarora is a 250 mile-long spur trail of the Appalachian Trail with trailheads near Luray, Virginia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Much of the 33 miles in West Virginia is located within the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and the light blue blazes in the Tuscarora Trail system are located along a number of footpaths, including the Meadow Branch Trail, Old Still Trail, Beacon Trail, Pee Wee Point Trail, and Brush Creek Trail
The Beacon Trail leads you up a rugged path to the fire tower and on to the Pee Wee Point Trail. Pee Wee Point is a picturesque
setting at the end of the mountain perfect for photo-worthy moments. After leaving Beacon Trail, the blue-blazed section of the Pee Wee Point Trail goes on a fairly long downhill course. Anyone looking to get away from the crowds on many of the local trails would enjoy this hike.
One of the most beautiful short hikes in Sleepy Creek WMA is Devil’s Nose. This hike takes you down rugged trails to Meadow Branch along a stretch with numerous rapids, rock formations, a waterfall, and ten-foot high blooming rhododendrons in spring.
The WV Route 9 Bike Path follows the busy thoroughfare from Martinsburg to the Charles Town/ Ranson area. It is a popular path for power walking or bike riding, with stops along the way highlighting points of interest.
After a day of hiking, explore the local spirits around the county. Relax and enjoy a refreshing bourbon sweet tea at Black Draft Distillery, celebrated for its agri-tourism vibe. What once began as a family horse farm is now serving up good times with moonshine. Black Draft produces whiskey and bourbon using unique and all-natural ingredients sourced less than 10 miles away. Try seasonal flavors at this locally
owned distillery! Be sure to take a tour and sample tastings, as they host various events throughout the year in their charming farm buildings and various outdoor entertainment spaces.
If you prefer beer, head to Amani Brewing, the county’s only brewery, where you can enjoy a great craft beer in their beautiful taproom or relax outside in the fenced-in area. For wine lovers, The Rusty Nail Winery offers a unique small farm experience with different grape varieties and warm
hospitality right in Martinsburg.
The perfect way to finish the night is The Young American – Martini Bar & Lounge in downtown Martinsburg. A stylish martini bar inspired by jazz-era elegance. Young American offers expertly crafted cocktails, live music, and an inviting atmosphere perfect for a night out.
a county-owned park that consists of 225 acres, which includes five miles of biking and hiking trails traversing wooded hills and valleys and wrapping around a well-stocked pond.
SIP THE NIGHT AWAY
Poor House Farm Park is
LOCAL GEM
FROM STROLLS TO SUMMITS IN RANDOLPH COUNTY, WV
From quick strolls near Elkins to multi-day backcountry treks, Randolph County’s trails offer everything from sweeping views to quiet campsites, fishing, and endless miles of wilderness to explore.
A TREK FOR EVERYONE
Randolph County offers a variety of hiking trails for every skill level and adventure style. Whether you’re looking for a quick scenic stroll near downtown or a rugged backcountry overnight experience, there’s a trail for you. Large trail systems can be mixed and matched for easy day hikes, trail runs, or longer backpacking trips. Wilderness areas like Otter Creek and Laurel Fork feature dozens of miles of forested trails, perfect for camping, fishing, and hunting.
travel with caution. Off-trail camping is allowed in most Wilderness Areas, while car and RV camping is free on a first-come, first-served basis at Mower Tract, Stonecoal Dispersed Camping Area, and Lower Glady Dispersed Camping Area
GEAR UP AND RECHARGE
FALL INTO FUN IN BRISTOL, TN/VA
Because of its location in the foothills of the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains, the scenery in Bristol is always worthy of a visit, but when fall rolls around, it reaches its peak. Whether you’re more of a casual leaflooker or a hardcore hiker during the autumn months, Bristol offers an abundance of sites you can visit to enjoy the area’s vibrant colors.
Near the popular Dolly Sods Wilderness, Roaring Plains Wilderness offers quieter trails with wind-swept plains and highelevation views. The Allegheny Trail, West Virginia’s longest hiking trail, stretches over 40 miles through Randolph County. For a nature-filled experience closer to downtown Elkins, Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area is an ideal option.
Most trails in the Monongahela National Forest are open year-round, though many forest roads aren’t maintained in winter—so
Before hitting the trails, stock up on essentials like socks and trail maps at Trickett’s in Elkins’ downtown historic district. You can even pick up maps while enjoying a craft beer at Big Timber Brewing. Through-hikers on the Allegheny Trail often stop to resupply, enjoy a farm-to-table meal, or rest at Laurel River Club BnB. Other cozy cabins near the trails include the historic Middle Mountain Cabins in Laurel Fork Wilderness and the Trails at Files Creek near Beverly. After a day on the trails, treat yourself to seasonal dishes at Alpine Lodge and Restaurant or Smoke on the Water
South Holston Lake is an ideal destination for autumn hikes, offering stunning views from South Holston Dam. The lake is framed by vibrant fall foliage, pristine waters, and miles of untouched shoreline. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, including boating, kayaking, fishing, camping, and biking.
Steele Creek Park, Tennessee’s thirdlargest municipal park, offers over 2,200 acres of fall beauty. Its 52-acre lake and surrounding hills turn into a stunning palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. Choose an easy lakeside hike or tackle the Ridge Runner Trail for panoramic foliage views. The park is perfect for kayaking, fishing, golf, disc golf, and biking.
Sugar Hollow Park’s 400 acres also provide incredible fall views, making it
ideal for hiking, camping, and outdoor sports. Other fall treks include hiking and biking along the Mendota Trail or heading underground at Bristol Caverns
While enjoying Bristol’s autumn beauty, don’t miss these attractions. Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, to explore Bristol’s role in music history. For racing fans, Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway are mustsees, two of the world’s most famous racing facilities. Check out the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol for gaming, concerts, hotel, spa, dining, and concerts!
Be sure to explore The Pinnacle, the region’s largest outdoor shopping center, historic Downtown Bristol with its local restaurants, breweries, and shops, and The Falls for new dining and shopping options.
HIKE HIGHLIGHTS
For those looking for a longer hike, the South Holston Lake area is close to the famous Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail!
DISCOVER THE EASY SIDE OF WILD IN HARDY COUNTY, MD
Whether you’re on your feet or on your seat, autumn is the perfect season to experience Hardy County’s stories and trails. As the mountains turn brilliant shades of crimson, amber, and gold, the crisp air and sweeping vistas invite you to slow down and discover the easy side of wild, wonderful West Virginia.
For hikers, Hardy County offers endless opportunities to wander beneath colorful canopies. At Trout Pond Recreational Area, home to West Virginia’s only natural lake. Okay, sometimes it’s just a puddle, but the beautiful limestone sinkhole is a small natural wonder in itself. Connected to underground aquifers, the water levels can change drastically, making it a geological anomaly in the state and well worth the visit. In addition Rockcliff Lake offers fishing, and swimming in warmer months, and numerous trails for all activity levels wind through serene woodlands throughout this protected spot.
Not far away, Lost River State Park offers 23 miles of hiking and equestrian trails that showcase the season at its best. The climb to Cranny Crow Overlook rewards you with panoramic views of five counties, and following the
ridgeline to other overlooks you can see the mountain tops roll away in a patchwork of fall color. Wildlife is plentiful, and the park’s historic cabins add a rustic charm that makes every walk feel like a step back in time.
For those seeking a wilder adventure, the George Washington National Forest Lee Ranger District stretches into Hardy County with a vast network of trails. Here, you’ll find everything from leisurely paths to challenging backcountry routes, perfect for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders eager to explore the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains in their autumn glory.
The Hardy County Barn Quilt Trail also invites travelers to explore scenic backroads dotted with brightly painted quilt squares adorning barns, businesses, and homes. Each design tells a story of heritage, artistry, and community, and the drive is especially stunning when framed by autumn foliage.
Cyclists, motorcyclists, and those looking for a scenic drive, will also find their trail here on the Ride the
High 5, a regional collaboration including several loops of mountain roads over five counties that deliver sweeping curves, ridgeline views, and valleys alive with color. With over 700 miles across five routes, it’s an unforgettable ride in the crisp, clear days of fall.
Hardy County’s trails— whether by foot or by wheel— offer a rare balance: adventure and ease, discovery and comfort. You can challenge yourself with a steep ascent, meander along a quiet stream, or simply enjoy
the view from your car window as the countryside glows with autumn light.
This fall, come walk, ride, or wander where the trails lead. Experience the beauty, the stories, and the freedom of the mountains. Experience the easy side of wild.
VisitHardyWV.com
SCENIC DRIVES AND ROLLING RIDES
TRAILS THAT TELL STORIES
The Historic School House Trail links one and two-room schoolhouses with stories of Hardy County’s past, making it a trail where both footsteps and imagination wander. HISTORY MEETS NATURE
FIND SWVA, FIND YOURSELF AT BREATH OF DAWN
This 35-acre mountaintop homestead in Southwest Virginia is where trails meet tranquility. Start your day on the farm with a 1.3-mile loop, dropping 323 feet from ridge top to valley and back; choose multiple spurs to your favorite overlook, or join a guided farm hike to meet rescue animals and learn about sustainable living. Off-site, make time for the popular Devil’s Bathtub, a moderate 3.6-mile hike with creek crossings and a clear natural pool, or explore the sandstone labyrinth at The Channels. Ask
farm Proprietor, Jessica Monroe, for hike recommendations and she’ll say, Little Stony Falls, Bear Rock, and Mendota Fire Tower at sunset.
After exploring, settle into a primitive mountaintop A-frame, the new amenity-rich cabin opening Fall 2025, or pitch a tent in Camp Grassland primitive campsites. Enjoy amazing views, wildlife, and quiet nights under the stars. Plan your stay at BreathofDawnVA.com and rediscover stillness on the trail.
The Mendota Trail is a scenic 12.5mile path winding through the beautiful countryside of Washington County, Virginia, connecting Bristol to Mendota. Perfect for hikers and bikers of all skill levels, the trail offers gentle grades, peaceful forests, bubbling creeks, and open fields—a true escape into nature.
Once a Southern Railroad corridor, the Mendota Trail carries a rich history, with remnants of its railroad past still visible along the path. In 2020, the property
was transferred to the Mendota Trail Conservancy, Inc., which restored fifteen trestles and, by August 2023, completed the full 12.5-mile connection from Bristol to Mendota. The trail is now under Washington County’s care, ensuring its preservation and enjoyment for all.
Whether you’re seeking a leisurely walk, a bike adventure, or a history-filled outing, the Mendota Trail welcomes everyone to explore its beauty and stories. WashCoVa.com
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 3 Deadline: November 3
FORCE ON THE FAIRWAY: Q&A WITH PRO DISC GOLFER COREY ELLIS
MOST KIDS GROW UP WANTING to be astronauts or race car drivers. Not Corey Ellis. After his dad handed him a disc at age five, he was hooked. Today, the Milton, West Virginia, native is competing on the world stage with sponsorships from Discraft and Squatch and even a signature shoe from Idio Sports. Between tournaments, we caught up with Ellis to talk about the grind of training, staying calm in big moments, and chasing a dream against all odds.
BRO: What was your childhood like, and how did disc golf come into the picture?
Ellis: My dad took me out to play disc golf when I was five. We didn’t have a lot of money growing up, but my parents made sure we never went without. Disc golf was great because all you needed was your discs, and if you didn’t lose them, you could keep playing for free.
BRO: When did you realize you wanted to take it beyond a hobby and go pro?
Ellis: In 2009, my aunt—my dad’s sister—passed away in a house fire. She had three daughters, and my dad was the only one left to take them in. That same summer, he got laid off from work. My mom told me, “Why don’t you go spend time with your dad? Go play disc golf with him.” That summer, we played two or three rounds a day, every single day, rain or shine. I got good really fast, and shortly after that, I started playing tournaments. That fall, my dad took me to the U.S. Disc Golf Championship in Rock Hill, South Carolina. At the end of the event, they had a distance showcase over a big lake—guys were throwing 700 or 800 feet. I thought it was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. From then on, that’s all I wanted to do.
BRO: When did disc golf shift from something you did on the side to your main job?
Ellis: After high school, I worked as a server at a Mexican restaurant for three and a half years. They were really good with my schedule, so I could play local pro tournaments on the weekends. On my lunch break, I’d go home and practice putting
in my backyard every day for that whole hour and a half. That really helped me get to another level. In 2018, I got sponsored by Discraft, and after that, I got overwhelmed trying to balance two jobs. I quit the restaurant and went on tour fulltime. I’ve been living off disc golf ever since.
BRO: How did people react when you said you were pursuing a career as a professional disc golfer?
Ellis: To be completely honest, I didn’t tell people for a while. If I explained that I was traveling to play tournaments, they’d just be confused or think it was a joke. Almost everybody—except for a handful of people—told me to stop playing and get a real job. One older guy told me I should quit so I could pay into his Social Security. That was in 2018. Now, I’m a major champion and get paid to play.
BRO: What’s the biggest misconception about disc golf?
Ellis: People still label it as a “hippie” sport because of the old image of people throwing frisbees on the beach. And yeah, there are casual players. But at the pro level, it’s different. In Finland, for example, there were over 10,000 spectators at the Professional Disc Golf Association World Championships. It’s a big deal.
BRO: What are some recent career highlights?
Ellis: This year’s World Championships in Finland was my best finish yet—14th place. I also won the 2023 European Open, the 2024 New Zealand National Championship, and I’m a fourtime West Virginia State Doubles Champion with my dad.
BRO: Do you have a go-to disc setup?
Ellis: For putting, I use a Discraft Challenger OS. For driving, it just depends on the hole. For distance, I will use a Discraft Force. For
D i s c o v e r Y o u r D i s c o v e r Y o u r T r a i l T r a i l
WITH WINS AT THE EUROPEAN OPEN AND NEW ZEALAND NATIONALS, PRO DISC GOLFER COREY ELLIS HAS BECOME A GLOBAL NAME. PHOTO BY KEVIN HUVER
midrange, I use a Discraft Buzzz. BRO: Is there a player you’ve especially looked up to or learned from?
Ellis: Growing up, I watched every bit of disc golf content I could find on YouTube. Paul McBeth was a huge influence on me. Now he’s a good friend—we’ve even stayed at his house in Florida during the winter and played a couple of tournaments together.
BRO: What does your routine look like when you’re on tour?
Ellis : We’re on the road at least nine months a year, logging 35,000 miles or more, so it’s a lot of travel. Whenever we can, we cook instead of eating out. Lately, that’s meant a lot of pasta. We can make a big batch and eat on it for a couple of days. I try to keep my diet pretty clean. I don’t drink soda and stick mostly to water and coffee. But I only drink one cup of
coffee before a tournament round, so I don’t get jittery. On the training side, I putt 200 to 300 times a day and do mobility exercises before every round to prevent injury. I also use a breathing technique I learned from a sports psychologist to slow my heart rate and stay calm under pressure, especially in those big moments.
BRO: What’s your favorite course to play, and why?
Ellis: I’d have to say Rotary Park in Huntington, West Virginia, because it’s where I grew up playing. With the long tees and certain pin positions, it’s not an easy course. Even though it’s one of the older courses in the state, it can still challenge a lot of players.
BRO: What’s your best tip for someone just getting into the sport?
Ellis: Remember to have fun. That’s why we all started playing, after all.
WEST VIRGINIA’S COREY ELLIS HAS RISEN FROM BACKYARD PUTTS TO PODIUMS. PHOTO BY KEVIN HUVER
BY MIKE BEZEMEK
Filling a Gap
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area makes for a surprisingly adventurous destination on the Pennsylvania-New Jersey state line.
IT’S NOT EVERY DAY
THAT YOU stumble across two stellar national park units near the busiest metro on the East Coast. But on a Monday in early August, roughly 70 miles inland from New York City, my wife and I did just that. After our first visit to the Adirondacks, we were towing our camper south through rural mountain highways to avoid the infamous I-95 corridor. Then we turned onto NY Route 97 and began following the upper Delaware River.
We’d long heard the stories about George Washington and the Continental Army crossing the lower Delaware River to attack British-allied mercenaries near Trenton, N.J. But we knew far less about the upstream stretches of the longest undammed river in the East. As we drove through leafy forests, catching glimpses of sparkling blue waters with white-topped riffles, it was easy to understand why these pristine 73 miles are managed by the park service as a wild and
scenic river.
However, exploring this impressive upper section would have to wait, as we continued into Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. We’d chosen this particular NPS unit, which protects a 40-mile corridor of the middle Delaware River, for a few reasons. In addition to paddling, it offers a promising cluster of activities: waterfall hikes, camping, bike paths, scenic drives, and historic sites. On paper, the DWG seemed downright “national park-like,” so the biggest question was if the experience would match the map.
DINGMANS FALLS AND CAMPGROUND
For our three nights, we set up our camper in the wooded Dingmans Campground, which put us in the middle of the rec area. Venturing out from there, we soon came to realize that this is a scenic park unit filled with contradictions.
In the 1960s, the US Army Corps acquired this Appalachian river corridor for a planned dam and reservoir. Due to widespread local and environmental opposition, the plan was eventually abandoned. The Delaware River remained free-flowing, and the rec area was transferred to the National Park Service.
Today, at both the north and south ends of rec area, there are abandoned entrance stations that hint at better-funded days long past. There’s no entrance fee, but moderate parking fees are charged at the five major river access points and beach sites.
The rec area averages just over four million visitors per year, which makes it one of the most visited NPS units, with comparable numbers to major national parks like Rocky Mountain, Acadia, and Grand Teton. However, most DWG visitors come on Saturdays and Sundays from spring through fall. In fact, during
our midweek summer visit, we saw very few people at the campground and most outdoor sites.
One exception was the Dingmans Creek Trail, which we visited on our arrival afternoon. This is one of the most popular spots in the park, seeing a steady stream of visitors shuffling between the parking lot, Dingmans Falls Visitor Center, and walking path. The half-mile boardwalk trail follows a lush creek gorge past Silverthread Falls to several lookouts below and above the impressive Dingmans Falls.
THE MCDADE RECREATIONAL TRAIL
The longest trail in the area is the McDade Recreational Trail, which is popular for hiking, running, and biking. This multiuse gravel path runs for 31 miles along the west side of the Delaware, with occasional river views while passing through dense riparian forest and
THE SCENIC VIEW OF DINGMANS FALLS.
DINGMANS FALLS VISITORS CENTER.
BIKERS WIND THROUGH THE WOODS ON THE MCDADE RECREATIONAL TRAIL.
adjacent farmlands. Since the trail conveniently connects the river access points, it’s also perfect for a bike shuttle.
So, on Tuesday, we locked up our kayaks by the campground launch ramp and drove downstream to Bushkill Access. After paying the parking fee, we biked north along the pleasant gravel trail. We’d chosen this section because the visitor center staff said it avoided a closure, due to storm damage, elsewhere on the McDade. However, we soon received a contradictory report.
“Bridge out, a ways up!” shouted an oncoming gravel cyclist as he flew past.
This happened so fast, it took us a while to comprehend the cyclist’s words. Next, we came across a casual biker who said he’d
turned around at a closure sign but hadn’t seen this supposedly flooddestroyed bridge.
“You can’t get through,” lamented the biker. “You’ll have to turn around.”
This was unwelcome news, given the only alternatives were to skip kayaking on this hot day, or we could ride around on the very busy Highway 209 that bisects the park. I explained our predicament and the misinformation we’d received at the visitor center.
“People,” sighed the biker, as we parted ways.
Sensing something was amiss, we rode past the closure sign to inspect the situation. From what we’d heard, I expected a chaotic scene straight out of the Himalayas. Vegetation stripped away by a flash flood. A former bridge site buried
by mud and boulders. Instead, a canted wooden bridge had one missing board and was wrapped like a mummy with a hundred feet of yellow caution tape. In the babbling brook, local cyclists had placed some tree-trunk slices as makeshift steps. We were across in less than a minute and on our way to kayaking.
PADDLING THE DELAWARE RIVER
Paddling away from shore, it felt exciting to explore such a historic river. There are about a dozen access points throughout the rec area, offering shorter and longer options. We wondered how many people we’d encounter on our 10mile run from Dingmans to Bushkill on a Tuesday afternoon.
The answer was maybe 30 between two canoeing groups and
some few families on shore. During three hours on the water, we saw mostly trees, birds, and jumping fish. The river was wide with a mix of moving currents, slower pools, and occasional riffles or wave trains. We saw one motorboat, which was forced to turn back downstream due to shoals. My wife enjoyed these minor rapids so much, we talked about planning a whitewater paddling trip for the near future.
MILLFORD, PENNSYLVANIA AND GREY TOWERS NHS
That evening, we went to Millford, Pa., for drinks and dinner. We started at Log Tavern Brewing, which offers an impressive selection of craft beers. Despite not being a beer drinker, my wife was surprised by the sweetness of the peanut butter chocolate stout. Between
this first visit and coming back a second night, I sampled a solid New England IPA, a West Coast IPA, and a Czech pilsner. For dinner, we walked through the quaint mountain town to the Historic Dimmick Inn and sat on the porch.
The next morning, we visited the nearby Grey Towers National Historic Site. This preserved French chateau was the summer home of Gifford Pinchot, the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, which today manages the site. There are several walking paths around the estate, plus house tours and museum exhibits.
OLD MINE ROAD AND RAYMONDSKILL FALLS
On our last day, we hit several more highlights, including the Old Mine Road, an unpaved scenic drive that leads past several historic colonial buildings on the way to the recreated historic townsite of Millbrook Village. The road is on
the New Jersey side of the rec area, which also contains about 28 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
Then we drove through rural neighborhoods toward Interstate 80, which passes through the actual water gap, where the Delaware River cuts through a ridge of the Appalachians. Along the way, we encountered numerous yard signs proclaiming, “No National Park,” in reference to a proposal to upgrade the designation of the rec area.
The other highlight of our last day was hiking from the Raymondskill Falls Trailhead. The short and steep trails to the tiered falls and Conabaugh Creek were very pretty. Then we hiked the Cliff Trail along a woodsy ridgetop to several overlooks. This afforded us one final view of the historic Delaware River and a surprising NPS rec area that, while it may not be called a national park, definitely has the qualities of one.
Weverton Cliff Overlook
THE GOODS HIKING
BOOT STRAPPIN’
CHECK OUT OUR TOP PICKS FOR GEAR FOR THE TRAIL— WHETHER YOU ARE HEADING OUT FOR A FEW HOURS OR A FEW NIGHTS—THIS FALL.
BY DOUG SCHNITZSPAHN
Mountain Equipment
Aerotherm
Here’s the ideal shell for cool fall days when you are moving fast in the mountains. The quick drying Aerotherm breathes surprisingly well, while keeping you warm, and shucks off light weather thanks to a PFAS-free DWR. It’s a versatile shell for backpacking, since it makes a great midlayer and easily stows away in small spaces. $250; us.mountain-equipment. com
Paka Trail ¾ Crew Socks
If you have read these reviews before, you know we adore Paka’s comfy alpaca wool. Enjoy that comfort as well as the fast-drying and insulative properties of this natural fabric out on the trail in our new favorite hiking socks. $24; pakaapparel.com
Osprey
Exos 58
The perfect size for overnight missions or big thru-hikes on long trails, this pack—made from 100% recycled materials—tips the scales at an impressive 2.84 pounds without skimping on fit and durability. There’s plenty of ventilation in the back and the top section can be removed to slim things down even more. $280; osprey. com
Lifestraw
Limited Edition Go Series
Staying hydrated can make or break a hike—but no one wants to carry too much water weight into the backcountry. Problem solved. Fill up this 24-ounce bottle with its Lifestraw filtering system for clean water as you need it along the way. Plus, the limitededition Outdoorsman collection helps fund global clean water initiatives with every purchase. $60; lifestraw.com
Oboz Bridger Ridge Mid
Exped
Terra 30F
Waterproof and surprisingly light for a beefy hiker, this reliable trail kick holds up to serious abuse, making it ideal for backpacking and those who want a bit more support. The outsole grips slick roots to scree and a molded heel and toe cap give extra protection on nasty terrain. $230; obozfootwear.com
Sea to Summit Frontier Ultralight 1L
Collapsible Pot
Compressing flat in your pack and popping up into shape when it’s time to cook, this 7-ounce minimalist pot checks all the right boxes for trail minimalists. The anodized aluminium base makes it easy to boil water in a hurry and the silicone side walls make it easy to clean up. $78; seatosummit.com
Available early at REI (and in other stores in early 2026), this 650+ power grey duck down bag rated to 30 degrees packs away easily and lofts up to keep you cozy when you tuck in for the evening. Weighing under 2 pounds, it’s the bag you will want for all but the coldest nights out in the wild. $200; rei.com
Salewa
Pedroc 2 Low Powertex
This speed hiker is our shoe of choice for power days on the trail. It provides all the grip of a sturdy boot but the lightweight feel and agility of a trail runner. Credit that power to a Pomoca outsole that grips rocks but never feels too balky underfoot. A Powertex membrane with PFAS-free water repellent treatment keeps out the wet while still allowing your dogs to breathe. $180; salewa.com
PAKA
EXPED
SALEWA
OSPREY
LIFESTRAW
SEA TO SUMMIT
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AUTHOR
IN DEFENSE OF THE OBVIOUS
BY GRAHAM AVERILL
I LIKE PEOPLE. SOME OF MY favorite people are…well, people. But when a bunch of humans gather in one place, particularly a place that’s supposed to be wild, like a trail or overlook, and they form a crowd, I start to not like people. Crowds suck. I don’t go into the woods to hang out with a bunch of other humans. Sure, it’s always exciting to stumble upon a handful of nudists in a backcountry swimming hole, but in general, I do my best to avoid crowds. My rule is simple: Unless I drove you in my vehicle, or arranged to meet you in the woods, I don’t typically want to see you when I’m out there. No offense. I assume you don’t want to see me either.
But do you know what happens when you always avoid crowds? You miss out on some spectacular landscapes. I realized my mistake last weekend when an assignment sent me to drive the Cades Cove loop, an 11-mile one-way road through a bucolic valley in Great
prompted the government to create the national park system in the first place. Pardon the hyperbole, but Cades Cove is the kind of view that makes you proud to be an American.
No wonder two million people show up to sit in traffic jams every year. Sure, I think it’s ridiculous that a lot of those vehicles in that traffic jam are open-aired safari style Land Rovers with half a dozen people crammed into the back like they’re driving through the Serengeti looking for lions, but I understand why all the people have shown up. Cades Cove is worth the hassle, and avoiding a place like this just because it’s crowded is dumb.
And I have been dumb.
I’m like that kid in high school who refuses to like a certain band just because that band is popular with the football team. It makes me wonder what other iconic landscapes I’ve missed out on just because they’re crowded.
below is awesome.
I spend a lot of my time and energy seeking out the less crowded alternatives to these obvious places because that’s what makes for better articles. Nobody wants to read an article with the title “Top 10 National Park Spots You Already Know About.” That article doesn’t sizzle. But I’m here to argue we should all take some time to hit the obvious highlights of our national and state parks, because these obvious destinations—the ones that attract millions of visitors every year—are popular for a reason.
Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations within the park, attracting more than two million visitors every year. That’s more than most entire national park units see in a year, and they’re all crammed into a 6,800-acre valley with a single strip of pavement. So yeah, the Cades Cove Loop is famous for its traffic, with bumper-to-bumper standstills occurring during busy weekends. Naturally, I avoid Cades Cove as best I can. I grew up in Atlanta. Traffic is triggering.
But I was wrong to stay away for so long, because Cades Cove is stunning, even if you’re moving at five miles per hour in a long line of traffic. Picture horses frolicking in an expansive meadow as lush, green mountains rise against the horizon. Picture the sun shining and the tall grass in the middle of the meadows shimmering from a light breeze. Picture fields of sunflowers in the summer and slopes of color in the fall. This is the kind of view that
I’m talking about the obvious places. The ones on U.S. Postal stamps. Old Faithful, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Valley. Have you ever been to Yosemite Valley? The traffic jams can make Cades Cove look like an empty freeway, but man, the view is outstanding. So much towering granite, so many waterfalls.
I went to Old Faithful a few years ago on a different assignment. It was a zoo full of people standing around waiting for the geyser to go off, and I stood on the edge of that crowd shaking my head at all the sheep. Didn’t they have anything better to do? But then Old Faithful went off and it was freaking amazing. Water from the center of the earth shoots out of a hole 130 feet into the air! And the frequency of these aquatechnics (is that a word?) are so reliable that scientists can predict exactly when Old Faithful is going to spew.
It’s absolutely bonkers. Something like that deserves a stamp and it deserves a crowd. So does Cades Cove. So does the view from the concrete observation tower on top of Kuwohi inside GSMNP. It’s gorgeous. You’ll share the view with kids on school trips and families from Florida, but seeing all of Lake Fontana sprawl thousands of feet
I admit that by the end of my drive through the Cades Cove I was ready to move on and find a quiet place away from the madness. So I pulled out my map and picked a random trail with nothing extraordinary on it and ran for four miles into the woods to a point next to a river where there were no other hikers. I sat there for several minutes and decompressed. I wouldn’t put the view on a stamp, but the solitude and the quiet was like a vaccine for the chaos and crowds I had experienced.
It’s actually easy to find these quiet spots inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s the most visited national park in the system, luring up to 14 million people every year, but the vast majority of those 14 million people stick to the same paved roads and scenic pullouts. It is a drive-through park, which leaves roughly 450,000 acres of the place for those of us who don’t want to move from one scenic pullout to the next. I’ve been lost multiple times in the Smokies. I’ve tried to catch fish deep in the backcountry, hugged giant hemlocks miles from the nearest paved road. I’ve camped far from the crowds and sat on lonely mountaintops and contemplated the land below and life in general. Being alone in the wilderness is amazing, and the Smokies is a wonderful place for that sort of lonely adventure.
I’m not belittling the importance of finding solitude in the woods. All I’m saying is that every once in a while, instead of avoiding the crowds, you should head straight towards them.
OUR FAVORITE SONGS IN OCTOBER
Best New Music from the Blue Ridge and Beyond
BY JEDD FERRIS AND DAVE STALLARD
EVERY MONTH OUR EDITORS
curate a playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. In October, we’re highlighting new tunes from Alabama Shakes and Mavis Staples, plus a direction-turning solo effort from the Avett Brothers’ Seth Avett.
TIMOTHY SETH AVETT AS DARLING
“Education”
Seth Avett is usually found harmonizing through big-hearted folk-rock anthems with his brother Scott as part of North Carolina heroes the Avett Brothers. But on this new single from an upcoming solo album released as Timothy Seth Avett as Darling, Avett takes a surprising turn towards hip-hop, rapping uplifting bars about life lessons and intimate moments with his son. The new record, “Feathe,” is out now, and it was co-produced with Dana Nielsen, known for working with SZA, Adele, and Weezer. – J.F.
RAMONA & THE HOLY SMOKES
“This Little Heart” Ramona Martinez, who traces her familial roots to South Texas and whose vocals provide the bedrock for Mexi-tonkers Ramona & The Holy Smokes, sat on “This Little Heart,” a dandy of a breakup song, for a decade before the band that bears her name was founded in 2022. Patience proved a virtue here, as the Virginia-based Martinez and her mates fleshed this one out with just the right amount of fiddle, pedal steel, and two-step swagger. – D.S
MAVIS STAPLES
“Beautiful Strangers”
At 86 years young, soul legend Mavis Staples is still singing her heart out, and she’s got a new guestheavy solo album on tap. “Sad and Beautiful World,” Staples’ 14th album features appearances by Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Derek Trucks, Jeff Tweedy, and Justin Vernon, and it finds the singer lending her voice to a range of interesting covers. Here she offers a take on indie singersongwriter Kevin Morby’s “Beautiful Strangers,” imbuing the introspective song with gentle warmth and wisdom. – J.F.
ALABAMA SHAKES
“Another Life”
After embarking on this year’s successful reunion tour, Alabama Shakes have dropped their first new song in 10 years. Soulful and atmospheric, the track features bandleader Brittany Howard meditating on how a person’s life has many phases, as well as threads that ultimately connect those different personal eras. It’s the band’s first release on their new label, Island Records, and more new music is on the way. – J.F.
JOHN FOGERTY
“Proud Mary”
John Fogerty’s contentious relationship with his former bandmates in Creedence Clearwater Revival, and the legal struggle over the rights to his music, which was finally resolved in 2023, is the stuff of music business legend. Fogerty, now with control over his CCR songbook, has revisited many of the band’s classic hits on “Legacy: The Creedence Clearwater Years.”
Joined by his sons Shane and Tyler on this recording of “Proud Mary,” the 80-year-old Fogerty sounds just as crisp as when the single dropped in 1969. – D.S.
RHETT MILLER
“Come As You Are”
Rhett Miller, frontman of alt-country pioneers Old 97’s, is prepping
release of a new solo album, "A lifetime of riding by night," which will be released on October 10. The album’s lead single is a co-write with Turnpike Troubadours’ Evan Felker, who sings harmony on the track, a melancholy ballad about a musician’s burden of leaving loved ones behind for extensive tours and other rigors of the business. – J.F.
LUTHER DICKINSON
“Who Do You Love”
Admittedly unfamiliar with the music of the Grateful Dead prior to joining Phil & Friends in 2013, singer/guitarist Luther Dickinson has certainly become well versed in the iconic band’s catalog over the ensuing years. Dickinson’s latest release, “Dead Blues Vol. 1,” is a collection of blues tunes covered by the Dead throughout their legendary career. Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love” is underpinned by a drum and bass roll from Memphis based
funksters MEM_MODS, a Dickinson side project, and features the soulful vocals of Asheville’s Datrian Johnson. – D.S
BOBBY OSBORNE, C.J. LEWANDOWSKI, & FRIENDS
“Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong” Just prior to bluegrass icon Bobby Osborne’s death in 2023, Po Ramblin’ Boys mandolinist C.J. Lewandowski spent time in the studio with his mentor and hero, recording what would become the last tracks of Osborne’s storied career. Lewandowski gathered a cohort of bluegrass heavyweights, including Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, Vince Gill, and Sam Bush, to finish the record as an homage to Osborne. Tuttle provides a lovely harmonic counterpoint to Osborne’s high lonesome lead vocal on “Sweetheart You Done Me Wrong,” a Bill Monroe classic. – D.S.
To hear these songs and more, follow the Blue Ridge Outdoors’ Trail Mix playlist on Spotify.
SETH AVETT RELEASED THE NEW SOLO ALBUM, “FEATHE,” LAST MONTH. PHOTO BY MALLORY CASH
while you can catch it
Out here, our breathtaking fall palette display won’t last long. Hike the scenic West Virginia Waterfall Trail where maples and amber oaks tower over sparkling cascades. Take a drive along winding country roads through uncrowded mountainside towns. Or just slow down and breathe it all in. This season, let the journey take you to the place you belong.
ADVENTURES Autumn
CHASE THE FALL COLOR through Southern West Virginia. Hike to sweeping vistas on miles of winding trails or paddle world-class rapids for the ultimate thrill. Take your adventure underground with a historic coal mine tour. With vibrant foliage, outdoor activities and cozy lodging, Southern West Virginia is the perfect fall getaway.
