Blue Ridge Outdoors March 2021

MARCH 2021

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UNIQUE LODGES OF THE BLUE RIDGE An Adventurer’s Walk of Shame

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New West Virginia Singletrack + EX P E R IM E N TA L B A N J O SO U N DS + B E A R D E AT H S O N A P PA L AC H I A N HI G HWAYS

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We are continuing to monitor the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. More information regarding the precautions the resort is taking to protect staff, community and guests is available at www.snowshoemtn.com/covid.

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

ON THE COVER

CONTENTS

PRESIDENT BLAKE DEMASO b l a ke @ b l u e r i d g e o u t d o o r s . c o m E D I TO R I N C H I E F J E D D F E R R I S jedd@blueridgeoutdoors.com P U B L I S H E R L E A H WO O DY leah@blueridgeoutdoors.com

7 | QUICK HITS

A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R K AT I E H A R T W E L L katie@blueridgeoutdoors.com

Meet the Waterfall Keepers, a new group devoted to protecting the region’s pristine cascades.

E D I TO R I A L & P R O D U C T I O N

9 | EXPLORE

S E N I O R E D I TO R W I L L H A R L A N will@blueridgeoutdoors.com

You know about the climbing and paddling. Now you can add a sweet new network of singletrack to Fayetteville’s adventure options.

T R AV E L E D I TO R E L L E N K A N Z I N G E R ellen@blueridgeoutdoors.com

13 | THE STUDIO

Manipulating moss with artist and climber Bri’Anna Horne.

C O N T R I B U TO R S

43 | INTERVIEW

G R A H A M AV E R I L L NICK CARTER J E S S DA D D I O M A R K P OW E L L

A chat with Tennessee author Charles Dodd White.

45 | THE GOODS

Fly fishing gear for your spring on the water.

C O P Y E D I TO R S JULIA GREEN, ROBERT MCGEE

47 | THE OUT AND BACK

S E N I O R AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E

50 | TRAIL MIX

M A R T H A E VA N S

martha@blueridgeoutdoors.com

New tunes from Fruit Bats and Buck Meek; plus the experimental banjo sounds of Chris Pandolfi.

AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E TAY LO R L E A L taylor@blueridgeoutdoors.com B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R M E L I S S A G E S S L E R melissa@blueridgeoutdoors.com

An adventurer explores the similarities between the Southeast and Southwest.

D I G I TA L M E D I A O N L I N E D I R E C TO R C R A I G S N O D G R A S S webdir@blueridgeoutdoors.com D I G I TA L C O N T E N T S P E C I A L I S T

25

S H A N N O N M C G OWA N

shannon@blueridgeoutdoors.com D I G I TA L M A R K E T I N G I N T E R N

BRENNA TURPIN

C I R C U L AT I O N I N Q U I R I E S circulation@blueridgeoutdoors.com

Fishing professionals provide the lowdown on the best places to get your rod bent this spring.

36 | BEAR DEATH TRAPS

200 DISTRICT DRIVE, UNIT 8 ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28803

B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S . C O M

PHOTO BY AARON COURY

©2021 Summit Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S . C O M

18 | FLY GUIDE’S CHOICE

These unique lodging options offer idyllic settings and easy access to adventures.

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F E AT U R E S

25 | BLUE RIDGE GETAWAYS

PUBLISHING

GOT A STORY IDEA OR COMMENT?

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48 | PERSPECTIVE

Appalachia holds one of the deadliest stretches of interstate in the country. A new project hopes to make it safe for humans and wildlife.

38 | DISTANCE PERSISTENCE

Last year Jacky Hunt-Broersma, an amputee ultrarunner from North Carolina, set a 100-mile, one-day record.

PHOTO BY SARAH ADLER

The stoke of adventure leads to the walk of shame.

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N AT H A N J O R D A N O N T O X AWAY C R E E K I N T R A N S Y L VA N I A C O U N T Y O N A S P R I N G MORNING. PHOTO BY DEREK DILUZIO, C O U R T E S Y O F E X P L O R E B R E VA R D

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

QUICK HITS

PRESERVATION

THE FLOW MUST GO ON New Group Protects Cascades in Carolina

BY DAN DEWITT

FOR PHOTOGRAPHER AND HIKING

blogger Rich Stevenson, the allure of waterfalls is so powerful, first they changed his vacation habits, then his life.

He was a Raleigh resident and a “big beach person” in 1998 when friends invited him on a hike to Rainbow Falls, on the Horsepasture River near Cashiers. Stunned by its beauty, he returned to the mountains whenever he could and, in 2003, moved to western North Carolina so he could devote every free minute to exploring waterfalls.

“All of a sudden, I wasn’t a beach person anymore,” said Stevenson, of Hendersonville, who along with several other dedicated “waterfallers”—hikers who seek out and photograph the state’s hundreds of cascades—helped form a new group called Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina.

It was created in recognition that waterfalls not only provide the spellbinding beauty that enthralled Stevenson. They also harbor specialized ecosystems, boost the tourism economies of mountain communities, and even soothe troubled minds.

The group is dedicated to sharing these benefits and working to ensure they are never diminished. “Our mission,” according to the group’s website, is “to promote and advance the cultural, economic, ecological and historical significance of North Carolina waterfalls ... and to preserve waterfalls and facilitate their enjoyment in perpetuity.”

The idea for the organization was hatched in September of 2019, when acclaimed nature photographer and author Kevin Adams gathered a group of hikers to organize a waterfall “sweep”—sending teams of volunteers to pick up litter and perform routine trail maintenance across the state.

The first of these sweeps took place in March, and the Keepers have also recently launched an Adopt-a-Waterfall program, which asks volunteers to regularly visit their chosen cascades, keep an eye out for threats or degradation, and remove garbage.

“But I don't want people to get the idea that we're just a group of people picking up trash,” Adams said. After thinking more about the cleanups, he started talking with fellow waterfaller Holly Bass about other possible initiatives.

“It just kept growing and became a full-blown organization to support the waterfalls,” said Adams, the group’s executive director.

Its plans include a Junior Keepers program to encourage children to appreciate waterfalls, as well as field trips and presentations for both young people and adults. “We’ll give talks to whoever wants to have us,” said Adams, of Waynesville.

These talks will emphasize the safe exploration of cascades, which claim the lives of several hikers and swimmers each year, said Brenda Wiley, a Keepers board member and treasurer. “People see the very gentle waterflow a hundred feet or so upstream and have no idea how much power a couple of inches of water can generate.”

The Keepers plan to promote the scientific study of waterfall ecosystems, called spray-cliff communities, the collections of mosses and ferns that thrive in the continuous moisture created by waterfalls. Working with land

A S M A L L S E C T I O N O F C ATAW B A F A L L S I N P I S G A H N AT I O N A L F O R E S T, N E A R O L D F O R T. P H O T O B Y KEVIN ADAMS

management organizations, including state parks and national forests, the group will also remove graffiti and maintain trails with trained crews.

And though Keepers is not a political organization, Adams said, it will engage in activism, sharing information about the value of waterfalls to the state’s tourism industry and speaking out against any ecological threats. “If there is something proposed that will have an adverse effect on waterfalls, I would consider that a resource issue and a conservation issue,” he said.

Waterfalls have helped countless people overcome difficulties including substance abuse, depression, and marital problems, Adams said. So the Keepers will also explore ways to expose more people to these positive benefits.

Waterfalls deserve such wide-ranging support because they are a critical part of the state’s natural landscape, which he discovered as a child thanks to his protowaterfaller of a mother, Phoebe. “We didn’t go on many family vacations but when we did, we went to the mountains to see waterfalls,” Adams said.

He began photographing them in

the mid-1980s, and in 1994 published the first edition of his lavishly illustrated guide book, Waterfalls of North Carolina.

The latest edition, published in 2017, includes formal listings of 300 waterfalls and mentions a total of about 1,000. But even that is far from a complete list.

“We'll never see them all. There are just too many,” he said. “I could probably go out every day for the rest of my life and find a new one.”

The number of people engaging in such quests has exploded in recent years, which means that it was no problem to recruit board members with valuable skills to offer. They include an environmental lawyer and a retired forest ranger, as well as Wiley, a longtime hiking blogger and photographer, and Stevenson, whose website, ncwaterfalls.com, rivals Adams’ book as a comprehensive guide for waterfall seekers. Bass, the associate director, is a part-time math teacher who will lead the Junior Keepers program.

Adams cites several reasons for the growing interest in waterfalls, including improved guidebooks and websites, as well as social media, which allows waterfallers to share trip reports.

But at the core, it’s all about the mysteriously powerful draw of waterfalls.

He doesn’t know the precise source of this appeal, he said, but suspects it might derive from waterfalls’ ability to “excite all the senses.”

They are, of course, beautiful to look at. Depending on the flow, they can produce an awe-inspiring roar or a calming trickle. “And we can smell that ionized air and feel the spray on our skin,” Adams said.

One of Keepers' challenges, Stevenson said, is to balance its aims of encouraging this love while not destroying the beauty that first captivated him. The increased popularity of outdoor recreation during the Covid-19 pandemic has seemed to “bring out the masses and a lot of them don’t really understand the concept of ‘leave no trace,’” he said. “There seems to be a lot more litter at the more popular places.”

He said this has brought new urgency to their message “of leaving the area as pristine as you found it.”

And with so many beautiful falls in the state, it’s not so hard to duplicate the magic of his first sight of Rainbow.

“There are still a lot of waterfalls that are off the beaten path, and if you know where they are you can hike the whole day and probably not see a soul.”

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

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EXPLORE

NEW TRAILS

FAYETTEVILLE’S MOUNTAIN BIKE MOMENTUM In the midst of a global pandemic, the West Virginia town built 17 miles of singletrack in six months. And they’re just getting started.

BY JESS DADDIO

LAST OCTOBER, THE WEST VIRGINIA

adventure hub of Fayetteville rekindled an otherwise dark year with a bright light: the opening of Wolf Creek Trails.

Tucked up on a hill three miles south of town, the 17-mile network of singletrack is Fayetteville’s largest purpose-built trail system and the first of its kind to be constructed for public use outside of federal public lands.

“Fayetteville has always been known as a whitewater and climbing destination,” says Abbie Newell, Fayette County assistant resource coordinator and president of the Fayette

Trail Coalition. “Now we’re adding [mountain bike] trails, which will truly make this place a multi-day, multisport destination.”

While the Wolf Creek Trails are the newest mountain bike-friendly singletrack in town, they’re hardly the first. People have been riding in Fayetteville since New River Bikes opened its doors in 1989. But back then, says New River Bikes owner Andy Forron, the riding was limited to old logging roads and multi-use trails.

“The mountain biking was not that good,” says Forron, “but we had a bit of a scene because there were so many other outdoor activities and most people owned a bike. But for years, if you wanted to ride good stuff, you had to leave town.”

That sentiment seemed to shift when the multi-use Arrowhead Trails opened on national park property in 2011. Constructed by the Boy Scouts of America, the 12.8-mile stacked loop trail system weaves along the ridges

high above the New River Gorge.

Fast and flowy, Forron says the Arrowhead Trails were popular at first and still are among visiting and novice riders.

But 10 years later, local enthusiasm for riding at Arrowhead has waned. That’s largely been fueled by frustrations with cumbersome park service processes for addressing trail maintenance and grievances over a lack of trail expansion.

“A lot of us have worked with the park service for a long time,” says Gene Kistler, vice president of Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority (URA) and president of the New River Alliance of Climbers. “It’s gotten tougher to get anywhere working on

“TH E MOUN TAIN B IK IN G WAS N OT TH AT G OOD, ” S AY S FORRON , “B UT WE H AD A B IT OF A S CEN E B ECAUS E TH ERE WERE S O MAN Y OTHER OUTDOOR AC TIVITIES AN D MOS T PEOPLE OWN ED A B IK E. B UT FOR Y EARS , IF Y OU WAN TED TO RIDE G OOD S TUFF, Y OU H AD TO LEAVE TOWN . ”

projects with the park service.”

In 2018, the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve, located just 11 miles outside of Fayetteville, opened its privately owned 35 miles of mountain bike trails. As promising as that newfound access seemed, public use was limited to the off-season winter months and only to members of the Mountain State Trail Alliance, a local nonprofit that promotes rail-trail development. Public access to these trails has since been suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions.

What Fayetteville riders needed, and so desperately wanted, was a blank slate of land close to town where they could build a mountain bike system on their own terms and free from federal oversight. And in 2016, the community got just that in Wolf Creek Park.

A M O U N TA I N B I K E R R I D E S T H E N E W W O L F C R E E K TRAILS IN WEST VIRGINIA. PHOTO BY CHRIS JACKSON

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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EXPLORE

NEW TRAILS

Purchased by the URA in 2004, Wolf Creek Park was originally slated to become a live-work-play community. At 1,064 acres in size, the former underground mining site was ripe with potential. Only minutes from the amenities of town and easily accessible by a major highway, Wolf Creek seemed the perfect place to locate new businesses and residential developments. URA’s vision for Wolf Creek Park promised to bolster the local economy and provide affordable housing for county residents. But when the housing crisis hit in 2008, those aspirations came to a screeching halt.

“That put a huge damper on development at Wolf Creek Park,” says Gabriel Peña, Fayette County's deputy resource coordinator. “In some instances, we’re still trying to recover from the housing crash. That, combined with the decline of coal in West Virginia, made Wolf Creek a tough sell for potential employers [looking to relocate].”

Though coal has been declining, outdoor recreation has been on the rise. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, the outdoor recreation economy brings in $9 billion annually

to West Virginia.

Kistler took that number to the Fayette County Commission and, with the backing of the URA, the Fayette County Resource Coordinator’s Office, and the local community, together they convinced county commissioners to invest in trail development at Wolf Creek.

“Wolf Creek was just county land laying there doing nothing,” says Kistler.

“There’s a lot of opportunity there and what we’ve always wanted is more trails.”

The community got to work. For three years, locals flagged and brushed the corridor. Monthly volunteer trail days saw upwards of 40 people donating their time and labor to ensure Wolf Creek came to fruition. In 2020, the URA used $150,000 of reallocated coal severance tax funds to hire SC Resources to build the first phase of Wolf Creek. In a matter of six short months, the full-time threeman crew built an astounding 17 miles

T H IS IS J U ST T H E T IP O F T H E IC E BE R G IN GE T T ING M O RE T RA IL S, A ND A DIF F E RE NT V ISIO N O F WH AT T RA IL S C A N BE , IN FAY E T T E VIL L E , ” SAY S C H A BE R. WE NE E D T O H IT T H E WH O LE SP E C T RU M O F T RA ILS T O T RU LY BE A DE ST INAT IO N, A N D I H AVE NO DO U BT WE C A N P U T AT L E A ST A N A DDIT IO NA L 17 M IL E S O F T RA IL S [AT WO L F C RE E K ].

of singletrack. And according to Sam three other properties in the county will Chaber, SC Resources owner-operator, see new trail construction: Fayetteville that’s just the beginning Town Park, Fayette County Park, and “This is just the tip of the iceberg in Needleseye Park in nearby Oak Hill. getting more trails, and a different vision Together, these four trail initiatives of what trails can be, in Fayetteville,” could bring more than 50 miles of multisays Chaber. “We need to hit the use singletrack to the county. whole spectrum of trails to truly be The challenge now will be to a destination, and I have no find the funding—at the end doubt we can put at least an of 2019, Fayette County additional 17 miles of trails Commission decided not to [at Wolf Creek].” continue reallocating coal Fo r t rail m aps At times flowy and severance tax funds to the and m ore i n f or m at ion, vis it non-technical, at others URA, which had been the th e Wolf Cre e k bejeweled with rock sole source of funding for Tr a ils ’ Face book gardens and wooden construction at Wolf Creek. page . features, the trails at Wolf Peña says he’s hopeful the Creek are a testament to progress thus far will act as Fayetteville’s unique spirit of leverage in securing future grants adventure. With the recent redesignation for trail development. of the New River Gorge as a national “Wolf Creek was kinda stuck in the park and preserve, the timing of Wolf mud before these trails came along Creek’s opening perfectly positions and reinvigorated that park,” says Fayetteville as the ultimate mountain Peña. “Continuing to grow trails around town, home to a world-class trifecta of here fits in so well with the [national outdoor recreation. park] redesignation. All of these things The county plans to continue trail are really starting to generate some construction at Wolf Creek and is momentum, which in turn is generating currently reviewing proposals for phase a higher quality of life and economic two, which it hopes to begin building opportunity for folks who want to work later this year. In addition to Wolf Creek, and play here.”

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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THE STUDIO

ART AND SCIENCE

INSPIRED BY NATURE Manipulating Moss with Bri’Anna Horne

BY ELLEN KANZINGER

WHEN AN ARTIST USES NATURE AS

a subject, time, in its constant march forward, is present in every piece.

The changing leaves on a landscape photographed one day are gone the next. A river never stops to hold a pose to paint. Flowers bloom and birds migrate in seasonal motion.

But in moss, artist Bri’Anna Horne has found a medium that allows her to work with a material that seemingly defies time. “Moss, for me, has always been something to relish,” she said. “A lot of natural materials you might work with, whether that be leaves or flowers, you get really bright colors but they’re not really durable in the long term.”

The structure of moss allows Horne the ability to manipulate and preserve it in different ways to create something intentional.

Her moss pieces don’t require any care other than the occasional dusting and making sure to avoid too much direct sunlight. “People love to have nature in their space,” she said. “But for me, sometimes life gets a little bit hectic so I can’t necessarily say that I’m going to be the best caregiver to plants.”

Ordo Displays, Horne’s platform for her artwork, gets its name from the Ordovician Period. It was during this geologic time period that plants, specifically mosses, first appeared on land. A scientist by trade, Horne said

HORNE MERGES HER SCIENTIFIC AND ARTISTIC INTERESTS IN HER MOSS PIECES. PHOTO BY SARAH ADLER @MOTHER.AND.WILD

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

THE STUDIO

NATURAL ELEMENTS

her pieces are really a celebration of that beginning of life on Earth. “I am a complete nerd about connecting people with nature,” she said.

In many ways, creating each piece is similar to a science project. Both require experimentation, trying different methods and strategies to get to the ideal end result. Both science and art require problem solving to overcome unforeseen obstacles.

While science can help provide answers to many of our burning questions and raise new ones, art and nature allow us to process the world around us. Hearing a new song that touches something deep inside or hiking to a never before seen vista can spark an awakening within us. “Art settles down all of the dust that was flying around in our lives,” Horne said. “It’s a chance to see ourselves in a new light.

We, especially as Americans, move very fast. We need a reminder of things that will help us slow down and help us feel all the feels that we deserve to feel.”

Horne collects when she’s out on walks, some she grows herself, and some she orders from suppliers across the world.

Whenever gathering materials, she makes sure to take small pieces and then grow more herself to minimize harm to the environment.

Once she has the materials needed, Horne starts the preservation process, using denatured alcohol to dry out and remove water from the moss and then replacing the water with glycerin so that it maintains its shape. “One thing I thought was really cool is that I use glycerin in my hair,” Horne said. “I feel like my natural hair and the moss are pretty similar in terms of getting them to work with me.”

From there, she’ll dye the moss to fit the piece’s theme or leave it in its natural state. Despite the preservation and dyeing process, the moss will maintain its bounciness and softness to create a 3D piece. Then comes the actual crafting of the display, laying out the moss and moving it around until

THE TECHNIQUE

Each piece starts with the gathering of moss from a variety of sources. Some

H O R N E U S E S O T H E R N AT U R A L E L E M E N T S T O A D D TEXTURE AND DEPTH TO HER PIECES. PHOTO COURTESY OF HORNE

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THE STUDIO

CUSTOM CREATIONS everything falls into place. “I let the moss tell me where it wants to go,” Horne said. From there, she traces the design, transfers it into the display, and adheres the moss to the frame.

Most of the moss used in Horne’s pieces is reindeer moss, a soft and pliable material that makes for easier manipulation. Then she’ll add other elements, like lichen, wood, and gemstones, for contrasting textures to bring the piece together.

With every creation, Horne hopes to make it more accessible for individuals to have a custom piece for their space. Giving people the opportunity to be a part of her process is a rewarding experience for artist and buyer.

CLIMB ON

When she’s not working or creating art, Horne is the director of operations for Pigtown Climbs. Their vision is to create an outdoor community space in southwest Baltimore that will serve as a neighborhood gathering spot and a leader in health initiatives and environmental engagement.

Horne said their mission is to

minimize barriers to accessing the outdoors, especially for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, by addressing issues of safety, cost, exposure, historical trauma, and underrepresentation through active inclusion. “We’re using climbing as a means to do that,” she said.

Horne, who started climbing two years ago, said it’s a way for her to connect with others while developing a deeper connection to herself. “Just with that two years of experience, the number of people that I’ve met who changed my life and shifted my path has been insurmountable,” she said. These connections with people and nature can bring about new discoveries, both small and monumental.

As the project gets off the ground, the Pigtown Climbs team is working to transform the overgrown lot and raise funds to develop the outdoor climbing space.

You can find more of Horne’s work at OrdoDisplays.com or on Instagram @ordodisplays.

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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Guide's Choices Fishing Experts Reveal the Region’s Top Springtime Bites

PHOTO BY SAMMY CHANG

BY NICK CARTER

18

BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

I

t’s been a relatively mild, extra wet winter.

Ask most fishing guides, and they’ll tell you these conditions make for excellent spring fishing. With that in mind, BRO went to the professionals to get the lowdown on the best places to get your rod bent this season.

Great Smoky Mountains, Tenn. & N.C.

From hike-in brookie streams to roadside rivers, there’s so much trout water in the Smokies it can be difficult to decide where to fish. The best bet for early spring is to stick with larger waters at lower elevations, said Ian Rutter, of R&R Fly Fishing. Rutter has guided the Smokies for more than a quarter century, and he’s learned to make fishing decisions “one day at a time” in spring’s unpredictable weather.

“In March and into April, we might still have some snow on the ground in those high elevations. It might still be a little slow up there,” he said. “At the same time, we’ll have hatches taking off in the afternoons at lower elevations, even on cold days.”

Excellent dry fly fishing is one of the great joys of spring in the Smokies. Rutter said it ramps up in March and April with Quill Gordons, early brown stoneflies, and some smaller dark mayflies, like bluewinged olives and blue quills.

“Oftentimes, you’ll have some combination of those bugs all at the same time,” said Rutter. “So the fish aren’t too particular. Even the ones that are particular aren’t as particular as some folks think they are.”

On the Tennessee side, Little River is one of the larger streams in the park. It offers roadside access along Little River Gorge Road east of Townsend and hike-in access upstream of Elkmont Campground.

On the North Carolina side of the national park, Rutter mentioned Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River. Deep Creek is just north of Bryson City, N.C. Almost all of the best trout water is hike-in above Deep Creek Campground. The Oconaluftee parallels Hwy 441 north of Cherokee, and there is good roadside access. The “Luftee” is stocked within the Qualla Boundary of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, but upstream of the reservation it is a wild trout fishery.

All three of these streams are large by Great Smoky Mountains standards. They all hold wild rainbow and brown trout. Rutter said anglers might be surprised by a big 16-inch brown trout on a dry fly in spring, but most fish will be the gorgeous 8- to 10-inchers the Smokies are known for.

Go Guided: R&R Fly Fishing www.RandRflyfishing.com, info@randrflyfishing.com.

Staunton River, Virginia

In south-central Virginia, the Staunton River feeds Buggs Island Lake near the town of South Boston.

Each spring, warming water temperatures ignite spawning runs, when reservoir fish push up into the river. Several species move up out of the lake, where they join resident river fish to create an exciting springtime fishery.

Starting in March and continuing into the summer, guide Matt Miles, of Matt Miles Fly Fishing, spends a lot of time on the lower end of the Staunton. Early in the season, he targets pre-spawn smallmouth bass, which are feeding up before going to the beds. Then, hordes of white bass push into the river. The white bass provide a fast-action precursor to the grand finale, when big river-run striped bass crash the party sometime in April and stay through the summer.

The lower seven miles of the Staunton above Buggs Island is a great stretch to sling streamers and baitfish patterns. “The smallies are focused on baitfish. They’re really trying to fill their guts before

LARGE RIVERS ARE TYPICALLY GOOD FISHERIES IN EARLY SPRING B E C A U S E T H E Y A R E AT L O W E R E L E VAT I O N S . P H O T O B Y N I C K C A R T E R

they go on the beds,” Miles says. “If you want to go out and catch a really heavy fish, that’s the time to do it.”

Spring smallmouth fishing is about quality rather than quantity. Miles said stripping steamers and covering lots of water might produce two fish or 10, but there’s a good chance for a four- or five-pounder.

Fast action occurs when big schools of white bass move in and stage up on structure. White bass aren’t huge fish, but they fight hard and they’re tasty.

Miles said he often drifts, casting Clouser Minnows around sandbars, downed trees, and creek mouths. When he catches one white bass, he’ll throw back to the same spot. It’s not unusual to catch 30 fish from the same piece of structure, and he’s had a few 75-fish days when white bass are thick.

Targeting smallmouth and white bass on the same float is fun, and anglers might also catch white perch, MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 19

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Be among the first to learn about the Virginia Trout Slam challenge: dgif.virginia.gov/troutslam 20

BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

walleye, or an early striper. But all that shuts down when striped bass show up in numbers. These big, voracious predators send everything else into hiding.

For Miles, that’s the time to break out heavier rods and bigger streamers.

The only drawback to this fishery is access. Miles said a jetboat is really the only way to fish it effectively.

Go Guided: Matt Miles Fly Fishing mattmilesflyfishing.com matt@mattmilesflyfishing.com, 434-238-2720

Toccoa River, Georgia

“Life is good right now; it should be even better this spring when they start putting fish in the river,” said Joe DiPietro in February.

DiPietro has guided on Georgia’s Toccoa River tailrace pretty much daily for as long as he can remember. He’s watched the cycles of the fishery over the years and said this spring should be a good one. “We’ve been catching a lot of nice brown trout, and that should continue into the spring,” he said.

A C R O S S T H E R E G I O N , A Q U AT I C I N S E C T S B E C O M E L A R G E R , M O R E A C T I V E , A N D M O R E A B U N D A N T A S W I N T E R WA N E S . W I T H R I S I N G M E TA B O L I S M S , H U N G R Y T R O U T TA K E A D VA N TA G E O F T H E S P R I N G SMORGASBORD. PHOTO BY NICK CARTER

“The trick is to get where they are, which is where the stockers aren’t.”

The Toccoa is a hatchery-supported tailrace that runs through the northeast Georgia mountain town of Blue Ridge. It supports a pretty spectacular mix of stocked trout, a few wild fish, and some holdover brown trout that grow quite large.

The Toccoa has a reputation for outsized browns, but it’s also a great dry fly fishery. Starting in March and running through April, mayflies take over as the late-winter caddis hatches ebb. DiPietro said Hendricksons, Cahills, and March browns will be the diet of rising fish.

Of course, there will also be freshly stocked trout in the river to run up your numbers fishing egg and worm patterns. But DiPietro said you’ve got to go natural to catch larger fish that have been in the river for a few seasons. Those big browns? They’ll pick off a nymph in the deep, slow runs. DiPietro suggested a double-nymph rig anchored by a big heavy stonefly this time of year. The stone gets your rig down to the bottom, where the fish are, and large sub-surface stoneflies are very much on the menu in early spring.

When the water is low, there are a few short stretches of accessible wading water. However, the best way to fish the Toccoa is to float. It is shallow

and rocky, so choose a vessel with a shallow draft and expect to do some boat dragging.

Wading anglers and boaters should be wary of dam releases. The river can get dangerous quickly in rising water.

Go Guided: North Georgia Trout Fishing www.blueridgetroutfishing.com FanninTrout@gmail.com, 706-851-400

Chattooga River, South Carolina

Karl Ekberg is especially bullish on one particular stretch of the Chattooga River.

In any section, the river is a special place. It forms the Georgia/South Carolina border, pretty much equidistant from the towns of Clayton, Ga., and Walhalla, S.C. There are more than 20 miles of trout water on the upper end of the river, and most of it is accessible only by foot from well-spread access points.

There are sections with mostly wild brown trout, as well as areas with heavy stockings. As co-owner of the Chattooga River Fly Shop, Ekberg suggested the piece of water through the gorge downstream of Burrells Ford Campground.

This gorge is relatively inaccessible, so MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 21

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South Carolina stocks it by dropping six- to 10inch rainbow, brown, and brook trout from a giant bag slung beneath a helicopter. Stockings are conducted in fall, so by spring the fish are accustomed to a natural diet, and they have grown to eight or 12 inches under minimal fishing pressure.

“Hike down from Burrells Ford about 30 minutes toward Big Bend, and you’ll see a lot of hikers but very few anglers,” Ekberg said. “You’re almost guaranteed to catch a dozen fish in a half day down there.”

The fishery lights up in March and April. Ekberg likes to start mornings fishing a tandem nymph/ soft-hackle rig, which he’ll switch to a dry fly with a soft hackle or a dry-dropper rig as fish start looking up midday. When the afternoon hatches start, you’ll likely see a mix of Quill Gordons, Hendricksons, big March browns, and tan caddis.

“We’re in wicked shape right now in terms of water conditions. It’s crazy how full the water table is, and everything I’ve seen is calling for a cool, wet spring,” Ekberg said. “There are lots of holdover fish, lots of wild fish, and plenty of bugs for them to eat.

Something that must be mentioned in any discussion of the Chattooga is the presence of large brown trout. Fish from 16 inches to well above 20 inches are without a doubt in the river. Ekberg said there’s a decent chance of picking off a big brown running a bug rig in spring, but that most giants are caught on streamers. The drawback is your fish

B E C A U S E O F I T S O U T- O F - T H E - WAY L O C AT I O N , K E N T U C K Y ’ S C U M B E R L A N D R I V E R I S O N E O F T H E E A S T ’ S B E S T- K E P T SECRETS. PHOTO BY NICK CARTER

count goes way down if you fish streamers when there are so many bugs going on.

Go Guided: Chattooga River Fly Shop www.chattoogariverflyshop.com chattoogariverflyshop@yahoo.com, 864-638-2806

Cumberland River, Kentucky

Bill Stranahan fishes all over the region as a guide with Southeastern Anglers. He said the Cumberland River below Wolf Creek Dam is the hidden gem of the East.

This large tailwater trout fishery near Jamestown, Ky., fishes very well in spring. The only issue is finding a day to fish it. Fishable conditions are completely dam-driven. When Cumberland Lake is full, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers runs frequent dam releases, which make float-trips difficult.

“Everything is based on water flows up there,” Stranahan said. “When it’s full, they’ll usually run it hard during the week and then slack off on weekends to provide something for recreation. Right now, Cumberland Lake is slap full.”

At lower water levels, the river is one of the best tailwaters in the country. Nymph rigs under an indicator or Euro-nymphing can lead to tremendous numbers days in spring. Stranahan said 20-fish days are not uncommon, and that 30- to 40-fish days are possible. The size of the rainbow, brown, and brook trout is also impressive, which is partly due to creel restrictions that keep fish in the river and growing.

There is a one-fish daily limit on brown trout, with a minimum size of 20 inches. All rainbow

trout between 15 and 20 inches must be released immediately, and only one rainbow longer than 20 inches may be kept as part of a five-fish limit. Brook trout have a one-fish limit, with a 15-inch minimum size.

With regulations like those, it’s easy to believe Stranahan when he says they regularly have days of four or five slot-limit fish, and sometimes a couple fish longer than 20 inches.

Mayflies are the deal in spring. Stranahan said you’ll usually float into scattered risers when spatterings of sulphurs and cahills come off. This variety of bugs features three or four different shades of yellow and cream in sizes 12 to 14. That’s important to remember in your nymph selection, also.

The best way to turn the biggest fish in the river is with streamers, but only when they’re chasing.

“You never know when the streamer game will get going,” Stranahan said. “Sometimes those fish are known to get a little froggy, and then it’s on.”

For this, Stranahan keeps a 7-weight loaded with 200-grain sinking line to fish big, articulated Kelly Galloup-style patterns, large Woolly Buggers, and baitfish patterns.

Wading access to the Cumberland is difficult. As Stranahan put it, “It’s a boater’s river.”

Go Guided: Southeastern Anglers www.southeasternanglers.com danelaw@southeasternanglers.com, 770-655-9210 Nick Carter is author of “Flyfisher’s Guide to North Carolina & Georgia.” It is available on Amazon or by contacting the author at nsc8957@gmail.com.

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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OUTDOOR

Happenings brought to you by

Richard T. Trundy Memorial Sugar Cup Competition Sunday, March 7 | Sugar Mountain Resort, Sugar Mountain, N.C. A giant slalom competition for participants with an intermediate or above ability level.

One hundred percent of the entry fees go to the American Cancer Society in memory of Sugar Mountain’s former director of operations, Richard T. Trundy. skisugar.com

The 2021 Martinsville Half Marathon & 5K Saturday, April 3 | Martinsville, Va. Starting at the Martinsville YMCA, runners will enjoy a scenic course through Uptown Martinsville and along the paved Dick & Willie Passage Trail. USATF certified half marathon course. milesinmartinsville.com

Park to Park Half Marathon Saturday, April 24 | Waynesboro, Va. Save the date! The Park to Park ½ Marathon is being held on April 24, 2021 in Waynesboro, Virginia. This race will offer both in-person and virtual options. Check out RuntheValley.com and follow them on Facebook to find out when registration will open and how you can participate. runthevalley.com

Alleghany Highlands Outdoor Event Series Saturday, May 8 + Saturday, June 5 + Saturday, August 7 (Multiple locations) May 8th: Agony in the Alleghanies Gran Fondo — One of the most scenic century rides on the east coast. granfondoalleghany.com June 5th: Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon — A Boston Marathon qualifying race that runs adjacent to the emerald waters of the Jackson River. jacksonrivermarathon.com August 7th: Lake Moomaw One Mile Swim — Hosted on Lake Moomaw’s scenic mountain waters. lakemoomawswim.com

Maryland Coast Bike Festival Saturday, May 8 | Ocean City, Md. Join us on one of the three amazing routes exploring Maryland’s scenic coastal region. The event also offers the opportunity to perserve this pristine coastal environment. Start, finish and celebrate at the waterfront festival in Ocean City’s famous harbor. marylandcoastbikefestival.com

Full Service Fly Shop Western North Carolina Curtis Wright Outfitters has some of the region’s best guides, available for full- and half-day trips fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. Our shop in Weaverville, NC offers anglers essential fly fishing gear and outdoor apparel from the best brands. We also offer a falconry experience if you’d like to work with birds of prey! Stop by our shop for a visit and experience a friendly atmosphere where folks enjoy sharing their fishing stories.

CURT I S W RI G HTO UT F I TTER S. C OM • 8 2 8 . 64 5. 8 7 0 0

Blue Ridge

Getaways Best Southern Escapes for Scenery, Solitude, and Adventure

BY ELLEN KANZINGER

W

hat’s the ideal mountain getaway?

For some, it’s sleeping in a tent by a creek. Others prefer a rustic lodge with running water and picturesque views from the porch. “There’s no right or wrong answer,” said Tim Murphy, owner of Emberglow Outdoor Resort in North Carolina. “Everybody has their own relationship with nature.”

We agree. So we tracked down some of the most unique, adventure-ready lodging options in the region. From backcountry bunkrooms reached via trail to glamping sites with comfy amenities, explore these top options for your next excursion.

beds, mattress pads, a fire ring, cooking grate, and picnic table are provided, guests need to pack their own bedding, lights, water, and food for their stay.

For the Hikers

Dawsonville, Ga.

Ranger Outpost Cabin Camp Creek, W.Va.

Go deep into the mountains of West Virginia for a stay in the Camp Creek Ranger Outpost Cabin, a remote destination reached by 3.3 miles of hiking on the Farley Ridge and Almost Heaven trails. While bunk

THINGS TO DO: Camp

Creek State Park and Forest is known for its waterfalls, trout streams, and multi-use trails for adventurers of all abilities. Thirty minutes away, Pipestem Resort State Park offers even more activities like ziplining, rock climbing, and mountain bike excursions.

BOOKING: Call the West Virginia State Park Call Center at 1-833-WV-PARKS.

Len Foote Hike Inn Located in Chattahoochee National Forest, the Len Foote Hike Inn is a backcountry lodge—only reached via trail—with 20 bunkrooms surrounded by towering trees. Starting at the top of Amicalola Falls, hike the five miles to the inn as you cross streams, T H E L E W I S G R I S T M I L L AT F O R T L E W I S L O D G E & F A R M . P H O T O B Y JUMPING ROCKS PHOTOGRAPHY

ridges, and mountain laurel and rhododendron stands. Between the stunning views and family-style breakfast and dinner, you’ll mix a bit of Southern hospitality with backwoods seclusion.

Follow the approach trail to Springer Mountain and the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail for more miles of hiking. At the end of the day, relax on the wraparound porch or partake in after-dinner programs like nature talks, backpacking essentials, and local history.

BOOKING: Hike-Inn.com THINGS TO DO:

For the Paddlers Carolina Heritage Outfitters St. George, S.C.

Meander along the Edisto River, past cypress forests, great blue herons, and egrets, to a private treehouse by the water. Carolina Heritage Outfitters provides the canoe rentals and shuttle service to get you to your evening’s accommodations. The MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 25

“A Little Gem in Roanoke’s Historic District.”

The Roanoke Boutique Hotel is a micro B&B with outdoor patios and indoor comfort. Hike our mountains, walk Downtown.

Book at roanokeboutiquehotel.com | Text: 540.420.4455

Your Parks Your adventures Plan your perfect state park getaway.

| 800-933-PARK (7275) | www.virginiastateparks.gov | Know Before You Go — Recreate Responsibly

26

BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

23-mile trip is broken up into a 13-mile paddle to your treehouse the first day and a 10-mile paddle to the pickup location on the second day. Each of the treehouses comes with cooking utensils, hammocks, camp chairs, fire pits, and a screened sleeping area.

Relax on the 100-acre private wildlife refuge with walking trails and 1.5 miles of riverfront views. Fall asleep surrounded by the sounds of the forest and the river.

BOOKING: CanoeSC.com THINGS TO DO:

The Cabin on Coney Island Hinton, W. Va.

If you’re looking for serious seclusion, look no further than the Cabin on Coney Island. Located at the confluence of the New and Greenbrier Rivers, you will have the entire seven-acre island to yourself.

With the cabin fully stocked with linens, towels, and breakfast, you just need a boat to get yourself there. If you don’t have a watercraft of your own, the property managers can direct you to an outfitter in town for rentals.

THINGS TO DO: The

island sits just south of the country’s newest national park, the New River Gorge, with miles of hiking and biking trails, world-class whitewater, and classic climbing routes within reach.

FOG SETTLES OVER LEN FOOTE HIKE INN. PHOTO BY AARON COURY MIDDLE: SOUTH HOLSTON RIVER LODGE OFFERS ALL-INCLUSIVE FISHING TRIPS. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LODGE BOTTOM: THE CABIN ON CONEY ISLAND. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GUEST HOUSE

Check out the Guest House’s other rental properties for prime locations close to outdoor adventure.

BOOKING: GuestHouseWV.com

For the Anglers South Holston River Lodge Bristol, Tenn.

Just about every detail of your stay at the South Holston River Lodge is taken care of before you arrive. On the bank of a world-class trout destination, the lodge’s all-inclusive fly fishing packages include a stay in one of the riverside cabins, professionally guided float and wade trips on the South Holston and Watauga Rivers, and delicious meals. They’ll even spot you any gear you might have left at home, and provide complimentary beer and wine during your stay.

THINGS TO DO: Nearby

attractions include hiking in Cherokee National Forest, mountain biking at Steele Creek Park, and nightlife in downtown Bristol.

Flatwater paddlers will enjoy exploring the many islands and coves of South Holston Lake.

BOOKING: SouthHolstonRiverLodge.com

Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm Millboro, Va.

Tucked away in the mountains of George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm is a scenic mountain retreat.

Choose from the main lodge, rooms in the silo, MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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An Outdoor Lover’s Paradise!

Reel In Adventure

on the Water

The Beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains Awaits Book Apple Ridge Farm for your next family gathering, corporate/program event, wedding, getaway, group outdoor adventure, hiking, and more! Offering peaceful mountain trails and views, team challenge courses, pool, athletic courts, and field, picnic areas and more!

Stay in Our Caboose Car Bed & Breakfast!

appleridge.org | (540) 982-1322

3,300 Acres Ready to be Explored Mountains • River • Farm Fresh Cuisine

If you’re looking for an unforgettable fly-fishing experience, Primland offers everything you need. Take in the scenic mountain views and enjoy the soothing sounds of the Dan River as you catch native wild brown, brook, and rainbow trout. After a fun-filled afternoon, you can relax over a delicious meal or unwind in one of our luxury Lodge suites for the perfect ending to the perfect day.

C A L L U S AT 2 7 6 -2 2 2 -3 8 3 5 T O P L A N YO U R S TAY • W W W. P R I M L A N D . C O M

Bath County, VA 540.925.2314 • info@fortlewislodge.com www.fortlewislodge.com

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reconstructed historic log cabins, and private houses for your quiet stay. Situated on the Cowpasture River, you’ll have access to miles of water for smallmouth bass, rock bass, and rainbow trout fishing. In the warmer months, splash around in the nearby swimming hole, float down the river, or take in an afternoon paddle.

THINGS TO DO: The

lodge is surrounded by outdoor opportunities, from hiking and biking trails to the onsite farm and garden. At night, check out the unobstructed views of the night sky from the stargazing platform.

BOOKING: FortLewisLodge.com

For the Glampers and Campers The Treehouse Camp

Rohrersville, Md.

From rustic tent sites and treehouses to cozy cottages and a hobbit house, the Treehouse Camp provides a secluded spot among the trees. Here, campers will find a piece of the simple life with a peaceful getaway. Most of the structures do not have electricity, so pack your lantern and a warm sleeping bag. You can also bring your four-legged friends to this pet-friendly campground.

THINGS TO DO: Located

on the edge of Gathland State Park and the Appalachian Trail, this campground is just minutes from hiking, river rafting, and fishing.

Nearby, check out the quaint town of Harpers Ferry across the border in West Virginia or explore the scenic C&O Canal.

BOOKING: TheTreehouseCamp.com

Emberglow Outdoor Resort

Mill Spring, N.C.

Treehouses, yurts, RV sites, tiny homes, pods, vintage campers, primitive tent sites—Emberglow Outdoor Resort has it all. It’s the perfect place for friends and families who enjoy different levels of comforts to come together in one location. On site, you’ll find two miles of trails, a pool, dog park, community fire pit, and sand volleyball court, plus trail races, live music, and movie nights throughout the year.

THINGS TO DO: Just

like your lodging options, there are plenty of choices when it comes to outdoor recreation in the area. Lake Lure covers all of your water requirements with paddling, water skiing, and pontoon rentals. Check out nearby hiking and mountain biking trails, plus three ziplines in the area for more fun.

BOOKING: EmberglowOutdoorResort.com

Camp Bespoke

Williamstown, Ky.

The soon-to-open Camp Bespoke is a unique camping resort with a range of lodging options. Stay T O P : S L E E P S U R R O U N D E D B Y N AT U R E I N T H E B O N S A I T R E E H O U S E .

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TREEHOUSE CAMP B O T T O M : C O Z Y U P F O R T H E N I G H T I N A Y U R T. P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F EMBERGLOW OUTDOOR RESORT

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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discover

…the newly opened Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel, fly fishing in the South River, hikes in Shenandoah National Park, exceptional foodie spots, and more.

visitwaynesboro.net

Our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains are waiting for you!

If you are considering relocating to the Roanoke Valley, let our top-producing real estate team help you make this transition easy and stress-free. As industry experts, let our team help you decide about what neighborhood would best suit your needs.

Our website has all the available listings in the Roanoke Valley, and is an amazing resource! e Mountains Set up weekly emailed searches, run map searches by neighborhood, and run market reports.

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p you find your perfect home!

(540) 200-8836 30

BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

SUMMITGENERAL.STORE

in a repurposed shipping container with a private bathroom and kitchenette, or reserve a primitive tent site with convenient access to shower and restroom facilities. If you don’t have your own camping gear, you can purchase a package that includes a tent, sleeping bags, and pillows for your stay. This is the perfect spot for anyone who wants a night in nature with a few amenities.

THINGS TO DO: Look

for a series of experience packages for the bourbon enthusiasts, culinary and arts lovers, horse aficionados, and more. Head out on Williamstown Lake for some flatwater paddling or largemouth bass fishing. Just outside of town, Kincaid Lake State Park offers some leisurely walking trails and more water opportunities.

BOOKING: CampBespoke.com

Little Orleans Campground

Little Orleans, Md.

Tucked away in the Potomac River Valley, Little Orleans is a family-friendly campground with wooded, creekside sites and activities for kids. With RV and tent sites, as well as rustic cabins, it’s an ideal L E F T: TA K E I N T H E M A N Y S I G H T S O F T H E C A I R PA R AV E L W O R K I N G FA R M . P H O T O S B Y M I A A R T Z P H O T O G R A P H Y R I G H T: T H E F O X D E N T R E E H O U S E I S T H E P E R F E C T G E TAWAY F O R T W O .

PHOTO BY SANDY SGRILLO

spot to crash after long days of adventure in this prime part of western Maryland.

THINGS TO DO: Just

a short drive from the campground, you can hike through the Green Ridge State Forest, bike the Western Maryland Rail-Trail, and paddle the Potomac River. A nearby outfitter has kayaks, canoes, tubes, and bikes available to rent.

Explore more of the area via the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, which offers day trips through the mountains.

BOOKING: LittleOrleansCampground.com

For the Animal Lovers Cair Paravel

Stanardsville, Va.

Named for the capital in The Chronicles of Narnia books, Cair Paravel offers a cozy and intimate retreat beside Shenandoah National Park. Built on the principles of peace, permaculture, and preservation, this small, family-owned farm operates to have as little impact on the environment as possible. When you stay, choose between two cabins, a yurt and a restored 1986 airstream. All guests have access to the seasonal saltwater pool and year-round hot tub.

THINGS TO DO: Walk

the farm trails for the DIY tour of

all that goes on at this working farm, including the mushroom and bee yards, garden, orchard, and barn where you’ll see pigs, goats, ducks, and more. Take a drive through Shenandoah National Park or on the Blue Ridge Parkway for scenic overlooks and miles of trails, including the Appalachian Trail.

BOOKING: CairParavelFarmstead.com

Fox Den Treehouse

Greeneville, Tenn.

Spend the night in the Fox Den Treehouse with epic views of the mountains and a herd of llamas grazing on the farm. The deck on this cozy two-person cabin is the perfect place to start your morning and end your night. Plus, there’s a swing by the fire pit for cooler nights. An additional two campers can pitch a tent nearby for slightly larger groups.

THINGS TO DO: With

spring in bloom, hike the beautiful Smoky Mountains with a llama at your side. The trails of Cherokee National Forest provide a range of hiking experiences with a variety of terrain, vistas, and waterfalls. Book a package featuring a friendly llama at your side, including wine and cheese parties, yoga hikes, and nature photography treks.

BOOKING: TheWanderingLlamas.com MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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Alleghany Highlands Virginia I

Tight Lines The fish are biting, the temperatures are starting to warm up, and the waters of the Blue Ridge are calling to you. From mountain streams to flatwater lakes, use this guide to find your next fishing destination.

Please check with locations prior to travel to determine how best to have a healthy and safe experience.

f you enjoy fishing renowned blue ribbon trout streams, miles of pristine waterfront all to yourself, or the experience of reeling in a beautiful bass on a scenic mountain lake, then the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia is your next destination for an incredible fishing experience. The scenic Jackson River is the perfect spot for fly fishing with its recognition as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. It’s also ranked #25 in Trout Unlimited’s Guide to the Top 100 U.S. Trout Streams.

The Jackson River Scenic Trail runs adjacent to the river and is the perfect place to take in views of the Jackson’s beautiful emerald waters. The 14.4mile trail is mostly flat and composed of smooth crushed gravel, making it perfect for all ages. If you need a kayak, canoe, or even a bike to ride along the trail, Alleghany Outdoors, a river outfitter located at the Intervale trailhead of the scenic trail, has you covered.

If you’re looking for a more private fishing experience, Escatawba Farms is your spot. Cradled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and heart of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Escatawba offers a secluded Virginia trout fishing experience on Dunlap Creek, a freestone stream that ambles its way through two miles of wooded mountains and fenced pastures. For novice anglers and stillwater enthusiasts, Escatawba Farms also boasts three spring-fed ponds. So whether you fish the stream or the ponds, your

Virginia trout fishing experience will include dozens of big, cruising rainbows and brook trout—many of them citation size.

Lake Moomaw, considered one of Virginia’s most scenic lakes, offers 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline, providing anglers the perfect venue for a successful Lake Moomaw, considered one of day on the Virginia’s most water. The lake scenic lakes, is the result of offers 43 miles Gathright Dam, of undeveloped which creates shoreline, providing great fishing for anglers the trout, largemouth perfect venue for and smallmouth a successful day bass, perch, and on the water. panfish.

Other options include the Cowpasture River, which forms the headwaters of the historic James River, and Douthat Lake at Douthat State Park, voted Best State Park by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine two years in a row. The lake and stream at Douthat are stocked with trout during the spring and fall with bass and panfish opportunities throughout the summer.

When it’s time to put the rod and reel away for the day, book your stay in a scenic riverfront cabin, a lakefront campsite, or a unique glamping experience in the heart of Virginia’s Mountain Region. It’s Uniquely Alleghany!

VisitAlleghanyHighlands.com

photo by W. Curry Photography

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GiLes CountY Virginia

photo by Meghan Marchetti/DWR

K

nown for its 143 miles of shoreline, Calvert County, Md., is an angler’s dream. Bounded by the Chesapeake Bounded Bay to the east by the and Patuxent Chesapeake River to the west, Bay to the east and Patuxent there are plenty of River to the opportunities to cast west, there a line by land or are plenty of water. opportunities Access the river to cast a line by land or at Kings Landing water.

Park. Launch your paddle-powered boat to explore and fish the river marshes. Or fish from the pier for spot, white perch, and blue fish. Head to the North Beach Pier, Breezy Point Beach & Campground, or Flag Ponds Nature Park to fish from the bay shore for striped bass, croaker, and Spanish mackerel.

If you want to get on the Chesapeake Bay, consider hiring a charter fishing boat to reach the best places. There are several fishing charter companies that offer half day or full day fishing trips, and bait and tackle can be purchased at various shops throughout the county. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are another popular option.

When you get off the water, consider a picnic at one of many parks or beaches that dot the shoreline.

Relax by water when you fish Calvert County, Md.

ChooseCalvert.com/BlueRidge

F

rom cold water to warm water, Virginia offers a diverse array of fishing opportunities that will excite any angler from a novice to the near expert. If you live in the central part of the state you are a 90-minute drive If you live in from saltwater the central part of the opportunities on state you are a the Chesapeake 90-minute drive Bay and its tidal from saltwater tributaries. Drive opportunities on 90 minutes in the the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal other direction tributaries. Drive and you can try 90 minutes in the your luck in the other direction mountains on a and you can try native brook trout your luck in the mountains. stream or in the valley stalking large, weary spring creek trout. Add in the wealth of opportunities to target warm-water gamefish like largemouth bass and smallmouth bass and you might have a difficult time deciding where to have fun.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources’ website at VirginiaWildlife.gov is an invaluable resource for anglers where they can buy fishing licenses and trout stamps for fishing in stocked waters, refer to fishing regulations, explore an interactive map of fishing sites, learn when pre-announced trout stocking is scheduled, and more.

From the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers in Botetourt County, downstream to Richmond, the Upper

and Middle James River offers a wide range of angling opportunities and settings.

Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, and various sunfish can also be caught. The elusive muskellunge is stocked in the James, and some very large fish can be caught. Most of the muskies are found upstream from Lynchburg.

The South River harbors good numbers of smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, fallfish, and even a few largemouth bass from near Lyndhurst downstream to the confluence with the North River in Port Republic. Anglers might also catch bluegill, green sunfish, channel catfish, carp, white sucker, or black crappie while exploring the river. The South River provides excellent fishing for stocked trout in Waynesboro, with anglers having success spin fishing or fly fishing.

Whitetop Laurel, a large trout stream located in Washington County, offers seven miles of stocked water in addition to five miles of special regulation water in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Anglers can fish for both stocked and wild streambred trout. Whitetop Laurel has browns, rainbows, and brookies, making this a great destination for anglers to complete the Virginia Trout Slam Challenge, in which anglers are challenged to catch a brown, rainbow, and brook trout all in the same day.

F

rom the world-renowned New River to smaller waterways, Giles County, Va., is a fishing destination for anglers of all types.

Considered one of the top smallmouth bass rivers in the country, the 37 miles of the New River running through the county are a premier freshwater fishing spot. With 17 public and private access points along the New River Water Trail, you can stay on the water all day as you look for bass, muskellunge, walleye, and more.

Perfect your fly fishing skills on an excellent trout fishery when you visit Big and Little Stony Creek. Cherokee Flats is an accessible fishing area for wheelchairbound anglers with a paved trail and metal ramp. Both New River Outdoor Co. and Tangent Outfitters offer You can stay guided fishing trips on the water all day as you in the area so you look for bass, can get the most out muskellunge, of your visit. walleye, and Fill up on more. local delights at the end of a long day, like beef brisket and hush puppies from Bluegrass BBQ, farm-fresh, seasonal fare from Harvest Restaurant at Mountain Lake Lodge, a rotating menu and specialty drinks from The Bad Apple, or stoneoven pizza and decadent desserts from The Palisades Restaurant.

Soak up the waters and scenery of Giles County when you plan your next fishing getaway.

DWR.Virginia.gov VirginiasMtnPlayground.com

photo by Alisa Moody

photo courtesy Calvert County Government

Virginia department of wildliFe Resources

CalveRt coUnty Maryland

photo courtesy City of Waynesboro

L

ocated a short drive from the entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, Waynesboro, Virginia is a trout angler’s dream in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. Fish thrive in the mountain waters of George Washington National Forest and fly anglers especially enjoy the South River flowing through downtown Waynesboro for trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout. The 2.2-mile catch-and-release section, extending from Wayne Avenue bridge downstream to Second Street bridge, is one of two urban trout fisheries in Virginia. Further upstream, you’ll find the put-and-take section of the river at Ridgeview Park. While in town, visit the professionals at South River Fly Shop for fishing gear, advice, and guided excursions to the nearby South River or further out to the James and Jackson Rivers.

The outdoor fun doesn’t stop there.

Check out great hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park, or explore the newly opened Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel, a unique hike that takes you under Afton Mountain through an abandoned railroad tunnel.

After taking on the great outdoors, grab your mask and head into town to take advantage of Waynesboro’s cultural offerings. Our restaurants and attractions are doing everything they can to keep visitors safe, including limited seating, mask requirements, and frequent cleanings. Catch a movie or live show at the beautifully restored Wayne Theatre, originally built

in 1926. Discover world-class murals on the new Waynesboro Street Arts Trail, an interactive, scavenger-hunt-style tour on the free Traipse app.

You’ve probably worked up an appetite by now, and there are plenty of enticing options to sate your hunger in Waynesboro. Stop Waynesboro, Va., is a trout

by The River angler’s Burger Bar, a new, dream in upscale burger joint the beautiful already recognized Shenandoah in this year’s Best Valley. of the Blue Ridge competition. Cruise through the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, a series of nearly twenty breweries within an hour of each other, for stunning mountain views, live entertainment, fresh brews, and tasty eats. Visit Basic City Beer Co. (also recognized in three Best of the Blue Ridge categories), Seven Arrows Brewing, and Stable Craft Brewing in Waynesboro before discovering the rest of the trail. With over fifty wineries, breweries, and distilleries within thirty miles, plus Virginia’s first dedicated kombucha taproom, Blue Ridge Bucha, right in Waynesboro, there’s something for everyone.

Spring-fed waters, mountain views, alluring activities, and exceptional restaurants make Waynesboro the ideal angler’s getaway and a foodie’s haven. Come work up an appetite in Waynesboro!

VisitWaynesboro.net

WythevillE Virginia F

rom the novice searching for their first big catch to the experienced angler looking for a new thrill, Wytheville, Va., has a waterway for you. Get started on the New River, home to state records for smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge.

New River Trail State Park runs parallel to the river for 39 miles, providing water access as well as hiking and biking opportunities.

For those looking for native brook trout, Dry Run Creek is a popular spot surrounded by Jefferson National Forest with access to Mount Rogers Recreation Area while Cripple Creek offers a variety of experiences, from the public, statestocked sections to private trophy trout waters.

If lake fishing is more your style, Rural Retreat Lake provides 90 acres filled with muskellunge, bass, northern pike, sunfish, channel catfish, and crappy. With a boat ramp and ample shoreline spots, plus a concession stand that sells bait and tackle, this is a quiet spot for a day of fishing.

While you’re in the area, book a local guide to find the best spots on the water.

With more than 30 years of experience, the folks at Appalachian Outdoor Adventures specialize in smallmouth bass and musky float trips on the New River.

Book a float or wade trip with Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for scenic spots on mountain streams.

Those traveling with the whole family should explore the other attractions Wytheville has to offer. Soak up the sights, smells, and sounds of Beagle Ridge

Herb Farm as you walk through rows of lavender and the butterfly house. Interact with the animals at Fort Chiswell Animal Park with a safari bus tour and petting zoo or bike the terrain park at Crystal Springs Recreation Area.

Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre presents an evening of Broadway-style entertainment complete with a delicious four-course meal.

Celebrate the day’s catch with a drink and good eats in town. Head to Seven Sisters Brewery or 7 Dogs Brew Pub for locally crafted beers and live music.

Enjoy a slice of the countryside with a glass of wine in your hand from West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery.

Get some rest before another day of fishing at one of Wytheville’s hotels or campgrounds with options available at all price points. Stay in the Trinkle Mansion Bed & Breakfast for elegant accommodations and a memorable threecourse breakfast or the Bolling Wilson Hotel for the rooftop terrace serving up appetizers, drinks, and mountain views.

Relax and unwind with a day on the water and night of fun in Wytheville, Va. From the novice searching for their first big catch to the experienced angler looking for a new thrill, Wytheville, Va., has a waterway for you.

VisitWytheville.com

photo courtesy Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)

WaynEsboro Virginia

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DEATH TRAP THE PIGE O N RIV ER GO RG E SECT I O N O F IN TER STATE 40 IS O NE O F TH E D E A D L I E ST STRETCHE S OF INT ERSTATE IN T H E COUNTRY. A N EW P ROJECT H O PE S TO M A K E IT SAFE R FO R H U MA NS A ND W IL D L I F E .

BY WILL HARLAN

THE WIGGLES. THAT’S WHAT MY

five-year-old son called the sinuous stretch of Interstate 40 near the North Carolina-Tennessee border when we first drove it together. The highway snakes back and forth through a narrow, steep-walled gorge, roughly following the Pigeon River on the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Rock faces rise sharply from the road, and landslides are common. Tractor trailers often overturn. Two long tunnels make

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it even more treacherous. It’s one of the deadliest 28 miles in the country—for humans and wildlife.

My toddler giggled as our car careened back and forth through the gorge, but my wife was tense. A cold rain began to fall, and I white-knuckled the wheel as semi-trailers rumbled past.

“What’s that?” my son asked. He pointed to a black blob of fur on the shoulder. I didn’t say anything, but he already knew: it was a dead bear cub.

Blood trickled out from the carcass onto the wet road.

Interstate 40 stretches 2,560 miles from California to the Eastern coast, but the Pigeon River Gorge section has more accidents and fatalities than any other section.

More than 26,000 vehicles pass through the gorge each day, and that number continues to rise. This stretch of interstate is adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited and the second most popular park in the country.

An estimated 1,900 black bears call the park home. The Smokies are the largest black bear refuge in Appalachia.

But bears and other animals don’t recognize park boundaries. They travel in search of food, shelter, and mates.

To do this, that means they have to cross roads like interstate 40. More than 90 percent of male black bears and 50 percent of female black bears travel outside the park boundary each year, including through the Pigeon River Gorge.

Bears, deer, elk, and other wildlife have been moving across this gorge for millennia. It wasn’t until 1968 that a four-lane interstate with walls and barriers was built through it, interrupting a major wildlife corridor for the eastern U.S. Construction crews cut the road through the mountainside and sheared steep rock walls along the route. Animals that successfully make it across concrete dividers and four lanes of interstate can find themselves pinched between traffic and impassable cliffs on a very narrow shoulder.

Bear fatalities have quadrupled MOR E THAN 2 6 ,0 0 0 VEHI CLES PASS THR OU GH THE GOR GE EACH D AY, AND THAT NU MBER CONTI NU ES TO R I SE. THI S STR ETCH OF I NTER STATE I S AD JACENT TO GR EAT SMOKY MOU NTAI NS NATI ONAL PAR K, THE MOST VI SI TED AND THE SECOND MOST POPU LAR PAR K I N THE COU NTRY.

A N E S T I M AT E D 7 0 B E A R S A R E K I L L E D A N N U A L L Y ON A WINDING 28-MILE STRETCH OF I-40. PHOTO C O U R T E S Y O F N AT I O N A L PA R K S C O N S E R VA T I O N A S S O C I AT I O N A N D W I L D L A N D S N E T W O R K

since the interstate opened. In 2018 alone, 35 black bears were killed along this stretch of highway. Some biologists estimate as many as 70 bears may be killed here each year, and it’s impossible to count those not reported or those who make it off the interstate only to die later in the forest.

Deer, fox, bobcat, coyote, and recently reintroduced elk are also being killed in increasing numbers trying to cross the interstate.

Those collisions are dangerous for people, too. A bull elk can weigh up to 900 pounds, causing even more damage than a bear. Vehicle collisions with wildlife cost over $12 billion a year and take hundreds of lives in the U.S. Fortunately, a new coalition is proposing an innovative solution: bridges, tunnels, and other crossings for bears and other wildlife. Safe Passage: the I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project—hopes to build wildlife overpasses and underpasses across the interstate to reduce collisions and make it safer for animals and people to travel through the Pigeon River Gorge.

The timing is key: North Carolina Department of Transportation is planning to replace at least four bridges in the Pigeon River Gorge over the next five years. This presents a timely and

critical opportunity to integrate wildlife crossings and fencing into the bridge designs.

Safe Passage has already collected two years’ worth of data in the gorge.

They have used wildlife cameras to document animals traversing the gorge.

The data could help inform decisions around the most important locations for possible wildlife overpasses or underpasses.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation and Tennessee Department of Transportation are working closely with the Safe Passage coalition, which consists of 20 partner organizations from across the region, including National Parks Conservation Association, Wildlands Network, Defenders of Wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains Association, The Conservation Fund, and the North Carolina Wildlife Federation.

"Reconnecting this landscape is essential for future generations of humans and wildlife,” says Jeff Hunter, program manager for National Parks Conservation Association and the facilitator for the Safe Passage collaborative. “If you can provide an opportunity for safe passage, over generations, bear and elk and deer will teach their young to use those

APPALAC H IA structures. It will IS ON E OF TH E keep the animals MOS T IMPORTAN T out of the road CORRIDORS IN THE C OUN TRY and improve FOR WILDLIFE safety for humans MIG RATION . TH E N ETWORK OF PUB LI C and wildlife.”

LAN DS ALON G THE Wildlife APPALAC H IAN S PINE crossings have PROVIDES C RITICAL proven successful CON N ECTIVITY FOR S PEC IES TO TRAVEL in aiding panthers B ETWEEN IS LAN DS OF in Florida, jaguars PROTECTED LAN DS ACROS S TH E EAS TER N in Mexico, and UN ITED S TATES . grizzlies in the PROVIDIN G PAS S AGES IN THE APPALACH IAN Western United CORRIDOR States and WILL B EC OME Canada. In some IN CREAS IN G LY IMPORTAN T AS areas, wildlife MORE S PECIES overpasses and MIG RATE DUE TO underpasses CH AN G IN G C LIMATE AN D IN CREAS IN G have achieved DEVELOPMEN T. 85 to 95 percent reductions in wildlife mortality, according to a 2017 University of Montana study.

Appalachia is one of the most important corridors in the country for wildlife migration. The network of public lands along the Appalachian spine provides critical connectivity for species to travel between islands of protected lands across the Eastern United States.

Providing passages in the Appalachian corridor will become increasingly

important as more species migrate due to changing climate and increasing development.

Already, the Safe Passage coalition for the Pigeon River Gorge has attracted broad political support. Everyone wants to protect wildlife and make travel safer for motorists.

But overpasses and underpasses aren’t cheap. An underpass can cost $500,000, and an overpass can cost as much as $10 million. Overpasses and underpasses are usually accompanied by fencing that funnels wildlife toward these crossings, which can cost up to $100,000 per mile.

North Carolina’s Department of Transportation is willing to put wildlife considerations in its bridge replacement designs, but Safe Passage may have to raise a significant chunk of money to cover the cost of fencing.

Investments in wildlife crossings are worth every penny, says Hunter.

Wildlife crossings lead to fewer vehicle accidents and healthier, more resilient wildlife populations. “They keep animals safe and people safe. They are a winning solution for everyone.”

Learn more at smokiessafepassage.org.

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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DISTANCE PERSISTENCE

LAST YEA R JACKY H U NT- B R O E R S M A , A N A M PU T E E ULTRA RU NNER F RO M N O RT H CA R O L I N A , S E T A 1 0 0 -MILE R E C O R D. B Y J A R R E T T VA N M E T E R

S

he remembers that it hurt to the touch. Something had grown back over the site of a surgically removed scar tissue buildup on her leg.

At first it was simply tender, then a golf ball-sized growth emerged, seemingly overnight, and the insidious discomfort grew to be unbearable. Jacky HuntBroersma scheduled a follow-up visit to see the same doctor who initially told her the pain was merely more scar tissue forming.

“I went in and was like ‘I’m not sure, but I don’t think this is scar tissue any more,’ and he just looked at my leg and went pale,” recalled Hunt-Broersma, 19 years later. “He scheduled me in to see a specialist and scheduled a biopsy.”

Everything moved quickly from there. The biopsy revealed the spot to be Ewing Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, especially since she was only 25 years old at the time. Within a week of the biopsy, her leg was amputated to prevent the cancer from spreading.

That tumultuous week in 2002 would serve as the launchpad for HuntBroersma’s athletic career, one that has seen her complete the six-day, 120-mile TransRockies Run in Colorado and the Naturalist 25K Trail Race in North Carolina. She also recently became the first amputee to run 100 consecutive miles on a treadmill. Her next goal is her biggest yet, the Moab 240 in October.

Oh, and she only started running in 2016.

Hunt-Broersma agreed to meet me for a short run in January on what was supposed to be a restful Monday for her, following a combined 40 miles over the two days prior. We met in the Lake Norman State Park visitors center parking lot before setting out on our muddy caper.

H

unt-Broersma grew up in Pretoria, South Africa, and was a competitive swimmer. Despite the endurance and lung capacity she built over years in the pool, she didn’t just avoid running, she despised it.

“I was always the kid who would kind of hide whenever we had any track meets or anything we had to do running-wise,” she said with a chuckle.

“I’d be hiding in the bathroom because I hated running so much. I thought running was for crazy people.”

She met her husband, Edwin Broersma, in South Africa. Edwin works in investment banking IT, which led the couple to move to the Netherlands, where the cancer diagnosis and amputation occurred. Jacky works in pharmaceutical marketing, which took the couple from the Netherlands to England, where their two children were

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born. Five years ago, it was Edwin’s turn again. The couple moved to Cary, N.C., for his job, and that’s where Jacky began running.

“I had been to America quite a few times for work, but my husband had never been,” she explained. “He got the job offer in Raleigh and we were like ‘Where is that?’ It’s been fun. It’s been a great experience and this is where I started my running.”

As I watched her expertly navigate slippery downhills and technical root systems a few paces in front of me, it was hard to believe she has only been at it for five years.

She credits Edwin, also a runner, for introducing her to the sport.

“He just S H E S IG NE D U P seemed like he FO R H E R F IRST loved it so much 5K I N 2 0 1 6 and he always felt AN D C O M P E T E D O N A WA L K ING good and when PR O ST H E T IC , M U C H he spoke about H E AV IE R A ND M O RE it, he spoke with RIGID THAN THE FI L L AU E R O BSIDIA N passion,” she R UN N ING BL A DE said. “I was just S H E U SE S NO W. SH E WAL K E D M O ST O F fascinated, so I T H E RA C E , J O G GING wanted to give it O N LY IN SP U RT S, BU T a try.”

L O V E D E V E RY T H ING AB O U T IT. She signed up for her first 5K in 2016 and competed on a walking prosthetic, much heavier and more rigid than the Fillauer Obsidian running blade she uses now.

She walked most of the race, jogging only in spurts, but loved everything about it. The buy-in cost for an amputee runner is steep, with blades often carrying five-figure price tags, but deep down she knew it was a perfect fit.

“It’s not a decision to be taken lightly because my first running blade was $10,000, so it’s one of those things where you’re not like buying a pair of $100 running shoes. It’s $10,000,” HuntBroersma said. “I had to be sure I actually want to do this and not just something that you take up and then decide you don’t want to do it anymore. That’s kind of how we went down the route, and then luckily I fell in love with it.”

AT A G E 2 5 , H U N T- B R O E R S M A H A D H E R L E G A M P U TAT E D . P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F J A C K Y H U N TBROERSMA

With her new equipment she signed up for a cross country 5K, then quickly set her sights on a 10K in Durham. When she went to the packet-pickup table the day before the race, a yearning stirred inside of her. She switched to the half-marathon instead, despite never surpassing six miles on a training run. The next day she finished the race in just over two hours, confidence and appetite for mileage both soaring. Trail running provided a new frontier of challenges, and she dove in despite advisements against using her running blade on the often unforgiving terrain of the woods.

“What happens is, especially in the trails we run in Raleigh, they’re all root-y and rocky and there are so many elements where your blade can kind of get stuck under something, so you have to constantly make sure you’re checking,” she explained. “Even anyone that goes on the trail with two legs, you’re constantly checking, making sure you’re not tripping.”

While navigating the switchbacks during her descent from Hope Pass in stage two of the TransRockies, she took a particularly nasty fall. Several other runners rolled her on her back and made her remain supine until she was able to continue. She finished the stage and the race but ultimately switched from a single-plane device to one that is split down the middle into two prongs, which allows more give and adherence to rocks and roots. On her right foot she wears a red Altra Lone Peak shoe. She carries a hydration pack which, along with her fuel, holds duct tape, super glue, and a manual screw for the valve of her blade in the event of any needed mid-run blade maintenance.

When quarantine began back in the spring, Hunt-Broersma, like everyone else, had to adjust her routine to stay active. She had been in training for a 100-mile race that was canceled due to the pandemic, so she put her training to use by registering for the Aravaipa Strong Virtual Race in the 100-mile category. While the record-setting 100mile treadmill run was more forgiving on her equipment, it surpassed her

VENTILATED BACKPACKING PACKS MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

39

#showcvillelove Charlottesville businesses need support right now more than ever before. That’s why Charlottesville Insider is joining with Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine and C-VILLE Weekly to sponsor the Show C’ville Love Gift Card Giveaway. Each week starting February 14, we’ll be giving away two $100 gift certificates to a Charlottesville business of the winners’ choice. It’s easy to enter for a chance to win, and here’s how you do it: Post photos on Instagram and Facebook doing the following things and use #ShowCvilleLove.

Tag the local business and location if applicable.

Exploring the outdoors | Eating at a local restaurant | Picking up curbside | Shopping or visiting a local business Participating in a class (outdoors/social distancing or virtually) | Visiting outdoor breweries/wineries etc...

Staying in a Charlottesville hotel or other lodging | Doing something nice for someone (Showing some love) Anything else you love to do in Charlottesville

#showcvillelove

TrailHeads Are Our Heroes!

Support Blue Ridge Outdoors by joining our patron program for as low as $1 per month

H U N T- B R O E R S M A C O M P E T I N G AT T H E TRANSROCKIES RUN IN COLORADO. PHOTO COURTESY O F J A C K Y H U N TBROERSMA

previous long run “ I KN EW 1 0 0 WA S by nearly 40 miles G O I N G T O BE C H AL L E NGING, and was 10 times B UT Y O U J U ST GE T T H R O U GH IT, ” SH E longer than her S AI D . “T H E H A RDE ST longest treadmill WAS AT NIG H T, T WO run. With the help O ’C L O C K IN T H E M O R N I NG . AT O NE of pizza, music, PO I N T I WA S FA L L ING and Netflix, she AS L E E P BE C A U SE T H E finished in just M O M E N T U M , IT WA S AS I F Y O U WE RE under a day D R I V I NG A ND T H E RE ’ S with a time of M O M E N T U M A ND Y O U’R E STA RT ING T O 23:38:45, the D O Z E O F F. ” eleventh-place female and 36th overall out of nearly 500 participants.

“I knew 100 was going to be challenging, but you just get through it,” she said. “The hardest was at night, two o’clock in the morning. At one point I was falling asleep because the momentum, it was as if you were driving and there’s momentum and you’re starting to doze off.”

A

s for our run, we capped our mileage well short of 100.

The parking lot, and park as a whole, was mostly empty. Her blade and our shoes were caked in mud. It was an overcast morning on her day off and she had logged more miles in the previous 48 hours than most people do in a month, but her effervescence held. Around her neck she wore a gaiter adorned with the state flag of her adopted home of North Carolina, where her second act began.

“Running’s made me really grateful because every time I put on my blade and I’m out on those trails I’m like, ‘Man, this is amazing that I can actually do these things,’” she said, just before we parted ways. “I’m out here. I can actually put in these miles. It has definitely made me look at the world differently and just appreciate it.”

Thank You to Our Latest TrailHeads!

Clifford W. - Fremont, NH Tracie M. - New Kent, VA Ellen G. - Asheville, NC Susan H. - Hillsville, VA | Norman C. - Monroe, VA Brad K. - Weaverville, NC | Mark M. - Greer, NC

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

INTERVIEW

APPALACHIAN AUTHOR

Q&A: CHARLES DODD WHITE

a secret to those who’ve done the Appalachian Trail. Starting at Carvers Gap and ending up on 19E just outside of Roan Mountain, Tennessee, that’s a beautiful 15 or 16 miles of just about anything you could ask for. You have balds, peaks, and horizon views of some of the most iconic ranges in the Southeast.

The Tennessee writer’s new novel addresses systemic racism in the South. He talked to BRO about the book, the importance of recharging outside, and his favorite spots in his hometown of Knoxville.

BRO: A favorite place to paddle?

CDW: I like whitewater paddling a lot, but the older I get, the more I enjoy a canoe trip that gives a superior view of wildlife.

My current preferred float is the tail of the French Broad as it converges with the Holston River to form the beginning of the Tennessee in Knoxville. In the course of a single day I saw dozens of cormorants, a pair of eagles, maybe seven or eight ospreys, and some wading deer.

BY MARK POWELL

CHARLES DODD WHITE IS HAVING A

moment. The Knoxville writer’s new novel, How Fire Runs, addresses white supremacy in East Tennessee and has been called, “a novel that transcends region to become raw commentary on this volatile moment in America.” His new essay collection, A Year Without Months, forthcoming next year, includes essays on Southern culture and politics that have generated both admiration and derision—surely the mark of a great writer doing important work.

We’ve been friends for years. And while I know Charles as a writer and thinker, I know him even better as an avid outdoorsman. We’ve paddled and backpacked all over the Southeast, and have probably spent as much time talking trails as we have books. We sat down to talk about the pleasures of living and playing in the Southern Appalachians.

BRO: How Fire Runs is frightening and relevant. It’s also an Okra Pick by the Southern Independent Booksellers Association.

Charles: A lot of writers tell you to write what you know. I’ve always preferred the idea of writing about what bothers you. That’s what I tried to do with this novel. It’s a terrible truth that some of the most beautiful parts of the country are still struggling to wake up from the nightmare of violent racism.

BRO: I imagine there are moments when you have to step back. What do you get from the outdoors? Energy?

Renewal?

W H I T E ' S L AT E S T N O V E L , H O W F I R E R U N S , WA S R E L E A S E D L A S T FA L L . P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F CHARLES DODD WHITE

BRO: All right, so we’ve hiked Roan Mountain and paddled the Holston. What about after—a favorite brewery?

CDW: Any time outside turns pretty quickly into an act of meditation. I think of Thoreau’s essay, “Walking.” He talks about the need to go off the roadways and well-trod trails and let the hike become intuitive. Just blaze away. I find that whenever I hike or paddle I’m able to simultaneously perceive and contemplate, which is really incredible when you think about it. It makes me realize that a physical life and a mental one aren’t at odds.

BRO: In an essay for The Bitter Southerner, you write that, “My desire to experience wilderness on its own terms has entwined with my love for reading about it.” You mention Thoreau, Emerson, and Abbey. Are there contemporary nature writers you read?

CDW: You’ve got to put Helen MacDonald at the absolute top of any nature writing list. H Is for Hawk was a gorgeous look at the relationship between animals and their humans.

John McPhee is another writer who has one of those omnivorous curiosities that is a sheer pleasure to behold. Of course, it’s impossible not to care about the outdoors without acknowledging a

profound debt to Wendell Berry.

BRO: Though your work transcends place, it’s grounded in the Southern Appalachians. How does your writing life inform your outdoor life, and vice-versa?

CDW: I grew up hunting and fishing in middle Georgia, but even as a kid the idea of the mountains had a particular hold on me, so when I moved to the North Carolina mountains at 18, I wanted to get outside as much as possible. Hiking trails and fishing Appalachian streams is something that gets into your head in a much different way than the piney woods and slower water of the Deep South does. It feels more secluded and I think it rewards curiosity in a different way.

The landscape definitely has an effect on how I write about the place. There’s more of a tension between the geography and the people that I’ve found in other places. This might not be a feeling exclusive to Appalachia, but the mystery of it seems somehow sharper here.

BRO: Give us some favorite hiking spots in the Blue Ridge.

Charles: The Roan Highlands aren’t

CDW: I’m partial to a couple of places here in Knoxville. One is Last Days of Autumn, which is an unassuming spot on Magnolia Avenue not far from the hipster Fourth and Gill neighborhood. A functional outdoor space that has a great selection of American style brews. The other is Schulzbrau, which is a beer garden in the Happy Holler area that has liters of German beers they brew in house.

BRO: A favorite restaurant?

CDW: I’m pretty happy with a good taco place that has a full bar to back it up.

You can’t go wrong with SoKnox Taco.

I recommend the flat iron burrito with shrimp and a side of the fresh guacamole.

BRO: What’s next, both the literary and outdoor world?

CDW: Before COVID-19, I was planning on a hiking trip in Hokkaido, Japan, but that’s been delayed for obvious reasons. I’d still love to find a way to make that work in the next couple of years. I’m beginning work on a new novel set in East Tennessee about a woman who takes justice into her own hands with disastrous results and follows the consequences of that over three decades. The working title is The Undeserved.

Mark Powell is a professor at Appalachian State University and the author of six novels.

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

THE GOODS

CAST AND CARRY

SMOOTH RETRIEVES ROSS REELS SAN MIGUEL

ORVIS WOMEN'S PRO WADING JACKET

Spring is here and the trout are feisty. Our picks for the top flyfishing gear of 2021 will keep you out on the water longer—and hopefully help you catch a few more fish.

PATAGONIA SWIFTCURRENT ZIP WADERS

REDINGTON TOPO COMBO

PELICAN DAYVENTURE BACKPACK COOLER

B Y D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N

Orvis

Guide Hip Pack

The hip pack is our preferred way to access gear midstream. Push it back to your lumbar for casting and bushwhacking; swing it around to access flies, tippet, and other essentials when you are in the heat of a hatch.

Built with recycled Cordura and roomy inside, Orvis’ latest features a tippet spooling system that makes it a snap to stay organized and rig in a hurry. $149; orvis.com

ORVIS GUIDE HIP PACK

KORKERS RIVER OPS BOOT

HIGH CAMP FIRELIGHT 750 FLASK

SAGE DART

Orvis

Women’s Pro Wading Jacket

Waterproof, breathable, and battened down with waterresistant zippers, this beauty of a shell will keep you casting even when the weather is not cooperating. Inner pockets hold fly boxes and snacks and a built-in D ring hooks to your net. $349; orvis.com

Korkers

River Ops Boot

This brand-new wading boot brings the tough mindset of tactical gear to fly fishing.

The key is a construction that leaves no stitches exposed while wrapping around the foot, warding off the abuse of sharp rocks and submerged sticks, while also offering plenty of drainage with each step. And the plush soles (available in felt or Vibram studs) offer plenty of support and traction, even in fast water.

$260 (felt), $290 (studded Vibram); korkers.com

Patagonia

Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip Waders

The beefiest waders we tested can handle serious abuse. Made from recycled polyester and featuring a bomber front zipper, these are not the tool for hot summer days—but they will keep you out casting on big water all day long this spring. Plus, it’s easy to convert them from full chest height to hip waders. $749; patagonia.com

Redington Topo Combo

Ready to launch into the sport but unsure where to start?

This nifty set gives you all you need to start casting to

(and catching) wild trout: a four-piece, 9-foot, 5-weight Topo rod versatile enough for everything from backpacking to nymphing big streams; a competent Crosswater reel fully loaded with backing, Rio Mainstream WF5F line, and leader; plus, six dry fly patterns. Add it all up, and it’s a screaming deal that will get you into fishing. $220; redington.com

Sage Dart

Face it: Most of the casting you do on small Appalachian streams requires tossing flies into tricky pockets hedged in by branches on small, fast streams. Coming in 0-4 weights, the 7-foot, 6-inch, fast-action Dart serves up delicate presentation in tight

situations. That equates to catching fish where most fly (and spin) anglers just end up snagging branches. $750; sageflyfish.com

Ross Reels San Miguel

If you are ready for a serious reel upgrade, save up for this smooth performer. Coloradobased Ross has reintroduced this classic with a 21st century upgrade, including a meticulously sealed carbon/ stainless drag system that gives this beauty silky action and makes it easier to finesse a fight on tiny tippets. $595; rossreels.com

High Camp

Firelight 750 Flask

A little liquid enjoyment is a fine way to top off a day of

catching fish (and some solace when you get skunked).

Holding two built-in tumblers and keeping your favorite beverage chilled in vacuumsealed stainless steel, this 29-ounce kit makes for the ideal streamside après. $125; highcampflasks.com

Pelican

Dayventure Backpack Cooler

The perfect day casting flies includes a break to enjoy lunch and deprogram after hours spent intent on the water and waiting for strikes. Pack it all into this light, soft cooler in a backpack. With padded shoulder straps and plenty of insulation, it brings your favorite spread out into the wild. $250; pelican.com

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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THE OUT AND BACK

GO BIG, FALL SHORT

THE WALK OF SHAME B Y G R A H A M AV E R I L L

I DIDN’T THINK MUCH OF THE FALL

when it happened. It was a typical Whiskey Wednesday, that regular midweek reprieve from responsibility that a few friends and I enjoy, and we had a New Guy with us. Even though it was his first time skiing with the group, I could tell he was a better skier than any of us. But he caught an edge on an ice chunk when landing a jump and went head over heels. I’d seen worse falls and, after a minute, he got up and skied off the mountain. We did a Shotski back at the van. All was well, but New Guy was feeling progressively worse on the drive home, and by the time we pulled up to his house, he could barely stand.

It was time for another Walk of Shame.

Forget about your college years when you trudged across campus in the previous night’s wardrobe. The true Walk of Shame happens after an adventure when you have to walk an injured buddy home and face his wife.

Getting hurt sucks, but it’s not the initial pain that gets you. It’s the aftermath. Most injuries are swift.

The pain is on you before you really have a chance to feel it. If it’s severe enough, you’ll go into shock or pass out—both perfectly acceptable coping mechanisms. I spent much of 2020 operating in a mild state of shock, and I highly recommend it.

But the aftermath—that wake of consequences that follows an injury—is the true burden of any accident. Every time I walk a bleeding, broken friend to the door I start to catalog all of the aspects of his life that will be impacted.

The baseballs he won’t throw with his kids. The meals he won’t be able to cook. His wife is going to have to pick up the slack. His kids will have to cope with a father that’s a shell of his former self. His work will take a drastic dive in quality because, well, Percocet. This is the true cost of going big and falling short. And this is what makes that Walk of Shame so tragic. Because I know that it’s his wife that will be carrying the burden moving forward. She’s the true injured party in this scenario, and it’s my job to deliver the news. I carry a lot of guilt with me during the Walk of

Shame because we’re supposed to take care of each other out there, whether it’s night skiing ice at the local mountain or three nights in the backcountry.

We’re supposed to be adults who make good decisions. My wife literally tells me that very thing as I walk out the door to go play with my friends. “Make good decisions.”

Maybe that’s the problem here.

I’m a 44-year-old who’s still “going outside to play with my friends.” Shit. I feel an existential crisis coming on. Am I just a great big Man Child avoiding responsibility and making my loved ones suffer in my eternal quest for youth?

Regardless of the underlying root cause, the Walk of Shame happens more often than I’d like to admit. My first Walk of Shame was a double shoulder dislocation with a wicked case of short-term amnesia. A good friend of mine overshot his landing on a table top and hit the ground hard. Like, really hard. He had a 16-month-old at home.

And a newborn. I dropped him off in the middle of the night after pulling him out of a small West Virginia hospital and driving several hours home.

The two shoulder dislocations were A D V E N T U R E P U R S U I T S H AV E L E D T O T H E A U T H O R ' S FRIENDS SUFFERING SERIOUS INJURIES, INCLUDING A M N E S I A A N D A L A C E R AT E D K I D N E Y. P H O T O B Y G R A H A M AV E R I L L

troublesome (he had both arms in a sling), but the amnesia was brutal. Every seven minutes he would come to in the back seat and ask why I was driving his car. And why his arms were in slings.

And why his head hurt so bad.

Every. Seven. Minutes.

Also, he didn’t really remember the birth of his second child. That was fun to explain to his wife. My Walk of Shame with the New Guy might be even more traumatic. Six cracked ribs and a lacerated kidney. Of course, we didn’t know that until an hour after I walked him home to his wife and had to go back to take him to the emergency room. He spent two days in the hospital waiting for the internal bleeding to stop.

A lacerated kidney. I always knew Whiskey Wednesday would cause organ damage, but I thought it would happen slowly over a matter of years. I didn’t think it would be so sudden.

Don’t worry, New Guy is recovering just fine. And I’ve been on his side of the Walk of Shame before, hobbling home with the help of a friend after dislocating shoulders and breaking an elbow. Recovery typically moves along swiftly. There’s a grace period after an injury when the injured person has to be remorseful. You’ll say things to your partner like, “Don’t worry, I’m not going to try that again.” Or, “I think the

days of charging hard are behind me.”

You spend a lot of time talking about “lessons learned.” At first, you mean every word of it—you’re never going to try to send it again—but as the pain subsides the words become empty platitudes meant only to soothe your loved ones. Eventually, you’ll mostly forget about the injury that sidelined you and inconvenienced your family. It’s a natural part of the recovery process, the same way women can gloss over the pain of childbirth and the difficulties of raising babies and convince themselves they should have another.

A couple of years ago, I was on a trip with a pro downhill mountain biker, one of those dudes that rides the Red Bull Rampage, and he was recovering from a wicked collarbone injury. He started listing all of his breaks and contusions over the years, which was extensive and gruesome, and I asked how he handles getting hurt so much.

He shrugged. “The more you get hurt, the less you worry about getting hurt.

Because you know you’ll recover.”

Maybe. But then again, that pro mountain biker was in his mid-20s and single. He might change his tune when he hits 40 and his wife and kids have to bear the burden of his 'send it' mentality. Nothing drives the cost of an injury home like the Walk of Shame.

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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PERSPECTIVE

SENSE OF PLACE

SOUTHEAST BY SOUTHWEST An Adventurer Finds a Similar Pull towards the Recreation Opportunities— and the Heat—in Seemingly Opposite Regions

BY MIKE BEZEMEK

“WANT TO OPEN A CAR WASH IN THIS

town?” The question was posed by a young traveler from North Carolina, directed at the local fly-fishing guide sitting between us. We were spaced out in the dive bar of a false front town in one of those colorful badlands found throughout the Southwest.

“Yes, definitely.” The guide nodded.

Given that I was also a dirtbag adventurer who spent part of the year in the green-leaf Southeast and part in the red-rock Southwest (and I’m always looking for get-rich-quick schemes to keep the show going), I was slightly disappointed at not being invited to go thirds on this spontaneous business proposition.

Hey, I’ll scrub pickups for cash!

After sealing the tentative plan with a fist-bump, the guide left, and I asked Charlotte, the traveler, his reasons.

He’d be out of money soon and was looking to extend his stay in the arid Southwest before returning to the humid Southeast. This dusty town didn’t have a car wash.

All seemed to check out—though we didn’t discuss what water costs around here. Next, we shared favorite spots to visit. Not surprisingly, there was plenty of overlap within the two regions we frequented the most.

A few years ago, I glanced at a U.S. map and realized that almost every place I have lived and regularly visited spanned the Lower 48 along roughly the same latitudes. Like a shifting electron, my so-called orbital of likely locations was a band running between about 34° and 39°, north latitude.

Sure, I’d taken a few U.S. trips ranging farther north and south. But among dozens of east-west trips, I rarely strayed much beyond a 350-mile corridor, north to south. California, the Colorado Plateau, and southern Rockies on one side. Appalachians

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and Carolinas on the other. My main exception, the Ozarks, was right in the middle. With the U.S. reaching from 25° in southern Florida to 49° at the Canadian border, I was basically fixated on 20 percent of the country. The remainder might as well have been in France (~47°).

Was I less adventurous than I thought? Did I fear that Gulf Coast heat

would melt my face? That far northern winters would freeze me in place?

Maybe I subconsciously loved the number 37? Observing a similar travel pattern from not just Charlotte (35.2°) but other travelers, I put out some inquiries to friends and social media contacts who regularly spent time in both the Southeast and Southwest.

One of the first people I called was

THE AUTHOR SPLITS HIS TIME BETWEEN THE DESERT SINGLETRACK OF THE SOUTHWEST AND THE F O R E S T E D R I V E R S O F T H E S O U T H E A S T. P H O T O S B Y MIKE BEZEMEK

my buddy Curtis Ahlers, in St. Louis (38.6°), where I lived for 10 years. About half our adventure days were local and half were afar. We whitewater kayaked rivers throughout the Southeast, with

plenty of days on the class III middle and class IV upper Ocoee in Tennessee (35.1°). We mountain biked the worldclass trails in Bentonville, Arkansas (36.4°). We skied in the Rockies, but especially along the I-70 corridor, including Winter Park, Colorado (39.9°).

And we’d launched multiweek raft trips down big western rivers like the Colorado through Grand Canyon in Arizona (36.1°).

“Hey, have you ever noticed how we mostly travel around the 37th parallel?”

Silence.

“Huh?” After considering, Curtis agreed he spent most trips in the Southwest or Southeast. Homing in on practical considerations, he pointed to I-70 being a straight shot to Denver (39.7°) for skiing, paddling, biking, and hiking.

Plus, I-24 offered a direct line to Chattanooga, Tennessee (35°) for much of the same.

The interstate point was valid. I’d noticed that my travel band was roughly delineated by I-80 and I-70 in the north, and I-40 in the south—and increasingly so, as I traveled between past and new homes. But there had to be more to it, right? Within a comparable range of Chattanooga and Denver (500 to 850 miles), we could have reached the Boundary Waters (~48°) where neither of us had been, or the Gulf Coast (~30°), where we had each gone just a few times.

This shifted the conversation to the activities we chased in both regions.

When we were younger we were, admittedly, more adrenaline focused, which required mountainous topography like what’s found in Salida, Colorado (38.5°) or Fayetteville, W.Va. (38.1°).

But we’d also done plenty of mellow activities in each region, like float trips near Moab, Utah (38.6°), or day hiking near Brevard, N.C. (35.2°).

“The debate was live in western North Carolina and visit the southwest,” recalled Liz Johnson, a social media contact of mine. “Or vice versa.”

Liz grew up near Asheville (35.6°), mostly horseback riding when she was young. In her twenties, she took a job on a guest ranch near Steamboat Springs, Colorado (40.5°) and fell in love with the mountains and high desert.

Since that time, she’s lived 12 years in the Southwest—including Grand Junction (39.1°) and Durango (37.3°)— and one year in the Southeast, where she visits yearly. Now she mostly hikes

and rafts, with one of her top praises being the small-town atmospheres that can be found in both regions.

Liz echoed a similar feeling shared

by Curtis and me—that the bipolar pull of these two seemingly opposite regions is the variety within the same activities. In the Southeast, you can hike over rainforest ridges to massive waterfalls, summit granite balds, mountain bike hero-dirt flow trails, and paddle rocky creeks. In the Southwest, you can hike through cactus-filled deserts to hidden slot canyons, summit eroded mesa tops, mountain bike slick-rock sandstone trails, and paddle through broad valleys and deep gorges.

These same but different opportunities are a major draw for adventure travelers. But what else?

“I love the heat in both regions,” said Chelsea Metzger, another social media contact, who appreciates both the humid heat of the Southeast and the dry heat of the Southwest— especially when it comes to paddling trips.

During her mid-20s, Chelsea moved from Southern California (~34°) to the Southeast, which now feels more like home to her. She praises the sharp contrasts of the two regions—thick Southeastern woods showcasing four sharply distinct seasons versus the wide expanses and desert wilderness areas of the Southwest.

Chelsea’s comment about temperatures got me thinking about seasonal daylight—travelers can expect the same day length in each region.

Of course, there was probably a fairweather component, as well. Sticking to climates that are within a familiar range.

In the Southeast and Southwest, this allows for many non-snow activities to be pursued year-round.

Maybe some Americans were naturally east-west inclined, given how the U.S. expanded during its first 120 years? Go west, we say, go back east.

Even our mountain ranges—tall and abrupt in the Southwest, more eroded and rolling in the Southeast—mostly trend north-to-south. In some ways, maximum variety can be reached by heading east or west. From chatting with just a few friends, there were clearly plenty of reasons.

“Maybe it’s a comfort thing?” added Curtis, wondering if once a person has been to both regions, and decided they like them, they just keep going back.

“Feels like home.”

Always in Season

Fish in the Chesapeake Bay in the Charter Boat Capital of Maryland.

Plan your trip at www.ChooseCalvert.com/BRO

MARCH 2021 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM

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TRAIL MIX

FRESH TUNES

NEW SONGS FOR SPRING B Y J E D D F E R R I S A N D D AV E S T A L L A R D

EVERY MONTH OUR EDITORS CURATE A

playlist of new music, mainly focusing on independent artists from the South. In March we’re highlighting new tunes from Fruit Bats, Leon III, and Buck Meek, plus an experimental banjo track from Chris Pandolfi of the Infamous Stringdusters.

To hear these songs and more, follow the Blue Ridge Outdoors’ Trail Mix playlist on Spotify.

Buck Meek “Candle”

Fruit Bats “Holy Rose”

Fruit Bats leader Eric D. Johnson has been on a roll, following the radiant 2019 album “Gold Past Life” with last year’s acoustic reboot of Smashing Pumpkins' “Siamese Dream.” This month he’ll return with more new music, dropping Fruit Bats’ eighth studio effort “The Pet Parade” on March 5. Lead single “Holy Rose” is a dreamy psych-pop tune that builds with embellished guitar effects and powerful cinematic soundscapes.

Johnson wrote the song about devastating wildfires that roared through the northern California area where his wife grew up, and accordingly it sounds influenced by the forces of nature. —J.F.

Chris Pandolfi “Cloud Valley”

When not touring with the Infamous Stringdusters, banjoist Chris Pandolfi can be found in his home studio, tinkering with sounds under the moniker Trad Plus. “Cloud Valley,” from the new release “Trance Banjo,” is an

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BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS

acoustic adventure, driven by Pandolfi’s complex banjo runs, fiddle work by Stuart Duncan, and the drumming of Nick Falk.

A microcosm of the entire album, “Cloud Valley” combines traditional instruments with that dash of wizardry found in Pandolfi’s homegrown solo projects. —D.S.

Tucker Riggleman & the Cheap Dates “Storming in Memphis”

A veteran of Appalachian DIY rock bands Prison Book Club and the Demon Beat, West Virginia’s Tucker Riggleman is now fronting his own outfit, which just released the new album “Alive and Dying Fast.” The standout “Storming in Memphis” is a jangly road ode that recalls the work of twang-rock predecessors like Drivin N Cryin and the Bottle Rockets. It’s a slice of old school alt-country, with Riggleman rattling off mundane ways to pass time on the highway, but he ultimately sounds like a guy who can’t wait to get back to the party, singing, “You’ve only got four directions, so pick a dive bar and hammer down.” —J.F.

Will Overman “The Winemaker’s Daughter"

Just a couple years ago, Will Overman

considered giving up music. Thankfully, he didn’t, as “The Winemaker’s Daughter,” the title track from his new solo record, proves that there’s still too much good fruit left on the vine. Deeply personal, like the entirety of the new record, Overman’s love for his muse, his wife Janey, is unmistakable; amidst a chorus of banjo and mandolin, the challenges and joys of deepest love flourish. —D.S.

Leon III “Fly Migrator”

Leon III is the emerging psychedelic rock group led by Andy Stepanian and Mason Brent of long-running Virginia alt-country outfit Wrinkle Neck Mules.

“Fly Migrator,” the lead track from the band’s newly released sophomore album, “Antlers in Velvet,” is a spacey journey that floats along for nearly 10 minutes, mixing free-form exploration with urgent guitar riffs. It sounds like a vintage Grateful Dead jam laced with authentic Southern grit, with Stepanian’s engaging, growly voice guiding the long strange trip. —J.F.

Kendall Street Company “Go On”

Live recordings were scarce in 2020.

Charlottesville’s Kendall Street Company serves up a rare gem with the release of “The Stories We Write For Ourselves (Live at FESTY),” a retelling of their latest album recorded live at a socially distanced pod show in October.

“Go On,” the set opener, finds the jamoriented quintet sitting heavy in the pocket, with contemplative strumming building to a heavy rock groove accented by trippy keys and horn solos.

A reminder of what was and what’s coming, this jam leaves us pining for the full-scale return of live music. —D.S.

Josh Daniel “Waterloo”

Like many musicians, Josh Daniel has been home a lot since last spring. But he’s kept busy. For over 300 straight days, Daniel has gone live with his Quarantine Sessions, performing for an online audience often reaching into the hundreds. “Waterloo,” from his new record “Home,” was recorded live on Daniel’s front porch. Showcasing his soulful tenor and percussive acoustic guitar, “Waterloo” is optimistic and heartfelt, much like the sessions from which it came. —D.S.

PHOTO OF LEON III COURTESY OF BIG HASSLE PUBLICITY

Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek embraces a laid-back country vibe on his new solo album, “Two Saviors.” Analog warmth radiates throughout the effort, which was recorded in an old Victorian house in New Orleans, as Meek ruminates on heartbreak in his reserved vocal style. In “Candle,” a song co-written with his Big Thief bandmate and ex-wife Adrianne Lenker, he recalls hazy memories of an old flame, while somber pedal steel perfectly accentuates the melancholic longing in his lyrics. —J.F

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