Best Backyard MECCA Podcasts (2026)

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Massanutten: Your Backyard Mountain Resort for Mountain Biking, Trails, and Shenandoah Valley Adventures with Morgan Mowbry and Charles Sexton (Ep 83, Pt 2) 36:55

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23d ago36:55

36:55

We’re heading to Massanutten - “your backyard mountain resort” and one of the best places in Virginia to dive into mountain biking. For Morgan Mowbry and Charles Sexton, it’s more than a destination, it’s home turf for adventure. As dedicated trail builders and volunteers, they’ve helped shape the riding experience on Massanutten’s Western Slope, w…

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Massanutten: Your Backyard Mountain Resort for Mountain Biking, Trails, and Shenandoah Valley Adventures with Morgan Mowbry and Charles Sexton (Ep 83, Pt 1) 35:19

30d ago35:19

35:19

We’re heading to Massanutten - “your backyard mountain resort” and one of the best places in Virginia to dive into mountain biking. For Morgan Mowbry and Charles Sexton, it’s more than a destination, it’s home turf for adventure. As dedicated trail builders and volunteers, they’ve helped shape the riding experience on Massanutten’s Western Slope, w…

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A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly, Author and A.T. Historian (Ep 82, Pt 2) 41:58

1M ago41:58

41:58

The Appalachian Trail is more than a footpath - it’s a living piece of American history. Stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the A.T. winds through some of Virginia’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes. But have you ever wondered how this legendary trail came to be, and who the dreamers, builders, and hikers were that shaped it? We…

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A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly, Author and A.T. Historian (Ep 82, Pt 1) 38:36

2M ago38:36

38:36

The Appalachian Trail is more than a footpath - it’s a living piece of American history. Stretching over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine, the A.T. winds through some of Virginia’s most beautiful and rugged landscapes. But have you ever wondered how this legendary trail came to be, and who the dreamers, builders, and hikers were that shaped it? We…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Fries – Grayson County’s Hidden Gem on the New River, with Kevin Combs and Ricky Barton (Ep 81, Pt 2) 35:17

2M ago35:17

35:17

When you think of Grayson County, you probably picture some of the most iconic outdoor destinations in Virginia, such as the sweeping vistas of Grayson Highlands or the summits of Mount Rogers or Whitetop. But just down the New River lies a place that’s every bit as rich in beauty and history - the small, riverside town of Fries. Once a bustling te…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Fries – Grayson County’s Hidden Gem on the New River, with Kevin Combs and Ricky Barton (Ep 81, Pt 1) 37:47

3M ago37:47

37:47

When you think of Grayson County, you probably picture some of the most iconic outdoor destinations in Virginia, such as the sweeping vistas of Grayson Highlands or the summits of Mount Rogers or Whitetop. But just down the New River lies a place that’s every bit as rich in beauty and history - the small, riverside town of Fries. Once a bustling te…

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Mushroom Foraging in Virginia: Wild Edibles, Seasonal Finds, and Foraging Tips with Gabrielle Cerberville, aka the Chaotic Forager (Ep 80, Pt 2) 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

Virginia’s forests are alive with hidden treasures—and they taste delicious. From morels to chicken-of-the-woods, Virginia is a forager’s dream. Dive into the fascinating world of mushroom foraging with Gabrielle Cerberville, better known online as the “Chaotic Forager.” Gabrielle is a foraging educator, community mycologist, and the author of her …

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Mushroom Foraging in Virginia: Wild Edibles, Seasonal Finds, and Foraging Tips with Gabrielle Cerberville, aka the Chaotic Forager (Ep 80, Pt 1) 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

Virginia’s forests are alive with hidden treasures—and they taste delicious. From morels to chicken-of-the-woods, Virginia is a forager’s dream. Dive into the fascinating world of mushroom foraging with Gabrielle Cerberville, better known online as the “Chaotic Forager.” Gabrielle is a foraging educator, community mycologist, and the author of her …

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: King George – Rivers, Rail Trails, and Recreation between the Potomac and Rappahannock with Jenna and Warren Veazey, Friends of Caledon State Park and Dahlgren Railroad Heritage ... 24:59

3M ago24:59

24:59

Nestled between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, King George County is a destination that offers adventure on land and water. Our guests, Jenna and Warren Veazey, members of the Friends of Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail and the Friends of Caledon State Park, lead us on an exploration of this Northern Neck community’s hidden gems. Hike, run, o…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: King George – Rivers, Rail Trails, and Recreation between the Potomac and Rappahannock with Jenna and Warren Veazey, Friends of Caledon State Park and Dahlgren Railroad Heritage ... 31:18

4M ago31:18

31:18

Nestled between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, King George County is a destination that offers adventure on land and water. Our guests, Jenna and Warren Veazey, members of the Friends of Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail and the Friends of Caledon State Park, lead us on an exploration of this Northern Neck community’s hidden gems. Hike, run, o…

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New Inspiring Stories, Hidden Gems, Travel-ready Resources, and more (Ep 78 Season 6 Trailer) 1:05:56

4M ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Big news, Adventurers - Virginia Outdoor Adventures is back with a brand new season! That means more inspiring stories, hidden gems, travel-ready resources, and new adventures across our Commonwealth. In this Season 6 Trailer, get a sneak peek at new content inspired by you, as well as a chance to shape future episodes with your feedback. Be the fi…

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Mountain Peaks to Coastal Getaways: Season 5 Finale, Win a $50 Gift Card to River Rock Outfitter (Ep 77) 21:22

7M ago21:22

21:22

After 10,000 miles crisscrossing Virginia, 17 full episodes, and 4 bonus features, Season Five of Virginia Outdoor Adventures has been a remarkable journey of discovery and connection. What began as a pandemic project has evolved into a five-season exploration of the Commonwealth's most breathtaking outdoor destinations, hidden gems, and adventure …

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Primitive Camping and Backpacking in Virginia State Parks with Ranger Amelia Hulth, Powhatan State Park (Ep 76, Part 2) 19:47

7M ago19:47

19:47

If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground. Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving y…

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Primitive Camping and Backpacking in Virginia State Parks with Ranger Amelia Hulth, Powhatan State Park (Ep 76, Part 1) 30:59

7M ago30:59

30:59

If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground. Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving y…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Martinsville – Blueways, Trails, Camping and more in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge with Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams, Dan River Basin Association (Ep 75, Part 2) 34:50

7M ago34:50

34:50

Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville reveals itself as an unexpected paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams from the Dan River Basin Association share their intimate knowledge of this small city with its outsized adventure potential. The Smith River Blueway provides 45 miles of accessible pa…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Martinsville – Blueways, Trails, Camping and more in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge with Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams, Dan River Basin Association (Ep 75, Part 1) 34:31

8M ago34:31

34:31

Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville reveals itself as an unexpected paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams from the Dan River Basin Association share their intimate knowledge of this small city with its outsized adventure potential. The Smith River Blueway provides 45 miles of accessible pa…

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Wild Cave Adventures in Virginia State Parks with Ranger Erin Pitts (Ep 74, Part 2) 22:45

8M ago22:45

22:45

Descend with us into Virginia's spectacular underworld as we explore the hidden realm of wild caves. Unlike commercial show caves, wild caves offer an authentic adventure where nature remains largely untouched. Virginia State Parks’ ranger-led caving programs provide the perfect gateway into this mysterious environment. Ranger Erin Pitts from New R…

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Wild Cave Adventures in Virginia State Parks with Ranger Erin Pitts (Ep 74, Part 1) 25:32

8M ago25:32

25:32

Descend with us into Virginia's spectacular underworld as we explore the hidden realm of wild caves. Unlike commercial show caves, wild caves offer an authentic adventure where nature remains largely untouched. Virginia State Parks’ ranger-led caving programs provide the perfect gateway into this mysterious environment. Ranger Erin Pitts from New R…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Big Stone Gap – Mountains, Music, and Culture with Town Manager Steve Lawson (Ep 73, Part 2) 21:55

8M ago21:55

21:55

The mountains of Appalachia wrap around Big Stone Gap like a warm embrace, creating a community where outdoor adventure, history, and culture converge. Town Manager, Steve Lawson, describes how the community has transformed from its coal mining roots into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination. The town's crown jewel is the Greenbelt Trail, a sce…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Big Stone Gap – Mountains, Music, and Culture with Town Manager Steve Lawson (Ep 73, Part 1) 29:10

8M ago29:10

29:10

The mountains of Appalachia wrap around Big Stone Gap like a warm embrace, creating a community where outdoor adventure, history, and culture converge. Town Manager, Steve Lawson, describes how the community has transformed from its coal mining roots into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination. The town's crown jewel is the Greenbelt Trail, a sce…

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Camp-Ready: My Ultimate Packing Checklist + Road Trip Recap (Ep 72) 40:19

9M ago40:19

40:19

Planning your next camping trip? Let’s take the guesswork out of packing! In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to camping checklist — everything I bring to the campground, from essential supplies and food prep to personal items you won’t want to forget. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at my recent road trip across Virginia as I scout out new adven…

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Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park, The Parks Podcast (Bonus Episode) 41:47

9M ago41:47

41:47

I'm often asked for park recommendations both inside and outside of Virginia. Like you, I'm always looking for a great weekend hike or campground, but also setting my sights on new places to visit on longer trips. One of my favorite resources for new parks to explore is The Parks Podcast, hosted by my friend and Richmond local, Missy Rentz. Missy f…

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Wilderness Survival Skills That Could Save Your Life When You’re Lost, Injured, or Stranded with Tim MacWelch, Advanced Survival Training (Ep 71, Part 2) 33:02

9M ago33:02

33:02

Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness. Tim shar…

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Wilderness Survival Skills That Could Save Your Life When You’re Lost, Injured, or Stranded with Tim MacWelch, Advanced Survival Training (Ep 71, Part 1) 39:43

9M ago39:43

39:43

Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness. Tim shar…

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Ten Spring Adventures in Virginia to Add to Your Travel Plans (Ep 70, Part 2) 32:41

10M ago32:41

32:41

Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased exp…

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Ten Spring Adventures in Virginia to Add to Your Travel Plans (Ep 70, Part 1) 31:13

10M ago31:13

31:13

Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased exp…

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Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, Host Steve Adams on Thru Hiking in Virginia (Bonus Episode) 12:48

10M ago12:48

12:48

This week I’m sharing a conversation I had with my friend, Steve Adams, or known by his trail name, Mighty Blue. Steve is an AT thru hiker and host of the popular podcast, Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, The Ultimate Midlife Crisis. I find Steve’s podcast inspirational for hikers and non-hikers alike. Steve interviews thru hikers while they a…

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Forest Bathing and the Power of Nature Connection with Ana Ka’ahanui, Capital Nature (Ep 69 Part 2) 28:32

11M ago28:32

28:32

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sa…

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Forest Bathing and the Power of Nature Connection with Ana Ka’ahanui, Capital Nature (Ep 69 Part 1) 29:27

11M ago29:27

29:27

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sa…

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Winter Adventures in Virginia: Whale Watching, Stargazing, Ice Climbing, Caving, Wildlife Watching, and more (Ep 68 Part 2) 25:47

11M ago25:47

25:47

Start planning your next epic winter adventure like whale watching in Virginia Beach, stargazing in one of Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks, wild caving in Virginia’s Karst Region, Ice Climbing in the Blue Ridge, or winter wildlife watching in person or on a wildlife webcam. Also, in Part 2 of this solo episode, I share where you can find me live and in p…

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Fan Mail Bag, Gear Discounts, Parks Advocacy Day Recap (Ep 68, Part 1) 18:31

11M ago18:31

18:31

Jessica answers podcast fan mail, shares discounts for outdoor gear, and recaps Parks Advocacy Day in Richmond. Follow VAOA Podcast: Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store! VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Association for Parks Breaks Interstate Park Virgini…

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Conquering Resolutions: Setting Outdoor Goals and Challenges for the New Year with Alejandra Villanueva, Girls Who Hike Virginia (Ep 67, Part 2) 34:36

11M ago34:36

34:36

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy? Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024. Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transf…

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Conquering Resolutions: Setting Outdoor Goals and Challenges for the New Year with Alejandra Villanueva, Girls Who Hike Virginia (Ep 67, Part 1) 35:11

12M ago35:11

35:11

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy? Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024. Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transf…

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Parks Advocacy Day: Be a Champion for Our State Parks with Michelle Schopp, Virginia Association for Parks (Special Edition Episode) 24:16

12M ago24:16

24:16

In this special edition episode, I invited Michelle Schopp to share her first Parks Advocacy Day experience. Less than a year ago, Michelle was in the early stages of her Trail Quest journey to visit all of Virginia’s state parks. When she learned about Parks Advocacy Day through this podcast, she immediately reached out and asked to participate. H…

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Gear for Good: Secondhand Consignment Gear for Sustainable and Accessible Adventures with April Peterson, River Rock Outfitter (Ep 65) 39:12

1y ago39:12

39:12

What if you could acquire the outdoor gear you need for your epic adventures without breaking the bank or contributing to the fast fashion and throwaway culture? Or what if you could declutter your closets and earn some cash for the gear you aren’t using? April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitter in Fredericksburg, shares why secondhand and con…

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Behind the Scenes of Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Guest Appearance on Second Act Sucess Career Podcast (Bonus Episode) 40:04

1y ago40:04

40:04

I’m often asked how I got started podcasting, how I pivoted from education to entrepreneurship, and what it takes to run a podcast as a small business. I was delighted to sit down for a conversation with my friend, Shannon Russell, career coach and host of Second Act Success Career Podcast. I’m excited to share my guest appearance on her show where…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Onancock – Paddling, Boating, Fishing, and Camping the Eastern Shore with Mary and Bill Burnham, Burnham Guides (Ep 64, Part 2) 22:04

1y ago22:04

22:04

This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Check your podcast listening app for part 1. What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures? Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Bu…

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Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Onancock – Paddling, Boating, Fishing, and Camping the Eastern Shore with Mary and Bill Burnham, Burnham Guides (Ep 64, Part 1) 31:30

1y ago31:30

31:30

What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures? Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop. Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterf…

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Haunted Hikes, Cabin Gear Packing List, Backpacking and First Aid Gear Discounts, Podcast Behind the Scenes, Fan Mail Bag, and more (Ep 63, Part 2) 28:59

1y ago28:59

28:59

In part 2 of this two-part episode, I’ll share highlights from my latest newsletter, featuring discounts on backpacking and first aid gear. We’ll wrap up with a complete list of everything included in my cabin stay bag, to help you prepare for your own park visit. In case you missed Part 1, Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky st…

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Haunted Hikes, Cabin Gear Packing List, Backpacking and First Aid Gear Discounts, Podcast Behind the Scenes, Fan Mail Bag, and more (Ep 63, Part 1) 32:40

1y ago32:40

32:40

Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky stories from a haunted hike— perfect for those who love a good thrill! Plus, we’ll dive into your fan mail, so keep those messages coming by clicking on “Send Jessica a Text Message!” in your show notes. Tune in next week for part 2 when we’ll catch up on my recent adventures, including a resc…

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Virginia's Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society (Ep 62, Part 2) 33:47

1y ago33:47

33:47

We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures. In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understa…

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Virginia's Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society (Ep 62, Part 1) 29:00

1y ago29:00

29:00

We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understa…

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Scenic Hikes in Southwest Virginia: Breaks Park and Pine Mountain Trail (Ep 61, Part 2) 25:21

1y ago25:21

25:21

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Southwest Virginia's scenic hiking destinations. Tyler Mullins of the Pine Mountain Trail Conference, takes us on a journey highlighting the must-do trails of Breaks Park set against the majestic Russell Fork Gorge. Then it’s on to the lesser-known but equally captivating Pine Mountain Scenic Trail that weave…

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Scenic Hikes in Southwest Virginia: Breaks Park and Pine Mountain Trail (Ep 61, Part 1) 33:51

1y ago33:51

33:51

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Southwest Virginia's scenic hiking destinations. Tyler Mullins of the Pine Mountain Trail Conference, takes us on a journey highlighting the must-do trails of Breaks Park set against the majestic Russell Fork Gorge. Then it’s on to the lesser-known but equally captivating Pine Mountain Scenic Trail that weave…

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Hurricane Helene in Southwest Virginia: Status of Trails/Parks/Public Lands, Our Outdoor Community Can Help (Special Edition) 12:57

1y ago12:57

12:57

Hi Friends, If you’re like me, you’ve been watching the news about the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene and wondering what you can do to help. Our communities in Southwest Virginia have been hit hard and many of the places we know and love will be impacted for years to come. What you’re about to hear is a conversation I had with Amanda Liv…

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Season 5 Trailer - New Episodes, Giveaways, Upcoming Events, Fan Mail Texting, Shout Outs and more (Ep 60) 45:38

1+ y ago45:38

45:38

I'm back for a fifth season of Virginia Outdoor Adventures! In the Season 5 Trailer, get a sneak peek of new episodes, upcoming fall festivals and events where you can meet me in person, giveaways for podcast merch, new features such as Fan Mail texting, and shout outs to my listeners. And don’t forget, you can win a $50 gift card to River Rock Out…

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59. Wandering Waters Paddle Quest with Sammy Zambon, Virginia State Parks 35:38

1+ y ago35:38

35:38

“Our goal for Wandering Waters is to get people out and exploring our parks, either on a stand up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe and seeing our parks from a different perspective. You can go to a park like Hungry Mother and hike up to the top of Molly's Knob and get that giant panoramic scenic view. But then you can come back down and either ren…

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58. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Urbanna's River Life - Fishing, Crabbing, Boating, Camping & Paddling with Rivah Sistah 49:38

1+ y ago49:38

49:38

“For us to get to Grey’s Point campground, we had to pass through Urbanna. So one day I made a left just to explore and I was like, 'Wow! It’s so beautiful!' The boats and the waterfront, dining and nice houses. It’s this vibe that you just have to experience for yourself.” – Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement Welcome to the charming port town of Urbann…

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57. Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside with Senator Tim Kaine 39:06

1+ y ago39:06

39:06

"Everybody has a favorite place in Virginia like a trail, a sunset, a beach, a lake, or a river. Everyone has a place that's special to them and everyone is invested in trying to make sure that it's there for their kids and their grandkids. And that's such a unifier. When you're on the trail with people, you're not talking about politics, you're ta…

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56. Let’s Go Adventures - Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Archery, and Orienteering with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, Virginia State Parks 39:43

2y ago39:43

39:43

“Sarah and I want folks to gain some confidence recreating in the outdoors, especially in our Virginia State Parks, and gain some knowledge on how to recreate safely. That's our big two takeaways. Making sure folks can leave our programs feeling confident enough to do it on their own or tag along with their friends and try to share those experience…