Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!

What if I told you there are places inside one of Virginia’s most spectacular landscapes that no hiker has ever experienced…until now?

We're heading to Breaks Park, known as "The Grand Canyon of the South," where several brand-new hiking trails and trail improvements are opening up parts of the park that visitors have never been able to explore before. From hiking along historic logging routes leading deep into the gorge, to discovering a breathtaking new overlook, crossing swinging bridges beneath towering sandstone cliffs, and exploring forests rich with wildlife and Appalachian history, there's never been a better time to visit the Breaks.

Joining me are Senior Ranger Daniel Flores and Chief Ranger Ronnie Hylton, two people who know these mountains, trails, and the stories behind them better than almost anyone. They'll take us behind the scenes of these exciting new projects, share the history that shaped this incredible landscape, and help you plan your own unforgettable hiking adventure in the Heart of Appalachia. Let’s Go!

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LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter 

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Ads:

Heart of Appalachia 

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter  

Mentioned in this Episode:

Hiking at the Breaks

Breaks Park Website

Instagram I Facebook

Episode 61 - Scenic Hikes is Southwest Virginia: Breaks Park and Pine Mountain Trail

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

What if I told you there are places inside one of Virginia’s most spectacular landscapes that no hiker has ever experienced…until now?

We're heading to Breaks Park, known as "The Grand Canyon of the South," where several brand-new hiking trails and trail improvements are opening up parts of the park that visitors have never been able to explore before. From hiking along historic logging routes leading deep into the gorge, to discovering a breathtaking new overlook, crossing swinging bridges beneath towering sandstone cliffs, and exploring forests rich with wildlife and Appalachian history, there's never been a better time to visit the Breaks.

Joining me are Senior Ranger Daniel Flores and Chief Ranger Ronnie Hylton, two people who know these mountains, trails, and the stories behind them better than almost anyone. They'll take us behind the scenes of these exciting new projects, share the history that shaped this incredible landscape, and help you plan your own unforgettable hiking adventure in the Heart of Appalachia. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter 

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Ads:

Heart of Appalachia 

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter  

Mentioned in this Episode:

Hiking at the Breaks

Breaks Park Website

Instagram I Facebook

Episode 61 - Scenic Hikes is Southwest Virginia: Breaks Park and Pine Mountain Trail

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

In this solo episode, I'm taking you along on another whirlwind journey that spans thousands of miles and some of the most memorable outdoor adventures I've had all year. From birding along Alabama's Gulf Coast and exploring Chincoteague's marshes to rock climbing in Shenandoah National Park, hiking brand new trails at the Breaks, and standing under giant Redwoods in California’s Muir Woods, there's a lot to unpack.

Along the way, I'll share stories from the trail, tips to plan your own adventure, and a few behind-the-scenes moments from recent podcast episodes. Plus, I'm asking for your feedback as I consider a question that could shape the future of Virginia Outdoor Adventures.

So grab your hiking boots, binoculars, or favorite road trip snack, and join me for a journey through state and national parks, coastal landscapes, mountain trails, and the adventures that continue to inspire this podcast. Let’s Go!

*This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter

A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly

Hiking Virginia's Summits with Erin Gifford

Rock Climbing with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

In this solo episode, I'm taking you along on another whirlwind journey that spans thousands of miles and some of the most memorable outdoor adventures I've had all year. From birding along Alabama's Gulf Coast and exploring Chincoteague's marshes to rock climbing in Shenandoah National Park, hiking brand new trails at the Breaks, and standing under giant Redwoods in California’s Muir Woods, there's a lot to unpack.

Along the way, I'll share stories from the trail, tips to plan your own adventure, and a few behind-the-scenes moments from recent podcast episodes. Plus, I'm asking for your feedback as I consider a question that could shape the future of Virginia Outdoor Adventures.

So grab your hiking boots, binoculars, or favorite road trip snack, and join me for a journey through state and national parks, coastal landscapes, mountain trails, and the adventures that continue to inspire this podcast. Let’s Go!

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter

A Hiker's History of the Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly

Hiking Virginia's Summits with Erin Gifford

Rock Climbing with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

A flash of color across a meadow. A flute-like melody sung from a nearby branch. A raptor soaring high above a mountain ridge. These small moments of discovery are what make birding one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities today.

Few places can match our incredible diversity of birdlife. From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the majestic Tundra Swan, Virginia is home to hundreds of bird species across a remarkable range of habitats.

I’m joined by Virginia State Parks ranger and avid birder, Evan Spears. We talk about why birding is helping so many people slow down, look closer, and connect with the outdoors in a whole new way. We’ll explore some of the best birding destinations across Virginia State Parks, share tips for getting started, and learn why spotting even a tiny bird can become a lifelong passion.

So grab your binoculars or just your curiosity - there's an entire world of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ranger Evan Spears: [email protected]

Find Birding Events in Virginia State Parks

Merlin Bird ID

eBird

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

A flash of color across a meadow. A flute-like melody sung from a nearby branch. A raptor soaring high above a mountain ridge. These small moments of discovery are what make birding one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities today.

Few places can match our incredible diversity of birdlife. From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the majestic Tundra Swan, Virginia is home to hundreds of bird species across a remarkable range of habitats.

I’m joined by Virginia State Parks ranger and avid birder, Evan Spears. We talk about why birding is helping so many people slow down, look closer, and connect with the outdoors in a whole new way. We’ll explore some of the best birding destinations across Virginia State Parks, share tips for getting started, and learn why spotting even a tiny bird can become a lifelong passion.

So grab your binoculars or just your curiosity - there's an entire world of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Let’s Go!

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ranger Evan Spears: [email protected]

Find Birding Events in Virginia State Parks

Merlin Bird ID

eBird

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

What if I told you that one of the most incredible outdoor experiences in Virginia doesn’t happen during the day, but after the sun goes down?

We’re heading into one of the most overlooked and truly magical parts of Virginia’s outdoors - the night sky. The kind where the Milky Way stretches overhead, planets come into view, and for a moment, everything feels a little bigger.

Virginia is home to several International Dark Sky Parks, places where the night is protected and preserved, not just for stargazers, but for wildlife, ecosystems, and even our own sense of wonder.

I’m joined by Ranger Patrick Mcnamara from Sky Meadows State Park, where programs like Astronomy for Everyone are opening up the universe to visitors of all ages. We’ll explore what makes these parks so special, what you can see through a telescope, and how you can experience it for yourself at a Virginia State Park near you.

So whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone who hasn’t looked up in a while, this episode might just change the way you see the night. Let’s Go!

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Advertisers:

Zenbivy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks

Sky Meadows State Park

Friends of Sky Meadows

International Dark Skies Association

Episode 41. Stargazing in Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks

Episode 76. Primitive Camping and Backpacking in Virginia State Parks

Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (Sky Meadows State Park)

Chapel Hill Observational and Astronomical Society (Staunton River State Park)

Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society (Natural Bridge State Park)

Crewe Astronomy Club (James River State Park)

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

What if I told you that one of the most incredible outdoor experiences in Virginia doesn’t happen during the day, but after the sun goes down?

We’re heading into one of the most overlooked and truly magical parts of Virginia’s outdoors - the night sky. The kind where the Milky Way stretches overhead, planets come into view, and for a moment, everything feels a little bigger.

Virginia is home to several International Dark Sky Parks, places where the night is protected and preserved, not just for stargazers, but for wildlife, ecosystems, and even our own sense of wonder.

I’m joined by Ranger Patrick Mcnamara from Sky Meadows State Park, where programs like Astronomy for Everyone are opening up the universe to visitors of all ages. We’ll explore what makes these parks so special, what you can see through a telescope, and how you can experience it for yourself at a Virginia State Park near you.

So whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone who hasn’t looked up in a while, this episode might just change the way you see the night. Let’s Go!

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Advertisers:

Zenbivy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks

Sky Meadows State Park

Friends of Sky Meadows

International Dark Skies Association

Episode 41. Stargazing in Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks

Episode 76. Primitive Camping and Backpacking in Virginia State Parks

Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (Sky Meadows State Park)

Chapel Hill Observational and Astronomical Society (Staunton River State Park)

Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society (Natural Bridge State Park)

Crewe Astronomy Club (James River State Park)

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

We’re heading deep into the mountains of Southwest Virginia to explore Norton, a small city with a big reputation as an outdoor recreation hub in the Heart of Appalachia. Tucked into the High Knob Region and surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, Norton offers something truly special - easy, immediate access to some of the most diverse and scenic outdoor experiences in the region.

From panoramic overlooks and cascading waterfalls to miles of hiking and biking trails, this is a place where adventure starts just minutes from downtown. Whether you're chasing spectacular views at Flag Rock or taking in a gorgeous sunset at High Knob Observation Tower, Norton delivers big outdoor experiences without the crowds.

Joining me is Katie Dunn, Director of the High Knob Destination Center and Norton’s Community Engagement and Tourism Director. She’s here to share what makes this mountain town so memorable – from its quaint main street to a little bit of local legend. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Katie Dunn: 

Norton, VA (Explore Norton) I High Knob Destination Center

 Instagram: @hkdestinationcenter I @nortonvirginia 

 Facebook: High Knob Destination Center I Explore Norton

Jefferson National Forest
Flag Rock Recreation Area

High Knob Region

Outdoor Adventures

Food and Drinks

Nottingham Place Bed & Breakfast (Wise)

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

We’re heading deep into the mountains of Southwest Virginia to explore Norton, a small city with a big reputation as an outdoor recreation hub in the Heart of Appalachia. Tucked into the High Knob Region and surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, Norton offers something truly special - easy, immediate access to some of the most diverse and scenic outdoor experiences in the region.

From panoramic overlooks and cascading waterfalls to miles of hiking and biking trails, this is a place where adventure starts just minutes from downtown. Whether you're chasing spectacular views at Flag Rock or taking in a gorgeous sunset at High Knob Observation Tower, Norton delivers big outdoor experiences without the crowds.

Joining me is Katie Dunn, Director of the High Knob Destination Center and Norton’s Community Engagement and Tourism Director. She’s here to share what makes this mountain town so memorable – from its quaint main street to a little bit of local legend. Let’s Go!

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

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia 

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Katie Dunn: 

Norton, VA (Explore Norton) I High Knob Destination Center

 Instagram: @hkdestinationcenter I @nortonvirginia 

 Facebook: High Knob Destination Center I Explore Norton

Jefferson National Forest
Flag Rock Recreation Area

High Knob Region

Outdoor Adventures

Food and Drinks

Nottingham Place Bed & Breakfast (Wise)

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]