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

“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 rent a boat or bring your own and get out on the water and see that park from a whole different view.” -Sammy Zambon, Virginia State Parks

The wandering waters of Virginia connect communities and people across landscapes and through time. From mountain streams and lakes to tidal rivers and bays, the waters of Virginia provide an endless source of exploration.

Sammy Zambon, an avid paddler and Visitor Experience Specialist for Virginia State Parks, introduces us to Wandering Waters Paddle Quest, a program that will have you exploring our state parks from a new perspective.

Tranquil lakes and lazy stretches of river await via self-guided and ranger-led adventures. From serene sunsets to exciting river rapids, grab your paddle and hit the water at a Virginia State Park. Let’s Go!

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Explore Middlesex

Mentioned in this Episode:

Wandering Waters Paddle Quest

Virginia State Parks Trail Quest

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

Connect with Sammy: [email protected]

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“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 Urbanna, in the heart of Virginia’s river realm. 
 
Step aboard as we navigate Urbanna’s river lifestyle with Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement. 
 
From fishing and boating, to paddling and crabbing, Patricia shares her journey from her first experience waterfront camping to getting hooked on this small town’s big adventures. 
 
Together, we’ll share why Urbanna is a must-visit for seafood lovers and history buffs alike. 
 
Whether you’re seeking the solace of a sunset paddle or hoping to reel in a big catch, get ready to shuck your stress and hit the open water. 
 
This is your passport to Virginia's Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

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The Chesapeake Inn

Mentioned in this Episode:

Explore Middlesex App

Visit Middlesex County

Boating Safety and Education

The Chesapeake Inn

Grey’s Point Campground

Bethpage Camp-resort

Urbanna Town Marina

Kayak Rental Kiosk

WC Sportfishing Charter

All Dining Options

Wake Beach

Waterman’s Park 

Heritage Trail 

Holly Point Nature Park (Deltaville Maritime Museum) 

Dragon Run

Urbanna Oyster Festival 

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"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 talking about the joy that you're taking in from the surroundings and that is so powerful. That is something about Virginia and Virginians - the unifying nature of our natural beauty and how it brings people together.” – Senator Tim Kaine

Discover the “faraway nearby” of Virginia’s wild landscapes in an intimate conversation with Senator Tim Kaine, who shares his introspective journey traversing 1,200 miles of our commonwealth by foot, bike, and canoe.

His story is an invigorating blend of history, nature, and community, as well as personal challenges that have enriched his life and helped him stay grounded as a public servant.

Senator Kaine’s humorous recollections, including his trail name 'Dog Bowl' and his affectionately named canoe 'Old Raggedy,' add a lighthearted layer to his profound reflections on a life outside.

We discuss how his new book, "Walk Ride Paddle," is a love letter to Virginia and a call for all of us to connect with nature. Let’s Go!

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Breaks Interstate Park

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Visit Campbell County

James River Association

FarOut Virginia Nature Triathlon

Mentioned in this Episode:

Buy the Book, find resources, and view the book tour schedule at WalkRidePaddle.com

Episode 27 Hiking, Cycling, and Paddling the Virginia Nature Triathlon with Senator Tim Kaine (March 2022)

Episode 47 Journey Along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia’s Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association (June 2023)

Virginia DWR boat access sites

James River Association camping and paddling resources

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“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 experiences and make some memories.” – Diego Riffle, Virginia State Parks

Have you ever longed to conquer the great outdoors but felt a need to brush up on outdoor skills?

Unlock the secrets of Virginia's natural playground with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, outdoor educators with Virginia State Parks.

We'll reveal how the 'Let's Go Adventures' program is making outdoor activities accessible, while also helping experienced adventurers improve their skills.

Diego and Sarah will guide you through hands-on programs like kayaking, fly fishing, orienteering, archery, hiking, and camping designed to instill confidence and ensure your time outside is as safe as it is unforgettable.

We take an inspirational look at the lasting impact of Let’s Go Adventures: a future where the skills learned lead to a lifetime of independent exploration, lasting memories with family and friends, and a deep connection with nature. Let’s Go!

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Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks
 

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Visit Campbell County

Wandering Waters Paddle Quest

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia State Parks Let’s Go Adventures

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“For almost 200 years we didn't have this native animal. It was because of volunteers and people like Jackie with Virginia DWR and their combined efforts with Breaks Park who worked together to restore the area that elk have returned. Visitors are amazed at how big and how majestic the animal is. It's like an entire rainbow of emotions - excitement, joy, I've even had people cry.” – Avery Rose, Breaks Interstate Park

The mountains of Virginia’s Appalachian Plateau echo with a sound not heard in over a century - the bugle of bull elk.

In this episode, Jackie Rosenberger, Elk Project Leader for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and Avery Rose, Elk Tour Manager for Breaks Interstate Park, trace the hoofprints of these majestic creatures from their local extinction to the present-day flourishing population that attracts visitors from around the country and beyond.

The story of elk restoration is a narrative of resilience and ecological triumph that's etched into the very landscape of the region.

Join us for a journey that's not only about the past and present of these magnificent animals, but also about the future they're shaping for Southwest Virginia. Let’s Go!

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Visit Pulaski County

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Breaks Interstate Park

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Elk Viewing

Virginia DWR Instagram I Facebook

DWR Elk Cam

Breaks Interstate Park 276-865-4413 

Breaks Park Instagram I Facebook

Breaks Park Elk Bus Tour Reservations

Southern Gap Elk Fest Oct 24 - 26

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“As part of the change in economy, we reforested the eastern part of the United States. We have a lot of forests now that are about 100 years old. As the trees came back, the deer came back, as the deer came back, the ticks came with them. And then the pathogens, of course, come along for the ride as well. I think about it from an ecology perspective, that what we did not bring back was also those top predators. So we end up with this ecology of weedy species, like deer, that do replication really well, and raccoons and rodents and all these things that also make excellent tick food.” – Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University Tick Research Team

How afraid should you be of ticks and tick-borne diseases?

The distribution of ticks in Virginia is expanding and tick-borne diseases are on the rise. But what is the probability of contracting a tick-borne disease? How serious are these diseases to our health and what can we do to protect ourselves outdoors?

Dr. Holly Gaff, Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University, answers your questions about the complexities of these parasites and their implications on human health.

Dr. Gaff tackles myths and truths about tick behavior, the expansion of ticks, and the importance of environmental balance. Discover practical advice on how to keep these bloodsuckers at bay while respecting their place in our ecosystem. Let’s Go!

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ODU Tick Team

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“There's a real excitement about Farmville, a steady progression, where we sit on this cusp of what we all think is an opportunistic moment for Farmville to shine. It's a great place to live, work, and recreate. That is our new tag for the town and I think it fits us well.” – Mayor Brian Vincent

Welcome to Farmville in the heart of central Virginia. Our guest, Mayor Brian Vincent, takes us on a journey through Farmville, where college town vibe meets small town charm.

From our dynamic conversation, one can't help but feel the town's heartbeat through its myriad of outdoor adventures and main street allure.

Together, we’ll roam through Farmville’s extensive outdoor rec offerings, including the “Farmville Five,” a list of must-visit state parks near town, uncovering the hidden treasures that make each park a true gem.

And speaking of gems, weaving through the core of Farmville is High Bridge Trail State Park, a 31-mile-long rails-to-trails park with the crown jewel being the majestic High Bridge, Virginia's longest recreational bridge. Soaring 125 feet above the Appomattox River, High Bridge Trail is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike.

Get ready to add another stamp on your passport to Virginia's Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

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Connect with Mayor Brian Vincent

Appomattox River Company: Instagram I Facebook

High Bridge Trail State Park

Map of High Bridge Trail

Twin Lakes State Park

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Holliday Lake State Park

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park

Canoeing and Kayaking

Boating and Fishing

Hiking and Cycling

Camping

Horseback Riding

Bright Eyes Alpaca Retreat

State Forests

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“I couldn't be more proud. My staff and I have a lot of pride in taking care of these areas and this landscape, because there are so many things to love and there is so much uniqueness. But part of management is balancing the use these areas receive and trying to figure out ways to work with the public, or work with the partners, or work with a volunteer group to help support the sustainability of these areas over the long term.” -Ranger Beth Christensen, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests

Embark on an intimate trek through Virginia's Appalachian Mountains with Ranger Beth Christensen of the Eastern Divide Ranger District in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests.

Beth's stories transport us from the jagged peaks of Dragon's Tooth, a jewel in Virginia’s Triple Crown, to the powerful rush of Cascade Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the entire east coast.

Beth’s insights into visitor information and preparing for a hike are golden nuggets for any outdoor enthusiast eager to explore responsibly.

Whether you're drawn to the high-flying raptors at Hanging Rock Observatory or the soothing sounds of Dismal Falls, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to Virginia's wild heart and an open invitation to tread lightly, give back, and immerse yourself in the enchantment of these revered spaces. Let’s Go!

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Connect with Beth: Eastern Divide Ranger District I 540-552-4641 I Facebook

New River Valley Master Naturalists

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Poverty Creek Trails Coalition

Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club

Piedmont Appalachian Trail Hikers

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“The best way to describe how I got into this journey is that in the past, I've hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, and I've done bike tours from Mexico to Canada, and those journeys always gave me faith and they renewed my spirit, and they breathed new life into me. Those challenges always put me in a very positive and happy place.” - Kevin Conley, Wildland Firefighter and Author of Above the Ashes

When darkness looms, is it possible for nature's light to guide us back?

Kevin Conley, author and wildland firefighter, joins us to answer just that.

In an episode that's as raw as it is real, we follow Kevin's harrowing trek from the brink of despair, through his battle with severe panic attacks and depression, to the catharsis and clarity he found in the solitude of the outdoors on a 3,500-mile bike ride across the country.

His narrative, captured in, "Above the Ashes," isn't just about personal triumph; it's an intimate tour of nature’s healing landscapes and a story of redemption that speaks to the resilience we all possess. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Breaks Interstate Park

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Connect with Kevin: Website I Instagram 

Buy the Book: Above the Ashes

Donate: Wildland Firefighter Foundation

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

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“My husband and I traveled out west and saw wonderful, amazing sights. My favorite thing was coming back into Southwest Virginia, seeing our mountains and knowing that I was home. It was so beautiful. There's nothing like it being here in the coalfields and the small towns. You know, it's gorgeous out there. But being back here, it's a comfort. I just love it.” – Maddie Gordon, Clinch Life Outfitters
 
Welcome to the Town of St. Paul in the heart of Appalachia. Our guest, Maddie Gordon, owner of Clinch Life Outfitters, unravels the hidden gems of this charming town.  

Whether you're casting a line or paddling downstream, the turquoise waters of the Clinch promise a serene escape into nature's embrace.

Feel the adrenaline-pumping thrill of ATV riding on the Spearhead Trails, then lace up your hiking boots and take in the stunning mountain vistas from Clinch River State Park.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in St. Paul – where nature's wonders and small town hospitality collide. Let’s Go! 

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Breaks Interstate Park

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Virginia Association for Parks

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Virginia is for Lovers

Western Front Hotel

Music by 49 Winchester

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Maddie Gordon: Clinch Life Outfitters I Instagram I Facebook

Email: [email protected] I Phone: 276-608-6907

*Mention Virginia Outdoor Adventures in-store and receive a discount, compliments of Maddie

Clinch River State Park

Trails in St Paul

Mountain View/Spearhead Trails

Clinch River Adventures

Mountain View Lodge

Sugar Plum Tavern and Eatery

Giovannis

Bluejean Bakery and Café

The Coffee Station

Fat Boys BBQ

Puerto Nuevo

Heart of Appalachia Visitors Center

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