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

“One of my favorite things about Virginia summits is I love going up there and being able to stare out, getting lost in the views. Virginia has so many beautiful views - Appalachian Mountain, Shenandoah Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains - we've got them all and being able to look out at the mountains, out at the farmlands, it's just amazing.” – Erin Gifford, Go Hike Virginia

Every hiker knows the thrill and sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching a mountain’s peak. Epic views and stunning scenery are often what motivates hikers to lace up their boots and head for the top. 

Get ready to bag Virginia’s peaks with Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia as she shares the highlights of her latest book, “Virginia Summits: 40 Best Mountain Hikes from the Shenandoah Valley to Southwest Virginia.” 

Erin’s insights are invaluable as she describes summit hikes throughout the Commonwealth, such as the 360-degree views from Bear Fence in Shenandoah National Park, the challenging terrain of Humpback Rocks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the distinctive High Knob Fire Tower in the George Washington National Forest. 

Whether you're a seasoned hiker looking to take on a challenge or an outdoor enthusiast scouting for a new adventure, this episode is your guide to conquering Virginia’s summits. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Virginia Association for Parks

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

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Visit Patrick County

Visit Smyth County

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Erin Gifford: Go Hike Virginia

Books: Virginia Summits: 40 Best Mountain Hikes from the Shenandoah Valley to Southwest Virginia 

Episode 29. Great Hikes in Virginia with Erin Gifford

National Parks Pass

DWR Restore the Wild Membership 

Virginia State Parks Annual Pass

The Ten Essentials of Hiking

Leave No Trace

Episode 13. Endless Outdoor Rec Opportunities on Shenandoah Mountain with Lynn Cameron I Co-Chair, Friends of Shenandoah Mountain

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Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

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Today I have a special episode I am sharing with you from another fantastic podcast that I think you’ll enjoy.  

Julie “Jester” Gayheart is the host of “Jester” Section Hiker, the Premier Podcast With The Spotlight On Section Hikers! If you’re a regular listener of Virginia Outdoor Adventures, then you already know from Episode 43, Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail, that less than one half of one percent of hikers on the AT are thru-hikers. Instead, most trail users are day hikers or section hikers. The focus of Julie’s podcast is on section hikers, meaning those hikers who are tackling long-distance trails one section at a time.

Julie and I are doing an episode swap, a common practice among podcasters with similar shows and audiences, so you can add a new podcast you may enjoy to your list of shows. I’m a regular listener of “Jester” Section Hiker and I can tell you that Julie is an expert in hiking and backpacking, in addition to a talented host who speaks with interesting guests and covers a broad range of topics related to hiking.

Jester walks you through what it takes to have a great section hike on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park! Everything from logistics, shelters, campsites, waysides, hostels, and outfitters.   

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Show Notes:

Join Jester On YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieGayhear

Connect with Julie Gayheart (Jester):
Email: [email protected]
Website: Julie Gayheart

Jester Wallis Productions: https://www.youtube.com/@JesterWallisProductions 

Podcast Music:
Victor Lundberg
"Top Of The Morning" 

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Come see me at the State Fair of Virginia this weekend! Look for the Virginia State Parks tent.

Many thanks to River Rock Outfitter for supporting the show and providing gifts to everyone who completes the Listener Survey.

“The James River runs 340 miles through the heart of Virginia, from the Blue Ridge all the way to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The river’s watershed is roughly 10,000 square miles and it supplies drinking water for 2.7 million people. It also provides opportunities to relax, adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors.” – Charles Johnson, James River Association

Rich in history and culture, the mighty James meanders over 340 miles through verdant forests, picturesque valleys, and rushing rapids from its headwaters in the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay. Flowing through the heart of Virginia, the James River offers abundant recreational activities, such as paddling, rafting, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. Charles Johnson from the James River Association helps us navigate the ins and outs of planning the perfect paddling and camping expedition and shares valuable tips for finding the best resources for your own river adventure. So get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythmic harmony of paddles gliding through water and the majesty of eagles soaring overhead on the river that played a pivotal role in shaping Virginia’s past and continues to inspire the present. Let’s Go!

Become a Member of Virginia Outdoor Adventures to receive the full list of show notes to your inbox:

Charles Johnson: LinkedIn I Instagram

James River Association: Website I Facebook I Instagram

Ep 35. Whitewater Paddling with James River Women

Ep 27.  The Virginia Nature Triathlon with Senator Tim Kaine

Camping on the James

James River Batteau Festival, Scottsville

RVA Paddle Sports

Twin River Outfitters

James River State Park

Powhatan State Park

Riverside Outfitters

Help the James

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Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

“I've taken a boogie board out in just the tiniest little waves breaking right on the shore and had a blast. I've taken a surfboard out in waves that were almost as tall as I was and had a blast. There’s such a variety of waves that anybody at most any skill level can have a good time in Virginia.”  - Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU

Get ready to ride the waves as we explore surfing, boogie boarding, and body surfing with ocean enthusiast, Drew White, from the Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University. Drew shares his insights on Virginia's best surfing locations, wave-riding safety, and why you don't need the biggest waves to have the biggest fun. But our adventure doesn't end there – we're also diving into the fascinating world of plant ecology and the importance of dunes in protecting the habitats of Virginia’s coastal ecosystem. So grab your board and score a wave. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

·       Virginia State Parks Wandering Waters Paddle Quest

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Drew White: [email protected]

Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University

Surfing vs Boogie Boarding

Movie: Come Hell or High Water

Surf Line App

National Weather Service

Windy.com

Tropical Tidbits

False Cape State Park

Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve

Episode Cover Photo by George Hernandez: Website I Facebook

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

“Once those tires hit the dirt, it's a completely different experience. It's about getting out and having a great adventure, freeing your mind, freeing your soul, and reconnecting with nature.” - Shawn Van Der Poel, Terra Overland

Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a fully equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon designed to conquer any terrain, traversing the majestic George Washington National Forest, as you embark on an unforgettable expedition. Virginia has an extensive network of overlanding trails that cater to adventure seekers of all interests and skill levels. From navigating obstacles and mud holes, to reaching new heights at breathtaking summits, you'll experience a profound sense of accomplishment that only the wilderness can provide. Shawn Van der Poel and Dawn Creamer from Terra Overland, have made the freedom of vehicle-supported travel and self-reliant adventure accessible to everyone. Buckle in and discover a true spirit of exploration through overlanding. Let’s Go! 

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

Mentioned in this Episode:
 

Connect with Terra Overland: Website I Instagram I Facebook  

George Washington National Forest

Flagpole Knob

Massanutten Resort

Boar’s Head Resort

Wintergreen Resort
Blog: Navigation and Route for our MABDR Backcountry Hiking and Overlanding Jeep Trek 

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Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

Following Episode 44, Beginner Backpacking with Alison Wata of Exploration Solo, I received a lot of requests for additional information about trail food and meal prep. So this week I decided to share a Bonus Episode from the past about how to pack food for outdoor adventures. Virginia Outdoor Adventures has quadrupled since last summer when this Bonus Episode first aired, so if you’re a new listener since then, you may have missed this information-packed conversation. 

I asked Aaron Owens Mayhew, registered dietician and founder of Backcountry Foodie, to give us a brief introduction to prepping for the backcountry, including considerations for nutrition, pack weight, ease, and expense. Aaron even shares one of her most popular recipes. 

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Aaron:
Instagram I Facebook I YouTube I Website
Email: [email protected]

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Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: [email protected]

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

“I love everything about waterfalls. I love their energy. I love the sound they make in the otherwise quiet woods. I love the mist that forms at the base of the falls. If sunlight hits it just right, you can see a rainbow in the air. They're just plain pretty and photogenic. It's not a living creature, and yet it's animated. I think of it as an animated force in nature that always has life-like qualities even though it's not alive. And I just love that about waterfalls.” - Ranger Kevin Moses, Shenandoah National Park

What is it about waterfalls that draw us in? Perhaps it’s the mesmerizing sight of free-falling cascades, or the sound of a soothing trickle or a powerful thundering roar. Maybe it’s the feeling of mist that dusts our skin or the fresh scent of moisture and earth mixing in the air. Shenandoah National Park is home to dozens of waterfalls that attract thousands of visitors every year. Ranger Kevin Moses, the park’s Search and Rescue Coordinator, highlights some of his favorite falls, interesting facts about the formation of the park’s natural features, and how to prepare for a hike so you can safely enjoy the power and beauty of Shenandoah’s waterfalls. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

·    Shenandoah National Park Trust

Mentioned in this Episode:
Shenandoah National Park Homepage

SNP Geology

Hiking Basics

The 10 Essentials of Hiking

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

SNP Trail Maps

SNP Visitor Centers

SNP Hikes to Waterfalls

Episode 33, Hiking Old Rag Mountain with Gabby Dreyfus, Old Rag Mountain Stewards

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

“Teaching others how to backpack takes being confident in your own skills, knowing what you can handle, and a desire to help other people love the outdoors.”  -Alison Wata, Exploration Solo

The experience of a backcountry trip immerses us in nature in a way that a day hike just can’t match. Backpacking can build confidence, provide a true sense of independence, and foster a love of the great outdoors. But maybe the idea of packing up and heading into the wilderness is overwhelming or even intimidating. Alison Wata, backpacking guide and owner of Exploration Solo, addresses the most common concerns of beginner backpackers, including selecting and packing gear, meal preparation, navigation, safety, and even the dreaded bathroom situation. Alison offers step-by-step advice and helps you find the best resources and support to get you ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

·       Hennessy Hammock

·       Zenbivy

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Alison Wata: Website I Instagram I Facebook I YouTube I Email: [email protected]

PATC Backpacking courses (also check community colleges, park authorities, outfitters, and certified guides)

Bonus Episode: Aaron Owens Mayhew, Backcountry Foodie

Ursak Bear Resistant Bag

Episode 22. Hiking McAfee Knob and Virginia’s Triple Crown with Diana Christopulos, Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Washington and Jefferson National Forests

Shenandoah National Park backcountry camping permit

Wildlife Management Areas access permit

Virginia State Parks primitive campsites

Gaia GPS

The Hiking Project

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]

“The Appalachian Trail is thought of as a trail for thru hikers but it's just not true. Three to four million people will hike on the Appalachian Trail this year. A couple thousand of those will be thru hikers. They're less than one half of one percent. Thru hiking 2,198 miles is an amazing accomplishment and so they kind of suck up all the media attention. The real story of the trail is not the story of the thru hikers, it’s the story of the person who does a five-mile loop hike on a Saturday.”  – Mills Kelly, Historian and Host of The Green Tunnel Podcast

Referred to by hikers as “The Green Tunnel,” the Appalachian National Scenic Trail is the oldest and most iconic multi-state, long-distance footpath, but the trail that we know today is not the trail that originally traversed Southwest Virginia. Historian and lifelong hiker, Mills Kelly, tells the story of Virginia’s lost Appalachian Trail and the communities impacted by the trail’s relocation. Mills also shares the contributions hikers make to the towns along the trail, surprising facts about trail use today and how it has changed over the last century, and advice for any thru hiker, section hiker, or day hiker planning to join the 3 to 4 million users who set foot on the Appalachian Trail each year. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:

·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop

·       Breaks Interstate Park

·       Virginia Association for Parks

·       Virginia State Parks

Advertisers:

·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

·       Hennessy Hammock

·       Zenbivy

Mentioned in this Episode:

*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links

Connect with Mills Kelly and The Green Tunnel Podcast:

Website I Instagram I Email - [email protected]

Buy the book, Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail (Check your local booksellers first)

Episode 22. Hiking McAfee Knob and Virginia’s Triple Crown with Diana Christopulos, Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club

Potomac Appalachian Trail Club

Natural Bridge Trail Club

Roanoke Appalachian Trail Club

PATC Maps

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

[email protected]