Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine

06/17/2026

Did you know some of the cleanest rivers are blackwater?

At North Carolina’s Lumber River State Park, tannin-rich waters wind through ancient cypress forests, creating a stunning paddling destination unlike any other. From remote creek-like adventures at Chalk Banks to scenic floats near Princess Ann, the Lumber River offers kayaking, camping, wildlife viewing, and a chance to experience one of the South’s most beautiful blackwater rivers.

Read more in Mike Bezemek’s “Blackwater Bounty” from the May/June 2026 issue!
https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/blackwater-bounty/

06/16/2026

🎣⛰️ WIN a Naturally Untamed Getaway in Grant County, WV! ⛰️🎣

One lucky winner will enjoy a getaway filled with mountain views, outdoor adventure, and local flavor.

What you can win:
🏡 Two-night stay at The Hermitage
🎣 Half-day guided fishing trip with Breezewood Adventures
🍽️ Dinner for two at Cheetah B’s in Petersburg
🦇 Tickets to explore Smoke Hole Caverns
🥾 Easy access to incredible hiking at Seneca Rocks and North Fork Mountain Trail

From casting a line on scenic rivers to exploring underground caverns and hiking iconic mountain trails, this getaway showcases some of the best outdoor experiences in the Potomac Highlands.

Enter now for your chance to win! ⬇️
https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/contests/naturally-untamed-2-night-mountain-escape/

06/16/2026

History and adventure go hand in hand in South Carolina’s Old 96 District Tourism 📜 ⛰️

Explore Revolutionary War battlefields, walk historic trading paths, discover original fort sites, and experience the landscapes that shaped America’s fight for independence. From the Battle of Musgrove Mill to Ninety Six National Historic Site, these seven trails offer a unique journey through nature and history.

Read more using the photos below!

06/15/2026

Virginia’s love for the outdoors didn’t happen overnight. 🌲🏕️

This year marks 100 years of conservation efforts through the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and 90 years of Virginia State Parks.

From the historic CCC-built parks of the 1930s to today’s 44 state parks, 700 miles of trails, paddling adventures, cabins, campsites, and volunteer opportunities, the legacy of protecting Virginia’s natural spaces continues to grow.

Take a look back at a century of conservation, using the linked photos below, and discover why there’s never been a better time to explore Virginia’s parks.

06/12/2026

Pitch a tent along the Appalachian Trail ⛺

in our May/June Field Report, Trail angel Janet Hensley, aka “Miss Janet", shares her favorite boondocking-style basecamps for accessing some of the most scenic stretches of the iconic footpath.

From the southern start at Springer Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest to high ridges in the Nantahala National Forest, the spruce-fir country of the Cherokee National Forest, and the sweeping balds of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Hensley highlights where to camp, explore, and experience the AT beyond the shelters.

Click below to read more!

📸 : Whitetop in Virginia. Photo by Eifel Kreutz/getty images.

Famed trail angel Janet Hensley shares four of her favorite camp spots along the famous footpath Cover Photo: Whitetop in Virginia. Photo by Eifel

06/11/2026

Anchoring one end of the Historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA, the Ting Pavilion is THE place to see some of the finest nationally touring artists in a beautiful urban outdoor setting. The String Cheese Incident, Alison Krauss, Jason Isbell, and Charley Crocket are just a handful of the artists performing this Summer. Check out the full calendar of events and plan a trip to see your favorite artists in 2026. And while there, check out Fridays After Five - the free Summer concert series - every Friday through Sept 11.

https://www.tingpavilion.com/

06/10/2026

Looking for your next mountain road trip? Discover Jackson County, North Carolina, where 45 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway lead to breathtaking overlooks, cascading waterfalls, charming mountain towns, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

From hiking Whiteside Mountain and exploring Panthertown Valley to savoring local flavors at award-winning restaurants and craft breweries, Jackson County is the perfect place to eat, play, and stay. Whether you're planning a summer escape, a fall foliage getaway, or a weekend road trip, this Western North Carolina destination has something for every traveler.

Read more using the photos below and start planning your adventure! ⛰️🍻🎣

North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva

06/08/2026

🌄 The Ultimate South Carolina Escape Giveaway 🌄

Your next weekend adventure could be completely covered! One lucky winner will receive an unforgettable getaway packed with outdoor fun, historic exploration, and incredible dining.

What’s Included:
🏕️ Two-night camping spot at Calhoun Falls State Park
🍽️ Dinner for two at Cambridge Chophouse (Inn on the Square) — includes appetizer, two entrees, and two desserts (drinks not included)
🥟 Two free appetizers at Indigenous Underground
🎯 One activity at Hickory K**b State Resort Park (choose: s***t shooting, axe throwing, boating, or biking)
🧭 Private tour with Ranger Mark at Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
🎁 Gift baskets from Breezy Quarters and Divine Your Space

From lakeside camping to historic trails and great local food, this is the kind of South Carolina weekend you don’t forget!

Enter now at the link below for your chance to win and start planning your escape:
https://heyor.ca/OtNgHc

06/03/2026

🎣⛰️ WIN a Naturally Untamed Getaway in Grant County, WV! ⛰️🎣

Ready for two nights of mountain adventure in the Potomac Highlands?

One lucky winner will receive:
🏡 2 nights at The Hermitage
🎣 A half-day guided fishing trip with Breezewood Adventures
🍽️ Dinner for two at Cheetah B’s in Petersburg
🦇 Tickets to Smoke Hole Caverns
🥾 Easy access to iconic hikes like Seneca Rocks and North Fork Mountain Trail

From casting a line on pristine mountain rivers to exploring underground caverns and taking in breathtaking ridge-top views, this getaway is packed with the best of Grant County’s wild and wonderful landscapes.

Enter now using the link below for your chance to experience West Virginia’s naturally untamed side!

ENTER HERE: https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/contests/naturally-untamed-2-night-mountain-escape/

06/02/2026

Trade rugged adventures for a little mountain luxury in Tucker County, WV. 🏔️

From chasing waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park to unwinding with spa treatments and stunning mountain views at Valley View Cabin Resort & Spa, this two-day getaway blends outdoor exploration with well-earned relaxation. Add in local breweries, live music, scenic bike rides, and unforgettable dining, and you’ve got the perfect mountain escape.

Read more using the photos below and start planning your Tucker County adventure 🍷🚲