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!

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Connect with Katie Dunn:

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

Instagram: @hkdestinationcenter I @nortonvirginia

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Jefferson National Forest
Flag Rock Recreation Area

High Knob Region

Outdoor Adventures

Food and Drinks

Nottingham Place Bed & Breakfast (Wise)

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Welcome back to the second half of Season 6 of Virginia Outdoor Adventures! I’ve got a packed episode for you today, coming off a stretch of incredible nationwide travel - from the towering saguaros of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to the dramatic cliffs of California’s Channel Islands, frozen shorelines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and even dinosaur tracks deep in the heart of Texas.

By popular demand, I’m sharing highlights from the trail and beyond, like a moonlit hike in Saguaro National Park, spotting rare wildlife in California, and exploring the frozen beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

We’ll talk wildlife encounters, unexpected lessons, and the moments that remind you just how vast and wild these places really are. Plus, I’ve got a few upcoming events to share, what’s ahead this season to inspire your local travel, and how you can stay connected with the show.

So whether you're planning your next adventure or just dreaming about one, this episode will take you there. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

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Paria Outdoor Products

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Welcome back to the second half of Season 6 of Virginia Outdoor Adventures! I’ve got a packed episode for you today, coming off a stretch of incredible nationwide travel - from the towering saguaros of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to the dramatic cliffs of California’s Channel Islands, frozen shorelines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and even dinosaur tracks deep in the heart of Texas.

By popular demand, I’m sharing highlights from the trail and beyond, like a moonlit hike in Saguaro National Park, spotting rare wildlife in California, and exploring the frozen beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

We’ll talk wildlife encounters, unexpected lessons, and the moments that remind you just how vast and wild these places really are. Plus, I’ve got a few upcoming events to share, what’s ahead this season to inspire your local travel, and how you can stay connected with the show.

So whether you're planning your next adventure or just dreaming about one, this episode will take you there. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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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

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

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, where passion for both riding and community come together on the trails.

We explore how Massanutten Resort works collaboratively with the local community to create access to an incredible network of trails for every skill level - from smooth beginner and family- friendly trails to technical, expert-level singletrack. Morgan and Charles break down what makes Massanutten an ideal place to get started in mountain biking, including group rides and events for locals and visitors alike. Beyond the trails, Massanutten offers a full lineup of four-season activities, from skiing and snow tubing to waterparks, ziplining, hiking, and more, making it a true all-around adventure destination. And with Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest just minutes away, there are endless opportunities to expand your adventure.

We also dive into everything waiting nearby in downtown Harrisonburg, including local outfitters who can help you gear up, small businesses shaped by the region’s outdoor culture, and the restaurants Morgan and Charles recommend for refueling after a day on the bike. It’s a celebration of mountain biking, community collaboration, and the vibrant outdoor scene that makes the Shenandoah Valley a hub for riders and adventurers of all levels. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

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Heart of Appalachia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Massanutten Resort

Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC)

Episode 21: Mountain Biking with Thomas Jenkins

Western Slope Info, Passes, and Trail Maps

Massanutten Mountain Biking

Massanutten Snow Sports

Code for 15% off trail pass: Csextonoutside

Shenandoah Bicycle Company

Rocktown Bikes

Bluestone Bike and Run

Walkabout Outfitter

Mossy Creek Flyfishing

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

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, where passion for both riding and community come together on the trails.

We explore how Massanutten Resort works collaboratively with the local community to create access to an incredible network of trails for every skill level - from smooth beginner and family- friendly trails to technical, expert-level singletrack. Morgan and Charles break down what makes Massanutten an ideal place to get started in mountain biking, including group rides and events for locals and visitors alike. Beyond the trails, Massanutten offers a full lineup of four-season activities, from skiing and snow tubing to waterparks, ziplining, hiking, and more, making it a true all-around adventure destination. And with Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest just minutes away, there are endless opportunities to expand your adventure.

We also dive into everything waiting nearby in downtown Harrisonburg, including local outfitters who can help you gear up, small businesses shaped by the region’s outdoor culture, and the restaurants Morgan and Charles recommend for refueling after a day on the bike. It’s a celebration of mountain biking, community collaboration, and the vibrant outdoor scene that makes the Shenandoah Valley a hub for riders and adventurers of all levels. 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:

Massanutten Resort

Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC)

Episode 21: Mountain Biking with Thomas Jenkins

Western Slope Info, Passes, and Trail Maps

Massanutten Mountain Biking

Massanutten Snow Sports

Code for 15% off trail pass: Csextonoutside

Shenandoah Bicycle Company

Rocktown Bikes

Bluestone Bike and Run

Walkabout Outfitter

Mossy Creek Flyfishing

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

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’re hiking through history with someone who knows the Appalachian Trail like few others do. My friend, Mills Kelly, is a historian, archivist, podcast host, lifelong hiker, and author of the new book, A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail. His book captures the A.T.’s history, not just as a collection of facts and dates, but as a human story about purpose, adventure, and our search for meaning in the mountains.

Mills shares fascinating stories from the trail’s early days and how it has changed over the past century. And when you think about how far we’ve come - from hikers in wool suits carrying canvas packs filled with fresh produce, to today’s ultralight gear and freeze-dried meals - it’s amazing to see how the trail has evolved right alongside us.

Mills reminds us that the A.T. wasn’t built for heroic end-to-end treks, but for ordinary people to breathe easier and feel a little wilder for a few hours or a few days. That simple idea still shapes lives, towns, and trail culture across Virginia and beyond.

The story of the Appalachian Trail is as much about the people and their experiences as it is about the path beneath their feet. So join us as we hike back through time on the world’s most iconic long-distance trail. Let’s Go!

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Heart of Appalachia

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Visit Grayson County

Episode 81. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Fries – Grayson County’s Hidden Gem on the New River, with Kevin Combs and Ricky Barton

Raven's Ridge Discount Code: VAOAPOD

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Mills Kelly: Website I Instagram I Facebook I The Green Tunnel Podcast

Buy the Book: A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail by Mills Kelly

Episode 43. Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

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’re hiking through history with someone who knows the Appalachian Trail like few others do. My friend, Mills Kelly, is a historian, archivist, podcast host, lifelong hiker, and author of the new book, A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail. His book captures the A.T.’s history, not just as a collection of facts and dates, but as a human story about purpose, adventure, and our search for meaning in the mountains.

Mills shares fascinating stories from the trail’s early days and how it has changed over the past century. And when you think about how far we’ve come - from hikers in wool suits carrying canvas packs filled with fresh produce, to today’s ultralight gear and freeze-dried meals - it’s amazing to see how the trail has evolved right alongside us.

Mills reminds us that the A.T. wasn’t built for heroic end-to-end treks, but for ordinary people to breathe easier and feel a little wilder for a few hours or a few days. That simple idea still shapes lives, towns, and trail culture across Virginia and beyond.

The story of the Appalachian Trail is as much about the people and their experiences as it is about the path beneath their feet. So join us as we hike back through time on the world’s most iconic long-distance trail. 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:

Visit Grayson County

Episode 81. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Fries – Grayson County’s Hidden Gem on the New River, with Kevin Combs and Ricky Barton

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Mills Kelly: Website I Instagram I Facebook I The Green Tunnel Podcast

Buy the Book: A Hiker’s History of the Appalachian Trail by Mills Kelly

Episode 43. Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail with Mills Kelly

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

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 textile mill town, Fries is now a quiet haven for paddlers, cyclists, and hikers seeking a slower pace. You can launch your kayak right into the New River, pedal New River Trail State Park, or join a ranger-led history tour that brings the town’s past to life. In the evenings, the air fills with the sound of banjos and fiddles during weekly music jams that celebrate Fries’ deep roots in Appalachian culture.

I’m joined by Kevin Combs, a Fries native, photographer, musician, and tourism manager who shares how the town is embracing its outdoor and cultural identity. We’ll also hear from Ricky Barton, who created the New River Float Calculator, an interactive tool that helps paddlers plan their trips. Ricky shares his expert tips for exploring the New River, from leisurely Class I floats with the family to adrenaline-packed Class III rapids.

Along the way, we’ll discover hidden gems throughout Grayson County, plus local dining and unique lodging.

Get ready to experience a place where music, history, and adventure meet on the banks of the New River. This is Fries - one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!

This is part 2 of a two-part episode.

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Kevin

Connect with Ricky

Visit Fries

Visit Grayson County

The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail

Thursday Night Music Jams - Fries

Historic 1908 Courthouse

New River Trail State Park

Grayson Gravel Traverse

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Rugby Creek Animal Rescue

New River Float Calculator

New Ri

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com