Jonathon Engels 
The waterfalls in Pisgah National Forest rank among the best waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Some of their cascades plummet over 100 feet, pushing thousands of gallons of water per minute into crystalline pools. Pisgah NF occupies over half a million acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching from the border with Virginia in the … Read more
[Updated 12/20/2021] Personally, I’d argue that the best small towns in North Carolina easily rank among the best small towns in America on the whole. Western North Carolina is perhaps best known as home to historic Asheville, one of the most deservedly popular up-and-coming small cities in the United States. However, the Blue Ridge region … Read more
Though it wasn’t designated as one of Virginia’s State Parks until 2016, Natural Bridge of VA has been listed on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1988. It has also been one of the most popular Virginia attractions ever since before the USA was even a country. The famous 215-foot-tall Natural Bridge is so ingrained in … Read more
One of the most popular Virginia State Parks, Grayson Highlands State Park is in a fantastic location. It’s set in the beautiful high country in Mouth of Wilson VA, close to some of the state’s most renowned natural wonders. Adjacent to the park are Mount Rogers, Virginia’s tallest mountain, and Whitetop Mountain, the state’s second-tallest … Read more
Of the 2,000-plus miles of AT stretching up the East Coast, the Appalachian Trail in North Carolina has just under 100 miles of the world-famous trail coursing through it. Another 217 miles are shared along the Tennessee border. Nevertheless, some of the most beloved sections are part of the Appalachian Trail in NC, including Clingmans … Read more
My wife and I live in the northernmost part of Western North Carolina, less than 20 miles from the Virginia border. It’s a great place to be, providing easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and many of the best NC state parks and forests. Yet we are equally close to the best outdoor attractions … Read more
If I’m being completely honest, visiting the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke VA, was not even on our itinerary. We literally hadn’t even considered going there during our 3-day trip. But, being fast hikers and busy bodies, my wife Emma and I had already managed to hike up and down McAfee Knob before noon. … Read more
Located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region, Roanoke VA boasts a winning blend of the attractions and activities you’d expect from a small city, surrounded by the immense natural beauty of the best mountain towns. The McAfee Knob trail is by far the most popular place for hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Roanoke. It … Read more
Exploring Mill Mountain Park is one of the most popular things to do in Roanoke, beloved by both visitors to and residents of Virginia’s Blue Ridge region. The 568-acre park is located in the city of Roanoke, which is just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Southern Virginia. It’s accessible by both road and trail, via … Read more
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is the fifth largest city park in the entire United States, and the second-largest run by a municipality. It encompasses more than 12,000 acres, and the 630-acre reservoir within it supplies the city of Roanoke and most of the Roanoke Valley with drinking water. In addition, Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is Virginia’s … Read more