FEATURES
Parents and experts share ways to stay positive and maintain hope in an age of climate uncertainty.
From Mount Mitchell to Blackwater Falls, our state parks host world-class adventure. Here are 12 favorites, along with the behind-the-scenes stories of the visionaries who helped create them.
Tennessee’s Wildest State Park
Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced a controversial development plan for the newly named 2,000-acre Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park.
Meet the inspiring young athletes, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs leading the next wave of outdoor adventure in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Gorges became a state park instead of a hydroelectric dam, thanks to the efforts of one inspiring leader. Today, it’s still one of the most beautiful and best-kept secrets in Southern Appalachia.
If You Build Them, They Will Come
Youth bikers and West Virginia state parks partner to construct new trails.
DEPARTMENTS
Editor’s Note
The Forest Service wants to nix public comment and scientific review. Don’t let them silence you.
Quick Hits
Richmond triathlete dies during swim • Have gyms made climbing more accessible? • Three guys named Adam complete Le Conte Challenge • Free climber Austin Howell dies from fall in Linville Gorge • National parks backlog bill earns bipartisan support
Flashpoint
Paddlers: Your beatering is not cool.
Trail Mix
Fresh spins of August
The Goods
Boone boulderer Aaron Parlier’s go-to gear.
ON THE COVER
The morning sun sets alight both the sky and Blackwater River with orange and red hues at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia.
Photo by Jesse Thornton
@reflectioninapool