August 2019: The Parks Issue

FEATURES

Do You Have Eco-Anxiety?

Parents and experts share ways to stay positive and maintain hope in an age of climate uncertainty.

Parks Guide 2019

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.

The Cool Kids

Meet the inspiring young athletes, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs leading the next wave of outdoor adventure in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.

How Gorges was Saved

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 swimHave 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

ReflectionInAPool.com

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