Best National Park’s And Recreational Park Podcasts (2024)

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Season 5 Trailer - New Episodes, Giveaways, Upcoming Events, Fan Mail Texting, Shout Outs and more (Ep 60) 45:38

1d ago45:38

45:38

I'm back for a fifth season of Virginia Outdoor Adventures! In the Season 5 Trailer, get a sneak peek of new episodes, upcoming fall festivals and events where you can meet me in person, giveaways for podcast merch, new features such as Fan Mail texting, and shout outs to my listeners. And don’t forget, you can win a $50 gift card to River Rock Out…

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Discover the wonderful world of mushrooms with the Philadelphia Mycology Club 55:54

6d ago55:54

55:54

Send us a text There’s just something about mushrooms that so are cool. I can’t really explain it. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, often looking like they belong in a fairy tale or another planet. They transform any landscape with their mysterious, almost magical appearance. They are not plants or animals but belong to a fascinating kin…

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Breaking trails and building community with the Keystone Trails Association 59:20

20d ago59:20

59:20

Send us a text This episode is sponsored by the Keystone Trails Association. Most people never know how much volunteer work goes into their favorite hiking trail. Countless hours are spent breaking trails, cutting back brush, moving rocks, building steps, preventing water erosion and blazing trails. Then, after the trail is built, even more hours a…

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Timber! Harvesting history at the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum 1:17:54

1M ago1:17:54

1:17:54

Send us a text For thousands of years, the land that would become Pennsylvania was dominated by dense, ancient forests that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering trees such as white oaks, chestnuts and hemlocks formed a vast green canopy that covered hundreds of miles. The forests were such an integral part of this landscape that it was n…

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Poe Paddy and Poe Valley State Parks - Uncover rugged wilderness in Happy Valley 31:34

2M ago31:34

31:34

Send us a text The vast majority of Pennsylvania’s state parks are easy to drive to. That’s one of the reasons our parks are so accessible to residents and visitors. They’re located on paved roads and can often be found just a few minutes from a highway. But then there are parks that are not so easy to get to. They’re the ones that can only be expl…

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Forbes State Forest - Endless outdoor adventures in the Laurel Highlands 58:52

2M ago58:52

58:52

Send us a text To list all of the features of Forbes State Forest would be pointless. That’s because it has so much to offer so many people. You want trails, it’s got it. You want overlooks, its got it. You want waterfalls, it’s got it. Forbes State Forest has some of the best land in Pennsylvania for everything from mountain biking and hiking to A…

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Moraine State Park - From ruined to reclaimed in less than 100 years 35:49

3M ago35:49

35:49

Send us a text Standing on the shore of Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, you’d never think the area was the site of massive deforestation, coal mining and gas drilling practices that scarred the landscape for decades. But it is. In the 1800s, farmers cleared the forests and drained the swamps that would one day be Moraine State Park. Materials su…

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Beltzville State Park - Beach, boating and beyond in the Poconos 56:26

3M ago56:26

56:26

Send us a text There are few sights I enjoy as much as people having fun in Pennsylvania state parks. Children playing tag and hide-and-go-seek. Adults telling stories around a picnic table. Friends catching up while grilling. And never have I see so many people having such a good time, then on Memorial Day weekend at Beltsville State Park. Upon en…

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How fireflies light up Pennsylvania's night skies with Dr. Sarah Lower 37:39

4M ago37:39

37:39

Send us a text The arrival of fireflies has always represented summer to me. They've meant barbeques. They meant fireworks. They meant being a kid. I’ve heard from so many people about the memories they have connected to lightening bugs. Exploring the woods with grandparents who have long passed. 4th of July parties with their friends. A first kiss…

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Presque Isle State Park - Pennsylvania's Great Lake Getaway 48:11

4M ago48:11

48:11

Send us a text Last year, nearly four million people visited Presque Isle State Park in Erie- making it the most visited state park in Pennsylvania. And anyone whose ever visited this wonderful park understands why. There’s no other park like Presque Isle in the Commonwealth. It is totally unique and incredibly special. But what makes Presque Isle …

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Michaux State Forest - Exploring Pennsylvania’s 'cradle of forestry' in the Appalachian Mountains 22:29

4M ago22:29

22:29

Send us a text Spanning 85,000 acres across three Central Pennsylvania counties, Michaux State Forest is a sanctuary of lush woodlands, crystal-clear streams and a rich tapestry of history and wildlife. Considered Pennsylvania’s “cradle of forestry,” Michaux State Forest is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, giving visitors a bevy of settings to…

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59. Wandering Waters Paddle Quest with Sammy Zambon, Virginia State Parks 35:38

5M ago35:38

35:38

“Our goal for Wandering Waters is to get people out and exploring our parks, either on a stand up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe and seeing our parks from a different perspective. You can go to a park like Hungry Mother and hike up to the top of Molly's Knob and get that giant panoramic scenic view. But then you can come back down and either ren…

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Benjamin Rush State Park - Cultivating community through gardening 33:43

5M ago33:43

33:43

Send us a text The definition of a garden is a small piece of ground used to grow vegetables, fruit, herbs or flowers. But it’s much more than that. It’s a community meeting place. It’s an outdoor classroom. It’s an organic food market. It’s a sustainable hobby. And it’s a place to make lifelong friendships. Ask anyone whose spent time in a communi…

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58. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Urbanna's River Life - Fishing, Crabbing, Boating, Camping & Paddling with Rivah Sistah 49:38

5M ago49:38

49:38

“For us to get to Grey’s Point campground, we had to pass through Urbanna. So one day I made a left just to explore and I was like, 'Wow! It’s so beautiful!' The boats and the waterfront, dining and nice houses. It’s this vibe that you just have to experience for yourself.” – Rivah Sistah Patricia Clement Welcome to the charming port town of Urbann…

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Getting hooked on fishing with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 1:19:06

5M ago1:19:06

1:19:06

Send us a text In the soft light of dawn, a lone figure stands by the water's edge, casting a line into the stillness. The morning mist hangs low, obscuring the surface as they patiently wait, listening to the quiet sounds of nature stirring awake. With a steady hand, they feel the tug of a Pennsylvania brook trout beneath the surface. Engaging in …

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57. Walk Ride Paddle: A Life Outside with Senator Tim Kaine 39:06

6M ago39:06

39:06

"Everybody has a favorite place in Virginia like a trail, a sunset, a beach, a lake, or a river. Everyone has a place that's special to them and everyone is invested in trying to make sure that it's there for their kids and their grandkids. And that's such a unifier. When you're on the trail with people, you're not talking about politics, you're ta…

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Embracing Leave No Trace principles with Ben Lawhon of Sawtooth Outdoor Education 59:25

6M ago59:25

59:25

Send us a text As Pennsylvanians head outdoors in record numbers, it’s imperative that we all learn how best to protect our environment. From backpackers and hikers to rock climbers and mountain bikers, it’s all our responsibilities to preserve the beauty of our natural spaces in and outside of the Commonwealth. And, there’s no better guide, no bet…

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56. Let’s Go Adventures - Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Archery, and Orienteering with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, Virginia State Parks 39:43

6M ago39:43

39:43

“Sarah and I want folks to gain some confidence recreating in the outdoors, especially in our Virginia State Parks, and gain some knowledge on how to recreate safely. That's our big two takeaways. Making sure folks can leave our programs feeling confident enough to do it on their own or tag along with their friends and try to share those experience…

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Dude, where’s the sun? Experiencing Pennsylvania’s total solar eclipse 26:49

6M ago26:49

26:49

Send us a text On April 8, 2024 Pennsylvanians will have the opportunity to see something special. Something that’s not been seen in our commonwealth since January 1925. – nearly 100 years ago. From about 3:15 to 3:20 the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light. A total solar eclipse. This eclipse will cross 15 states…

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Black Moshannon State Park - Charting a course through wilderness and wetlands 30:24

7M ago30:24

30:24

Send us a text It’s difficult for me to pick what I like most about Black Moshannon State Park. It’s a struggle I face every time I recommend this wonderful park to friends - which is often. I’ll go from talking about the incredible camping and cabin opportunities to swooning about the park’s lake and bog. Then I get going about the abundance of wi…

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55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest Virginia with Jackie Rosenberger, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and Avery Rose, Breaks Interstate Park 1:01:13

7M ago1:01:13

1:01:13

“For almost 200 years we didn't have this native animal. It was because of volunteers and people like Jackie with Virginia DWR and their combined efforts with Breaks Park who worked together to restore the area that elk have returned. Visitors are amazed at how big and how majestic the animal is. It's like an entire rainbow of emotions - excitement…

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Oil Creek State Park - Much more than the birthplace of the American oil industry 28:34

7M ago28:34

28:34

Send us a text It’s the spring of 1858. Colonel Edwin Drake from New York is hired by the Seneca Oil Company to investigate suspected oil deposits in Titusville, Pennsylvania. While the existence of petroleum oil was known, there no considerable market for the material. After months of work, Drake had little to show for his efforts. Undeterred, Dra…

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54. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases: Protecting Yourself in the Outdoors with Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University 1:00:24

7M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

“As part of the change in economy, we reforested the eastern part of the United States. We have a lot of forests now that are about 100 years old. As the trees came back, the deer came back, as the deer came back, the ticks came with them. And then the pathogens, of course, come along for the ride as well. I think about it from an ecology perspecti…

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A beginners guide to birding with Jason Hall of the In Color Birding Club 1:29:29

8M ago1:29:29

1:29:29

Send us a text Whether you’re hiking ancient forests or picnicking in an urban park, birds are all around us. From the common pigeon on a Philly stoop to a bald eagle soaring above the Susquehanna River, the avian world is vast in Pennsylvania. Birding is the observation of birds in their natural habitats. Often seen as a hobby for old fogies, the …

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53. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Farmville with Mayor Brian Vincent 1:03:36

8M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

“There's a real excitement about Farmville, a steady progression, where we sit on this cusp of what we all think is an opportunistic moment for Farmville to shine. It's a great place to live, work, and recreate. That is our new tag for the town and I think it fits us well.” – Mayor Brian Vincent Welcome to Farmville in the heart of central Virginia…

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Preserving paradise with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation 59:42

8M ago59:42

59:42

Send us a text When it comes to our parks and forests, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources can only do so much. There’s too much trail maintenance, invasive species removal, education programs and other things that must be done to complete it all That’s where the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation steps in. Sinc…

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52. Dragon’s Tooth, Cascade Falls, and other gems of the Eastern Divide Ranger District with Ranger Beth Christensen, George Washington & Jefferson National Forests 59:10

8M ago59:10

59:10

“I couldn't be more proud. My staff and I have a lot of pride in taking care of these areas and this landscape, because there are so many things to love and there is so much uniqueness. But part of management is balancing the use these areas receive and trying to figure out ways to work with the public, or work with the partners, or work with a vol…

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Delaware Canal State Park - Take a 59-mile towpath through history & nature 40:36

9M ago40:36

40:36

Send us a text Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s coal region, Delaware Canal State Park stands as a testament to the intertwining of history and nature. Stretching almost 59 miles from Easton to Bristol along the Delaware River, this park is made up of a tapestry of landscapes that begs to be explored by foot, bike and boat. You can spend a li…

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51. Trail of Transformation: Discovering Nature’s Path to Inner Strength and Resiliency with Kevin Conley, Wildland Firefighter and Author of Above the Ashes 49:21

9M ago49:21

49:21

“The best way to describe how I got into this journey is that in the past, I've hiked the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, and I've done bike tours from Mexico to Canada, and those journeys always gave me faith and they renewed my spirit, and they breathed new life into me. Those challenges always put me in a very positive and happy p…

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Cherry Springs State Park - Spend a night in the stars 41:45

9M ago41:45

41:45

Send us a text Located in Potter County, Cherry Springs State Park is home to some of the darkest night skies on the East Coast. Astronomers and stargazers from all over the country flock to this small park just to look up at the stars. The darkness of the area and the clarity found in the sky makes Chery Springs perhaps the last best refuge of the…

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Hemlocks to Hellbenders Season 2 Trailer 1:08

9M ago1:08

1:08

Send us a text We’re building on the success of our first season with even more great guests and great stories for our second season in 2024. This season we’re going to be hearing from park and forest managers, conservationists, biologists, environmental educators, volunteers and lots more. Experts in their fields will be speaking to us about our p…

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50. Virginia's Adventure Towns: St. Paul with Maddie Gordon, Clinch Life Outfitters 1:10:04

10M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

“My husband and I traveled out west and saw wonderful, amazing sights. My favorite thing was coming back into Southwest Virginia, seeing our mountains and knowing that I was home. It was so beautiful. There's nothing like it being here in the coalfields and the small towns. You know, it's gorgeous out there. But being back here, it's a comfort. I j…

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A Conversation with PA DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn 1:13:44

10M ago1:13:44

1:13:44

Send us a text The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is a gigantic operation. As the largest public landowner in the Commonwealth, DCNR manages millions of acres of land – including 124 state parks and 20 state forests. But it doesn’t end there. DCNR also manages everything on those millions of acres. There’s the buildin…

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49. Hiking Virginia’s Summits with Erin Gifford, Go Hike Virginia 55:39

10M ago55:39

55:39

“One of my favorite things about Virginia summits is I love going up there and being able to stare out, getting lost in the views. Virginia has so many beautiful views - Appalachian Mountain, Shenandoah Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains - we've got them all and being able to look out at the mountains, out at the farmlands, it's just amazing.” – Erin …

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Helping the hungry with Hunters Sharing the Harvest 32:42

11M ago32:42

32:42

Send us a text When a hunter enters a forest with their bow or gun, there’s a good chance they won’t get a deer. So, you would expect those few that are able to successful hunt a deer to keep the meat for themselves. To feed their families and fill their freezers with the venison they harvested. But that’s not the case. Every year, hundreds of thou…

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Tuscarora & Locust Lake State Parks - Lakeside retreats in the mountains 31:18

11M ago31:18

31:18

Send us a text Throughout this season we’ve featured parks on an individual basis. My thinking has been that every park should have its own episode, letting each park shine on its own. But what if there are parks that are so connected to one another that they shouldn’t be separated? That brings us to Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Parks. They are …

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Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center - History, heritage and hiking in the Lehigh Valley 38:26

12M ago38:26

38:26

Send us a text Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is not what you would call a bucket list park. It doesn’t have the activities like Ohiopyle, or the waterfalls like Ricketts Glen or the scenic vistas like Leonard Harrison or Colton Point. Those are the parks you have to make reservations months in advance for. They are tourist destinations.…

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Protecting Pennsylvania's ancient forests with the Old Growth Forest Network 41:49

12M ago41:49

41:49

Send us a text Created in 2007, the Old Growth Forest Network works to identify and protect one forest in each county of the United States. As of the recording of this episode, the Old Growth Forest Network has worked with local, state and federal agencies to identify and protect 28 ancient forests in Pennsylvania with more on the way. They can be …

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Chasing the best fall foliage with the PA Bureau of Forestry 50:44

1y ago50:44

50:44

Send us a text Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote that “I cannot endure to waste anything so precious as autumnal sunshine by staying in the house." I get it, Nate. There’s nothing I look forward to quite as much as fall. It’s sweater weather. It’s apple picking. It’s campfires and smores. It’s pumpkin spiced lattes. And it is, without a doubt, the mos…

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Elk State Forest - Exploring Pennsylvania’s premier elk viewing destination 38:51

1y ago38:51

38:51

Send us a text Every year, the distinctive sound of elk bugling can be heard in the Elk State Forest. That high-pitched sound comes from male elk that bugle during the breeding season to attract potential mates and to establish dominance. It’s the sound of these bugles and the sight of these majestic creatures that brings more than half a million v…

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Celebrating culture and community with Latino Outdoors Philadelphia 40:32

1y ago40:32

40:32

Send us a text “What does it mean to have a diverse outdoors community?” It’s a question outdoor companies, organizations and groups are asking themselves in an effort to make nature more inclusive for people from all backgrounds, genders, abilities and ethnicities. But while they’re trying to find an answer, America’s Black and Brown communities a…

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Outdoors, Brews, & BBQ - let's have a beer and chat about Nature and Mead. 45:09

1y ago45:09

45:09

Outdoors, Brews, & BBQ - let’s have a beer and chat about Nature and Mead. Mead Bees Bees produce 10 - 200 pounds of honey a year. Made from honey, mead is perhaps the world's first intentionally fermented beverage. It's not a beer which is (grain-based) and it's not a wine (fruit-based): mead is its own thing, a millennia-old merrymaker that can b…

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Allegheny Islands State Park - A boater's dream, a runner's nightmare 19:37

1y ago19:37

19:37

Send us a text We're doing something a little different in this episode of the podcast. Part story, part interview, I’m going to be telling you about my very fun, weird and muddy experience at Allegheny Islands State Park. In 2021, I ran a mile at all (then) 121 Pennsylvania state parks in 224 days. While there were plenty of memorable experiences,…

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Outdoors, Brews, & BBQ - A moonshine ice cream to complement some Tampa beers and a Pilsner from Tavour 56:35

1y ago56:35

56:35

Moonshine ice cream Beers Glass Dolls Italian Pils Pilsner - Other 4.5% ABV Wayfinder Beer Portland, OR Each light-bodied sip teems with biscuity notes of fresh baked bread and delicate accents of honey sweetness. A kiss of floral wildflowers on the back end deepens the flavors, leading to a truly sublime snappy finish. Crisp, Refreshing, Clean, Li…

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Outdoors, Brews, & BBQ - lets have a beer and chat about hurricane season. 52:48

1y ago52:48

52:48

Outdoors Hurricane season preparation first aid kit Batteries Flashlights Generators Can food Water Prepping your home Guess what peeps we already have a storm in Atlantic 6/21/23 Alpha Abstraction Vol. 22 (3.6) IPA - Imperial / Double | 8% ABV Wild Leap Brew Co. La Grange, GA Pineapple and peach notes cascade through the supple swig, with a light …

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Caring for the Appalachian Trail with the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club 35:03

1y ago35:03

35:03

Send us a text Every year, 3 million people hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail that spans 14 states and runs more than 2,190 miles. The famed AT is said to be the longest hiking trail in the world. And it’s right here in our backyard. About 230 miles of the AT are in Pennsylvania – including the halfway point at Pine Grove Furnace State Par…

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Outdoors, Brews, & BBQ - A visit from Hate Mondays Tavern and some beers from Tavour. 55:13

1y ago55:13

55:13

By Carlos P. Porrata

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Exploring the sights, sounds and history of 'Wild Philly' with author Mike Weilbacher 37:03

1y ago37:03

37:03

Send us a text When thinking about Pennsylvania's natural beauty, most think of our forests. Miles away from a clear cell phone signal, interstates and, especially, cities. But they shouldn't. There’s natural beauty all over the Commonwealth, including in and around Pennsylvania’s biggest city – Philadelphia. That was my biggest takeaway from readi…

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Grab your chalk bag and let's go rock climbing at Pennsylvania's state parks 1:27:01

1+ y ago1:27:01

1:27:01

Send us a text Not everyone explores our parks and forests on trails or on the water. Some do it 80-feet above ground attached with only a rope and harness. These Pennsylvanians are in search of rock. They want boulders and outcroppings. They want cliffs and crags. They want places with crimps and sidepulls and pockets and pinches. They want to cli…

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48. Journey along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia's Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association 55:30

1+ y ago55:30

55:30

“The James River runs 340 miles through the heart of Virginia, from the Blue Ridge all the way to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The river’s watershed is roughly 10,000 square miles and it supplies drinking water for 2.7 million people. It also provides opportunities to relax, adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors.” – Charles Johnson, James River …

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