I'm often asked for park recommendations both inside and outside of Virginia. Like you, I'm always looking for a great weekend hike or campground, but also setting my sights on new places to visit on longer trips. One of my favorite resources for new parks to explore is The Parks Podcast, hosted by my friend and Richmond local, Missy Rentz. Missy f…

Planning your next camping trip? Let’s take the guesswork out of packing! In this episode, I’m sharing my go-to camping checklist — everything I bring to the campground, from essential supplies and food prep to personal items you won’t want to forget. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at my recent road trip across Virginia as I scout out new adven…

Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness. Tim shar…

Lori gives an update on her Shenandoah 500 progress after officially making it halfway through the challenge. She chats about: Winter hiking and favorite trails for the winter season, getting acclimated to elevation after life as a flatlander, navigating water crossings and blowdowns, memorable moments on trail Some of the trail links: https://www.…

Could your outdoor adventure turn into a survival situation? In this eye-opening conversation with wilderness expert Tim MacWelch of Advanced Survival Training, we dive into the essential skills and knowledge that could mean the difference between life and death when venturing into Virginia's beautiful but sometimes unforgiving wilderness. Tim shar…

Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased exp…

Vegas comes on to chat about his 2023 thru hike of the Appalachian Trail and how those experiences shaped his current life as guide and started his quest for completing the triple crown in long distance hiking. We talk about trail magic, tramily life, gear, and a lot of lessons learned. We touch on other long distance hikes and thru hikes - includi…

Episode 70 marks a milestone for Virginia Outdoor Adventures podcast, celebrating nearly five years of epic adventures across the Commonwealth. Looking back, I reflect on the incredible diversity of Virginia's outdoor offerings – from whale watching and caving to kayaking and secluded island camping. These adventures have consistently showcased exp…

This week I’m sharing a conversation I had with my friend, Steve Adams, or known by his trail name, Mighty Blue. Steve is an AT thru hiker and host of the popular podcast, Mighty Blue on the Appalachian Trail, The Ultimate Midlife Crisis. I find Steve’s podcast inspirational for hikers and non-hikers alike. Steve interviews thru hikers while they a…

Jessica Cocciolone is the Executive Director of the Shenandoah National Park Trust. She has helped nonprofits raise millions of dollars and establish sustainable organizations. Jessica comes on Hike to share some of the projects that the Shenandoah National Park Trust help fund for Shenandoah National Park. SNP Trust projects are wide reaching and …

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sa…

Immerse yourself in nature’s healing embrace with the transformative power of forest bathing. Ana Ka’ahanui, co-founder of Capital Nature, uncovers the secrets behind this mindfulness practice rooted in Japanese culture. More than just a walk among the trees, Ana shares how forest bathing can lower blood pressure, enhance creativity, and offer a sa…

Strider comes back on Hike to discuss completing his 2024 thru hike on the International Appalachian Trail (IAT). He started on the Pinhoti Trail and went all the way up to the tip of Newfoundland, though his hike was not always linear. We learn more about that in this interview, including how this hike led to his completion of the C2C (Coast to Co…

Start planning your next epic winter adventure like whale watching in Virginia Beach, stargazing in one of Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks, wild caving in Virginia’s Karst Region, Ice Climbing in the Blue Ridge, or winter wildlife watching in person or on a wildlife webcam. Also, in Part 2 of this solo episode, I share where you can find me live and in p…

Jessica answers podcast fan mail, shares discounts for outdoor gear, and recaps Parks Advocacy Day in Richmond. 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 Virgini…

Brian of Keep Virginia Cozy comes back on the podcast to share updates on what's they've been up to, including corporate & community cleanups and being able to clean up 1,000,000 pounds of trash thus far. We also talk about trail! We cover hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park, The Great Outdoors Challenge in Scotland, Trans-Catalina Trail, and…

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy? Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024. Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transf…

It’s that time of year when we set intentions for the future. Will your resolutions be outdoorsy? Alejandra Villanueva of the hiking community, Girls Who Hike Virginia, shares the story of her ambitious pursuit to hike Old Rag Mountain 36 times before the end of 2024. Her remarkable journey beautifully intertwined her love of hiking with the transf…

Best selling Author and Long Distance Hiker, Lauralee Bliss, comes on the show to talk about her experiences in the outdoors. She is a 2x AT Thru-hiker and is currently working on her 3rd hike of the Appalachian Trail as a section hike. With over 10,000 miles of hiking, she has many experiences to share with listeners about her time in the outdoors…

In this special edition episode, I invited Michelle Schopp to share her first Parks Advocacy Day experience. Less than a year ago, Michelle was in the early stages of her Trail Quest journey to visit all of Virginia’s state parks. When she learned about Parks Advocacy Day through this podcast, she immediately reached out and asked to participate. H…

Cori is hiking all of the trails in Shenandoah National Park and shares her favorite trail stories as well as some useful tips for those who are looking to recreate in the park. We touch on: Research and Prep Water Crossings Hiking in the dark Wildlife encounters Boundary trailhead access Favorite trails Park's seasonal amenities and closures Cori …

Artist Rosalie Haizlett shares her Tiny Worlds journey in the Appalachian Mountains. We discuss how she started drawing and painting, the healing power of nature and how she finds inspiration on the trail. Rosalie’s illustration inspired me to pick up painting again when I saw her work in West Virginia. Check out and purchase her work at https://ro…

What if you could acquire the outdoor gear you need for your epic adventures without breaking the bank or contributing to the fast fashion and throwaway culture? Or what if you could declutter your closets and earn some cash for the gear you aren’t using? April Peterson, owner of River Rock Outfitter in Fredericksburg, shares why secondhand and con…

I’m often asked how I got started podcasting, how I pivoted from education to entrepreneurship, and what it takes to run a podcast as a small business. I was delighted to sit down for a conversation with my friend, Shannon Russell, career coach and host of Second Act Success Career Podcast. I’m excited to share my guest appearance on her show where…

This is part 2 of a two-part episode. Check your podcast listening app for part 1. What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures? Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Bu…

What if you could explore a destination that's off the beaten path yet brimming with natural beauty and cultural treasures? Discover the hidden gem of historic Onancock on Virginia’s Eastern Shore as we set sail with ecotour guides Mary and Bill Burnham, owners of Burnham Guides paddling shop. Our guests share their insider knowledge of this waterf…

Follow Lori as she takes on the Shenandoah 500 Hiking Challenge of completing all of the trails in Shenandoah National Park. There are over 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah and Lori is attempting to hike them all. She'll bring you along on hikes to historic landmarks and the remnents of settler homesteads. There will be hikes to the popular and fa…

In part 2 of this two-part episode, I’ll share highlights from my latest newsletter, featuring discounts on backpacking and first aid gear. We’ll wrap up with a complete list of everything included in my cabin stay bag, to help you prepare for your own park visit. In case you missed Part 1, Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky st…

Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky stories from a haunted hike— perfect for those who love a good thrill! Plus, we’ll dive into your fan mail, so keep those messages coming by clicking on “Send Jessica a Text Message!” in your show notes. Tune in next week for part 2 when we’ll catch up on my recent adventures, including a resc…

Iron comes on to talk about his new book, "Hike It: An Introduction to Camping, Hiking and Backpacking in the U.S.A." Taken from book publisher details: This fully illustrated book is the perfect introduction to enjoying America's great outdoors. Explore 20 National Parks with incredible trails that take you past snow-capped mountains, along stunni…

We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures. In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understa…

We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures. In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understa…

Bronwyn comes back on Hike to share her 2023 and 2024 solo hikes on the Great Divide Trail. While injuries and wildfires affected her thru-hike attempts, Bronwyn discusses the rehabilitation and meaning she found on trail. Her positivity in the face of adverse moments and challenges faced both on trail and in life is inspiring. She shares some of h…

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Southwest Virginia's scenic hiking destinations. Tyler Mullins of the Pine Mountain Trail Conference, takes us on a journey highlighting the must-do trails of Breaks Park set against the majestic Russell Fork Gorge. Then it’s on to the lesser-known but equally captivating Pine Mountain Scenic Trail that weave…

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Southwest Virginia's scenic hiking destinations. Tyler Mullins of the Pine Mountain Trail Conference, takes us on a journey highlighting the must-do trails of Breaks Park set against the majestic Russell Fork Gorge. Then it’s on to the lesser-known but equally captivating Pine Mountain Scenic Trail that weave…

Troy, trail name Tomcat, shares his thru hike of the Colorado Trail with listeners. We go over hike planning logistics, camp sites, water carries, equipment, and much more. We'll also cover the differences between Collegiate East and Collegiate West and why Troy thinks doing the Collegiate loop would also be a great backpacking trip. Find Tomcat: h…

Hi Friends, If you’re like me, you’ve been watching the news about the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene and wondering what you can do to help. Our communities in Southwest Virginia have been hit hard and many of the places we know and love will be impacted for years to come. What you’re about to hear is a conversation I had with Amanda Liv…

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…

Woody Ellis comes on the show to discuss his long walk to help raise awareness and funds for mental health issues. Woody kicked off his walk by crossing the iconic span of the Mackinaw Bridge this Labor Day. His route will be mostly dictated by those he will meet and by supporters who host him along the way. In this episode we chat about the goals …

Shambrekia Wise shares the origin story of how she co-created Sightseeing with Sandy with her daughter. After receiving a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis, Shambrekia made a decision to live life more intentionally and to create lasting memories with her daughter, Sandy. Sandy observed that she didn’t see a lot of kids that looked like her when they tr…

Erik gives Hike an introduction into Colorado adventures. As someone who moved from Upstate NY to Colorado, Erik gives some comparisons and contrasts between Adirondack and Rocky Mountain hiking. Erik touches on both the more adventurous backpacking peak bagging and route finding and also gives some recommendations for the more casual day hiker. Li…

Misty comes back on the show to chat about her recent thru-hike of the Sheltowee Trace Trail. We also talk about hiking with dogs, getting hitches in Kentucky and Tennessee, and close out with some favorite Michigan hiking trails. Misty's been on the show a few times so I've also included some links below so you can catch up on our conversations. T…

Rue McKenrick shares his most recent updates for the American Perimeter Trail Conservancy. He has also put out a new book that features the first part of his scouting route of what is now the American Perimeter Trail. Hike first had Rue come on in March 2020, just days after much of the United States had shut down and when into social distancing mo…

Gail Perry shares hut to hut hiking with Hike. She covers both international and U.S. based hikes that can be done with overnight stays in rustic lodges, huts or even hotels. Gail has also designed a page a day calendar for 2025 that covers 25 treks from around the world! Here are some of the treks we discuss: Laugavegur Trail, Iceland Milford Trac…

Sally Chaffin Brooks is a comedian and podcaster who also authored an upcoming memoir, "Going to Maine". In this episode, Hike chats with Sally about going back in time to 2003 when she thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail and her process of writing the book. Hike got a pre-release copy of the book and highly recommends you check it out. It's due out i…

Manny of Trees & Vitamin D chats with Hike about creating a hiking brand that brings people together via adventures. Connect with Trees & Vitamin D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treesandvitamind/ All Social Links: https://linktr.ee/TreesandVitaminD Some of the hikes we mentioned: Havasu Falls https://destinations.rei.com/local-tips/hiking-th…

Lee "Boots on the Trail" Fortune comes back to the podcast to share exciting updates about this year's Hike for Healing. "Hike for Healing is an annual event that encourages self-reflection and open, honest, and meaningful conversation to ignite healing of racial and cultural divides… Healing begins with a conversation. There are number of things t…

“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…

“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…

"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…