Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!

“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 place.” - Kevin Conley, Wildland Firefighter and Author of Above the Ashes

When darkness looms, is it possible for nature's light to guide us back?
Kevin Conley, author and wildland firefighter, joins us to answer just that.
In an episode that's as raw as it is real, we follow Kevin's harrowing trek from the brink of despair, through his battle with severe panic attacks and depression, to the catharsis and clarity he found in the solitude of the outdoors on a 3,500-mile bike ride across the country.
His narrative, captured in, "Above the Ashes," isn't just about personal triumph; it's an intimate tour of nature’s healing landscapes and a story of redemption that speaks to the resilience we all possess. Let’s Go!
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Mentioned in this Episode:

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"The outdoors are for everyone. We just want anybody who joins us outside to feel welcome there." - Brian Bell, Keep Virginia Cozy

Brian Bell is the founder of the Richmond-based nonprofit, Keep Virginia Cozy. An experienced backpacker, hiker, cyclist, and rock climber, Brian transformed his appreciation for the outdoors into a movement that has resulted in the removal of thousands of pounds of litter from Virginia parks, trails, and waterways while cultivating an outdoor community. Brian has been described by friends and conservationists as a “do-gooder”. In this episode, Brian was en route to one of his many outdoor adventures. Let's Go!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Keep Virginia Cozy Facebook I Instagram

Väsen Brewing Company
High Tor Gear Exchange
Walkabout Outfitters
Appalachian Trail Outfitters
How to make a fire with a Bow Drill

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“I think there's a silver lining to the pandemic a little bit in that a lot of people have really turned to their outside resources… So it brought people outdoors and brought people closer to nature. And I hope that people will continue to journey outside and into state parks.”
-Kindra McDonald, Virginia Service and Conservation Corps

Kindra McDonald immersed herself in the outdoors during a turbulent time in her life. Her journey visiting every Virginia State Park led to a turning point in her career and a new outlook on the future. Kindra shares her experience as an AmeriCorps member and discusses how her training is preparing her to conserve and protect the rare and unique ecosystems of Virginia. Let's Go!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia State Parks
First Landing State Park
False Cape State Park
York River State Park
Belle Isle State Park
Chippokes Plantation State Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Natural Tunnel State Park
Sky Meadows State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park
Breaks Interstate Park
Kiptopeke State Park
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Department of Wildlife Resources
AmeriCorps
Virginia Service and Conservation Corps
Civilian Conservation Corps
Jamestown Settlement
First Day Hike
Mount Rogers
Appalachian Trail
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Department of Forestry
Natural Heritage
Nature Conservancy Virginia
Virginia Master Naturalists
Old Rag Mountain, Shenandoah National Park
Virginia’s Triple Crown

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“Some of the things that continue to draw me back to the outdoors are the connections I make with others, which tend to be richer when I'm connecting with them outside. The connections I make with myself tend to be more introspective and fuller when I'm outside, and the spiritual connections I have with nature are things my eyes are significantly more open to when I'm lacking the distractions of the front country.” -Kristen Musselman, Chief Hiking Officer

Imagine your outdoor dream job. It might look something like this…Kristen Musselman spent six months hiking and camping full-time as the Chief Hiking Officer for Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Nelson County, Virgina. She traveled from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail and many other local trails along the east coast. Kristen speaks to the unique joys and challenges of solo backcountry travel and her deep love for getting outside. She also tells us what is in her pack, shares tips for long distance backpacking, and reveals some of her favorite trails in Virginia. Let’s Go!

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Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Kristen: Instagram I Chief Hiking Officer Blog
Appalachian Trail
Shenandoah National Park
Bear’s Den Trail in Bluemont/Leesburg
Harper’s Ferry, Loudon Heights Trail 8 miles
Old Rag Trail, Shenandoah National Park
BearFence Rock Scramble Trail, Shenandoah National Park
Grayson Highlands State Park
Appalachian Gear Company
Facebook groups:
Solo Female Hikers & Adventurers
Virginia Backpacking
Appalachian Trail, Virginia
Women over 40 Who Hike and Backpack
Women Hikers & Outdoor Adventurers
Shenandoah National Park Hikers
Northern Virginia Hiking Group
Virginia Hiking Adventures
Virginia Hiking

“When the pandemic happened, I did what I have always wanted to do... I got my dog, Sancho, and then I set my Instagram page to ‘public.’ I love traveling and sharing my travel experiences, and I love the feeling that I get when I'm outside exploring. I want people to experience what it is like to travel to beautiful places in Virginia.” -Sunshine Solimen, @withsunshinesol
Sunshine Solimen is one of the most popular online influencers in the Virginia outdoor community. Her gorgeous photos and videos of her explorations around Virginia with her Goldendoodle, Sancho, have inspired thousands of people to hit the trails close to home. Sunshine shares how she creates viral content, how to prepare for dog-friendly adventures, and details about her favorite hikes in Virginia. Let’s Go!
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• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
• Visit Mecklenburg
• Breaks Interstate Park

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Mentioned in this Episode:
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Instagram I TikTok I Blog I Facebook

Sunshine’s Gear

The Ten Essentials of Hiking

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

All Trails

Sky Meadows State Park

Sancho’s Dog Hiking Gear

Sancho on Instagram

Sharp Top

Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway

Cole Mountain

Old Rag, Shenandoah National Park

Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge