Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast is the ultimate guide to local outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, kayaking, local travel and so much more. Get the information and the inspiration to plan your own adventure, right here in Virginia. Lets Go!
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Top 10 Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
1. Brian Bell, Keep Virginia Cozy
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
08/17/20 • 39 min
"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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2. Kindra McDonald, Virginia Service and Conservation Corps
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
08/23/20 • 51 min
“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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20. Thru-Hiking with Kristen Musselman I Chief Hiking Officer, Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
12/14/21 • 55 min
“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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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Use code “VAOA” for 10% off your order at The Freckled Farm Soap Company
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
12. Inspiring a Love of Nature with Kevin Divins, Virginia Master Naturalist
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
02/02/21 • 58 min
“Every little thing has a purpose, even a microorganism in the water. Understanding how everything is connected has given me a better appreciation of nature.” – Kevin Divins, Virginia Master Naturalist
Who inspired your love of nature? Today’s guest, Kevin Divins, inspires others as a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a statewide corps of community-based volunteers who help conserve and manage natural resources and public lands. Kevin explains how understanding the natural world enhances his outdoor experience hiking, camping and kayaking across Virginia. He also shares his favorite lesser-known locations for untouched beaches and pristine outdoor spaces. Let’s Go!
Mentioned in this Episode:
Virginia Master Naturalists
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
James River Association
Blue Sky Fund
Christmas Bird Count
Virginia Native Plant Society
Audubon-At-Home
Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy
Nature’s Best Hope by Doug Tallamy
iNaturalist App
Merlin Bird ID
Mathews County, Virginia
New Point Comfort Lighthouse
New Point Comfort Nature Preserve
Bethel Beach
DCR Natural Area Preserves
Richardson’s Café, Matthews County
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Mobjack Kayaking
Virginia State Parks
Westmoreland State Park
Caledon State Park
Holliday Lake State Park
Virginia State Parks Trail Quest
Pocahontas State Park
Mason Neck State Park
Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Virginia State Parks Reservation Line: 1-800-933-7275 or www.ReserveAmerica.com
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Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
34. Foraging for Wild Edible Plants with Tim MacWelch, Advanced Survival Training
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
11/01/22 • 49 min
“We all have ancestors who lived really close to nature, who found their food in the wild. This is our birthright and I get really excited when I can lead people back to that heritage.” -Tim MacWelch, Advanced Survival Training
Once used by our ancestors as a means of survival, foraging for wild edible plants is surging in popularity among outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s to collect food, maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn about native plants, or just spend more time outside, foraging is a way to connect with the landscape and carry on a tradition that dates to the beginning of human existence. Tim MacWelch, owner of Advanced Survival Training, covers the basics of foraging, including how to safely identify plants, examples of common wild edibles, where and when to forage, conservation techniques, and precautions to take before consuming your finds. You’ll want to have your notepad ready because this episode is chock-full of information to get you started in the world of foraging. Let’s Go!
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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Advertisers:
Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links
Connect with Tim MacWelch: Website I Instagram
Seasonal Wild Edible Plants Course Description
Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants
Article by Virginia DWR: Storing Up for Winter with Forageables
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
Scenic Hikes in Southwest Virginia: Breaks Park and Pine Mountain Trail (Ep 61, Part 1)
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
10/08/24 • 34 min
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 weaves along the Virginia-Kentucky border.
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Tyler entices us with trails inside Breaks Park that include awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, serene lakes, and stunning vistas.
Tune in next week as Tyler continues our journey on the Pine Mountain Trail. This developing long-distance path offers unique opportunities for solitude and scenic beauty away from the crowds. We discuss the mesmerizing Jenny Falls, the panoramic 360-degree views from Birch Knob Fire Tower, and a unique ecosystem that makes this region a true outdoor paradise. Let’s Go!
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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Virginia State Parks
Advertisers:
Visit Buchanan
Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest in Virginia
Episode 31. Rock Climbing in Breaks Park and Southwest Virginia
Pine Mountain Trail Conference
Contact Tyler Mullins: [email protected]
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
28. Exploring Scenic Virginia with Online Influencer, Sunshine Solimen, and her dog, Sancho
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
04/05/22 • 57 min
“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!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
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Advertisers:
Visit Harrisonburg
Freckled Farm Soap Company - Use Promo Code "VAOA" for 10% off
Mentioned in this Episode:
*Support the Show with a Membership and Receive the Full List of Show Notes Links Connect with Sunshine:
Instagram I TikTok I Blog I Facebook
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway
Old Rag, Shenandoah National Park
Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge
Support the show
53. Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Farmville with Mayor Brian Vincent
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
02/06/24 • 63 min
“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. Our guest, Mayor Brian Vincent, takes us on a journey through Farmville, where college town vibe meets small town charm.
From our dynamic conversation, one can't help but feel the town's heartbeat through its myriad of outdoor adventures and main street allure.
Together, we’ll roam through Farmville’s extensive outdoor rec offerings, including the “Farmville Five,” a list of must-visit state parks near town, uncovering the hidden treasures that make each park a true gem.
And speaking of gems, weaving through the core of Farmville is High Bridge Trail State Park, a 31-mile-long rails-to-trails park with the crown jewel being the majestic High Bridge, Virginia's longest recreational bridge. Soaring 125 feet above the Appomattox River, High Bridge Trail is a haven for hikers, cyclists, and history buffs alike.
Get ready to add another stamp on your passport to Virginia's Adventure Towns. Let’s Go!
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Contribute to my Podfest Wishlist!
Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Mayor Brian Vincent
Appomattox River Company: Instagram I Facebook
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
54. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases: Protecting Yourself in the Outdoors with Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
02/20/24 • 60 min
“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 perspective, that what we did not bring back was also those top predators. So we end up with this ecology of weedy species, like deer, that do replication really well, and raccoons and rodents and all these things that also make excellent tick food.” – Dr. Holly Gaff, Old Dominion University Tick Research Team
How afraid should you be of ticks and tick-borne diseases?
The distribution of ticks in Virginia is expanding and tick-borne diseases are on the rise. But what is the probability of contracting a tick-borne disease? How serious are these diseases to our health and what can we do to protect ourselves outdoors?
Dr. Holly Gaff, Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at Old Dominion University, answers your questions about the complexities of these parasites and their implications on human health.
Dr. Gaff tackles myths and truths about tick behavior, the expansion of ticks, and the importance of environmental balance. Discover practical advice on how to keep these bloodsuckers at bay while respecting their place in our ecosystem. Let’s Go!
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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!
Contribute to My Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Advertisers:
Visit Giles
Mentioned in this Episode:
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
51. Trail of Transformation: Discovering Nature’s Path to Inner Strength and Resiliency with Kevin Conley, Wildland Firefighter and Author of Above the Ashes
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
01/09/24 • 49 min
“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!
Follow VAOA Podcast:
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Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee
VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:
Virginia Association for Parks
Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Kevin: Website I Instagram
Donate: Wildland Firefighter Foundation
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message
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FAQ
How many episodes does Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! have?
Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! currently has 100 episodes available.
What topics does Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! cover?
The podcast is about Surfing, Camping, Mtb, Hiking, Birding, Wildlife, Backpacking, Conservation, Cycling, Virginia, Adventure, Community, Inspiration, Podcasts, Wilderness, Places & Travel, Sports, Society & Culture, Travel, Sailing, Outdoor, Fishing and Climbing.
What is the most popular episode on Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!?
The episode title 'Donna Shaunesey, Solo Adventurer' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!?
The average episode length on Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! is 47 minutes.
How often are episodes of Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! released?
Episodes of Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! are typically released every 14 days.
When was the first episode of Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!?
The first episode of Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! was released on Aug 11, 2020.
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