What are some of the top hike-and-fish destinations available to readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors? We break down some of the best in VA, TN, and NC for you.

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Matt Kulp, a senior biologist for the National Park Service (NPS), stood alongside members of the Little River, Great Smoky Mountains, and Clinch Mountain chapters of Trout Unlimited as they donned wading gear, put on hats, and applied sunscreen.

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Paddlers in particular are adversely affected by the dam: They cannot portage on Mrs. Scott’s side of the river because of a sheer drop-off of about 20 feet. Meanwhile, the other side of the dam, which still houses part of the old gristmill, is clearly labeled “no trespassing” and references a King’s grant.

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The trees have shaken off their snowy mantles. It’s that time of year again, the fly fishing season. Check out these lesser known streams to start the spring off right.

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In Culpeper County, Virginia, riparian landowners, county residents, and state officials have bitterly disputed for years who may enjoy the Hazel River.

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Dear EarthTalk: My husband and I want to start a garden this year. I really want to make compost from leftover food scraps and yard materials. He says it will attract unwanted animals, and refuses to agree to it. Is he right? If so, how do we deal with that issue in a green-friendly, non-lethal…

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Click here to view our criteria and rankings for all the schools covered. BRO’S Honor Roll of the Region’s Greenest Colleges and Universities We did our homework for this assignment. Blue Ridge Outdoors researched, interviewed, and examined all of the region’s colleges and universities to determine which schools are not just teaching about a better…

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Text, photos, and video by Eric Crews The wintry precipitation that fell across the High Country over the weekend was a nuisance for most area residents, but for the participants in the Red Bull Buttercup at Appalachian Ski Mountain on Saturday, the snowy weather provided an extra incentive to come out and compete for a…

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Eric Crews is a Boone local who spends most of his free time exploring the beautiful forests of the High Country—documenting the area’s endless climbing, mountain biking, paddling, and hiking for his public television show High Country Adventures. This month’s Outside Insider lists his favorite play spots. SWEETEST SUMMIT Calloway Peak on Grandfather Mountain. Often…

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Appalachian Trail icon Warren Doyle attempts his 16th thru hike in 2010.  Speed record holder Jennifer Davis reflects on Doyle’s influence and inspiration. December 2004 Lees McRae College. Banner Elk, North Carolina I didn’t know who Warren Doyle was when I signed up for his four-day Appalachian Trail Institute. All I knew was that I…

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Dear EarthTalk: I’ve been following reports about President Obama’s stimulus package and what it may mean for creating green jobs. Beyond that, are there programs in place to help businesses switch to greener raw materials and/or to green up operations overall?                        –– Diane, via e-mail Even though the push to create green jobs is…

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Dear EarthTalk: What do organizers hope to accomplish at the upcoming (December 7-18, 2009) United Nations Climate Change Conference being held in Copenhagen? — F. Rojas, Oakland, CA The upcoming COP15 meeting in Denmark—so named because it is the 15th such international gathering of the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the United Nations Framework…

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