The April Issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors is live!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Play together, stay together: meet the BRO family.

LETTERS

Dear readers: will you stand up for nature?

QUICK HITS

Wardian shatters seven-day, seven-continent marathon record • Bike Share planned for Roanoke • Camping improves sleep

FLASHPOINT

Can the South ever be powered by 100% renewable energy?

THE DIRT

50 is the new 30 • Can elk coexist with landowners outside of the Smokies? • Louisville is home to world’s first underground bike park • High school mountain biking climbs higher in Appalachia

A BRIGHT FUTURE

 Despite a change in administration, solar energy is shining in the South.

THE GOODS

A.T. expert Zach Davis picks his favorite thru-hiking gear.

TRAIL MIX

Offstage, Steep Canyon Ranger bassist Charles Humphries III tackles big trails.

WHY ADVENTURE MATTERS

Adventure is not irresponsible, says A.T. female speed record holder Jennifer Pharr Davis. It actually makes you smarter and more socially engaged.

ADVENTURE FAMILIES

Can you be an accomplished athlete and a first-rate parent too? Meet five families redefining adventure—including the Quirins, whose one-year-old could become the first baby thru-hiker in 2017.

RECREATE BY STATE

You’ve been to Shenandoah and the Smokies, but what about Hungry Mother or Frozen Head? Explore new terrain in this state-by-state guide to our region’s top parks.

SOUTH BEYOND 6,000

The 40 summits above 6,000 feet in Appalachia should be on every Southern adventurer’s bucket list. Which ones will you tick off in 2017? Two SB6K record holders share their favorites.