The June Issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors is Live

Departments

QUICK HITS

Barkley’s first three-time finisher • Ray’s Parkway Relay • Blind runner crossing the country • Gator bait

FLASHPOINT

Soldiers find solace in the wilderness.

OPINION

When Senator Tim Kaine needs to unplug from the noise of politics, he ditches the suit and tie for a few hours, laces up his hiking boots, and heads for one of Virginia’s national parks. Here is his vision for the park system’s future.

THE DIRT

Q&A with legendary paddler and filmmaker Steve Fisher about his first descent in Tibet and his latest documentary project

THE GOODS

Rafting guide Jonny Horton reveals his go-to gear for river adventures.

TRAIL MIX

Sounds under the stars: 5 summer outdoor shows in the South

Features

KAYAH’S LINVILLE LEGACY

Kayah Gaydish’s passion for protecting Linville Gorge lives on through the tireless work of volunteers she helped train.

SWEETS OF THE EAST

Six girls. Four races. One chance to represent the United States at the World Rafting Championships. Can Gauley River guides from West Virginia bring home the gold?

WATER’S UNSUNG HEROES

These 23 organizations work hard in the field and in the courtroom to safeguard our region’s rivers and streams.

FLOAT YOUR BOAT

These eight canoe camping adventures along Mother Nature’s original water parks highlight the best family-friendly trips in the Blue Ridge.

GRANDPA’S SECRETS

Get to know the undiscovered outdoor oases of Grandfather Mountain and you’ll gain new respect for an icon of the Appalachians.