After 10,000 miles crisscrossing Virginia, 17 full episodes, and 4 bonus features, Season Five of Virginia Outdoor Adventures has been a remarkable journey of discovery and connection. What began as a pandemic project has evolved into a five-season exploration of the Commonwealth's most breathtaking outdoor destinations, hidden gems, and adventure opportunities.

This season marked several firsts, including five solo episodes covering practical topics like packing checklists and seasonal bucket lists. The Virginia Adventure Town series continued to captivate listeners with comprehensive guides to Onancock, Big Stone Gap, and Martinsville – destinations where tourism dollars make a meaningful impact on small communities. Educational episodes on wilderness survival, snake identification, and secondhand gear shopping provided valuable knowledge for outdoor enthusiasts, while special features on forest bathing and wild caving introduced listeners to unique outdoor experiences.

Your feedback has shaped this podcast from the beginning, guiding content creation and helping it grow beyond what I ever imagined possible. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what outdoor adventures you want to explore in Season Six.

Share your feedback through the listener survey in the show notes for a chance to win a $50 gift card to River Rock Outfitter. Subscribe to the newsletter for exclusive updates and discounts, or consider supporting the show through Buy Me A Coffee. Your contributions directly fund the thousands of miles traveled to bring Virginia's outdoor wonders to your ears.

Adventure on, Friends – I'll see you in the fall!

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If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground.

Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving you a true taste of the wild.

We review each primitive campground, including distance to hike in, terrain, difficulty level, and amenities. From Belle Isle’s easy 1.5-mile hike to scenic riverfront sites to the rugged 8-mile trek to False Cape that rewards you with remote beachside solitude, there’s something for every skill level and sense of adventure.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to build backpacking skills or a seasoned camper craving a quieter connection with nature, Virginia State Parks’ primitive camping experience is your gateway to a wilder Virginia. Let’s Go!

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Connect with Ranger Amelia Hulth:

Email Amelia.Hulth@dcr.virginia.gov I Powhatan State Park

Virginia State Parks Primitive Campgrounds

Let's Go Adventures - Backpacking (Camping) Schedule

Episode 56 - Let's Go Adventures

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

If you’ve ever dreamed of backpacking through the wild but felt unsure about jumping straight into the backcountry, primitive camping in Virginia State Parks might be your perfect middle ground.

Ranger Amelia Hulth from Powhatan State Park describes how these minimalist campsites offer just enough amenities to keep things comfortable while giving you a true taste of the wild.

We review each primitive campground, including distance to hike in, terrain, difficulty level, and amenities. From Belle Isle’s easy 1.5-mile hike to scenic riverfront sites to the rugged 8-mile trek to False Cape that rewards you with remote beachside solitude, there’s something for every skill level and sense of adventure.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to build backpacking skills or a seasoned camper craving a quieter connection with nature, Virginia State Parks’ primitive camping experience is your gateway to a wilder Virginia. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Virginia State Parks Interpretive Programs

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ranger Amelia Hulth:

Email Amelia.Hulth@dcr.virginia.gov I Powhatan State Park

Virginia State Parks Primitive Campgrounds

Let's Go Adventures - Backpacking (Camping) Schedule

Episode 56 - Let's Go Adventures

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville reveals itself as an unexpected paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams from the Dan River Basin Association share their intimate knowledge of this small city with its outsized adventure potential.

The Smith River Blueway provides 45 miles of accessible paddling and world-class trout fishing on the crown jewel of Martinsville. Just beyond city limits, Philpott Lake offers 25 miles of undeveloped shoreline with camping, paddling, and hiking opportunities.

Bring your bike or borrow one for free and ride the Smith River Trail System, a network of local trails, including the 11-mile paved Dick & Willie Passage Trail, that serves as both recreation corridor and community connector.

Anna and Brian also highlight local museums, culinary gems, and fascinating history to add to your must-do Martinsville bucket list. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

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Visit Martinsville Henry County

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Dan River Basin Association I Facebook I Instagram

Smith River Blueway

Smith River Outfitters

Philpott Lake

Smith River Trail System

Dick and Willie Passage Rail Trail

YMCA Bike Barn

Beaver Creek Reservoir

Smith River Sports Complex

Mayo River State Park

Food & Drink

Museums, Arts, & Cultural

Things to Do in Martinsville

Lodging

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville reveals itself as an unexpected paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams from the Dan River Basin Association share their intimate knowledge of this small city with its outsized adventure potential.

The Smith River Blueway provides 45 miles of accessible paddling and world-class trout fishing on the crown jewel of Martinsville. Just beyond city limits, Philpott Lake offers 25 miles of undeveloped shoreline with camping, paddling, and hiking opportunities.

Bring your bike or borrow one for free and ride the Smith River Trail System, a network of local trails, including the 11-mile paved Dick & Willie Passage Trail, that serves as both recreation corridor and community connector.

Anna and Brian also highlight local museums, culinary gems, and fascinating history to add to your must-do Martinsville bucket list. Let’s Go!

Join us next week as we dive into Martinsville’s local attractions, including museums, culinary gems, and one of the newest state parks that is open and welcoming visitors.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Visit Martinsville Henry County

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Mentioned in this Episode:

Visit Martinsville Henry County

Connect with Anna Wheeler and Brian Williams:

Dan River Basin Association I Facebook I Instagram

Smith River Blueway

Smith River Outfitters

Philpott Lake

Smith River Trail System

Dick and Willie Passage Rail Trail

YMCA Bike Barn

Beaver Creek Reservoir

Smith River Sports Complex

Mayo River State Park

Food & Drink

Museums, Arts, & Cultural

Things to Do in Martinsville

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Descend with us into Virginia's spectacular underworld as we explore the hidden realm of wild caves. Unlike commercial show caves, wild caves offer an authentic adventure where nature remains largely untouched.

Virginia State Parks’ ranger-led caving programs provide the perfect gateway into this mysterious environment. Ranger Erin Pitts from New River Trail State Park shares insights about cave ecosystems, rare species, and the delicate formations found in these subterranean environments.

Whether you're seeking adventure, discovery, or simply a cool respite from the outside heat, Virginia's caves offer unforgettable adventures that you must experience for yourself to truly capture their wonder. Let’s Go!

In part 2 of this episode, Ranger Erin describes unique features and formations you can experience in the underground, memorable wild caving adventures, and how to register for an upcoming ranger-led program.

This is part 2 of a two-part episode.

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Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Virginia State Parks Interpretive Programs

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ranger Erin Pitts at New River Trail State Park:

Website I Phone 1-(276)699-6778 I Email: erin.pitts@dcr.virginia.gov

Register for Wild Caving at New River Trail State Park ("Lone Ash Cave Adventures")

Register for Wild Caving at Natural Tunnel State Park ("Wild Cave Tour: Bolling Cave/Pannell Cave")

The Virginia Cave and Karst Trail

Virginia Caves License Plate

Episode 36: Caverns and Caving in Virginia's Karst Regions

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Descend with us into Virginia's spectacular underworld as we explore the hidden realm of wild caves. Unlike commercial show caves, wild caves offer an authentic adventure where nature remains largely untouched.

Virginia State Parks’ ranger-led caving programs provide the perfect gateway into this mysterious environment. Ranger Erin Pitts from New River Trail State Park shares insights about cave ecosystems, rare species, and the delicate formations found in these subterranean environments.

Whether you're seeking adventure, discovery, or simply a cool respite from the outside heat, Virginia's caves offer unforgettable adventures that you must experience for yourself to truly capture their wonder. Let’s Go!

Tune in next week for part 2 of this episode when Ranger Erin describes unique features and formations you can experience in the underground, memorable wild caving adventures, and how to register for an upcoming ranger-led program.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up
Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Visit Grayson County

Virginia State Parks Interpretive Programs

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Ranger Erin Pitts at New River Trail State Park:

Website I Phone 1-(276)699-6778 I Email: erin.pitts@dcr.virginia.gov

Register for Wild Caving at New River Trail State Park ("Lone Ash Cave Adventures")

Register for Wild Caving at Natural Tunnel State Park ("Wild Cave Tour: Bolling Cave/Pannell Cave")

The Virginia Cave and Karst Trail

Virginia Caves License Plate

Episode 36: Caverns and Caving in Virginia's Karst Regions

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

The mountains of Appalachia wrap around Big Stone Gap like a warm embrace, creating a community where outdoor adventure, history, and culture converge.

Town Manager, Steve Lawson, describes how the community has transformed from its coal mining roots into a vibrant outdoor recreation destination.

The town's crown jewel is the Greenbelt Trail, a scenic paved path following the Powell River through the heart of town. Just minutes away, the Powell River Trail offers a rail-to-trail experience featuring historic tunnels and visible coal seams that tell the story of the region's mining past.

Adventure seekers will fall in love with scenic Big Cherry Lake, which offers fishing, hiking, paddling, and wildlife watching.

Round out your Big Stone Gap experience with museums, outdoor theater, music festivals, and a culinary scene that tops off this adventure town’s charm. Let’s Go!

In Part 2, Steve and I dive into Big Stone Gap’s local attractions, including museums, outdoor theater, music festivals and dining. You won’t want to miss an exciting giveaway for a pair of tickets to Blue Highway Fest, one of the largest Bluegrass festivals that celebrates Appalachia’s rich music heritage.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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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

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Advertisers:

Heart of Appalachia

Breaks Interstate Park

Mentioned in this Episode:

Visit Big Stone Gap

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com