Hi Friends, If you’re like me, you’ve been watching the news about the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene and wondering what you can do to help. Our communities in Southwest Virginia have been hit hard and many of the places we know and love will be impacted for years to come.

What you’re about to hear is a conversation I had with Amanda Livingston, Director of Tourism in Smyth County Virginia. Smyth is located in between Abingdon and Wytheville and is home to a portion of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, as well as our first state park, Hungry Mother. The charming small town of Marion is a trail town in the center of Smyth County, where thousands of Appalachian Trail hikers stop to rest and refuel.

Amanda shares how the storm has impacted the communities of southwest Virginia, provides us with an update on the status of our trails, parks, and public lands, and most importantly, she emphasis the power we have as an outdoor community to help by simply doing what we love… visiting and enjoying the incredible outdoor assets Appalachia provides.

And please do share this episode with your friends and neighbors and suggest they plan a visit when Southwest Virginia is ready to host visitors again. Together, we can make a difference for our neighbors, right here in Virginia.

Donate Now:

United Way of SWVA

Smyth County Community Foundation

Check the status of trails, parks, and public lands:

Smyth County Tourism

Appalachian Trail

Virginia Creeper Trail

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

Virginia State Parks

Piedmont Appalachian Trail Club

Mount Rogers Appalachian Trail Club

Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Visit Southwest Virginia

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Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com