• Kayaks staged at a Clinch River put-in, ready for a beginner paddling trip in Southwest Virginia

    Paddling the Clinch River: A Beginner’s Guide

    The Clinch is the most biodiverse river in North America - 50+ mussel species, hellbenders, eagles overhead - and its Class I-II water makes it perfect for beginners. Here's how to plan your first float, from outfitters to river treasure.

    • Two people with arms raised at a Breaks Interstate Park overlook above the forested river gorge

    5 State Parks in the Heart of Appalachia: Complete Visitor Guide

    Five state parks, one compact region: zipline the Grand Canyon of the South, walk through a limestone tunnel, tour a frontier fort, step into the coal boom era, and paddle North America's most biodiverse river—all in the Heart of Appalachia.

    • Paved overlook path and rustic wooden fence at Powell Valley Overlook above the Blue Ridge Mountains, Southwest Virginia

    First-Timer’s Guide to the Heart of Appalachia

    The Heart of Appalachia spans seven Southwest Virginia counties plus the City of Norton, where outdoor adventure, preserved landscapes, and authentic mountain culture come together.