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Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!

Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!

Written by: Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast
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About this listen

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast is your local guide to hiking, camping, kayaking, travel and so much more. Get the information and the inspiration to plan your own adventure, right here in Virginia. Lets Go!

© 2026 Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more!
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Episodes
  • Stargazing in Virginia: Dark Sky Parks with Ranger Patrick Mcnamara, Sky Meadows State Park (Ep 86, Part 1)
    May 5 2026

    What if I told you that one of the most incredible outdoor experiences in Virginia doesn’t happen during the day, but after the sun goes down?

    We’re heading into one of the most overlooked and truly magical parts of Virginia’s outdoors - the night sky. The kind where the Milky Way stretches overhead, planets come into view, and for a moment, everything feels a little bigger.

    Virginia is home to several International Dark Sky Parks, places where the night is protected and preserved, not just for stargazers, but for wildlife, ecosystems, and even our own sense of wonder.

    I’m joined by Ranger Patrick Mcnamara from Sky Meadows State Park, where programs like Astronomy for Everyone are opening up the universe to visitors of all ages. We’ll explore what makes these parks so special, what you can see through a telescope, and how you can experience it for yourself at a Virginia State Park near you.

    So whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or just someone who hasn’t looked up in a while, this episode might just change the way you see the night. 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:

    Zenbivy


    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Virginia State Parks' International Dark Sky Parks

    Sky Meadows State Park

    Friends of Sky Meadows

    International Dark Skies Association

    Episode 41. Stargazing in Virginia’s Dark Sky Parks

    Episode 76. Primitive Camping and Backpacking in Virginia State Parks

    Northern Virginia Astronomy Club (Sky Meadows State Park)

    Chapel Hill Observational and Astronomical Society (Staunton River State Park)

    Roanoke Valley Astronomical Society (Natural Bridge State Park)

    Crewe Astronomy Club (James River State Park)


    Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

    Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

    jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
  • Virginia's Adventure Towns: Norton - High Knob Region Hikes, Waterfalls, and Travel Guide with Katie Dunn, Tourism Director (Ep 85, Part 2)
    Apr 28 2026

    We’re heading deep into the mountains of Southwest Virginia to explore Norton, a small city with a big reputation as an outdoor recreation hub in the Heart of Appalachia. Tucked into the High Knob Region and surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, Norton offers something truly special - easy, immediate access to some of the most diverse and scenic outdoor experiences in the region.

    From panoramic overlooks and cascading waterfalls to miles of hiking and biking trails, this is a place where adventure starts just minutes from downtown. Whether you're chasing spectacular views at Flag Rock or taking in a gorgeous sunset at High Knob Observation Tower, Norton delivers big outdoor experiences without the crowds.

    Joining me is Katie Dunn, Director of the High Knob Destination Center and Norton’s Community Engagement and Tourism Director. She’s here to share what makes this mountain town so memorable – from its quaint main street to a little bit of local legend. Let’s Go!

    This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.


    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


    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Connect with Katie Dunn:

    Norton, VA (Explore Norton) I High Knob Destination Center

    Instagram: @hkdestinationcenter I @nortonvirginia

    Facebook: High Knob Destination Center I Explore Norton

    Jefferson National Forest
    Flag Rock Recreation Area

    High Knob Region

    Outdoor Adventures

    Food and Drinks

    Nottingham Place Bed & Breakfast (Wise)


    Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

    Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

    jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Virginia's Adventure Towns: Norton - High Knob Region Hikes, Waterfalls, and Travel Guide with Katie Dunn, Tourism Director (Ep 85, Part 1)
    Apr 21 2026

    We’re heading deep into the mountains of Southwest Virginia to explore Norton, a small city with a big reputation as an outdoor recreation hub in the Heart of Appalachia. Tucked into the High Knob Region and surrounded by the Jefferson National Forest, Norton offers something truly special - easy, immediate access to some of the most diverse and scenic outdoor experiences in the region.

    From panoramic overlooks and cascading waterfalls to miles of hiking and biking trails, this is a place where adventure starts just minutes from downtown. Whether you're chasing spectacular views at Flag Rock or taking in a gorgeous sunset at High Knob Observation Tower, Norton delivers big outdoor experiences without the crowds.

    Joining me is Katie Dunn, Director of the High Knob Destination Center and Norton’s Community Engagement and Tourism Director. She’s here to share what makes this mountain town so memorable – from its quaint main street to a little bit of local legend. 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


    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Connect with Katie Dunn:

    Norton, VA (Explore Norton) I High Knob Destination Center

    Instagram: @hkdestinationcenter I @nortonvirginia

    Facebook: High Knob Destination Center I Explore Norton

    Jefferson National Forest
    Flag Rock Recreation Area

    High Knob Region

    Outdoor Adventures

    Food and Drinks

    Nottingham Place Bed & Breakfast (Wise)


    Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

    Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

    jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
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