Join me for a spine-tingling episode filled with spooky stories from a haunted hike— perfect for those who love a good thrill! Plus, we’ll dive into your fan mail, so keep those messages coming by clicking on “Send Jessica a Text Message!” in your show notes.

Tune in next week for part 2 when we’ll catch up on my recent adventures, including a rescheduled trip to Onancock, one of Virginia’s Adventure Towns. I’ll share highlights from my latest newsletter, featuring discounts on backpacking and first aid gear. We’ll wrap up with a complete list of everything included in my cabin stay bag, to help you prepare for your own park visit. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

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Visit Harrisonburg

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures.

In Part 2 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understanding and appreciation of our native species.

Caroline tackles listener questions about safety measures and snake behavior, offering practical advice for snake encounters, so you can hit the trails with confidence. Let’s Go!

Don’t miss part 1 of this two-part episode. Last week, Caroline covered how many species of snakes are native to Virginia and which are venomous, our most common species throughout the state, the difference between venomous and poisonous, and whether hikers should be concerned about encountering a snake on the trail.

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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

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Visit Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia Herpetological Society

Book: Guide to Snakes and Lizards of Virginia

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

We’re slithering into the fascinating world of Virginia’s snakes, equipping you with practical tips to enjoy the great outdoors while respecting these often-misunderstood creatures.

In Part 1 of this two-part episode, Caroline Seitz of the Virginia Herpetological Society, helps us dispel common myths and misconceptions while broadening our understanding and appreciation of our native species.

Caroline tackles listener questions about safety measures and snake behavior, offering practical advice for snake encounters, so you can hit the trails with confidence. Let’s Go!

Join us next week when Caroline tackles more listener questions, such as “Will pants protect against snake bites?, How far north can pythons spread?, Should we carry antivenom while hiking or backpacking?, What to do if you’re bit in a remote area?, and "Is anything still alive when it gets into that snake belly?”


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

Advertisers:
Visit Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Virginia Herpetological Society

Book: Guide to Snakes and Lizards of Virginia

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Southwest Virginia's scenic hiking destinations. Tyler Mullins of the Pine Mountain Trail Conference, takes us on a journey highlighting the must-do trails of Breaks Park set against the majestic Russell Fork Gorge. Then it’s on to the lesser-known but equally captivating Pine Mountain Scenic Trail that weaves along the Virginia-Kentucky border.

In Part 2 of this two-part series, Tyler continues our journey on the Pine Mountain Trail. This developing long-distance path offers unique opportunities for solitude and scenic beauty away from the crowds. We discuss the mesmerizing Jenny Falls, the panoramic 360-degree views from Birch Knob Fire Tower, and a unique ecosystem that makes this region a true outdoor paradise.

Don’t miss last week’s Part 1 where Tyler entices us with trails inside Breaks Park that include awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, serene lakes, and stunning vistas. Let’s Go!

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

Advertisers:
Visit Buchanan

Mentioned in this Episode:

Breaks Interstate Park

Breaks Park Hiking Trails

Episode 55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest in Virginia

Episode 31. Rock Climbing in Breaks Park and Southwest Virginia

Pine Mountain Trail Conference

Birch Knob Fire Tower

Pine Mountain Scenic Trail

Contact Tyler Mullins: tylermarkmullins@gmail.com

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of Southwest Virginia's scenic hiking destinations. Tyler Mullins of the Pine Mountain Trail Conference, takes us on a journey highlighting the must-do trails of Breaks Park set against the majestic Russell Fork Gorge. Then it’s on to the lesser-known but equally captivating Pine Mountain Scenic Trail that weaves along the Virginia-Kentucky border.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Tyler entices us with trails inside Breaks Park that include awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs, unique rock formations, serene lakes, and stunning vistas.

Tune in next week as Tyler continues our journey on the Pine Mountain Trail. This developing long-distance path offers unique opportunities for solitude and scenic beauty away from the crowds. We discuss the mesmerizing Jenny Falls, the panoramic 360-degree views from Birch Knob Fire Tower, and a unique ecosystem that makes this region a true outdoor paradise. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Website I 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

Advertisers:
Visit Buchanan

Mentioned in this Episode:

Breaks Interstate Park

Breaks Park Hiking Trails

Episode 55. Appalachia’s Greatest Conservation Story: Elk Restoration in Southwest in Virginia

Episode 31. Rock Climbing in Breaks Park and Southwest Virginia

Pine Mountain Trail Conference

Birch Knob Fire Tower

Pine Mountain Scenic Trail

Contact Tyler Mullins: tylermarkmullins@gmail.com

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

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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Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

I'm back for a fifth season of Virginia Outdoor Adventures!

In the Season 5 Trailer, get a sneak peek of new episodes, upcoming fall festivals and events where you can meet me in person, giveaways for podcast merch, new features such as Fan Mail texting, and shout outs to my listeners.

And don’t forget, you can win a $50 gift card to River Rock Outfitter by completing the listener survey. START THE SURVEY NOW.

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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

Advertisers:

Explore Middlesex

Episode 58. Virginia's Adventure Towns: Urbanna's River Life

Visit Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Country View Lodging

Virginia State Parks Trail Quest

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

“Our goal for Wandering Waters is to get people out and exploring our parks, either on a stand up paddle board, a kayak, or a canoe and seeing our parks from a different perspective. You can go to a park like Hungry Mother and hike up to the top of Molly's Knob and get that giant panoramic scenic view. But then you can come back down and either rent a boat or bring your own and get out on the water and see that park from a whole different view.” -Sammy Zambon, Virginia State Parks

The wandering waters of Virginia connect communities and people across landscapes and through time. From mountain streams and lakes to tidal rivers and bays, the waters of Virginia provide an endless source of exploration.

Sammy Zambon, an avid paddler and Visitor Experience Specialist for Virginia State Parks, introduces us to Wandering Waters Paddle Quest, a program that will have you exploring our state parks from a new perspective.

Tranquil lakes and lazy stretches of river await via self-guided and ranger-led adventures. From serene sunsets to exciting river rapids, grab your paddle and hit the water at a Virginia State Park. Let’s Go!

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

Advertisers:

Let’s Go Adventures at Virginia State Parks

Buy Me A Coffee

Explore Middlesex

Mentioned in this Episode:

Wandering Waters Paddle Quest

Virginia State Parks Trail Quest

Episode 56. Let’s Go Adventures – Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, Fly Fishing, Archery, and Orienteering with Diego Riffle and Sarah King, Virginia State Parks

Connect with Sammy: Sammy.zambon@dcr.virginia.gov

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact show host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com