Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! – Details, episodes & analysis

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

Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

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Frequency: 1 episode/18d. Total Eps: 120

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!

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Breaks Park Hiking Guide: New Trails, Swinging Bridges & Hidden Places You've Never Been Before, with Rangers Daniel Flores and Ronnie Hylton (Ep 89, Pt 1)

Season 6

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 42:13

What if I told you there are places inside one of Virginia’s most spectacular landscapes that no hiker has ever experienced…until now?

We're heading to Breaks Park, known as "The Grand Canyon of the South," where several brand-new hiking trails and trail improvements are opening up parts of the park that visitors have never been able to explore before. From hiking along historic logging routes leading deep into the gorge, to discovering a breathtaking new overlook, crossing swinging bridges beneath towering sandstone cliffs, and exploring forests rich with wildlife and Appalachian history, there's never been a better time to visit the Breaks.

Joining me are Senior Ranger Daniel Flores and Chief Ranger Ronnie Hylton, two people who know these mountains, trails, and the stories behind them better than almost anyone. They'll take us behind the scenes of these exciting new projects, share the history that shaped this incredible landscape, and help you plan your own unforgettable hiking adventure in the Heart of Appalachia. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

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Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Ads:

Heart of Appalachia

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter

Mentioned in this Episode:

Hiking at the Breaks

Breaks Park Website

Instagram I Facebook

Episode 61 - Scenic Hikes is Southwest Virginia: Breaks Park and Pine Mountain Trail

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Enter to win a prize pack, including a $50 gift card, from River Rock Outfitter!

Take the LISTENER SURVEY

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

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National and State Park Travel Stories from California, Alabama, and Virginia (Ep 88, Part 2)

Season 6

Tuesday, June 30, 2026 • Duration 48:13

In this solo episode, I'm taking you along on another whirlwind journey that spans thousands of miles and some of the most memorable outdoor adventures I've had all year. From birding along Alabama's Gulf Coast and exploring Chincoteague's marshes to rock climbing in Shenandoah National Park, hiking brand new trails at the Breaks, and standing under giant Redwoods in California’s Muir Woods, there's a lot to unpack.

Along the way, I'll share stories from the trail, tips to plan your own adventure, and a few behind-the-scenes moments from recent podcast episodes. Plus, I'm asking for your feedback as I consider a question that could shape the future of Virginia Outdoor Adventures.

So grab your hiking boots, binoculars, or favorite road trip snack, and join me for a journey through state and national parks, coastal landscapes, mountain trails, and the adventures that continue to inspire this podcast. Let’s Go!

*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

Across America’s Wild Places: National Park Travel Stories from Saguaro, Channel Islands & Pictured Rocks, Plus an Inside Peek at New Episodes (Ep 84, Part 1)

Season 6

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 • Duration 46:21

Welcome back to the second half of Season 6 of Virginia Outdoor Adventures! I’ve got a packed episode for you today, coming off a stretch of incredible nationwide travel - from the towering saguaros of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert to the dramatic cliffs of California’s Channel Islands, frozen shorelines in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and even dinosaur tracks deep in the heart of Texas.

By popular demand, I’m sharing highlights from the trail and beyond, like a moonlit hike in Saguaro National Park, spotting rare wildlife in California, and exploring the frozen beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

We’ll talk wildlife encounters, unexpected lessons, and the moments that remind you just how vast and wild these places really are. Plus, I’ve got a few upcoming events to share, what’s ahead this season to inspire your local travel, and how you can stay connected with the show.

So whether you're planning your next adventure or just dreaming about one, this episode will take you there. 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

21. Mountain Biking with Thomas Jenkins, Co-Owner of Shenandoah Bicycle Company

Season 2

Tuesday, December 28, 2021 • Duration 39:05

“We always joke about whether we spend more time riding or hanging out in the parking lot, eating and drinking. But that’s the mountain biking community, and that’s the Virginia outdoors. It’s about people.” – Thomas Jenkins, Shenandoah Bicycle Company

Virginia has earned bragging rights as one of the best places for mountain biking on the east coast. From the well-maintained slopes of Massanutten to over 100 miles of backcountry trails within George Washington National Forest, Harrisonburg, Virginia has something for every experienced or beginner rider. Fueled by his love for two wheels, Thomas Jenkins, co-owner of Shenandoah Bicycle Company in downtown Harrisonburg, has spent 25 years working to improve trails and transportation in his community. A former mountain biking competitor, Thomas shares how to access the best local trails for all experience levels. Whether you want to cruise a country road or shred on a downhill, Thomas shares the tips and tricks you need to plan your off-road adventure. Let’s Go!

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VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Enter code "VIRGINIA10" at checkout for 10% off at Appalachian Gear Company

Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Thomas: Instagram I Facebook I Website I , Article by

20. Thru-Hiking with Kristen Musselman, Chief Hiking Officer I Devils Backbone Brewing Company

Season 2

Tuesday, December 14, 2021 • Duration 56:21

“Some of the things that continue to draw me back to the outdoors are the connections I make with others, which tend to be richer when I'm connecting with them outside. The connections I make with myself tend to be more introspective and fuller when I'm outside, and the spiritual connections I have with nature are things my eyes are significantly more open to when I'm lacking the distractions of the front country.” - Kristen Musselman, Chief Hiking Officer

Imagine your outdoor dream job. It might look something like this…Kristen Musselman spent six months hiking and camping full-time as the Chief Hiking Officer for Devils Backbone Brewing Company in Nelson County, Virgina. She traveled from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail and many other local trails along the east coast. Kristen speaks to the unique joys and challenges of solo backcountry travel and her deep love for getting outside. She also tells us what is in her pack, shares tips for long distance backpacking, and reveals some of her favorite trails in Virginia. Let’s Go!

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Support the show: Buy Me A Coffee

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources

Use code “VAOA” for 10% off your order at The Freckled Farm Soap Company

Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Kristen: Instagram I Chief Hiking Officer Blog - Use promo code "VIRGINIA10" for 10% offFacebook groups:

18. BONUS EPISODE with She Opts Out

Season 2

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 • Duration 45:55

Hi, Friends. Jessica here, Host of Virginia Outdoor Adventures, coming to you with a bonus episode. But before I get to that, I have exciting news about Season 2. Stay tuned for an announcement about a launch date for the second season in the upcoming weeks. My friend and keeper of the outdoors, Brian Bell from Keep Virginia Cozy, sat down with me to record a trailer where we reveal a sneak peek into upcoming episodes of Virginia Outdoor Adventures. Keep an eye on my Instagram page @virginia_outdoor_adventures and Facebook page @vaoapodcast for news and announcements.

And now, the bonus episode. You may remember Linda and Mandi from She Opts Out who where my guests in Episode 14. After appearing on Virginia Outdoor Adventures, they invited me to be a guest on their show, which recently aired on She Opts Out Podcast. As a show host, I’m more used to asking the questions rather than answering them, but it was fun to chat with Linda and Mandi about my background, how I got into the outdoors, and how Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast started. I also got to talk about building an outdoor community in Virginia, completing Trail Quest by visiting every Virginia State Park, and some of my most memorable hikes. Also included in our discussion – solo hiking and solo adventuring, outdoor safety, my gear, four-season hiking, one of my personal fears (which is probably not what you would expect), and my advice for beginner adventurers.

Without further ado, here is my first guest appearance on She Opts Out Podcast. Let’s Go!

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Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/JessicaBowser )

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with She Opts Out: Instagram I I

17. Hiking and Photographing SNP with Larry W. Brown I Author of 'Guide to Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park'

Season 1

Tuesday, April 13, 2021 • Duration 53:36

“It gives you a sense of accomplishment to go places where few have ever ventured. For those of us with an adventurous spirit, that's what we live for. I wanted to leave something behind, a legacy of sorts, for the current and next generation of wilderness explorers and waterfall chasers like myself.” - Larry W. Brown, Guide to Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park has attracted wilderness explorers and waterfall chasers for generations. The park is best known for its outstanding mountain vistas, wildlife, and numerous waterfalls, accessible along the famed Skyline Drive. Today’s guest, Larry Brown, is a professional nature and wildlife photographer. He has captured Shenandoah in all of its glory through his gorgeous photographs of black bears, ridgeline sunrises, and starry night skies. Larry and I discuss his new book, Guide to Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park, which includes some off trail gems not found on any park maps. Listen as Larry describes how to plan your own waterfall adventure. Let’s Go!

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Mentioned in this Episode:
Guide to Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park, by Larry W. Brown
Connect with Larry Brown: Website I Facebook I Flicker I Twitter Shenandoah River State Park Follow VAOA Podcast: I I I

16. Creating an Outdoor Space for Women of Color with Shara and Nicole I Founders, Black Girls Hike RVA

Season 1

Tuesday, March 30, 2021 • Duration 57:07

“When you realize tomorrow is not promised, you want to experience things that are just not tangible, like having peace and love and connection. You can have that when you go outdoors. I feel like we have grown so much because of the spiritual connection that women can have when we go out on trails.” - Nicole, Black Girls Hike RVA

The outdoors are for everyone. Shara and Nicole, two friends and educators, noticed a lack of diversity on the trails and wanted to provide opportunities for everyone to experience the outdoors. Black Girls Hike RVA is a local hiking group for women of color. Shara and Nicole’s group is rapidly growing in popularity, winning awards, and breaking boundaries, while simultaneously building community and encouraging others to find joy in nature. Let’s Go!

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Mentioned in this Episode:
Connect with Black Girls Hike: Facebook I Instagram I Website
Go Fund Me to purchase BGHRVA transportation
Best of the Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge Outdoors Follow VAOA Podcast: I I I

15. Backyard Adventuring and Edible Landscaping with Cory Suter, Suters Glen Permaculture Farm

Season 1

Tuesday, March 16, 2021 • Duration 54:19

“What I enjoy most about the farming lifestyle is being close to the Earth. Being outside helps us relax. The more we learn how to work with nature instead of trying to dominate nature, the happier and healthier both will be. We can receive better nutrition from the soil, but also we can be a society where we value what the soil feeds us and we give back to the Earth.” - Cory Suter, Suters Glen Permaculture Farm

What type of adventure awaits in your own backyard? Cory Suter, a fourth-generation gardener, has used edible landscaping to transform his home in Fairfax County into a bountiful harvest. Urban farming techniques have brought his family closer to the land and their food source while supporting local wildlife and nature. Cory shares his landscaping practices and how to get started transforming your yard into a healthy outdoor oasis. Let’s Go!

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Mentioned in this Episode:
Suters Glen Permaculture Farm
Plants for Edible Landscaping
Fairfax Food Council
Urban Agriculture Workgroup of the Fairfax Food Council
Book - Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture, 2nd Edition Movie – Kiss the GroundExamples of Edible Ornamental Plants: Artichoke, Garlic Chives, Rosemary, Lemon VerbenaExamples of Edible Flowers: Yellow Seladora Day Lily, Borage, Orange Nasturtium, Pansies, Pineapple Sage, Honeysuckle, Hen of the Woods Mushroom, Morel MushroomExamples of Small Space Gardening: Green Beans, Lettuce, Thyme, mushrooms, microgreensFollow VAOA Podcast: I I I

14. Empowering the 'Wiser Female Adventurer' with Linda and Mandi I Founders, She Opts Out

Season 1

Tuesday, March 2, 2021 • Duration 48:16

“I love to just be outside. It fills my bucket, keeps me creative and recenters me. Life is busy and there's always going to be challenges in our lives. So it's really nice to unplug, disconnect, take some deep breaths, listen to the breeze, and find another way to channel ourselves.” - Mandi, She Opts Out

Linda and Mandi are empowering the “Wiser Female Adventurer” by building an inclusive community of women who are connecting with the outdoors to support physical and mental health. She Opts Out is an organization providing a safe space for women to venture outside together. Group hikes, workshops, and partnerships with local nonprofits all focus on recharging in nature while giving back to the community. Let’s Go!

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with She Opts Out:
Website I Facebook I Instagram I
She Opts Out Podcast on Spotify
Oxygen and Iron Fitness Studio
RVA OCR
Artwork and graphic design by Caitlin Olszewski
Keep Virginia Cozy
7 Principles of Leave No Trace
James River Park System
James River Park System Trail Overview
Buttermilk Trail, James River Park, Richmond
Texas Beach, James River Park, RichmondFacebook groups: I I Follow VAOA Podcast: I I I

Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! – Details, episodes & analysis

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Virginia Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Local Travel and more! – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

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Spotify

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