On the Cover: Illustration by Kevin Howdeshell of the Brave Union.
From the staff of Blue Ridge Outdoors
We dedicate this issue to the many incredible communities in our region affected by Hurricane Helene. These beloved destinations in western North Carolina and surrounding areas have long been cherished by our staff and readers, and as their residents forge ahead on a path to recovery, we stand with them, inspired by their resilience and confident they will rebuild and thrive. Together, we celebrate their unwavering spirit and look forward to the adventures ahead.
Departments
How the western North Carolina outdoors community mobilized to help with Hurricane Helene relief.
A guide to hiking Maryland’s stretch of the Appalachian Trail.
A dad watches his kids process the disaster of Hurricane Helene.
A gift guide for gear lovers.
New songs from Bon Iver and Tim Heidecker.
Features
Readers pick the best places to live and play.
An A.T. section hike becomes a full family quest.
A test of fortitude becomes a lesson in perception.
A teacher learns to unwind backpacking in Dolly Sods.