HIDDEN TREASURES #2

Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands.

Cantwell Cliffs

Photo by Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Among the natural wonders of Southeast Ohio is a set of reddish-brown sandstone formations known as Cantwell Cliffs. The cliffs are situated atop a bed of Blackhand Sandstone (southeast Ohio is the only place in the world where this type of sandstone exists). Characterized by a 150-foot-tall horseshoe-shaped formation overlooking a beautiful gorge, the cliffs feature narrow passageways and towering rock walls. No guardrails are in place, so keep an eye on young children. Cantwell Cliffs are the northernmost location in the alluring Hocking Hills State Park system, making them a less-visited spot and one of Ohio’s most hidden public treasures. — JR

Halloween Approaches, and Night School Is in Session

The House of Art in Bluefield, West Virginia, looks like a haunted tower, making it the perfect location for its sixth annual haunt event: Night School. The Night School will be open every Friday and Saturday night through Oct. 31.

Rows of vendors under pop-up tents are filling a grassy area at the annual Affirming Sumner Pride celebration in Middle Tennessee. Pride flags are hanging on some booths

‘The Most Perfect Act of Love’

After losing its rural pride celebration, hundreds of people attended the second annual Affirming Sumner Pride celebration on a 24-acre farm dubbed “Fruity Farm” in Bethpage, Sumner County, Tennessee.

An Indiana bat in a white-gloved hand with a black background

Signs of Life

In the Nantahala National Forest, a team of biologists spotted Indiana bats, an endangered species that hasn’t been seen in North Carolina for the last 11 years.

Dan Buchanan stands in front of Double Island Volunteer Fire Department's fire engine

‘First Line of Defense’

During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.

Alice and Gary Stevens stand on their new 40-foot bridge with their dog in Watauga County, N.C.

The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery

Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.

Since the proposed federal prison near Roxana was first announced, it has faced opposition from some local residents. Photo by Willie Dodson

After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain

A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.

HIDDEN TREASURES #2 – Ohio

Cantwell Cliffs