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.

Fort Valley

Photo by Leon Reed

This quaint locale is best described as a “valley within a valley.” Tucked away in the heart of Shenandoah County, Va., Fort Valley sits amidst the Massanutten mountain range. In all, the valley is 23 miles long, but it is never wider than three miles.

The primarily agricultural valley is closed in except for a narrow gap on the northern side that opens for a road initially built during the Revolutionary War at George Washington’s command. Passage Creek also makes use of this gap as it flows toward the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, boasting a reputation for trout and, when the water level is high enough, paddling.

Local outdoor-oriented businesses make use of the surrounding George Washington and Jefferson national forests by offering activities like guided horseback riding. The area also has mountain biking and hiking trails and several state and private campgrounds. — MM

MORE INFO: Located in Shenandoah County, Va. Visit: virginia.org/Cities/FortValley

McAfee Knob

Photo by Freyda Strackeljahn

Pick up an Appalachian Trail calendar and you’re sure to find a breathtaking snapshot of the iconic McAfee Knob. An enormous rock slab juts out of a rock face from one of the world’s oldest mountain formations, giving the hiker a striking view of much of Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains.

The knob, which has an almost 270 degree panorama of the Catawba Valley, North Mountain, Tinker Cliffs and the Roanoke Valley, sits alongside the Appalachian Trail in Catawba, Va.
A four-mile hike with a steady climb of nearly 1,300 feet from the VA311 parking lot along the AT classifies this trail as a definite “calf-burner.” Wildlife is abundant on the hike up to McAfee Knob, with white-tailed deer, eastern fence lizards and even the rare American chestnut; just a few of the flora and fauna that may be seen on the hike.

‘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.

Hurricane Helene devastated parts of Erwin, Tennessee. Photo by Abby Hassler

The Washout and Rebuild

For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.

Shenandoah salamander. Photo by Rob and Ann Simpson

The Shenandoah Salamander

The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.

People gather around a basket of mushrooms in a forested area with ferns and other greenery

‘Foraging Is a Way of Connecting’

Foraging has experienced a modern resurgence, partly because of social media, online groups, the pandemic and people wanting to connect with nature. It also builds community, whether in person or online.

HIDDEN TREASURES #2 – Virginia

Fort Valley

McAfee Knob