Hidden Treasures #3

Welcome to the third installment of our exploration of some of the most beautiful, off-the-beaten-path places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains. In this issue, we hand picked some water-related hot spots perfect for late summer days: hikes, waterfalls, swimming holes and everything in between — areas that are perfect for dipping your toes, or your whole self, into the water.

Arnold Valley Pool

Photo by Kyle Green

Little Stoney Falls

Photo by Dennis Mott

The 2.8-mile Little Stony National Recreation Trail, located in the Jefferson National Forest, follows Little Stony Creek and passes by three waterfalls. A fairly easy hike, this trail is a good alternative to the more strenuous Devils Fork Loop nearby. Little Stony Falls, a 24-foot vertical waterfall cascading into a 10-foot pool below, offers many scenic views and is a whitewater kayaking destination for very advanced boaters. A bridge stretches across the top of the falls, allowing hikers to stand directly above the rushing water. The pool below is also a great spot to cool down in the late summer months. For hikers seeking a more challenging trip, the trail connects to the Chief Benge Scout Trail, an 18.7-mile trail that encompases seven different trailheads including High Knob, an iconic Appalachian lookout. — AN

More Info: Located near Dungannon, Va. Visit: waterfall-picture-guide.com/upper-little-stoney-falls.html

‘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 #3 – Virginia

Arnold Valley Pool