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.

Smoke Hole Canyon

Photo Jim Hopkins

Tucked away in the Monongahela National Forest, Smoke Hole Canyon is unlike any place you’ve ever visited. The South Branch of the Potomac River is sandwiched between North Mountain and Cave Mountain, creating a half-mile deep canyon with nearly vertical walls.

No one is certain where Smoke Hole got its name. Some say that Native Americans used the canyon for smoking meat, while others assume the name comes from the misty fog that frequently lies on the river. Smoke Hole Canyon’s long and varied history involves Native Americans, the American Revolution, Civil War and rumors of moonshine distilleries.

Boaters might argue that the best way to experience this astonishing place is to paddle the river. Kayaking and whitewater canoeing provide the best options to see sections that are set aside for non-motorized recreation and wildlife habitat. The Big Bend Campground is located nearby, where the stream is gentler and more popular for tubers and less experienced paddlers.

Cranberry River

Photo by Thomas R. Fletcher

The Cranberry River stretches for 24 miles through Pocahontas, Greenbrier, Webster and Nicholas counties. The waters of this river were poisoned a few short decades ago due to acid rain, which killed the native and self-sustaining trout and many other forms of local aquatic life. Despite the serious acid rain damage, Cranberry River was brought back to health thanks to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Trout Unlimited and the building of two crushed-lime treatment sites.

An 18.9-mile trail follows the banks of the Cranberry River, and striking leaf displays and cool temperatures make for a perfect backpacking trip in autumn. Today, Cranberry River ranks as a top fishery, surrounded by serene and elegant forest. This river is a great location for trout fishing, hiking, swimming and camping, and it reminds us that there is hope for unhealthy streams and rivers. — By Anna Norwood

More Info: Located in Pocahontas County. Visit: troutu.com/streams/cranberry_river_west_virginia

‘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 – West Virginia

Smoke Hole Canyon