The Appalachian Voice
A Quest to Protect At-Risk Bats
Researchers and conservationists found and saved the land where a colony of endangered Virginia big-eared bats roost.
Read MoreEastern Kentucky Community Groups Pursue Solar
Four community-led organizations in Letcher County, Ky., plan to install solar arrays to combat rising electricity costs.
Read MoreBuilding a Better Economy
Communities across Appalachia are striving to build a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Read MoreExploring Old Growth Forest in Historic Harlan County
Kentucky’s Harlan County, perhaps best known for its mining history, is also home to a wonderful old-growth forest preserve with several hiking trails.
Read MoreGoing Caving in West Virginia
Organ Cave Where: Near Lewisburg, W.Va., in Greenbrier County How to access: The cave has more than 45 miles of mapped passages. Tours are offered year-round, and are by reservation only from November through April.Reservations are recommended May through October. Organ Cave is always closed on Sundays. Prices vary. Difficulty: Tours range from kid-friendly to…
Read MoreGoing Caving in Virginia
Fountain Cave Where: Grottoes, Va., in Augusta and Rockingham counties, adjacent to the more accessible Grand Caverns How to access: While this cave once had walkways, it is now a wild cave ideal for a more adventurous caving experience. Cavers must be 12 years or older, and the tour lasts roughly two hours. The cave…
Read MoreGoing Caving in Tennessee
Worley’s Cave Where: Bluff City, Tenn., in Sullivan County How to access: Worley’s is located on private property, and it is recommended that visitors tour the cave with a third-party outdoor recreation company, such as High Mountain Expeditions, River & Earth Adventures, USA Raft or Wahoo’s Adventures. However, the owner may grant entry permission to…
Read MoreGoing Caving in North Carolina
Linville Caverns Where: Linville, N.C., in Avery County. How to access: Linville Caverns is one of the most accessible caving experiences in Appalachia, with portions open to wheelchairs. The caverns are open to the public daily March through November, with varying hours. All tours are guided and last between 30 and 45 minutes. Prices vary,…
Read MoreGoing Caving in Kentucky
Carter Caves State Resort Park Where: Olive Hill, Ky., in Carter County How to access: Multiple caves lie within the state park, which has a variety of amenities including camping and hiking. Difficulty: The most accessible caves feature shorter tours with relatively easy terrain. Several of the more strenuous caves offer longer tours from Memorial…
Read MoreA Milestone for Southwest Virginia Solar
This spring marks a poignant milestone for solar power in Southwest Virginia’s historic coal region. A 3.5-megawatt solar array, slated to be built on a former Wise County coal mine, is moving closer to fruition. The state’s Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy chose the project to receive a half million dollars through a federal…
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