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Hiking the Highlands

Journey to delightful trails, inspiring overlooks and refreshing swimming holes in the Appalachian range

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Photo by Willie Dodson
July 24, 2025

Protected Paths: Trails Through Public Lands

This series features lesser-known trails in Appalachia’s public lands. They show the beauty and significance of hiking on public lands.

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Workers pour concrete to form stairs coming down from the pedestrian bridge from the McAfee Knob trailhead parking lot across Virginia 311. Photo by Dan Radmacher.
January 29, 2025

UPDATE: Pedestrian bridge opens for McAfee Knob trail crossing

Soon, Appalachian Trail hikers will be able to use a 90-foot-long, steel and concrete pedestrian bridge to move safely over Virginia 311 at McAfee Knob trail crossing.

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A man sits beside a wooden shelter in the woods.
May 12, 2024

Views and Brews

There’s nothing better than some time on the trail followed by a smooth cup of java or something with a little kick. Enjoy this carefully crafted list of the perfect pairings.

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A couple sits atop the grassy summit of Max Patch, taking in the views under a beautiful blue sky dotted with white cumulous clouds.
December 13, 2023

How Max Patch Bald is Finally Healing

After overuse forced the closure of Max Patch Bald, efforts by the U.S. Forestry Service and trail groups to restore the area show dramatic progress.

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A waterfall cascades over rocks down a forested hillside.
August 3, 2023

Special Sections Along the Appalachian Trail

We asked folks which sections of the Appalachian Trail are their favorites, and here’s what we found!

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