America’s smallest wilderness area sits in the middle of Pennsylvania’s wild and scenic Allegheny River.
Laura Jackson is the Highland Outdoors Managing Editor. She's also the author of Deep & Wild: On Mountains, Opossums, & Finding Your Way in West Virginia, a humorous essay collection. When not writing, she's with her family, hiking up mountains and floating down rivers. She loves scenic views, peat bogs, and her West Virginia Brown Dog, Minnie.
Island Hopping
The Fall Line
It’s time for devoted leaf peepers to experience the best of Appalachian autumn. Explore six beautiful mountain regions as October sweeps over the highlands.
Way Down Yonder
Somehow, we forgot about pawpaws. Now, Appalachia’s lost fruit is making a comeback.
Release the Beast
Gauley Fest, September 17–20 in 2026, celebrates one of the world’s wildest whitewater rivers.
A Well-Deserved Paddling
River Riders in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, offers an adventure park, whitewater rafting, and the rowdiest tubing trip in history.
World-Class Winners
Support for adaptive Appalachian adventurers continues to grow as athletes visit the region and advocates pave the way for recreational opportunities.
Muletide Greetings
At Cranberry Adventures in Richwood, West Virginia, the “biggest asses on the river” do the hauling so you can focus on the fish.
Club Wet
Friends of the Cheat’s Snorkel Club offers a window into the underwater world of river stewardship. And fun.
Summer Tunes
Enjoy a great lineup of music all season long.
Three of a Kind
Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake, Oakland, and Friendsville offer a trifecta of adventure, culture, and hometown spirit.
Richwood is Worth the Trip
Appalachian flavor, outdoor adventure, and long-standing tradition make Richwood a great spring road trip destination.
Dive High in the Mountain State
Can’t make it to the ocean? There’s an underwater world right here.
