A seasoned bird guide reflects on vultures, stereotypes, and flipping the Appalachian narrative.
The fall issue offers a guide to the finest leaf peeping in the highlands, a detailed look at the best gravel biking in the east, the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, and tasty pawpaws.
Photographed by Jesse Thornton
Click Cover Image to open flipping book
The Fall issue of Highland Outdoors is the perfect guide for an autumn leaf-peeping road trip. Start in Canaan Valley and work your way through the region. You’ve got choices—go east and check out the biggest gravel and bikepacking network in the East. Head south to the Hatfield–McCoy Trails for some heavy dirt action. Or, move north for some camping at Allegheny Islands Wilderness and a crawl through Pennsylvania’s newest state park, Laurel Caverns. Plus, meet the man who biked from Harpers Ferry to Spruce Knob. And remember—it’s pawpaw season, so be on the lookout for an Appalachian fruit festival!
Stories from this Issue
A Reason to Look Up
Highs and Lows
One man’s journey across West Virginia, from bottom to top.
Arc of Triumph
An Appalachian land trust’s last-minute effort saved nearly 2,000 undeveloped acres next to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National Park.
Not That Kind of Cave
The quiet beauty of Laurel Caverns, Pennsylvania’s newest state park, isn’t in stalactites and stalagmites.
Start Your Engines
Trail riding isn’t just a pastime in southern West Virginia—it’s a way of life.
Where Wild Things Wander
From bears to bobcats, six West Virginia sites are helping scientists document two centuries of change.
Island Hopping
America’s smallest wilderness area sits in the middle of Pennsylvania’s wild and scenic Allegheny River.
Country Roads Take Me away from Home
The new Mon Forest Gravel and Bikepacking Route Network serves up adventure to take you from your doorstep into West Virginia’s crown jewel.
Come Again?
Don’t let the names trip you up. Ohiopyle and the Youghiogheny River combine big adventure and tiny-town charm.
