57 episodes

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast is the ultimate guide to local outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and so much more. Get the information and the inspiration to plan your own adventure, right here in Virginia. Lets Go!

Virginia Outdoor Adventures Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.9 • 77 Ratings

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay, Virginia is a mecca for outdoor travel and adventure. Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast is the ultimate guide to local outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, kayaking, and so much more. Get the information and the inspiration to plan your own adventure, right here in Virginia. Lets Go!

    Season 4 Update

    Season 4 Update

    What's new with VAOA Podcast?

     Season 4 Coming Soon!
    Receive a gift from River Rock Outfitter - Complete the Listener Survey.
    Receive special offers, discounts, and updates - Sign up for the email newsletter.
    Get your adventure featured in the email newsletter! Email: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
    Come see me at the State Fair of Virginia this weekend! Look for the Virginia State Parks tent.

    Many thanks to River Rock Outfitter for supporting the show and providing gifts to everyone who completes the Listener Survey.
    Support the showFollow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook

    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee

    • 7 min
    48. Journey along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia's Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association

    48. Journey along the James: Paddling, Camping, and Exploring Virginia's Iconic River with Charles Johnson, James River Association

    “The James River runs 340 miles through the heart of Virginia, from the Blue Ridge all the way to the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. The river’s watershed is roughly 10,000 square miles and it supplies drinking water for 2.7 million people. It also provides opportunities to relax, adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors.” – Charles Johnson, James River Association
    Rich in history and culture, the mighty James meanders over 340 miles through verdant forests, picturesque valleys, and rushing rapids from its headwaters in the Blue Ridge to the Chesapeake Bay. Flowing through the heart of Virginia, the James River offers abundant recreational activities, such as paddling, rafting, fishing, camping, and wildlife watching. Charles Johnson from the James River Association helps us navigate the ins and outs of planning the perfect paddling and camping expedition and shares valuable tips for finding the best resources for your own river adventure. So get ready to immerse yourself in the rhythmic harmony of paddles gliding through water and the majesty of eagles soaring overhead on the river that played a pivotal role in shaping Virginia’s past and continues to inspire the present. Let’s Go!
    Become a Member of Virginia Outdoor Adventures to receive the full list of show notes to your inbox:
    Charles Johnson: LinkedIn I Instagram
    James River Association: Website I Facebook I Instagram
    Ep 35. Whitewater Paddling with James River Women
    Ep 27.  The Virginia Nature Triathlon with Senator Tim Kaine
    Camping on the James
    James River Batteau Festival, Scottsville
    RVA Paddle Sports
    Twin River Outfitters
    James River State Park
    Powhatan State Park
    Riverside Outfitters
    Help the James
    Support the showFollow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook

    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee

    • 55 min
    47. Ocean Connections: Catching Waves and Conserving Coastlines with Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU

    47. Ocean Connections: Catching Waves and Conserving Coastlines with Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU

    “I've taken a boogie board out in just the tiniest little waves breaking right on the shore and had a blast. I've taken a surfboard out in waves that were almost as tall as I was and had a blast. There’s such a variety of waves that anybody at most any skill level can have a good time in Virginia.”  - Drew White, Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at VCU


    Get ready to ride the waves as we explore surfing, boogie boarding, and body surfing with ocean enthusiast, Drew White, from the Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University. Drew shares his insights on Virginia's best surfing locations, wave-riding safety, and why you don't need the biggest waves to have the biggest fun. But our adventure doesn't end there – we're also diving into the fascinating world of plant ecology and the importance of dunes in protecting the habitats of Virginia’s coastal ecosystem. So grab your board and score a wave. Let’s Go!

    Follow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook
     
    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee
     
    VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
    ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
    ·       Breaks Interstate Park
    ·       Virginia Association for Parks
    ·       Virginia State Parks
     
    Advertisers:
    ·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine

    ·       Virginia State Parks Wandering Waters Paddle Quest


     
    Mentioned in this Episode:

    Connect with Drew White: aewhite@vcu.edu
    Coastal Plant Ecology Lab at Virginia Commonwealth University
    Surfing vs Boogie Boarding
    Movie: Come Hell or High Water
    Surf Line App
    National Weather Service
    Windy.com
    Tropical Tidbits
    False Cape State Park
    Savage Neck Dunes Natural Area Preserve

    Episode Cover Photo by George Hernandez: Website I Facebook
    Support the showFollow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook

    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee

    • 56 min
    46. Jeep Overlanding with Shawn Van Der Poel and Dawn Creamer, Terra Overland

    46. Jeep Overlanding with Shawn Van Der Poel and Dawn Creamer, Terra Overland

    “Once those tires hit the dirt, it's a completely different experience. It's about getting out and having a great adventure, freeing your mind, freeing your soul, and reconnecting with nature.” - Shawn Van Der Poel, Terra Overland


    Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a fully equipped Jeep Wrangler Rubicon designed to conquer any terrain, traversing the majestic George Washington National Forest, as you embark on an unforgettable expedition. Virginia has an extensive network of overlanding trails that cater to adventure seekers of all interests and skill levels. From navigating obstacles and mud holes, to reaching new heights at breathtaking summits, you'll experience a profound sense of accomplishment that only the wilderness can provide. Shawn Van der Poel and Dawn Creamer from Terra Overland, have made the freedom of vehicle-supported travel and self-reliant adventure accessible to everyone. Buckle in and discover a true spirit of exploration through overlanding. Let’s Go! 


    Follow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook
     
    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee
     
    VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
    ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
    ·       Breaks Interstate Park
    ·       Virginia Association for Parks
    ·       Virginia State Parks
     
    Advertisers:
    ·       Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine
     
    Mentioned in this Episode:
     
    Connect with Terra Overland: Website I Instagram I Facebook  
    George Washington National Forest
    Flagpole Knob
    Massanutten Resort
    Boar’s Head Resort
    Wintergreen Resort
    Blog: Navigation and Route for our MABDR Backcountry Hiking and Overlanding Jeep Trek 
    Support the showFollow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook

    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee

    • 1 hr 2 min
    Bonus Episode: Backcountry Meal Prep with Aaron Owens Mayhew, Registered Dietician and owner of Backcountry Foodie

    Bonus Episode: Backcountry Meal Prep with Aaron Owens Mayhew, Registered Dietician and owner of Backcountry Foodie

    Following Episode 44, Beginner Backpacking with Alison Wata of Exploration Solo, I received a lot of requests for additional information about trail food and meal prep. So this week I decided to share a Bonus Episode from the past about how to pack food for outdoor adventures. Virginia Outdoor Adventures has quadrupled since last summer when this Bonus Episode first aired, so if you’re a new listener since then, you may have missed this information-packed conversation. 
    I asked Aaron Owens Mayhew, registered dietician and founder of Backcountry Foodie, to give us a brief introduction to prepping for the backcountry, including considerations for nutrition, pack weight, ease, and expense. Aaron even shares one of her most popular recipes. 


    Follow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook
     
    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee
     
    VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
    ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
    ·       Breaks Interstate Park
    ·       Virginia Association for Parks
    ·       Virginia State Parks
     
    Mentioned in this Episode:
    Connect with Aaron:
    Instagram I Facebook I YouTube I Website
    Email: aaron@backcountryfoodie.com


    Follow Virginia Outdoor Adventures Podcast:
    Website I Facebook I Instagram I Twitter


    Send Questions, Comments, and Suggestions: Jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
    Support the showFollow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook

    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee

    • 16 min
    45. Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park with Ranger Kevin Moses

    45. Waterfalls of Shenandoah National Park with Ranger Kevin Moses

    “I love everything about waterfalls. I love their energy. I love the sound they make in the otherwise quiet woods. I love the mist that forms at the base of the falls. If sunlight hits it just right, you can see a rainbow in the air. They're just plain pretty and photogenic. It's not a living creature, and yet it's animated. I think of it as an animated force in nature that always has life-like qualities even though it's not alive. And I just love that about waterfalls.” - Ranger Kevin Moses, Shenandoah National Park

    What is it about waterfalls that draw us in? Perhaps it’s the mesmerizing sight of free-falling cascades, or the sound of a soothing trickle or a powerful thundering roar. Maybe it’s the feeling of mist that dusts our skin or the fresh scent of moisture and earth mixing in the air. Shenandoah National Park is home to dozens of waterfalls that attract thousands of visitors every year. Ranger Kevin Moses, the park’s Search and Rescue Coordinator, highlights some of his favorite falls, interesting facts about the formation of the park’s natural features, and how to prepare for a hike so you can safely enjoy the power and beauty of Shenandoah’s waterfalls. Let’s Go!

    Follow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook
     
    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee
     
    VAOA Podcast is Sponsored By:
    ·       Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources I DWR Shop
    ·       Breaks Interstate Park
    ·       Virginia Association for Parks
    ·       Virginia State Parks
     
    Advertisers:
    ·    Shenandoah National Park Trust
     
    Mentioned in this Episode:
    Shenandoah National Park Homepage
    SNP Geology
    Hiking Basics
    The 10 Essentials of Hiking
    The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
    SNP Trail Maps
    SNP Visitor Centers
    SNP Hikes to Waterfalls
    Episode 33, Hiking Old Rag Mountain with Gabby Dreyfus, Old Rag Mountain Stewards
    Support the showFollow VAOA Podcast:
    Website I Instagram I Facebook

    Support the Show: Buy Me A Coffee

    • 1 hr 1 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
77 Ratings

77 Ratings

Cuvy79 ,

Listening in Iowa

Excellent podcast to listen to! Jessica’s show research, questions, and guests are great! Very positive attitude and love for the outdoors!
Virginia is definitely on my travel bucket list!

Helicopter madre ,

Fabulous!

I live in Pennsylvania but still love this podcast! I have learned so much. Jessica rocks!

DJSidehatch ,

So much information on stuff that was already under our noses

I recently got into kayaking and the shows on that really helped me get my feet wet (he he) and feel confident I could do it solo. Only bummer is the state is huge, so lots of cool stuff is 7 hours away. This is helping me create my bucket list . Who knew Virginia had a whole lifetime of activities and places to see. I sure didn’t and have lived here for 3 decades

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Unwell Network
PJ Vogt, Audacy, Jigsaw
iHeartPodcasts
On Being Studios
This American Life
Jay Ruderman

You Might Also Like

Steve Adams
Dirt In My Shoes
RV Miles Network
Mason Gravley
REI Co-op
Audioboom Studios