COLUMBUS, GEORGIA – FEBRUARY 2026–Think beyond the big city when planning your next outdoor escape. Just 90 minutes south of Atlanta, Columbus, Georgia, delivers the convenience and comforts travelers expect, including walkable dining districts, cultural attractions and more than 4,800 hotel rooms, paired with outdoor adventures rarely found in an urban setting.

Here, visitors trade traffic for trails, skyscrapers for river views, and spectator sports for hands-on experiences that invite them to jump in, paddle out and explore.

“Columbus offers the kind of outdoor access most travelers associate with remote destinations, but with all the amenities of a city,” said Ashley Woitena, President and CEO of VisitColumbusGA. “You can raft world-class whitewater, bike miles of trails, zip across state lines and still be steps away from great dining, hotels and cultural experiences. That combination is what makes Columbus such a compelling urban outdoor escape.”

It’s a Bird

Columbus’ urban landscape is also a surprising haven for wildlife. Thanks to the restoration of the Chattahoochee River, native fish and bird populations have returned in force. The Audubon Society’s Bird Garden at Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center is designed specifically to attract a variety of species, offering birdwatchers a peaceful retreat just minutes from downtown.

Biking the City

Cyclists and runners can explore Columbus on the Fall Line Trace, an 11-mile multi-use trail developed from former rail corridors as part of a Rails-to-Trails initiative. The path winds through neighborhoods, parks and historic districts, offering a ground-level view of the city’s past and present.

The RiverWalk adds another layer to the experience, stretching 22 linear miles along the Chattahoochee River. Visitors can walk, bike, or skate along the water, stopping at RiverWalk Island to watch paddlers tackle rapids below. Families will also find Uptown’s Splash Pad at Woodruff Park a welcome stop on warm Georgia days.

Whitewater in the Heart of the City

One of Columbus’ most defining experiences is its downtown whitewater rafting. Operated by Whitewater Express, the 2.5-mile whitewater course on the Chattahoochee River is the longest urban course in the world and was named one of the “Top 12 Man-Made Adventures in the World” by USA Today.

Rafting options range from mild Class I rapids and a lazy river float to technical Class V challenges, including the renowned Cutbait and Heaven’s Gate. Kayakers and playboaters will find some of the largest rapids east of the Colorado River, all set against an Uptown city backdrop.

Recognized as a whitewater center of excellence, Columbus will host the 2028 international whitewater championships–earning the designation over Paris and reinforcing the city’s growing reputation on the global adventure stage.

Flatwater Fun

For travelers seeking a slower pace, flatwater activities offer an equally immersive way to experience the river. From paddleboard yoga and fishing to tubing and calm-water kayaking, visitors can enjoy the Chattahoochee from a more relaxed vantage point. Local outfitter Whitewater Express provides rentals and guided experiences.

New Heights

Adventure takes flight at Blue Heron Adventure, where visitors zip 1,200 feet across the Chattahoochee River from Georgia into Alabama on the only dual zip line in the country connecting two states. The experience includes an aerial obstacle course featuring 10 games to add to the experience.

If You Go

Boutique shopping, riverfront hotels and more than 4,800 guest rooms ensure visitors don’t have to sacrifice comfort for adventure.

In Columbus, travelers can leave the congestion of a major city behind, without giving up the amenities, and discover an outdoor escape that feels both unexpected and unmistakably Southern.

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ABINGDON, VIRGINIA–JULY 2025–Southwest Virginia is known as a place to enjoy the outdoors. As the state with more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any other, it’s no wonder. What is more surprising to many is the variety of outdoor opportunities for all ages, all skill levels and so many interests. Throughout the 19 counties and 8,600 square miles of this diverse region there are state parks, wildlife management areas, hiking trails, biking trails, lakes and more. And, located within a day’s drive of more than half of the United States population, Southwest Virginia is a playground for both those who want to get away with the family and those who want to take on some hard-core adventure. 

Generational fun

Hungry Mother State Park (2854 Park Boulevard, Marion, Virginia 24354; 276-781-7400) is one of Virginia’s most popular parks for family getaways and Hungry Mother Lake is its centerpiece. The sandy beach and iconic dive tower are the most recognizable features of the 108-acre lake, but fishing and boating are popular here, too. Canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals are available, too. On land, there are more than 17 miles of trails, including the Kids in Parks Track Trail, a .6-mile paved trail that helps children and adults learn about various plants and animals in the park. The park also offers a geocaching program that takes guests on a “treasure hunt” and has campsites, yurts and cabins for overnight stays.

Cascades National Recreational Trail (Cascades Day Use Area, 2068 Cascades Drive, Pembroke, Virginia 24136; 540-552-4641) is a beautiful, family-friendly hiking trail that leads to an awe-inspiring waterfall. The scenic, four-mile round trip makes for a moderate hike as it meanders along a shaded mountain creek to a 66-foot waterfall. The trail is in a day use area of the Jefferson National Forest where visitors can also enjoy picnicking and native trout fishing on Little Stony Creek.

New River Trail State Park (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778) is a 57-mile-long park with a trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The gently sloping trail follows an abandoned railroad line and parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles. Bicycle and horse rentals are available at the main entrance at Max Meadows and there are several access points along the trail, including opportunities for fishing and camping in Galax (212 East Stuart Drive, Galax, Virginia 24333; 276-699-6778). 

Grayson Highlands: Park Pine Mountain Loop (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) is a 12-mile loop and whether just for a short out-and-back hike, a full loop hike or an overnight outing, it is an amazing location for breathtaking views and lasting memories. There are numerous campsites as well as wandering wild ponies amid the balds, rock formations and tunnels of Catawba Rhododendrons along the trail. Most of this loop lies outside of the park and within the boundaries of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.

Natural Tunnel State Park’s (1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, Virginia 24244; 276-940-2674) namesake is more than 850 feet long and 10 stories high and was naturally carved through a limestone ridge over thousands of years. Park visitors can enjoy a chairlift ride to the tunnel floor, the Wilderness Road historic area, the Cove Ridge Environmental Education Center and a swimming pool with a 100-foot slide. In addition, there are cave tours and canoe trips on the Clinch River. 

Adventure seekers

The Heart of Appalachia Bike Route trail runs from Burke’s Garden to Guest River Gorge. The 128-mile ride has 40 miles of side trails and winds through the far southwestern counties of Southwest Virginia. It traverses backroads, rails to trails segments, single track trails, wilderness areas, a swinging bridge and more. Views include historic sites, natural preserves, three scenic rivers, farms and coal country. The route includes several climbs with elevations from 2,821 to 3,960 feet, with a total ascent of 6,585 feet. Cyclists traverse in and out of the Jefferson National Forest. Primitive camping on federal lands is allowed at no cost except where marked prohibited. 

Sugar Hollow Park (23261 Sugar Hollow Road, Bristol, Virginia 24202; 276-645-7300) offers urban adventure near downtown Bristol. This 400-acre city park has an abundance of mountain biking trails with varying difficulty, offering both fun and challenge for any skill level. In addition to mountain biking, the recreational opportunities at Flag Rock Recreational Area (Flag Rock Road, Norton, Virginia 24273; 276-679-0754) include hiking, trail running, rock climbing, fishing and kayaking. There’s also a campground located adjacent to the Jefferson National Forest and within a short hike, bike ride or drive from the High Knob summit and observation tower.

The Channels Natural Area Preserve (4250 Hayters Gap Road, Saltville, Virginia 24370; 276-236-2322) is a true hiker’s challenge that is well worth the trek. The journey winds through a maze-like system of sandstone crevices and boulders that occur near the summit of Middle Knob on Clinch Mountain. Along the way, hikers enjoy seeing amazing views, natural wonders, and an old fire tower! 

Grayson Highlands State Park (829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, Virginia 24363; 276-579-7092) is known as the best bouldering site in Virginia. There are four main bouldering fields and three smaller ones in the park, offering more than 700 named climbing routes. The park’s geology, which is unique in the Southeast, provides steep faces with angular features, including rails, flakes and edges that ensure bouldering opportunities for climbers of all skill levels. Several boulder fields have an elevation of more than 4,900 feet, with temperatures in the 70s and cool breezes that allow climbing throughout summer.

Devil’s Fork Trail (State Route 619, 5 miles north of State Route 65) is a loop trail approximately seven miles long that leads to a popular geologic feature known as the Devil’s Bathtub. Visitors should be prepared for a strenuous hike and should plan accordingly. The lower portion of the trail follows a stream, Devils Fork, and meanders past a number of small waterfalls. This trail is rough, and in some areas steep and slippery. With uneven footing and more than 10 stream crossings with no bridges, hikers must remain vigilant. After traversing the rugged trail, hikers are rewarded with the sight of the stream racing down a rock chute, swirling through the tub and continuing downstream. 

The Virginia Creeper Trail (888-595-2453) is a scenic 34-mile Hall of Fame Rails-to-Trails route from Abingdon to Whitetop. For light adventure, cyclists love the stretch from Abingdon to Damascus, through the mostly rolling countryside with just over 300 feet of elevation gain in 16 miles. There are bike rentals and shuttles at both ends of the route. (The trail section from Damascus to Whitetop is currently closed due to damage from hurricane Helene.)

Breaks Interstate Park (Ky-Va 80, 627 Commission Circle, Breaks, Virginia 24607; 276-865-4413), located on the Virginia/Kentucky border encompasses 4,500 acres of wooded lands and mountain scenery, including the “Grand Canyon of the South,” where the Russell Fork River has carved the largest canyon east of the Mississippi. Its craggy untouched beauty reaches more than five miles long and 1,600 feet deep and the park has developed more than 300 mountain climbing routes along the bullet sandstone walls. In addition, the park offers hiking, zip lining, fishing, kayaking and elk tours.

Anglers

Laurel Bed Lake (Route 747 at the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area entrance; 276-944-3434), sits atop Clinch Mountain on the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area. The lake covers about 330 acres and is surrounded by woodlands and spectacular views. It is known for excellent fishing and also attracts large numbers of swimmers, boaters and paddlers.

The New River, one of the oldest in the world and one of the few rivers that flow south to north, is home to several Virginia State Record catches, including Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and Musky. This is a broad river with deep pools and beautiful bluffs. The New River Water Trail offers multiple access points for fishing from a boat or the bank and there is river access along with kayak and canoe rentals at the New River Trail State Park (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360), Foster Falls access. 

Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area spreads across 25,000 acres of diverse landscape and has numerous opportunities for fishing. Big Tumbling Creek is a large, steep gradient stream with numerous small waterfalls and large, deep rocky pools. 

Trail riders

The famed Back of the Dragon (592 Main Street, Tazewell, Virginia 24651; 276-979-4288) Virginia’s only designated motorcycle route, is known for its 32 miles of outstanding scenery that crosses three mountains and has more than 400 curves along the way. It is a star of the many routes of the Appalachian Back Roads collection of trails. More than 1,500 miles of highways and byways take riders through scenic rolling hills and extraordinary vistas with elevations up to 4,200 feet.

Spearhead Trail System is known as Virginia’s premiere ATV trail system and offers options for both hard-core thrill seekers and those looking for fun family adventure. Six trail heads lead to more than 400 miles of trails, inviting riders to explore seven of Southwest Virginia’s diverse counties.

Taking a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a relaxing way to enjoy Southwest Virginia’s scenic views. Exploring the parkway from Roanoke to the North Carolina border offers an opportunity to take in some of the best views and visit authentic communities filled with regional culture, music and cuisine.

Water lovers

The Clinch River is ideal for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Clinch River State Park (Alt. Rt US-58, Sugar Hill Loop, St. Paul, Virginia 24283; 276-254-5487), Virginia’s newest state park, is dubbed as a “string of pearls” along the most biodiverse waterway in this hemisphere. There are three river access points in the park, complemented by multiple public river access points upstream and downstream. Along the New River Trail’s 37 miles, the river flows through some of Southwest Virginia’s most amazing scenery. There are guides and outfitters at several locations offering gear for any excursion.

Russell Fork River at Breaks Interstate Park (Ky-Va 80, 627 Commission Circle, Breaks, Virginia 24607; 276-865-4413) is known for its world-class whitewater adventures. October is the best month for experienced kayakers to take on some of the most technical and challenging whitewater paddling in the country.

South Holston Lake stretches over miles of open water surrounded by mountain ridges. Much of the shoreline is bordered by the Cherokee National Forest, making it one of the most scenic water bodies in Virginia. The lake is popular for boating, paddleboarding and fishing and there are boat and gear rentals available at several locations.

The post Southwest Virginia Outdoor Adventure: From Family Getaways to Bold Adventure appeared first on Travel Media Press Room.

WOODSTOCK, GEORGIA–JANUARY 2025–Jay Wilkes and his friends loved to ride bikes in Boling Park behind Cherokee High School in Cherokee County north of Atlanta. Boling Park officials explained that the bikers needed their own off-road bike trails, and that planted a seed. In March 2000, a group of mountain bikers created the Woodstock chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA-W) and began what would become the creation of mountain biking trails in Woodstock. 

Today, Woodstock is known for its mountain bike trails, but also plenty of rich outdoor recreation.

Mountain Bike Trails

The organizers of SORBA-Woodstock formed relationships with local land managers to design and create trails for mountain bikers and the all-volunteer, nonprofit works to maintain these trails at Blankets Creek and the Taylor Randahl Memorial Mountain Bike Trails at Olde Rope Mill Creek Park. 

Blankets Creek consist of six mountain bike trails: Mosquito Flats and Mosquito Bite for beginners, Dwelling Loop for intermediate, South Loop and Van Michael Trail for advanced and Quehl Holler for expert downhill. 

Taylor Randahl Memorial Mountain Bike Trails is comprised of three trails: Explorer and Avalanche for intermediate and The Mill Trails for all skills. The Randahl trails is named for a young mountain biker who lost his life on the road.

“Olde Rope Mill Creek Park was literally a dumping ground,” Wilkes explained. “His father, Doug Randall, approached us about creating the trails, said his son had dreamed of having race courses at the park.”

There are 15 miles of trails at both parks, bringing the combined total to 30 and making Woodstock a mountain biking destination. Blankets Creek attracts around 100,000 riders a year and Olde Rope Mill Creek Park approximately 60,000, Wilkes said. 

“I would say Woodstock is a mountain biker’s destination,” said Nikki Adams, SORBA president.

Lisa Randall studied civil engineering at Georgia Tech only to find that the outdoors beckoned. 

“I was never happy sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day,” she said.

She joined an outdoors club at school and continued mountain bike riding when she moved to Woodstock, participating in bike races. When she began hosting races, she knew she found her calling. In 2011, Randall partnered with SORBA-Woodstock for her first hosted race as owner of Mountain Goat Adventures. 

“From there it went to 10 to 12 events a year,” she said. 

Interesting bikers may view a list of events on the website.

Mountain Goat Adventures not only hosts races and trail events, but four events each year serve as a major fundraiser for SORBA-Woodstock, bringing in around $15,000 a year for the chapter. 

“It’s (the events) are giving back to the trails and to the community,” Randall said.

In addition, mountain biking is taught and encouraged in county schools. Students may letter in the sport and some have received full scholarships.

“That is exploding,” Adams said of the growth of mountain biking in area schools. “It gets the kids involved and they will be the leaders of the sport.”

Woodstock outdoors

Located only 30 minutes from Atlanta, Woodstock offers visitors a vibrant downtown and arts scene with numerous restaurants, Reformation Brewery and boutique shopping, many owned by local residents. 

For outdoor enthusiasts, it’s a dream destination. 

Woodstock contains more than 20 miles of walking trails throughout the city, there’s kayaking on Little River with access to nearby Lake Allatoona, fishing opportunities and hiking to the Toonigh Creek Falls in Olde Rope Mill Park. 

The Noonday Creek Trail that begins at Woodstock Arts behind the brewery in downtown Woodstock runs southward along Noonday Creek towards Highway 92. A highlight of the trail is the Woofstock Dog Park at the Towne Lake Pass Bridge where visitors may spot wildlife besides the canine variety. The Noonday Creek Trail is being extended and will connect Woodstock and Cherokee County’s trail systems to neighboring Cobb County’s trail network. Officials hope to eventually connect the Noonday Creek Trail to Cobb’s entrance to the Silver Comet Trail, a 61.5-mile popular bike and hiking trail that extends all the way to Alabama. 

Woodstock offers several other parks with trails, such as the Rubes Creek multi-use trail and the bike skills trail at Dupree Park, among others. It’s all part of the city’s Greenprints Project master plan, which calls for 60-plus miles of trail and open space network throughout the City of Woodstock. This map shows the myriad trails running through the city and county.

“The city and county are very supportive,” Wilkes said. “They get it.”

“What I love so much about Woodstock is that it’s always focused on making sure these green areas are connected, accessible and continue to grow,” said Ingrid Smith, marketing manager for Visit Woodstock GA.

But that’s not all. Within a short drive are outdoors attractions such as Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park with its miles of trails, Lake Allatoona and Red Top Mountain State Park and Gibbs Gardens in nearby Ball Ground.

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