When you think about Shenandoah National Park, you probably picture scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails. But what if there’s another side of Shenandoah waiting to be explored, and you don’t have to stick to the trail to find it?

Think rock climbing high above the Shenandoah Valley, rappelling down waterfalls, scrambling through mountain streams, navigating with a map and compass, and learning the skills you need when the unexpected happens.

That’s exactly what we’re getting into today with mountain guide, Andy Nichols, owner of Shenandoah Mountain Guides. Andy has spent decades helping people get beyond their comfort zones and experience the Blue Ridge in some pretty incredible ways.

These unique adventures may be unlike anything you’ve ever done in Virginia.

So whether you’re an experienced adventurer looking for your next challenge, or you’re ready to learn some new skills and become more confident outdoors, this episode is going to give you plenty of inspiration to get outside and discover just how much more there is to experience in Shenandoah National Park. Let’s Go!

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

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Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

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Visit Harrisonburg

Episode 91. Virginia's Adventure Towns: Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Andy Nichols: Shenandoah Mountains Guides

Episode 33: Hiking Old Rag Mountain

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

When you think about Shenandoah National Park, you probably picture scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and miles of hiking trails. But what if there’s another side of Shenandoah waiting to be explored, and you don’t have to stick to the trail to find it?

Think rock climbing high above the Shenandoah Valley, rappelling down waterfalls, scrambling through mountain streams, navigating with a map and compass, and learning the skills you need when the unexpected happens.

That’s exactly what we’re getting into today with mountain guide, Andy Nichols, owner of Shenandoah Mountain Guides. Andy has spent decades helping people get beyond their comfort zones and experience the Blue Ridge in some pretty incredible ways.

These unique adventures may be unlike anything you’ve ever done in Virginia.

So whether you’re an experienced adventurer looking for your next challenge, or you’re ready to learn some new skills and become more confident outdoors, this episode is going to give you plenty of inspiration to get outside and discover just how much more there is to experience in Shenandoah National Park. Let’s Go!

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Ads:

Visit Harrisonburg

Episode 91. Virginia's Adventure Towns: Harrisonburg

Mentioned in this Episode:

Connect with Andy Nichols: Shenandoah Mountains Guides

Episode 33: Hiking Old Rag Mountain

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com

What makes a great adventure town? Is it the mountains and trails that surround it? The endless opportunities to get outside? Or is it what you find when you come back from the adventure - a great meal, a local brewery, a little live music, and a community that makes you feel right at home?

Welcome to Harrisonburg, the latest stop in Virginia’s Adventure Towns.

Known as the Friendly City, Harrisonburg is an Appalachian Trail town and an incredible basecamp for exploring the Shenandoah Valley and beyond, with hiking, mountain biking, climbing, paddling, fishing, and more all within reach.

But to really understand Harrisonburg, you need someone who lives the adventure.

Vince Mier, District Manager for Walkabout Outfitter and an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, has spent plenty of time chasing adventures on the trail, but he also knows what makes Harrisonburg special when the backpack comes off - a walkable downtown area, home to Virginia’s first Culinary District and a vibrant Arts & Cultural District.

We’re heading into the mountains, exploring the city, and discovering what makes Harrisonburg Friendly by Nature. Let’s Go!

This episode is made possible with support from a grant provided by Virginia Is For Lovers.

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode.

Follow VAOA Podcast:

Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign Up

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Shop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!

VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:

Virginia Association for Parks

Breaks Interstate Park

Virginia State Parks

Heart of Appalachia

Ads:

Walkabout Outfitter

Support the Show! Buy Me A Coffee

Mentioned in this Episode:

Visit Harrisonburg

Harrisonburg Hikes

Harrisonburg Outdoor Adventures

Downtown Harrisonburg

Walkabout Outfitter

Episode 83. Massanutten: Your Backyard Mountain Resort for Mountain Biking, Trails, and Shenandoah Valley Adventures

Episode 21. Mountain Biking with Thomas Jenkins, Co-Owner of Shenandoah Bicycle Company

Climbing, Caving, and more with Lester Zook, WildGUYde Adventures

Harrisonburg Lodging

Music Credit: Emily Woodhull, Singer/Songwriter - Instagram I Facebook I TikTok: @emwoodhullmusic

Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text Message

Contact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:

jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com