Episodi

  • Beyond Hiking in Shenandoah National Park: Climbing, Cascading, Navigation, & Survival Skills with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides (Ep 92, Part 2)

    Beyond Hiking in Shenandoah National Park: Climbing, Cascading, Navigation, & Survival Skills with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides (Ep 92, Part 2)
    Oct 20 2026

    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.


    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
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    32 min
  • Beyond Hiking in Shenandoah National Park: Climbing, Cascading, Navigation, & Survival Skills with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides (Ep 92, Part 1)

    Beyond Hiking in Shenandoah National Park: Climbing, Cascading, Navigation, & Survival Skills with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides (Ep 92, Part 1)
    Oct 13 2026

    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
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    41 min
  • Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Harrisonburg – Friendly by Nature with Vince Mier, Walkabout Outfitter (Ep 91, Part 2)

    Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Harrisonburg – Friendly by Nature with Vince Mier, Walkabout Outfitter (Ep 91, Part 2)
    Sep 29 2026

    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
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    45 min
  • Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Harrisonburg – Friendly by Nature with Vince Mier, Walkabout Outfitter (Ep 91, Part 1)

    Virginia’s Adventure Towns: Harrisonburg – Friendly by Nature with Vince Mier, Walkabout Outfitter (Ep 91, Part 1)
    Sep 22 2026

    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.


    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

    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
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    47 min
  • Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 5)

    Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 5)
    Sep 15 2026
    What do you get when you pack a season with mountain hikes, national park trails, sunset paddles, waterfall rappelling, and a little international travel? A pretty epic summer.In this episode, we’re going on a North American extravaganza - from the snow-capped Rockies of British Columbia to the trails around Mount Rainier, and into the mountains surrounding Mexico City. Back in Virginia, there are sunset paddles in regional and state parks, a road trip to a National Wildlife Refuge, conquering the cascades of White Oak Canyon, a weekend escape in Shenandoah National Park, and a sneak peek visit to the first Virginia’s Adventure Towns episode of the new season.But this isn’t just a recap of places I’ve visited. Along the way, I’ll share the trails, parks, paddling spots, wildlife destinations, and practical details that can help you turn some of these ideas into adventures of your own.So if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, or just want to discover somewhere new, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s Go!This is Part 5 of a multi-part episode.Follow VAOA Podcast:Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign UpSupport the Show! Buy Me A CoffeeShop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:Virginia Association for ParksBreaks Interstate ParkVirginia State ParksHeart of Appalachia Ads:Iris Inn and CabinsAfton Mountain VineyardsBreaks ParkHeart of Appalachia LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter Mentioned in this Episode:Book: Ghost Girl, A Blue Ridge Mountain StoryVirginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society (Episode 62)Mushroom Foraging in Virginia: Wild Edibles, Seasonal Finds, and Foraging Tips with Gabrielle Cerberville, aka the Chaotic Forager (Episode 80)Good Fire with Sam Lopez, Wildlife Area Manager, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Episode 25)Guide Book: Day Hike Washington Mount RainerBird Guide, Pamela, Birding is PunkBird Guide, Miguel, BirdnomadNovaParks Roving Naturalist programs with Matt FelperinWandering Waters Paddle Quest at Virginia State ParksCanyoneering with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides Mountain Biking in Harrisonburg (Episode 21)Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text MessageContact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
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    57 min
  • Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 4)

    Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 4)
    Sep 8 2026
    What do you get when you pack a season with mountain hikes, national park trails, sunset paddles, waterfall rappelling, and a little international travel? A pretty epic summer.In this episode, we’re going on a North American extravaganza - from the snow-capped Rockies of British Columbia to the trails around Mount Rainier, and into the mountains surrounding Mexico City. Back in Virginia, there are sunset paddles in regional and state parks, a road trip to a National Wildlife Refuge, conquering the cascades of White Oak Canyon, a weekend escape in Shenandoah National Park, and a sneak peek visit to the first Virginia’s Adventure Towns episode of the new season.But this isn’t just a recap of places I’ve visited. Along the way, I’ll share the trails, parks, paddling spots, wildlife destinations, and practical details that can help you turn some of these ideas into adventures of your own.So if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, or just want to discover somewhere new, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s Go!This is Part 4 of a multi-part episode.Follow VAOA Podcast:Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign UpSupport the Show! Buy Me A CoffeeShop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:Virginia Association for ParksBreaks Interstate ParkVirginia State ParksHeart of Appalachia Ads:Iris Inn and CabinsAfton Mountain VineyardsBreaks ParkHeart of Appalachia LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter Mentioned in this Episode:Book: Ghost Girl, A Blue Ridge Mountain StoryVirginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society (Episode 62)Mushroom Foraging in Virginia: Wild Edibles, Seasonal Finds, and Foraging Tips with Gabrielle Cerberville, aka the Chaotic Forager (Episode 80)Good Fire with Sam Lopez, Wildlife Area Manager, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Episode 25)Guide Book: Day Hike Washington Mount RainerBird Guide, Pamela, Birding is PunkBird Guide, Miguel, BirdnomadNovaParks Roving Naturalist programs with Matt FelperinWandering Waters Paddle Quest at Virginia State ParksCanyoneering with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides Mountain Biking in Harrisonburg (Episode 21)Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text MessageContact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
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    41 min
  • Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 3)

    Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 3)
    Sep 1 2026
    What do you get when you pack a season with mountain hikes, national park trails, sunset paddles, waterfall rappelling, and a little international travel? A pretty epic summer.In this episode, we’re going on a North American extravaganza - from the snow-capped Rockies of British Columbia to the trails around Mount Rainier, and into the mountains surrounding Mexico City. Back in Virginia, there are sunset paddles in regional and state parks, a road trip to a National Wildlife Refuge, conquering the cascades of White Oak Canyon, a weekend escape in Shenandoah National Park, and a sneak peek visit to the first Virginia’s Adventure Towns episode of the new season.But this isn’t just a recap of places I’ve visited. Along the way, I’ll share the trails, parks, paddling spots, wildlife destinations, and practical details that can help you turn some of these ideas into adventures of your own.So if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, or just want to discover somewhere new, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s Go!This is Part 3 of a multi-part episode.Follow VAOA Podcast:Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign UpSupport the Show! Buy Me A CoffeeShop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:Virginia Association for ParksBreaks Interstate ParkVirginia State ParksHeart of Appalachia Ads:Iris Inn and CabinsAfton Mountain VineyardsBreaks ParkHeart of Appalachia LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter Mentioned in this Episode:Book: Ghost Girl, A Blue Ridge Mountain StoryVirginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society (Episode 62)Mushroom Foraging in Virginia: Wild Edibles, Seasonal Finds, and Foraging Tips with Gabrielle Cerberville, aka the Chaotic Forager (Episode 80)Good Fire with Sam Lopez, Wildlife Area Manager, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Episode 25)Guide Book: Day Hike Washington Mount RainerBird Guide, Pamela, Birding is PunkBird Guide, Miguel, BirdnomadNovaParks Roving Naturalist programs with Matt FelperinWandering Waters Paddle Quest at Virginia State ParksCanyoneering with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides Mountain Biking in Harrisonburg (Episode 21)Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text MessageContact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
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    43 min
  • Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 2)

    Summer Hiking & Travel Adventures: Shenandoah National Park, British Columbia, Mount Rainier, & Mexico City (Ep 90, Pt 2)
    Aug 25 2026
    What do you get when you pack a season with mountain hikes, national park trails, sunset paddles, waterfall rappelling, and a little international travel? A pretty epic summer.In this episode, we’re going on a North American extravaganza - from the snow-capped Rockies of British Columbia to the trails around Mount Rainier, and into the mountains surrounding Mexico City. Back in Virginia, there are sunset paddles in regional and state parks, a road trip to a National Wildlife Refuge, conquering the cascades of White Oak Canyon, a weekend escape in Shenandoah National Park, and a sneak peek visit to the first Virginia’s Adventure Towns episode of the new season.But this isn’t just a recap of places I’ve visited. Along the way, I’ll share the trails, parks, paddling spots, wildlife destinations, and practical details that can help you turn some of these ideas into adventures of your own.So if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip, or just want to discover somewhere new, there’s a lot to cover. Let’s Go!Follow VAOA Podcast:Instagram I Facebook I Newsletter Sign UpSupport the Show! Buy Me A CoffeeShop the Virginia Outdoor Adventures Merch Store!LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter VAOA Podcast is Sponsored by:Virginia Association for ParksBreaks Interstate ParkVirginia State ParksHeart of Appalachia Ads:Iris Inn and CabinsAfton Mountain VineyardsBreaks ParkHeart of Appalachia LISTENER SURVEY - Enter to win a $50 gift card from River Rock Outfitter Mentioned in this Episode:Book: Ghost Girl, A Blue Ridge Mountain StoryVirginia’s Venomous and Nonvenomous Snakes: Hiking Safety, Myths, and Appreciation with Caroline Seitz, Virginia Herpetological Society (Episode 62)Mushroom Foraging in Virginia: Wild Edibles, Seasonal Finds, and Foraging Tips with Gabrielle Cerberville, aka the Chaotic Forager (Episode 80)Good Fire with Sam Lopez, Wildlife Area Manager, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (Episode 25)Guide Book: Day Hike Washington Mount RainerBird Guide, Pamela, Birding is PunkBird Guide, Miguel, BirdnomadNovaParks Roving Naturalist programs with Matt FelperinWandering Waters Paddle Quest at Virginia State ParksCanyoneering with Andy Nichols, Shenandoah Mountain Guides Mountain Biking in Harrisonburg (Episode 21)Fan Mail - Send Jessica a Text MessageContact Show Host, Jessica Bowser:jessica@virginiaoutdooradventures.com
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    34 min