Life Outside

A climber in a pink shirt and gray patterned shorts scales a large boulder in a wooded area.

Wait, Problems?

For the unenlightened, “problems” are not that at all—they’re places where the likes of Aaron Parlier have mapped out how to climb a boulder.
Several black-and-white striped skunks with bushy tails move through leaves and low green plants.

Camp Hell

Last laugh: the perils of backyard camping.
Three smiling men pose on a sunny street, two beside bicycles, the middle one wearing a finisher's medal.

Pedaling with a Purpose

Helping a Blue Ridge Marathoner, and being amazed at the talent and times around him.
Man in a blue jacket stands before a wooden sign reading "Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, Tanzania.

Mike Morris Takes on Kilamanjaro

The local runner, marathoner, and hiker climbs Africa's tallest peak.
A man in sunglasses and a denim jacket fly fishes while standing waist-deep in a sunlit river.

Fly Fishing Capital of the World?

Our writer and three great guides make the case.
Four-part collage: a Brew Pub and Restaurant sign, raspberry cheesecake, a smiling chef, and barbecue plates.

5 Great Do-‘n’-Dines

The mountains are full of great climbing, hiking, biking, fishing and more. And also full of great dining-with-view. Combine the two for great fun.
Collage of s'mores supplies, a tent with a dog, a family biking, and people wading in a river.

Family Camping: 10 Great Spots

it’s spring—time to get the family outside and into the woods. See our list of 10 great Virginia mountain family campgrounds.
A cyclist in a helmet and gray jersey rides a mountain bike down a rocky trail through a bare-branched forest.

All Downhill

Mountain-biker Corey Heitz has undertaken lots of outdoor pursuits, including rowing, running and backpacking. But for the go-to these days, it’s the bicycle out on the trails.
Two smiling hikers in sunglasses and backpacks pose in front of a spraying waterfall over mossy rocks.

Taste Spring!

The lushness of new-season vegetation, combined with snow-melt high flows in streams and some great views make these five hikes perfect for spring.
A field of young tree saplings in white protective tubes, surrounded by yellow wildflowers, with forested mountains behind.

Quick Strides

Outdoor news n' notes from LifeOutside Fall 2014

Departments

Painted wood statue holding a teacup, a chandelier-lit dining room, and a wood-paneled sitting room.
Features

The House on the Hill

Stewardship of the signature structure on the city side of Mill Mountain is in the very conscientious hands of Drs.

Recreating a Dreamy Blue Kitchen
Features

Recreating a Dreamy Blue Kitchen

Inspired by a beloved former home, this Old Southwest renovation layers sky-blue cabinetry, warm metallic accents, and tailored updates into