COMMON GROUND

Unlikely groups have come together to propose a new National Scenic Area

BY WILL HARLAN

HUNTERS AND HIPPIES ARE A LOT ALIKE.

I’ve spent over two decades living alongside both of them in a rural corner of Appalachia that’s home to militias and communes. Outwardly, they may fly different flags, but when you get to know them and what they value most, their Venn diagrams almost completely overlap.

Hippies teach permaculture and primitive skills. Hunters call themselves preppers, but let’s face it: they’re basically doing the same things—canning a lot of homegrown vegetables and stocking the chest freezer with venison.

Hunters and hippies both love wildlife. And they are both happiest in the forest. One may be wearing camo and the other tie-dye, but they are both deeply connected to the wild woods.

That may be the secret to a rare conservation success story unfolding in southern Appalachia, where hunters and hippies are working together to create North Carolina’s first-ever National Scenic Area.

WTF? In other parts of the country, these groups are raging at each other. What has brought crusty old-timers and New Age millennials together? A big, beautiful forest.

The Craggy section of Pisgah National Forest includes 16,000 acres of world-class trails, waterfalls, ancient forests, and trout streams. And folks of different backgrounds and beliefs have forged an unusual and unlikely partnership to permanently protect it.

“There’s a lot more we have in common than you might think,” says Alan Smith, a 73-year-old who has been hunting in Craggy’s forest for decades.

“People love the forest for a lot of different reasons, but we all share a deep connection with the woods. If you start there, good things can happen.”

Eight years ago, Alan sat around a wobbly table at the community center with a dozen other farmers, teachers, and carpenters from the Craggy community. Born-again Bible thumpers and witchy wildcrafters had come together to talk about the logging that threatened their Craggy forest. They began spitballing ideas about how to save it, and someone suggested proposing it for National Scenic Area designation. After all, its panoramic vistas from Craggy Gardens were some of the most popular and photographed spots in the country.

So they hatched a plan that included door-to-door conversations, flyers at the local gas station, and a community meeting with the U.S. Forest Service.

“We didn’t know what the hell we were doing,” said Steven McBride, one of the neighbors around the table at that first meeting. “But we had to try. We just decided to go for it and got to work.”

The Craggy National Scenic Area proposal quickly gained momentum: over 10,000 supporters submitted comments to the U.S. Forest Service. The proposal also received unanimous bipartisan resolutions of support from county commissioners and Asheville City Council after hundreds turned out at their meetings.

The Craggy National Scenic Area also got the attention of another unusual and unlikely coalition: the Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Partnership. Since 2014, this coalition of 30 diverse organizations has been working together to find common ground on the Pisgah-Nantahala National Forest. The Partnership includes the logging industry, leading conservation groups, national hunting organizations, and an array of recreation organizations.

They are perhaps unlikely allies— tree-huggers and timber industry executives, hunters and hikers. For years, they have been trying to hammer out a blueprint for the future of the PisgahNantahala National Forest.

And last year, they forged a stunning, precedent-setting agreement, signed by all 30 organizations. At the top of their list of recommendations: create the Craggy National Scenic Area.

What’s so special about Craggy? It has something for everyone. Blockbuster movies like "The Hunger Games" have been filmed in Craggy: Katniss kissed Peeta for the first time just below one of the most popular bouldering spots in Craggy. "The Last of the Mohicans" was also filmed in Craggy—there is even a trail named after the opening scene of the movie, where the Mohicans hunt an elk through the forest.

Today, Craggy is a popular bear hunting destination and a fly fishing oasis. It also boasts some of the steepest downhill mountain biking and best trail running in the East. Native brook trout shelter in cold headwater streams. Swimming holes abound—and so do morels and ramps.

The 1,000-mile Mountains to Sea Trail—North Carolina’s state trail, stretching from the Smokies to the Outer Banks—rolls along Craggy’s ridgeline. And the area has milehigh, 360-degree views from Craggy Gardens and Craggy Pinnacle along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Craggy is a temperate rainforest, and its cold, clear creeks supply drinking water to two rapidly growing municipalities. That water is also important to area farmers, including Anna Littman, a North Carolina native who owns Ivy Creek Family Farm just a stone’s throw from the Craggy section of Pisgah National Forest. She is a full-time farmer who grows fruits and vegetables and sells at local markets to support her family. All of her crops depend on the clean, clear headwaters of Craggy.

“We don’t want our creek running brown or drying up. We depend on that forest,” says Littman. “We need to keep that forest just the way it is.”

Ivy Creek Family Farm is one of over 150 area businesses that have endorsed the Craggy National Scenic Area.

As a result of this groundswell of support, the U.S. Forest Service has recognized Craggy as a special area worthy of long-term protection in its forest plans.

The Craggy National Scenic Area is now only one step away from a reality: now it needs North Carolina’s senators to formally introduce a bill. Senator Tillis is an avid mountain biker; Senator Burr is retiring this year and looking for a legacy.

Across three presidential administrations, unlikely allies have worked together to build unanimous bipartisan support for the Craggy National Scenic Area.

This is a rare opportunity to show that communities matter, public lands can unite us, and democracy still works.

Trails of the Southeast

Across unhurried creeks, up steep mountains, through rhododendron forests, and past tumbling waterfalls, the trails of the Southeast lead to some truly spectacular sights. Discover the best spots to hike, bike, and paddle in our region, plus some of the best craft beverage makers you can find. Please check with locations prior to travel for local guidelines or use this guide for future trips!

How to Play in Virginia’s Blue Ridge

With over 1,000 miles to hike, bike, and paddle, Virginia’s Blue Ridge is the ultimate trail destination. Blue Ridge Outdoors readers seem to agree. This year, several destinations in the region took home top honors in the 2022 Best of the Blue Ridge Awards. Discover the best spots to explore in this guide to Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Roanoke — Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family Roanoke invites adventurers of all ages to get out and explore the area. From the Appalachian Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Jefferson National Forest to Carvins Cove and Smith Mountain Lake, you’ll find there’s no shortage of places and ways to get outside with your family. Easy access is key to making sure everyone has a great time, and all of these destinations are within an hour’s drive from the city’s center. Explore Park — Best Kid-Friendly Adventure Take the family to Roanoke County’s Explore Park, located at Milepost 115 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fun never stops when there’s so much to do for young kids and the young at heart. Featuring trails for hiking and mountain biking, water access for paddling, boating, and fishing on the Roanoke River, and an aerial adventure course called Treetop Quest, this is your one-stop-shop for all things outdoors. Plus, with food and beverages available at the Twin Creeks Brewpub, and cabins and campsites offering overnight lodging, you will have everything you need for a relaxing weekend getaway.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER GRIFFIN, COURTESY OF VISIT VBR

Roanoke Valley Greenways — Best Urban Park/Greenway There’s no need to venture far to enjoy the sights along the Roanoke Valley Greenways. Over 30 miles of trails showcase many unique local communities as you walk, run, or bike past some of the area’s most recognized landmarks, including Mill Mountain and the Roanoke Star. Several access points to the Roanoke River and local creeks also make this a great destination for paddling and fishing. VBR Cheers Trail — Extra Miles When you’ve had your fill of exploring, check out the stops along Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail. This craft beverage trail showcases more than 25 breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the area. In the city of Salem, Parkway Brewing Company and Olde Salem Brewing Co. are great options for a post-trail beer while in Roanoke, Starr Hill Pilot Brewery and Twisted Track Brewpub always have something fun brewing. Unlock the key to exploring the mountains and waterways of Virginia’s Blue Ridge as you spend the day on the trails. VisitVBR.com

Hit the Trails in Charlottesville and

Albemarle County, Va.

What could be better than world-class hiking trails and epic mountain views paired with a flight of award-winning wines? You’ll find a captivating combination of these elements when you visit Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia, there are countless trails to explore along the way. Discover some of the top route recommendations in the area for your next trail-focused adventure.

Climbing high above the city on the Saunders-Monticello Trail, located at the base of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, this accessible network leads to some unforgettable sights. Cross the boardwalks, take in views of the pond, and enjoy the seasonal scenes. Just down the road, the Highland Rustic Trails at the historic home of James Monroe run across rolling hills with opportunities to encounter a variety of species and habitats as you stroll about the grounds.

Walk, run, or bike along the Rivanna Trails, which encircle the city. You can see how quickly the scenery changes from paved, urban pathways to natural trails that’ll have you feeling like you’re in a completely different environment. For even more ways to explore, the multi-use trails at Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park are perfect for an afternoon outing or mountain bike ride up Little Flat Mountain while Ivy Creek Natural Area is the place to be if you’re looking for a relaxing excursion.

Head out of the city limits to the nearby Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway for miles of rocks, roots, and switchbacks. But that burning in your quads and sweat on your forehead will be worth it for the overlooks and waterfalls you’ll pass along the way. At 2.2 miles roundtrip, Turk Mountain is a nice trek with the perfect

Overlook from Humpback Rocks Trail vantage point to watch the sunset or eat a picnic lunch. Keep it short up the steep climb to Humpback Rocks, providing 360-degree views of the surrounding area. From Sugar Hollow Reservoir, located at the base of the national park, the out and back to Blue Hole is another local favorite, especially during the summer when the refreshing waters will help you cool down. Other hikes along the North Fork Moorman’s River lead to additional stream crossings and waterfalls. With more than 40 wineries in the Charlottesville area, there’s no shortage of spots to sit back and relax with a glass

Stroll the Monticello Trails

Views from a local vineyard. Photo by David Anhold

of wine in your hand after taking on the trails. Dozens of wineries round out the Monticello Wine Trail, all within 25 miles of the city. Many of the wineries serve up light fare, host a revolving lineup of food trucks, or allow outside food so you can refuel with some delicious bites. Make sure to sign up for the Monticello Wine Trail Passport, which makes it easy to find your next destination and tracks your visits. You can even win a special wine glass after your tenth winery. Learn more about the passport at Experience.VisitCharlottesville.org.

Stay Awhile You’ll find it’s easy to start planning your trip as Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay, including resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals. Stay in the heart of the city or escape to a relaxing retreat. Plus, with a schedule full of upcoming outdoor events, a thriving music scene, and countless restaurants to taste something new, it’s always a good time to visit.

Start planning your trip today at VisitCharlottesville.org.