Mark Scruggs was raised in the field, hunting bird, rabbit, and even squirrel. This is where he learned the value of nature and the importance of wildlife stewardship. So, when he had his own children, it was a natural fit to introduce them to the experiences he himself had as a child. That was his inspiration for Covey Hollar Hunting Preserve, a 250 acre game land, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Covey Hollar Hunting Preserve is a private reserve featuring quail, chukar, and pheasant hunting. It is a place, according to Mark, "where kids can come to get out in nature, away from the …

As mystic as the rivers and streams themselves, is the fly fisherman standing thigh deep in those streams, whipping line across the riffles, and stripping line back, in search of a trophy trout. For the fly fisherman, the summer was a long one. Four months of warm weather and high pressure have made the search for trout a hard task, one that requires a compass and a treasure map. But as the mercury dips in the thermometer and the leaves begin to fall, several great things happen. The State of North Carolina begins to restock the streams, and simultaneously declares all harvested streams Catch…

The lavender plant exudes a magnetic force to be reckoned with – especially if you’re a woman. For starters it’s purple. The majority of adolescent girls claim purple as their favorite color. It was also the favorite of Cleopatra. The color is alternately associated with nobility and mourning; extravagance and spirituality; creativity and wisdom. But –for me - the appeal of the lavender plant extends beyond its color and symbolism. It’s embedded somewhere in its unique and woody profile combined with its distinctive aroma – not really sweet and not really pungent, if not slightly astringent. L…

Nestled deep in the Appalachian mountains of western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee; the Nolichucky River Gorge winds through steep-walled canyons and remote thickly forested mountains. One of the top 10 river runs in the nation, the Nolichucky River is said to be one of the most technical big water runs in the south, demanding the coordinated efforts of the raft crew and an experienced guide to negotiate the twists and turns, the drops and falls of the river. The trip on the Nolichucky is a true wilderness adventure, taking the rafter through the breath-taking rugged beauty of the bac…

Rock Climbing is one of the many unique activities that the North Carolina High Country has to offer outdoor enthusiasts from all walks of life. The uniqueness of rock climbing is tied to the physical challenge, the experience with nature, and the important relationship between climbing partners, as they are responsible for the safety of each other and the mutual support that helps them to push beyond their perceived limits. While the town of Boone is known for its world-class bouldering, North Carolina climbing is strongly rooted in traditional multi-pitch routes. Bouldering involves minimal…