Here's a guest blog from Henry Stribling of Old Dominion Land Conservancy, one of our major sponsors...

Old Dominion Land Conservancy is a non-profit land trust and proud supporter of
the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Festival. As a land trust based in Loudoun County,
our mission is to work with landowners and other stakeholders to protect in
perpetuity Virginia’s land and waterways as well as to assist environmental
stewards through scholarships and educational opportunities. We are proud to say
that since 2008, we’ve been able to permanently protect over 5% of Loudoun
County via conservation easement.

We are also proud of the work that we have done to enhance the opportunities for
residents to engage with nature throughout Virginia. To date, three properties under
easement have been transferred to either the County of Loudoun or NOVA Parks
and will soon be opening to the public. We also have been long-term supporters of
Sweet Run State Park, assisting with the Leggett Foundation’s transfer of the land
to the state and working with local landowners to conserve land near the park to
keep the area as natural as possible.

The staff and board of ODLC have enjoyed the Appalachian Trail throughout our
lives, from hiking it as scouts in our youth to taking our families to enjoy the vistas
along the trail. We understand the constant threat the trail and its viewshed are
under from encroaching development and seek willing landowners to place
easements on their lands. ODLC has been able to protect over 17,000 acres of land
within the viewshed of the trail, including over 500 acres that border the trail
directly in Loudoun County.

We look forward to the ongoing partnership with the Loudoun Appalachian Trail
Festival and local landowners to identify and protect land along the trail.

—Henry Stribling, Executive Director, ODLC

Rick Oxner returns to the festival this year as a sponsor and vendor. Rick is the founder/owner of Warm Peet, a mission-driven sock company. He established the brand with a commitment to donate 100% of his profits to nonprofits focused on mental health, suicide prevention, and environmental conservation (like us!). We asked Rick what he's been up to since we saw him last. Here's his answer:

Here we are again, coming up on another A.T. Festival in Loudoun County Virginia. We are so happy to be back for a fifth year and look forward to seeing everyone! 

A lot has changed since last year, but some things have stayed the same—like our socks! We introduced several new pairs of socks in 2025 and will bring the entire lineup to Hillsboro in June. As always, 100% of the profits are donated to non-profits, so come by and see us. 

On another topic, I want to address a much-needed topic in today’s world: finding your peace. 

I, for one, have not been hiking much. Well, I have—just in circles around a 156-acre property I acquired in 2025 in upstate New York. It is something I wanted to do for a long time, and the right property presented itself in early 2025. I became a New York resident in July. What am I doing with all that land, you might ask. For now, I have 6,700 cloves of garlic planted and will plant asparagus, onions, sweet potatoes and a few other things when I return in the spring. 

Why am I doing this at 62 years old? Bottom line: to find my peace. 

The world is changing too rapidly for me at the moment, and the politics of the world seem quite insane. I found myself trapped in a doom cycle of constant stress, anxiousness, worry, anger and depression. I needed to break free of this cycle—so I did. I am doing something I know nothing about (farming), but I have found good tutors in friends and neighbors. I am isolated from the constant bombardment of crises generated by humans, as they ignore the threats of climate change, processed foods and industrialized agriculture (to name a few).

Being with the land, living more simply, riding a tractor, watching the Monarch butterflies mate and migrate, seeing the fawns gradually lose their spots over the year, hearing the coyotes at night off in the distance, watching the sunrise at 5am, and being mesmerized by the constellations until I can’t keep my eyes open. That's how I am finding a personal peace these days. It’s more than a weekend hike, a ten-day outing or even a thru hike; it’s every day. I watch Mother Nature and live within her confines, seeking a better understanding of myself and the world we occupy. 

I hope that each of you can find your peace, even if only temporary, out there, somewhere intertwined with Mother Nature. I promise you: all the glory is waiting. Now, go…find your peace! 

​—Rick Oxner

Just in time for our Appalachian Trail celebration, festival sponsor Catoctin Creek brings us a new Appalachian-inspired spirit: Shenandoah Gin. What's there to love about this Catoctin Creek creation? 1. It's pink! 2. It's rather tasty! 3. It's flavored with our own native pawpaw!

This from Catoctin Creek:
"Our Shenandoah Gin draws inspiration from an old Appalachian recipe, featuring natural flavors of ripe strawberry and pawpaw, and an attractive pink color that comes from natural black carrot juice. The result is a vibrant, fruit-forward American gin that balances tradition with a distinctly regional character, showcasing ingredients long celebrated in the Shenandoah and Appalachian regions."

(Pawpaw side note: The fruit of this tree is often referred to as the "Appalachian Banana" and considered "trail magic" by hikers lucky enough to come across ripe fruit in the fall. Hikers familiar with the traditional Appalachian folk song "Way Down Yonder in the Pawpaw Patch" have been know to hum the tune when they find a grove of the trees along the trail. And, as if that weren't enough: The pawpaw tree is the exclusive host plant for the beautiful zebra swallowtail butterfly, whose caterpillars feast on its leaves.)

So many thanks to Catoctin Creek for their sponsorship, their new pink drink and their celebration of our Appalachian heritage!

Our thanks go out to all of you who joined us at our "Raise the Roof" event at Bears Den Trail Center in Bluemont, VA. What a wonderful afternoon of great music, great eats and even greater camaraderie!

And we're grateful, as well, to all of you who couldn't join us at the event but donated anyway! And to all the businesses, organizations and individuals who gave items for our auction and raffle. 

With this outpouring of support, the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Association successfully reached our $1000 matching goal in the first week of the campaign. Together, we raised more than $8000 for repairs to the trail center's iconic lodge.

Soon those repairs will be underway. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club has approved a contractor, and the ever-amazing Bears Den caretaker, Glen Breining, has signed on to assist with the work. We'll send another update with before and after pictures soon!

Here are just some of the generous items auctioned off at "Raise the Roof":

Come join the Loudoun Appalachian Trail Association on December 6th for an afternoon of food, drinks and music as the community comes together to support the renovation of the historic Bears Den Trail Center lodge and honor the magnificent section of the Appalachian Trail that runs by this special place. (This event is a rain or shine event, held inside the lodge!)

A Lodge with History
Perched on 66 acres above the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, Bears Den began life in 1933 as a summer retreat for Dr. Huron Lawson and his opera-singer wife Francesca Kaspari. The lodge was designed in the style of a medieval castle and constructed with local stone. After passing through several hands, it eventually became part of the trail landscape when the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) acquired the 66-acre lodge parcel. Now owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, PATC manages the site, providing hostel accommodations, group rentals, camping and a gateway to the nearby Appalachian Trail.

“The Roller Coaster”
Just 150 yards from the lodge lies a section of the Appalachian Trail known for its rugged terrain and sweeping views. This portion of the trail, often called the “Roller Coaster,” consists of 13.5 miles of steep ups and downs and rocky ridges—a challenging yet rewarding section for day hikers and thru hikers alike. From the overlook at Bears Den Rocks (~1,350 ft elevation) ,visitors enjoy a sweeping, west‐facing panorama of the valley.

The Role of PATC
Founded in 1927, PATC is a volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization whose mission is to acquire, maintain and protect the Trail and lands of the Appalachian Trail and related facilities in the Mid-Atlantic region. Today, PATC cares for roughly 240 miles of the AT, owns and manages cabins and shelters—and mobilizes thousands of volunteer hours each year. PATC’s stewardship at Bears Den keeps this historic lodge and its surrounding 66 acres open to the public.

Why We’re Celebrating
The Bears Den lodge needs repairs and renovations to ensure that it continues to serve hikers, nature lovers and the community for years to come. “Raise the Roof at Bears Den” is more than a fundraiser—it’s a gathering to honor the legacy of the lodge, the rugged beauty of the trail and the volunteers who make it all possible.

Event Details
• When: Saturday, December 6 | 2 – 5 pm
• Where: Bears Den Trail Center Lodge, 18393 Blueridge Mountain Rd, Bluemont, VA
• What: Live music by Karma Creek / Food and drinks / Displays / Trail talks / Auction and raffle
• Suggested donation: $20 and up! All proceeds go toward renovation of Bears Den Lodge — helping preserve the building and enhance its services for hikers and guests. Donations of $100+ will be recognized as sponsors.
• RSVP/tickets: EventBrite

Meet with fellow Trail enthusiasts at this special afternoon of celebration and stewardship. If you can’t join us on December 6th, you can still donate to Bears Den’s future. And when you step into the lodge or gaze out over the valley from the trail next time, you’ll know you are helping to write Bears Den's next chapter. 

If you made it to the sixth Loudoun A.T. Festival this year, you have a sense of what we're all about: bringing people together to celebrate the beauty and wonder of our natural spaces like the Appalachian Trail—at the same time we promote the protection and responsible enjoyment of these wild places.

If you weren't able to join us, here's a little of what went on (and what you can expect in 2026):

A day of Americana tunes. This year's fabulous bands including the Furnace Mountain Trio, Melissa and the Moth Men, Lillian Hackett and Karma Creak.

Trail talks. We heard tales from the long Trail and learned about favorite local days hikes, as we do every year. Plus, Sen. Tim Kaine joined us this year to talk about his book, Walk Ride Paddle—and he hopped up on the music stage for a little harmonica and singing before he left.

Hiking and environmental groups. Twenty-five nonprofits that share our passion for the great outdoors shared their knowledge and talked about their work.

Art show. Four amazing artists inspired by the great outdoors showed us how they "Take a Walk on the Wild Side."

Fun for kids of all ages. The climbing wall (thanks, Town of Round Hill), nature crafts, inflatable obstacle course (thanks, Big Country Amusements), playground and pony rides kept the kiddos smiling.

Thanks to all the volunteers, sponsors and auction donors who made all this possible! We're at work on the 2026 festival. We'd love to have you join our team!

Photos below courtesy of Kim Ramsey.

Senator Tim Kaine will be joining us at the festival to talk about and sign his memoir about "a life outdoors." Between 2019 and 2021, Kaine hiked the length of Virginia's A.T., rode more than 300 miles of the Blue Ridge on his bike and paddled the James River from its headwaters to the Bay. This is a story of Kaine's great love of the outdoors and the space it gave him to reflect on his life and public service. We'll have books on hand to sell (sales benefit our festival) and to have signed at 1:30pm in Hillsboro's Old Stone School auditorium.

Here's a preview of what's in store for you in the senator's memoir: 

From the prologue of WALK RIDE PADDLE: A Life Outdoors, by Tim Kaine:

This book is an account of three journeys I undertook deep into Virginia nature from May 2019 through October 2021. I planned the multiyear experience in 2018 to commemorate turning sixty and reaching twenty-five years in public life. What I didn’t know when I hatched the plan was that the adventure would coincide with two impeachment trials, a pandemic killing more than a million people in the United States and causing global economic meltdown, a violent attack on the Capitol with the intent to overturn the 2020 presidential election, and racial justice protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd and others. As a senator, I was in the middle of all of it.
 
I kept a journal each of the seventy-six days I was hiking, cycling, and canoeing across Virginia. Afterward, I added notes on each trip and planned the next portion. Each chapter is about the day’s journey, the history—both human and natural—of the places I traversed, conversations with companions and passersby, memories of earlier trips, and thoughts occurring to me along the way.
 
The journal became an organic reflection of the extraordinary events occurring in America during the years of the journey. That daily turmoil filled my thoughts and came to play a larger part of the narrative than I would have predicted when I began. But the time in Virginia’s wilderness also proved a balm for the chaos I was living.
 
Along the way, I’ve learned much about Virginia, America, nature, other people, and myself. I’ve resisted the temptation to revise sections of the journal based on what I now know about how these events played out. Instead, this is a real-time reflection of how I experienced these events, with only the knowledge I had at the moment, never sure what I would see around the next bend. Even now—more than at any time in my life—I’m not sure what I will see around the next bend.

—Senator Tim Kaine

This guest blog comes to us from festival volunteer, realtor and hike leader Michele Condon, who will moderate a "Favorite Day Hike" panel discussion at the festival. Michele founded and leads the LoCo Happy Trails women's hiking group here in Loudoun County. LoCo Happy Trails will be at the festival all day; stop by their tent to learn more about what hikes the group has planned.

Finding My Way: How the Trail Led Me to a Sisterhood

There’s something about standing on a mountaintop or hearing the crunch of leaves beneath your boots that makes the noise of life fade away. For as long as I can remember, the trail has been my refuge. Since I was a kid, hiking has always been the place where I felt most like myself—wild, free, peaceful, and grounded all at once. The trail has carried me through every chapter of my life, offering me not only beauty and challenge but a deep, quiet sense of belonging.

And during the chaos of the pandemic, it was the trail that called me back once again. I remember it vividly—sitting on a rocky overlook at Bear’s Den, watching the sun dip low over the Blue Ridge. The sky was painted in those warm Virginia hues, and I felt this moment of stillness wash over me. But there was also a tug in my heart. I couldn’t shake the thought: Are there other women out there who feel like I do? Lonely. Bored. Longing for fresh air, connection, and maybe just a little laughter after all the heaviness of the world.
That’s when the idea for LoCo Happy Trails was born.

It started as a simple thought: a women’s hiking group where we could just be. No judgment. No experience required. Just women supporting women, one trail at a time. I wanted to create a space where we could laugh, cry, get a little muddy and feel strong together. I’d always heard women say, “I’d love to hike, but I’m scared to go alone.” Or, “I wouldn’t even know where to start!” Some didn’t know what to wear or feared getting lost. And I thought: Let me help. Let me show you.

Because the trail belongs to all of us.

LoCo Happy Trails isn’t just about hiking; it’s about building confidence, deep friendships, and unforgettable memories under the open sky. It’s about becoming "trail sisters"— women who lift each other up, who cheer each other on up steep climbs and through life’s valleys. We’ve shared stories, laughter, and tears on these trails. We’ve watched the sunrise and faced our fears. We’ve walked through forests and come out stronger.

There is nothing quite like the healing power of nature. And there is everything to be said for the strength of a community of women who believe in each other. If you’ve ever felt unsure, or scared, or just needed someone to walk beside you — this group is for you. Hiking changed my life, and now I get to watch it change the lives of other women, too. And that… that is the greatest joy of all.

Come find your happy place with us.

​—Michele Condon

Nestled in the scenic heart of Loudoun County, Virginia, Catoctin Creek Distilling Company stands as a testament to craftsmanship and community. Founded in 2009 by Scott and Becky Harris, the distillery is celebrated for its organic and kosher spirits, including the award-winning Roundstone Rye. But, beyond their distilling expertise, the Harrises share a deep appreciation for the natural beauty surrounding their Purcellville home.

Just a short drive from the distillery lies the Bears Den and Ravens Rocks Trails, a couple popular hiking paths that meander through the woodlands of Loudoun County, Virginia. These trails offer hikers a moderate challenge with elevations ranging from 600 to 1,760 feet, providing panoramic views and a rich tapestry of flora and fauna. The dense forest canopy and diverse ecosystems make it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Scott, in particular, has a keen interest in birding. His passion for observing local avian species aligns perfectly with the opportunities the Appalachian region offers. The varied habitats along the trail attract a multitude of bird species, making each hike a unique experience for enthusiasts like Scott.

For those visiting Catoctin Creek Distillery, the combination of savoring handcrafted spirits and exploring the nearby Appalachian Trail provides a perfect blend of local culture and natural beauty. Whether you're an avid hiker, a budding birdwatcher, or simply someone looking to connect with nature, the Harrises' favorite pastime offers an enriching experience that complements their dedication to quality and community.

So, lace up your hiking boots, bring along your binoculars, and embark on a journey through the landscapes that Scott and Becky Harris cherish. Their passion for both distilling and the outdoors invites you to discover the harmonious balance between craftsmanship and nature.