Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

It’s been a hot minute since I shared this embarrassing personal tale, so hopefully it brings a smile. First things first: I am not a hiker. Granted, this one time during my teenage years, my mom convinced me to trudge to the top of Peaks of Otter in Bedford with her. We ascended for what felt like hours, and I was panting like a dog in the summertime. Exhausted, I asked, “How much farther til the top?”

Lo and behold, a trail marker arose like a phoenix from the rocky rubble of the mountain. Surely, we were near the summit. I looked at the sign with anticipation. And while I don’t remember the exact verbiage, I do remember the gist of the message: Hikers, you’ve gone a grand total of 0.1 mile since the parking lot. If you enjoy hiking more than I do, today’s lead story is just for you. I’m so glad you’re here. 

Virginia offers a variety of year-round hiking opportunities. (Jake Melara/Unsplash)

By Dogwood Staff

Here’s what you need to know: For those looking to explore the best hikes in the state, there are several must-visit destinations that offer Virginians breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature. 

Our top picks:

• One of the most popular hikes in Virginia is Humpback Rocks. This hike is very steep and provides a great workout. Towards the end, there’s even a bit of a rock scramble, adding an extra element of excitement.

• Located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, Crabtree Falls offers a challenging hike to the top. For those looking for an even more rewarding experience, continue up the trails past the “last fall view” to the right. This will lead you to even more breathtaking sights.

• The Blackwater Creek Trail is one of the most popular places to take an easy, outdoor stroll near Lynchburg. The paved trail offers stunning, scenic views and plenty of local wildlife species to meet along the way. 

Ready to hike? We’ve rounded up some of the best go-to spots in the state.

In 2025, 73 eagles were treated at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. (Tof Mayanoff/Unsplash)

By Sam Cohen

An increasing number of eagles have been hospitalized in Virginia over the last year. WVTF reported that 73 eagles were brought into the Wildlife Center of Virginia (three were admitted in October 2025 alone), with a majority of those experiencing the side effects of lead poisoning. 

A spokesman for the veterinary center, Connor Gillespie, told the outlet that it’s a persistent issue. “It’s such a pervasive problem that about 3 out of 4 eagles we admit have some level of lead in their system, and no level of lead is safe. Even a small amount, something that’s the size of a grain of rice, if they ingest it, that’s potentially fatal for them.”

What seems to be causing this influx of poisonings? The accidental ingestion of lead ammunition. The Wildlife Center is hoping to appeal to hunters directly by educating them on the negative side effects of using lead ammunition and by prompting them to use safer alternatives. 

They’re also attempting to work with landfill operators to ask them to properly bury any animals euthanized with pentobarbital, which also contributes to eagles getting sick and/or dying across the state.

Kelly Price participates in a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Michael O’Connor/Dogwood)

By Michael O’Connor

Watch as Kelly Price, a Virginian demonstrating in Alexandria on Jan. 9, explains what she wants to see happen in the wake of ICE’s killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis.

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