OK, so it's not really that exclusive, but I got your attention, didn't I?

Welcome to the moment you've all been waiting for, the first edition of our new bimonthly newsletter! It's been a long time in the making, and boy-oh-boy are we excited to get the old email machine cranking.

This highly scientific process will be on an ongoing experiment, and we're thrilled that you've signed up to join our growing cadre of guinea pigs. But seriously, folks, we know you're all humans. I digress...

This newsletter will be the spot for exclusive stories, updates to our shiny new merchandise store (coming soon!), and reader features.

The biggest news we have right now is that our official subscription service will be launching within the next two weeks, so keep an eye out for that email announcement! I'd ask you to wait with bated breath, but we don't need you passing out wherever you're reading this email. While we will always offer Highland Outdoors for free at our 100+ distribution locations, those who graciously choose to support West Virginia's Outdoor Magazine by subscribing will help keep this thing going strong! I'd like to thank all of our future subscribers in advance (I told myself I wouldn't cry, but here come the happy tears).

Next in the hopper is our Spring 2021 issue, which hits shelves around the Mountain State starting March 15. With stories on Smokehole Canyon, WV's leading nature artists, the state's exquisite mosses, the hardest climbing route east of Colorado, a custom surfboard build, and much more, this is one for the books...or is it one for mags? I'll have to consult our legal council. Anywho, here's a teaser to whet your adventure appetite!

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What our readers have been saying:

In our first email, we asked what's your favorite thing to do outdoors. I was pleasantly surprised to see all the responses, and it made me feel the strong sense of community we share together here in West Virginia.

"I l-o-v-e the free-running rivers, creeks, and streams of the WV highlands. River running aboard all styles of watercraft is just the best way to see this great state. Fishing is pretty cool, too. Specifically for broke trout, and you know, backcountry anglin' for them beauts. Shred hard, shred fast, and most of all, shred here, with your friends."

-Owne M., Morgantown, WV

"My favorite thing? To get on a new mountain trail, just my boots/shoes on the ground and a pack on my back, and to start trekking. I've never ceased to be inspired, even awed, by the scenery I come upon. Being outside is the best."

-Jake L., Washington, DC

"I love to go hiking with the editor and coeditor of Highland Outdoors anywhere in the highlands and then drink a Stumptown brew!"

-Daria J. (My mom), Morgantown, WV

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What our readers are sharing:

Along with some great responses, you've been sending in some great photos. Please keep 'em coming for a chance to be featured in our next newsletter!

Bertie Mae, one heck of a cute river dog.

-Melanie S., Fayetteville, WV

Under the Milky Way, somewhere in the WV countryside

-Bonnie M., Augusta, WV

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Have you seen these yet?

We've been on a publishing spree since launching our new website in December! Check out our latest stories:

Appalachia Obscura: Finding Light in Dark Places

Gabe DeWitt divulges his love for night photography and tells the tales behind some of his favorite WV night shots.

Once in a Blue Moon

In October 2020, a group of slackliners and photographers teamed up for a once-in-every-four-years photograph at Seneca Rocks. Did they get the shot? Guess you'll have to read and find out!

The Observers

In West Virginia's snowy Canaan Valley (the highest large valley east of the Missippi), a tight-knit group of weather observers have turned their obsessions with weather into a way of life.

Blackwater Triple Crown: Paddling the Big Three in a Day

The Upper Blackwater, North Fork of the Blackwater, and Lower Blackwater river sections present some of the gnarliest whitewater paddling in the country. Join Shimmy Shimrock on his adventure to paddle all three stretches in a single day.

Bear Rocks Designated as National Natural Landmark

Bear Rocks, everyone's favorite overlook and candidate for most photographed spot in WV, recently got an upgrade in status. Viva la Bear Rocks!

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Stay tuned for our next installment, coming straight to your inbox in mid-March.

Enjoy, and, as always, thanks for reading #westvirginiasoutdoormagazine!

Dylan Jones

Editor-in-Chief

Highland-Outdoors.com