Exploration Local

Send us Fan Mail

A railroad line that once climbed one of the steepest grades in the country is getting a second life and it might become one of the most memorable rail-trails in the Southeast. We sit down with Leigh MacDonald (PAL) and Summer Flynn (Conserving Carolina) to unpack the Saluda Grade Trail: a 31.5-mile vision that links communities across North Carolina and South Carolina while honoring the corridor that helped build them in the first place.

We talk candidly about what it really takes to turn abandoned tracks into a multi-use trail, including complex partnerships, cross-state coordination, and the funding reality that shapes which miles get built first. You’ll hear how community engagement and real data guide decisions on parking, safety, accessibility, and “local-first” growth so the trail supports downtowns rather than overwhelming them. We also explore the character of the route itself, from small towns like Saluda, Tryon, Landrum, Campobello, and Inman to wetlands, waterfalls, and historic mill landscapes.

Just as important, this is a preservation and conservation story. Leigh and Summer share how they’re thinking about track removal, what rail artifacts may be worth keeping, and how protecting a continuous corridor can safeguard habitats and create future opportunities for interpretive signage and environmental education. We also dig into the ripple effects: connector trails, regional trail networks, youth-led heritage projects, and the surprising excitement kids have for how trails and bridges are actually built.

Follow the project, sign up for updates, and learn how to support the Saluda Grade Trail at https://www.saludagradetrail.org and if you like what you hear, subscribe, share the show, and leave a review.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

Every bike has a story, and so do the people who build them. At the inaugural CRAFTED Bike & Gear Show at Cane Creek in Western North Carolina, I set out to hear those stories—and came away with far more conversations than I could fit into a typical episode.

In this extended episode of Exploration Local, we meet the people behind the bikes, gear, and ideas shaping the cycling world. There’s a look at how open-source design could help make adaptive cycling more accessible, a conversation with a 17-year-old building his own mountain bike frame, and stories from the makers and brands whose creativity keeps pushing the industry forward.

Along the way, we explore the craft, challenges, and thinking behind the products we ride, and meet people who are finding new ways to bring more people into the sport.

I wish I could have included every conversation, but these are some of the stories that stuck with me. Together, they offer a glimpse into a cycling community where creativity, craftsmanship, and a willingness to try something different can lead to some pretty interesting places.

Come along for this extended visit to CRAFTED. There are plenty of stories here worth discovering.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

58 million acres of national forest land have stayed largely free of new road building for more than two decades and that protection is now under real pressure. I sit down with Carla Fox, Membership Director at The Conservation Alliance, to break down what the Roadless Rule actually does, why it was created, and what the U.S. Forest Service is proposing through its draft environmental impact statement.

We get specific about what “inventoried roadless areas” are, how they differ from designated Wilderness, and why the debate isn’t just about policy language. Roads change everything: access for logging, the likelihood of broader industrial development, and the long-term character of places people hike, hunt, fish, climb, and camp. Carla also explains the public comment process and why the October 6 deadline matters if you want your voice in the record.

Then we bring it home to North Carolina, where roadless protections cover parts of Pisgah and Nantahala in the mountains and Croatan on the coast. We talk about maps that show what could lose protection, how iconic corridors like the Appalachian Trail intersect roadless areas, and why clean drinking water and wildlife habitat belong in the same conversation as outdoor recreation and the outdoor economy.

If you care about public lands, this is a practical, time-sensitive listen. Subscribe, share this with one friend who spends time in the forest, and leave a review to help more people find it. What place would you hate to see changed by new roads?

• The link for individuals to submit a comment
• Impacts of Roadless Rule on NC specifically
• Defenders of Wildlife interactive map showing at risk species in roadless areas
• AllTrails top 50 trails list
• USFS state-by-state map.
• https://runnersforpubliclands.org/roadless-rule/
• 7.TCA responds to Roadless Rule

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

Trailside Brewing is one of those places that makes you rethink what a “local brewery” can be. In this episode, I sit down with David Schnitzer, CEO and Owner who built his career in summer camps and outdoor leadership, and you can hear that DNA in everything Trailside has become in Hendersonville, North Carolina. This isn’t just a stop for a pint. It’s a gathering point where people show up after a ride on the Ecusta Trail, linger for a meal, and leave with new friends.

We dig into the winding path that leads here, from launching Appalachian Coffee Company to navigating the post-COVID moment that finally made the leap possible. David shares how Trailside grows by focusing on experience over transactions: clubs that meet weekly, outdoor film nights, live music that feels like a ritual, and a steady effort to create a welcoming culture for locals and visitors alike. If you care about community building, small business story, or the way trails shape towns, there’s a lot here for you.

You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes realities of running a craft brewery and restaurant: trusting great people, dealing with aging brewing equipment, scaling up to meet demand, and making choices that balance growth with being a good neighbor. We wrap with what’s next, including potential beer distribution and plans for an intimate listening-room style music series.

Subscribe to Exploration Local, share this with a friend who loves the outdoors, and leave a review so more people can find these stories.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when you connect people to nature? For Carolyn Ashworth, President & CEO of FIND Outdoors, that connection is at the heart of their work.

FIND Outdoors grew out of the Cradle of Forestry in Western North Carolina and today works across North Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky, helping people experience public lands through campgrounds, visitor centers, recreation sites, guided experiences and education.

Carolyn's connection to the Cradle is personal. She spent time there as a kid, inspired by a Forest Service neighbor who seemed to have her dream job. Decades later, she returned to the place that helped shape her—this time as the leader of FIND Outdoors.

We talk about the history of the Cradle of Forestry, the changing role of partnerships in caring for public lands, the challenges facing these places, and why connecting people to nature can inspire them to care about and protect the places they love.

Along the way, we explore some of the remarkable places FIND Outdoorshelps manage—from the Cradle of Forestry and Carolina Hemlocks in Western North Carolina to Brasstown Bald and Anna Ruby Falls in Georgia and Red River Gorge in Kentucky.

They also talk about wonder, stewardship, public lands as our shared heritage, and the experiences that remind us just how incredible the places around us really are.

Discover. Connect. Care. Protect.

A conversation with FIND Outdoors about the people, places and experiences that connect us to the outdoors.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

700 miles across North Carolina in 17 days sounds like an endurance headline. But after talking with Jonathan Milkovich, it’s the reason behind the run that sticks.

Jonathan is a lifelong runner, Army airborne infantryman, and founder of Operation Warrior Fit—a nonprofit connecting veterans, first responders, active duty, and National Guard through fitness, competition, and community.

He shares the personal path that brought him here: a knee injury, the isolation of the COVID era, the loss of a buddy, struggles with alcohol and mental health, and the decision to choose help, sobriety, and a different direction.

Now, through Operation Carolina, Jonathan is running 700 miles across North Carolina to raise awareness and funds while sending a simple message: sometimes one mile, one conversation, or the right group of people can become a turning point.

We talk about veteran and first responder mental health, suicide prevention, the power of accountability, and why building community may be just as important as the miles themselves.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode I sit down with Executive Producer Michael Foley and Director Christopher Pike to talk about Scars on the Mountain, their feature documentary now streaming on Angel Studios. Foley shares what it was like to mobilize with volunteer helicopters, deliver medicine, and witness a grassroots rescue effort that became Operation Helo. Chris walks through the hardest part of the work: earning trust in small mountain towns, holding space for grief, and refusing to make what he calls “glorified disaster porn.” Christopher and Foley share interviews that still sit with them, the role of faith and resilience in recovery, and why the storm is only the backdrop for a story about humanity.

We also pull back the curtain on distribution and rejection: film festivals said no, then Angel Studios’ guild voting said yes. If you want a grounded look at disaster recovery in Appalachia, community resilience, ethical documentary filmmaking, and how everyday people become the lifeline, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who believes good stories can move people to action.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

For Sarah and Eric Rehmann, a dream of a different kind of life eventually led them to the mountains of Western North Carolina — and to an eleven-acre property that became the foundation for Cullowheegee Farms.

What began as a small batch of handmade soap grew into a collection of natural goods inspired by the land, the seasons, and the values they live by.

But this isn’t just a story about soap. It’s a story about listening to a place, building community, and allowing the landscape around you to shape the life you’re creating.

In this episode of Exploration Local, we explore the connection between people and place with Sarah and Eric Rehmann of Cullowheegee Farms.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Kota of Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina as they celebrate 30 years of protecting the landscapes of western North Carolina. We talk about the work happening across eight counties, why protecting the headwaters of the Broad, Catawba, and Yadkin rivers matters to millions of people downstream, and how conservation today shapes the places we'll explore tomorrow.

Our conversation centers on the Wilderness Gateway State Trail—how it's being built, why it's unlike most long-distance trails, and what makes this one of the most exciting outdoor projects happening in North Carolina. Behind every mile of the Wilderness Gateway State Trail is a much bigger story—one of land conservation, clean water, working farms, wildlife habitat, and the partnerships that make it all possible.

If you care about trails, conservation, clean water, or simply understanding what it takes to protect the places we love, I think you'll enjoy this conversation.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

What started as a podcast about trails, towns, rivers, and destinations has become something deeper: an exploration of the relationship between people and place.

In this episode, I step back to trace how that realization formed over time. From conservationists protecting land corridors and trail builders connecting communities to tourism leaders balancing growth and preservation, seemingly different stories reveal a common thread—connection, stewardship, identity, and belonging.

Along the way, I reflect on years of conversations across the Blue Ridge and beyond, and how stories about conservation, recreation, history, tourism, and community all began revealing the same underlying connections.

I also explore the biggest shift in how this show is hosted: moving from asking "Where is it?" to asking "Why does it matter?"

Because the stories that stay with us aren't defined by coordinates. They're defined by meaning, memory, and the connections between people, land, and community.

And perhaps that's what Exploration Local has been about all along.

Wander Far. Explore Local.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, I sit down with Bradley Spiegel (community planner at Equinox) and Carol Groben (Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa) to unpack the story behind the proposed Swannanoa Greenway. The idea reaches back to flood planning after the 2004 storms and a 2010 greenway feasibility study that never turned into construction. Helene changed everything: the river’s path, the community’s priorities, and the stakes. Now the question is not just “Where should a trail go?” but “How do we give the Swannanoa River room to flood without destroying homes, businesses, and community spaces?”

We get specific about what resilience can look like on the ground: riparian buffer restoration, green infrastructure like bioswales, and targeted flood storage that slows stormwater and reduces risk downstream. We also talk connectivity and everyday safety, linking neighborhoods, schools, parks, and the US 70 business corridor. Along the way, we highlight key partners like Connect Buncombe and RiverLink, plus the momentum from a $100,000 Great Trails State Grant and the bigger vision of connecting into the Fonta Flora State Trail.

If you care about greenways, trail planning, stormwater management, flood mitigation, or the future of Western North Carolina’s outdoor economy, this conversation is for you.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Deb Hatley shares the story behind rebuilding the former Wolf Ridge into Hatley Pointe — from major infrastructure challenges and leadership lessons to a bigger vision centered on hospitality, community, and creating a boutique mountain experience that feels intentional from the moment guests arrive.

We talk about first impressions of the mountain, the unexpected renovation challenges that led to a full rebuild, and how every detail of the guest journey is being reimagined from arrival to apres. Deb also shares how inspiration from places like Snowmass and European resorts helped shape a focus on service, atmosphere, and shorter lift lines, along with the harder moments — from timeline pressure and refunds to the bull wheel failure that tested her fortitude.

At its core, this is a conversation about building trust, balancing growth with guest experience, and what it really takes to operate and evolve a ski resort in the Southeast. We also look ahead to what’s next for Hatley Pointe as a true four-season destination, including lift-served mountain biking and expanded year-round access. If you care about mountain tourism, hospitality leadership, skiing and riding, or the future of outdoor recreation in the Blue Ridge, you’ll get a lot from this one.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode I am joined by Shannon Odom, executive director of the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority, to unpack why this corner of Western North Carolina is gaining serious momentum, and how it’s doing it in a way that feels rooted, welcoming, and real.

We talk trails first, because the growth is undeniable: new mileage on the ground, rebuilt sections after Hurricane Helene, and the validation that comes with Old Fort joining the North Carolina Trail Towns Network. Shannon explains the “trails for all” approach, from easy loops for beginners to the big headline project many people haven’t heard about yet: backcountry adaptive bicycling trails tied to the Wilderness Gateway Trail. From there, we zoom out into the long game, a connected network that could link Marion, Universal Park, the Thermal Belt Trail, and eventually the Fonta Flora Trail.

Then we go beyond the bike to the full McDowell County travel guide experience: Old Fort’s railroad and frontier history, Marion’s downtown businesses and brewery scene, Little Switzerland’s Parkway charm, and practical updates on Blue Ridge Parkway access. We also hit the must-see waterfalls like Linville Falls, Catawba Falls, and Tom’s Creek Falls, plus culture and festivals that make a weekend feel packed, from the Orchard at Altapass to Bigfoot sightings and gold panning.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a small North Carolina factory lets the trail—not the spec sheet—make the call? We sit down with Dorene O’Malley and Brent Graves from Cane Creek to unpack 30 years of curiosity, craft, and rider-first design.

From rugged Pisgah prototypes to components trusted around the world, they’ve shaped everything from headsets and titanium cranks to the legendary Thudbuster seatpost and Invert Gravel Fork—all designed to make every ride smoother, more controlled, and more fun.

Step inside their Experience Center, see how forks and shocks are hand-built and tested, and hear their vision for a future where cities embrace cycling for everyone—from school bike buses to e-bike family rides.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode I sit down with South Yellow Mountain Preserve manager Park Greer to share the full, behind-the-scenes story: the surprise Earth Day donation, the eight months of deed work and surveying across a 33-mile boundary, and the careful plan that turned a generous transfer into a resilient, living landscape.

Park brings a rare mix of park ranger experience and land surveying chops, and it shows. He walks us through the amphibolite bedrock that fuels calcium-rich soils and exceptional biodiversity, then threads that geology into the mining legacy of Spruce Pine—mica, feldspar, and world-class quartz. From rare plants like Gray’s lily and Roan Mountain bluet to a closely monitored peregrine falcon site, we talk about how data, training, and seasonal protections guide every decision, down to when and where people can visit.

We also dig into the human side of stewardship: school groups that put down their phones and pick up field guides, citizen scientists mapping species with iNaturalist, and volunteers hauling out legacy trash from old mine dumps. You’ll hear how invasive species removal, pollinator habitat plans, and watershed protection keep clean water flowing to Spruce Pine’s reservoir and downstream wells. And you’ll see why guided access, local partnerships, and humble storytelling create ambassadors who carry the work beyond any boundary line.

If you care about Appalachia, clean water, wildlife corridors, and conservation that honors history as much as habitat, this story delivers both heart and detail.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

I sit down with advocate and author Palmer McIntyre to explore how North Carolina grew into the Great Trail State—and why that identity now shapes health, local business, and everyday life.

Palmer shares the story behind Great Trail State Day, the annual October celebration that invites everyone to step onto a nearby path and bring a friend along. We trace the momentum that began during the pandemic, grew through Year of the Trail, and led to more than $61 million in state investment for trail projects and the outdoor recreation economy’s $16.2 billion impact—fueling guides, outfitters, restaurants, lodging, and local tourism—and spotlight Old Fort’s trail expansion as a powerful example of how access can flip a switch for a small town.

We also dig into Trails and Treats, the new guide pairing 30 approachable routes with locally owned eateries across the mountains, Triad, Triangle, and Charlotte. You’ll hear how the authors chose lesser‑known gems to spread use beyond crowded hotspots, why urban greenways count as real adventure, and how food culture helps tell the story of place. If you’ve been waiting for a nudge to get outside—or a reason to try that bakery after your ride—consider this your sign.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

As outdoor tourism continues to grow, how can mountain communities plan with intention—not just for visitors, but for the residents, businesses, and natural spaces that make them unique?

In this episode, I sit down with Corrina Ruffieux, Executive Director of Visit Haywood, to talk about Haywood County’s innovative approach to tourism. Their comprehensive 10-year destination master plan is designed not just to attract visitors, but to do so in a way that aligns with the values of the community and protects what makes the area special.

We explore how Haywood County’s plan is rooted in stewardship, inclusivity, and a commitment to attracting visitors who share the local values of environmental respect, community care, and responsible tourism. The plan’s focus is on sustainable growth that ensures long-term benefits for residents, local businesses, and the area’s exceptional natural assets.

Through community-driven engagement and a clear brand identity, Haywood County is proving that it’s possible to grow tourism while protecting the very things that make the place worth visiting in the first place.

https://visithaywood.com/

https://haywoodtda.com/

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

Trail by trail, North Carolina is weaving a network of connections that transforms how we move, gather, and experience our communities. The Ecusta Trail stands as a prime example—a visionary 20-mile rail-to-trail corridor that will soon link Hendersonville to Brevard along a historic railroad line that once united these mountain towns.

Joan Lyons and Emma Pindur, engineers with JMT, bring complementary perspectives to this transformative work. Joan studied in the Netherlands, learning from world-class cycling infrastructure before bringing those insights home. Emma, who grew up in Cherokee, brings deep local knowledge and a personal connection to the region's trails. Together, they're designing pathways that reflect the diverse needs of the communities they serve while honoring the landscape's natural beauty.

The impact is already visible—bike shops report surges in business as residents dust off long-forgotten bicycles. Families, seniors, and visitors alike are discovering safer, more accessible ways to explore. These trails are particularly vital for aging populations and those unable to drive, providing critical independence while simultaneously boosting local economies through increased tourism and community vitality.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

I'm redefining what adventure means after discovering the joy of exploring greenways and rail trails. From Colorado's Aspen-lined paths to Kentucky's riverside greenways, these accessible trails have transformed my understanding of meaningful outdoor experiences.

• Experiencing the beauty of Breckenridge to Frisco on e-bikes amid golden Aspens
• Discovering the Big Four Bridge and Ohio River Greenway during a Kentucky business trip
• Seeing people of all ages and abilities enjoying the outdoors together on accessible trails
• Exploring the Brevard Greenway and Thermal Belt Trail in North Carolina with my wife
• Finding that adventure isn't always about conquering mountains—sometimes it's about connection
• Looking forward to upcoming trails like the Ecusta Trail and sections of the East Coast Greenway

Send me a voice memo, message me on Instagram or Facebook, or email mike@explorationlocal.com to share your favorite trail experiences. Your story might inspire others to redefine what adventure means to them.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal

Send us Fan Mail

Every region has its stories, but few places weave storytelling into their cultural fabric quite like Appalachia. Bob Peck, the visionary behind Mountainwater Films, has dedicated himself to capturing these narratives through a lens that prioritizes authenticity above all else.

When Hurricane Helene devastated much of Western North Carolina, Bob's storytelling took on new urgency. Through his documentary approach, he helped businesses like Asheville Tea Company—whose entire operation was washed downstream—process their experiences while inviting customers back through powerful visual storytelling. His work in communities from Old Fort to Lake Lure demonstrates how film can simultaneously educate, inspire, and market in ways that honor the recovery process.

What emerges most clearly is Bob's commitment to sustainable storytelling that connects "nuanced visitors" with authentic experiences while benefiting local communities. In a time when many places struggle with overtourism, his work aims to attract people who will appreciate and respect the true character of Appalachia, ensuring these communities and their stories continue to thrive for generations to come.

Want to explore more of Appalachia's authentic stories? Follow Mountainwater Films on social media or reach out to Bob directly to discover how documentary storytelling can preserve heritage while building bridges to the future.

Mike Andress
Host, Exploration Local
828-551-9065
mike@explorationlocal.com

Podcast Website
Facebook
Instagram: explorationlocal