Matthew Wickstrom

2 days ago | smliv.com | Matthew Wickstrom

As the only state fully engulfed in Appalachia, West Virginia has always stood out for its wild and wonderful expanses that include 1.5 million acres of parks and public lands. While the New River Gorge—the country’s 63rd and newest national park—draws much of that acclaim, a new trail has seen its share of the spotlight lately, too. Launched in May 2022, the West Virginia Waterfall Trail is the first statewide trail of its kind.

5 days ago | kentucky.com | Matthew Wickstrom

Following a distinctly Kentucky and Appalachian flavor in its first four years, Railbird Festival pivoted to a more pop-country lineup in 2025 — at least with its headliners — to mixed results.

1 week ago | kentucky.com | Matthew Wickstrom

Following the May 16 tornadoes that swept through Russell, Pulaski and Laurel counties support has flooded in from all corners of the state and beyond, including from the local music community. Similar to the response to the March 2021 floods that ravaged Eastern Kentucky, groups are doing everything from organizing supply drops to throwing benefit concerts to raise funds for those in need and — in some cases — even getting their hands dirty too.

1 week ago | flipboard.com | Matthew Wickstrom

1 hour agoSevere Storms Loom For Southern US On TuesdayStrong to severe thunderstorms are likely on Tuesday from parts of the southern Plains through the Southeast. Storms are ongoing Tuesday morning from southeastern Texas into Louisiana and Mississippi as the Memorial Day storm system charges east. Some severe weather will impact these areas, with damaging wind gusts posing the greatest threat.

1 week ago | kentucky.com | Matthew Wickstrom

From Mothman to Wolf Man, The Snallygaster and beyond, Kentucky — and on a larger scale Appalachia — have long been home to a bevy of cryptids, or creatures believed to exist that haven’t been proven yet. Now one with arguably the most lore of all is getting its own festival in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest.