Exploration Local

Born in Pisgah: The Cane Creek Story with Dorene O’Malley & Brent Graves

Send us Fan MailWhat 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 AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal

South Yellow Mountain Preserve: Park Greer Reveals The Work And Wonder Behind Protecting A Rare Appalachian Preserve

Send us Fan MailIn 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 AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal

Celebrating North Carolina's Great Trail State Day with Palmer McIntyre, Author of Trails & Treats

Send us Fan MailI 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 AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal

Five Towns, One Vision: Inside Visit Haywood’s 10-Year Destination Master Plan

Send us Fan MailAs 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 AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal

From Rails to Trails: The Ecusta Trail’s Role in Linking Communities and Outdoor Spaces

Send us Fan MailTrail 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 AndressHost, Exploration Local828-551-9065mike@explorationlocal.comPodcast WebsiteFacebookInstagram: explorationlocal