Each year, the quiet town of Fincastle, Virginia, stirs as the Annual Botetourt County Outdoor Expo awakens the spirit of adventure. This outdoor showcase unfolds along the rugged edges of the Appalachian Ridge, where forest trails challenge your footsteps and the fresh mountain air dares you to participate. The Expo invites everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned outdoor veterans—to get hands-on with everything from fly fishing to rock climbing, kayaking to orienteering.

Held over a weekend, the event sprawls across several acres at the Botetourt County fairgrounds and nearby outdoor venues. Booths brim with gear demonstrations, local guide talks, and interactive workshops designed to sharpen your outdoor skills before you hit the wild. Participants can test hike local trails that vary in terrain, ranging from gentle forest paths (around 2-4 miles, with 200-400 feet elevation gain) to steeper, rocky climbs that reward with sunrise views above the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The forest here isn’t quiet—it breathes with crashing streams pushing forward, leaves rustling secrets on trading winds. When you step onto the trail, you engage with a landscape that’s fiercely itself, neither coddling nor easily subdued. The expo encourages respect and preparation: hydration packs and sturdy footwear are staples, and knowing when to start your hike can mean avoiding the afternoon’s sudden summer heat or fall’s early frost.

Practicality meets excitement in every program offered. Want to master compass navigation? There’s a workshop. Curious about native plants and their seasonal shifts? Local experts walk you through identification. The event is a proving ground to get comfortable with outdoor challenges while soaking in the authentic Appalachian outdoors.

Parking is ample, but arriving early is wise to avoid bottlenecks and capture the cooler morning air. Food vendors offer local fare with a down-to-earth flavor—a reminder that adventure doesn’t stop at the trailhead, but flows into community. Fincastle’s historic town center is a quick drive away for those looking to extend their visit with a taste of small-town Virginia culture.

Whether you’re there to test new gear, learn survival skills, or simply breathe in the mountain landscape, the Outdoor Expo gives you tools and inspiration for your next trip. Come for the demonstrations, stay for a hike that calls for steady footing and open eyes, and experience Fincastle’s vigorous outdoors on terms both thrilling and practical.