Blackrock Outdoor Company settles in at WCU

Article co-written with Haley Smith Blackrock Outdoor Company is a locally owned and operated outdoor gear shop well-known for it’s location in downtown Sylva. The thriving business opened its second location in WCU’s Noble Hall on Feb. 27 and it has sparked the interest of many students and faculty. The addition of the store along with Subway, […]

Forget the gym, go backpacking!

Many students need a break from their studies as the semester comes to an end. A great way to escape the hustle and bustle is to take a weekend break to explore and experience new things in the area. Being located near the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Smoky Mountain National Park, WCU offers different recreational opportunities for students, including […]

Canoe slalom exceeds expectations for the community

This story was co-written with Keegan Wiggins The seventh annual Cullowhee Canoe Slalom, held on Saturday, Sept. 10, encouraged camaraderie and gave beginner paddlers the chance to experience something new. The goal of the event is to create a platform for an average person to enjoy paddling whether it be in a canoe with a partner […]

Jeremiah Haas: Turning passion into a career

A skilled climber, effective leader, and soon-to-be father are just a few of the many hats Jeremiah Haas wears. Haas is the assistant director of outdoor programs at WCU’s Base Camp Cullowhee and his passion and enthusiasm for adventure are unparalleled as he has had over a decade of experience in the outdoor field. While […]

Is WCU really top adventure school?

Story co-written with Billy Simpson.  For the past two years Western Carolina University has been named the top adventure school in the Southeast by the Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine. The winner was decided through an online poll and whoever received the most votes won. Other schools WCU competed against included Virginia Tech, Brevard College, The University […]

A hike into ‘Paradise’

With only one year left in college, I thought I had hiked all around western North Carolina. But there was one view I hadn’t seen: the aptly named Paradise Falls. Located in the Nantahala National Forest, Paradise Falls is a natural wonder. Three tiers tall, this waterfall is tucked into a tight chasm of massive […]