The Holler: A Visit Mountaineer Country Podcast

The Allegheny Trail, West Virginia's Longest Trail- Part 2: Setting the Fastest Known Time

If you haven't listened to part 1, go back and listen to our conversation with West Virginia Scenic Trails Association Communication Coordinator Nicolle Flood-Sawczyszyn. In this episode, we sit down with local runner and ultra marathoner Donnie Orr, who is attempting to set the fastest known time (FKT) for the Allegheny Trail in June 2026. This will be both a physical and mental challenge as Donnie sets out to hike all 300+ miles of the trail in just over four days. In this episode, Donnie discusses the logistics of planning for a run like this, from his crew to pizza places along the way. Donnie also talks about how running has been an outlet to improve his mental health, and part of this attempt is to also raise support for Bigger Than the Trail [https://bttt.run/], an organization focused on bringing light to the real struggles and challenges that are associated with mental health. Beyond mental health, Donnie also hopes this journey will highlight the beauty, challenge, and versatility of the Allegheny Trail. If he sets the FKT, he invites others to beat it. You can contact Donnie here [https://www.thealchemyofendurance.com/]. You can find Donnie's GoFundMe supporting mental health initiatives here [https://www.gofundme.com/f/do-not-go-gentle-allegheny-trail-fkt].

The Allegheny Trail, West Virginia's Longest Trail- Part 1: It's Your Trail

Spanning 316 miles, the Allegheny Trail—West Virginia's Longest Trail- stretches across rugged ridgelines, quiet forests, and historic landscapes. Built and maintained by volunteers, it offers a hiking experience unlike any other in Appalachia — wild, rugged, and deeply immersed in nature. Communications Coordinator for the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association, Nicolle Flood-Sawczyszyn isn't shy about her love and enthusiasm for the trail and what it offers. Listen to Visit Mountaineer Country's conversation with Nicolle about the history and volunteers behind the trail. After that, head to part two of this episode and meet Donnie Orr, a local ultra marathoner planning to set the fastest known time for the trail.

More Than a Feeling: Meet the Owners of Modern Homestead

Situated in beautiful Preston County, West Virginia, Modern Homestead offers anything you could want in a cozy weekend getaway. Friendly accommodations, delicious meals and a stunning garden center begging to be explored. The owners, Lucas and Trellis, had a conversation with Visit Mountaineer Country about how the business began and where it’s going.

Keeping up with the KOA

This month, Rachel sat down with Frank Witt, campground manager at the new Mylan Park KOA Holiday. Frank tells us about exciting updates at the KOA, what campers can expect from their stay, and why outdoor lodging is gaining popularity. He also answers hard-hitting questions like whether he prefers hot dogs or s'mores! If you're in Morgantown for a West Virginia University Mountaineer Football game or looking for a getaway not too far from modern amenities, the KOA Holiday and Mylan Park may be for you.

How West Virginia University Drives Tourism with President Michael T. Benson

This month, West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson stopped by The Holler to discuss how WVU acts as a tourism driver in North Central West Virginia. President Benson joined us as a part of his "Welcome Home Tour," where he intends to visit all 55 counties in West Virginia in the first year of his presidency. Whether fans are traveling to Morgantown to cheer on the Mountaineers for a football game or watch the women's basketball team host the NCAA March Madness tournament, WVU athletics brings people to the area. But it's not just athletics, academic conferences, families visiting students, and West Virginians taking advantage of the resources their land-grant institution has to offer also add to the large number of people who travel to the region. Listen to our conversation with President Benson to learn more about what WVU is doing to support tourism in West Virginia. And as a bonus, find out who he's cheering for in the WVU vs. Coastal Carolina Home Opener.