Sports is a great form of entertainment and a cure for many physical diseases. It leads to a happy and active lifestyle. Actively participating in sports helps eliminate stress, anxiety, and depression while improving your sleep cycle and overall well-being. No matter your age, sports are entertainment for all.
What could be better than playing around the stunning natural landscapes, rolling mountains, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant fall foliage of Appalachia?
Appalachia, a place in the eastern United States, is enriched with a rich history of sports and entertaining recreational activities. Its rich cultural heritage, like traditional crafts, soothing music, and warm hospitality, make it more compelling for visitors and tourists.
Let’s take a look at what sort of sports and recreational activities Appalachia has to offer.
Football
Football is a famous sport not only in Appalachia but everywhere around the world. The craze for this sport is quite visible in Appalachian high schools and colleges. Passion for football is deeply ingrained in the culture, and this place is home to many football fanatics.
West Virginia University, State Appalachia University, Virginia Tech, and the University of Tennessee are known to offer amazing football programs in Appalachia.
The Appalachian State Mountaineers football team has won around 648 games and claimed three NCAA championships and 22 conference championships. It is known to be the best team as per the rising winning percentage.
Football has become a significant part of the region’s identity and culture.
Tube Floating and Kayaking
Appalachia is home to clear streams surrounded by calm and peace. The conditions are ideal for floating down the river on a tube or kayak. A few popular waterways for kayaking and tubing include the Greenbrier River in West Virginia, the French Broad River in North Carolina, and the beautiful Shenandoah River in Virginia.
These recreational activities guarantee a relaxing and fun vacation, helping eliminate stress and anxiety. The peaceful experience is suitable for all ages, but safety measures must be considered as these river rides can sometimes be dangerous.
Baseball
Did you know that baseball came to the Appalachian Mountains after the Civil War ended in 1865?
From the early 20th century to the 21st, baseball has offered an escape from the difficult mountain life. The people living there brought up their mountains ways and incorporated them into the sport, making it unique and entertaining.
Appalachia is filled with communities having their teams and leagues. It is specifically popular for minor-league baseball, yet several groups, like the West Virginia Power or the Bristol Pirates, are affiliated with major-league baseball.
Baseball has always helped develop a sense of unity between the Appalachians and visitors.
Hunting and Fishing
If you visit Appalachia experiencing deer hunting and trout fishing is a must.
Trout fishing and deer hunting are the most popular outdoor recreational activities due to the nature, and abundant natural resources present here. The compelling streams and rivers offer the best experience of trout fishing while green trees in the woods surround you.
Besides this, the widely-stretched forests provide tourists with prime white-tailed rare deer making it a favorite spot for all hunters.
Yet, these activities are not for everyone. Laws and regulations are strictly followed, and obtaining the proper licenses for engaging in these activities is a must.
Wrestling – The Smackdown of Appalachia
Well, this isn’t the smackdown you are thinking about right now. It’s more of wrestling and less of acting.
Wrestling is a popular sport in Appalachia, providing a strong regional presence. Many famous wrestling programs are encouraged by various high schools and colleges with different categories like amateur and professional wrestling events.
The traditional American folk style inspires the style of wrestling in Appalachia. Wrestlers also practice Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling in Appalachia.
Row Down the Rapids
If you enjoy some thrill in your life and call yourself an adventure seeker, row down the rapids of Appalachia to experience the thrill and the adrenaline rush.
The region provides tourists with some best whitewater rapids, including the New and Gauley rivers in West Virginia. And don’t forget to pay the spectacular Ocoee River in Tennessee a visit. This activity isn’t really easy as it looks, but what’s good is that it provides you with a range of difficulty levels, from beginners to extremely challenging levels.
Use proper safety gear to navigate these rapids because you never know where they might take you.
These are a few recreational activities and sports in Appalachia that captivate the attention of people worldwide. Appalachia provides individuals with a top-notch level of entertainment while giving you the best experiences you will ever dream of.
After reading this blog, you might want to visit Appalachia for sure, with all the fun activities for which you will have to stay at a fine place where you can rest. Appalachian Sky vacation rentals offer tourists prime-quality hotel rooms with amazing views to satisfy you with the best vacation.