Appalachia, VA Road Trips

Appalachians have historically been associated with a wide variety of negative stereotypes, to the point that some cities actually have laws prohibiting discrimination against Appalachians. Appalachia however has a very rich and diverse array of cultures albeit with a long and often troublesome history, including slavery and cruelties against Native Americans. Today many Appalachians are proud of their Appalachian identity, and a variety of institutions work to preserve Appalachian culture and history while maintaining its diversity.

In the mountains, it is most convenient to have a car.

Hillbillies, rampant racism and homophobia are amongst the many stereotypes of Appalachia. Most Appalachians exhibit "Southern hospitality" and are decent folk, not racist, though homophobia and transphobia are more common. If you are concerned about discrimination, keep to yourself, be polite, and most people will do the same for you. Every community has its bad apples, though. Not all Appalachian states have laws preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity either. You should be prepared to see your share of Confederate flags south of the Mason-Dixon Line, though the extent to which this is motivated by racism is a controversial topic best not broached during your visit. Historically, most Appalachians were strongly antislavery and many were loyal to and fought for the Union during the Civil War, as witness West Virginia's split from Virginia. Appalachian Tennessee produced more antislavery newspapers than any other place in the country, many doing so at extreme risk. Appalachian Kentucky had racially integrated colleges nearly 100 years before desegregation. Appalachians have always valued freedom, which is actually the West Virginia state motto (montani semper liberi, translated "mountaineers are always free"). If you are staying in a small town or away from an urban area, make sure you know what to do if a black bear makes its way into town or your camp. Bears occasionally come into small towns to forage for food.