Posts Tagged ‘New River Gorge Area’

West Virginia Wildlife – Wild and Wonderful

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

If you happen to be rafting, biking, hiking or just hanging out in the New River Gorge, one thing you can’t help but notice is that it is comprised mostly of forest. At any point in the Gorge there may be thousands of acres in any direction with no civilization present. This makes it a great place for wildlife to reside.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Many people visit the Gorge and never see a single animal. After all, many adventure activities don’t really allow for a lot of scenery-watching. But there is plenty of wildlife here in the Gorge, and if you take the time to look for it, it can be found.

The Critters

Here’s a small list of some of the animals that make their home in the Gorge.

  • Squirrels
  • Raccoons
  • Skunks
  • Opossums
  • Hawks (many varieties)
  • Falcons
  • Bald Eagles
  • Turkey
  • Deer
  • Bear
  • Coyotes
  • Bobcats
  • Mink
  • Otters

 

There is also a large variety of bird species, small rodents, amphibians, reptiles and fish that call this area home. The Gorge is a very healthy ecosystem and its protected status is a major reason why.

Wildlife Viewing

If it’s wildlife viewing you’re after, then there are a few ways you can make it more likely that you’ll have a successful outing.

  • When hiking, cover ground slowly and fairly quietly. Remember, the farther away you get from roads or well-used areas, the more likely you are to encounter wildlife.
  • Stop, look and listen.  Take your time to look around and don’t get in a hurry to move. Scan the area very carefully before moving again.
  • Timing is key.  Very early mornings and late evenings are the optimal time to see animals, as they are either coming out of their hiding spots or getting ready to disappear into the foliage.
  • Come to the Gorge for one of our animal-related events.  The New River Birding and Nature Festival takes place every May and is a great way to learn from some expert birdwatchers.

 

Just remember that no matter how cute, cuddly or friendly an animal looks, keep a respectful distance. There’s a reason why they call it wildlife.

What wildlife have you seen in the Gorge?

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Holidays Happenings Around the Bridge

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Old Man Winter has only shown his face a couple of times so far this year (here, at least).  On the other hand, St. Nick is getting ready to make his appearance and this means festive times in the New River Gorge.  Whether you need to work on your Christmas list or just want to get into the holiday spirit, you’ll find everything you’re looking for right by the Bridge.

Shopping

There are plenty of shopping options in this area, especially if you’re looking for something a little different than a department store offering.  Canyon Rim Gift Shop and the National Park Service Canyon Rim Visitor Center are next to the Bridge and have a lot of interesting gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.

Wisteria’s Gifts, located just south of the Bridge in Fayetteville, has a great deal of handcrafted and unique gifts. Pottery, jewelry, glass, children’s items, and much more line the shelves of this cozy shop.

If you need a present for someone who loves being outside, then Water Stone Outdoorsin downtown Fayetteville can’t be missed. From climbing gear and shoes to all sorts of outdoor clothing, Water Stone has a great selection of items for all kinds of outdoor activities.

Page/Vawter House Christmas Lights

Downtown Fayetteville has many other little specialty shops offering antiques, clothing and crafts. Take some time to stroll around town and pop in on these local merchants.  You never know what you might find.

And here’s what we think is the perfect gift – a West Virginia adventure experience!  Purchase a gift certificate from one of our area outfitters and give a rafting trip, a jetboat ride, or a zip line tour.

Holiday Activities

Lacy’s Lights are an annual favorite at the Fayette County Park.  For just a small donation, you can drive through the display, which boasts over 300,000 lights.  In Ansted, visit the Page/Vawter House for it’s Christmas lights and tour. If these holiday lights don’t get you into the spirit, nothing will.

The Historic Fayette Theater has a couple of holiday shows in the works. The New River Youth Symphony Chorus will have their winter concert on December 10 at 7 pm. Then, The Wild Rumpus will host their third annual New Years Bash on New Years Eve. Both of these events are fun for the family.

How are you getting in the spirit around the Gorge this year?

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A Family Guide to the New River Gorge

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

This time of year parking lots throughout the New River Gorge fill up with cars hailing from New York to Florida and all parts in-between.  They come for the fun, the adrenaline rush, and for getting back to nature with the ones they love.

Photo Courtesy of Hard Rock Climbing

Family Fun - Rock Climbing!

And if you’re traveling with children this year, here’s a quick guide to finding things everyone can (and will love) to do:

8 and under

  • Rock Climbing – There are plenty of climbing spots that kids can tackle, and guides who can show them how to do it.
  • Whitewater Rafting (special boats) – Talk with one of the area rafting companies about a trip that will work for your family.
  • Horseback Riding (certain trips) – Even if your kids have never been on a horse, there are some beginner trips that are lots of fun.
  • Tram and Jetboat Ride - At Hawks Nest State Park, you can take a tram to the bottom of the Gorge.  From there, catch a ride with New River Jetboats and get an up-close view of the New River Gorge Bridge.

 

10+

  • Canopy Tours and Ziplining – There are lots of options in the Gorge; just remember, many canopy tours and zip lines have weight and height guidelines.
  • Bridge Walk (new!) – Take your family under the Bridge and look 876 feet down into the Gorge!
  • Whitewater Rafting (special boats)
  • Horseback Riding (certain trips)
  • Paintball – Local outfitters will provide you with the gear and tips on how to have a safe, fun time.
  • Mountain Biking – There are plenty of Gorge trails that kids will enjoy.  You can bring your own gear or go out with one of the Gorge’s local guide companies.
  • Standup Paddleboarding (new!) - A cross between surfing and kayaking, standup paddleboarding is a fun water sport that everyone can learn together.

 

12+

  • UTVing – Some local outfitters allow children ages 12 and up to be passengers in UTVs.
  • Wild Caving - Take a cave tour to the next level by going off the usual path, with a guide of course.  Warning – you will get muddy!
  • Kayaking – Many area outfitters teach the basics of kayaking and then take groups on guided tours.

 

13+

*Please note some activities also have a weight requirement. Many activities also require an adult or parent to be present.

What other activities do you and your family enjoy doing together?

 


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The Other Side of the Gorge – Ansted Hometown Mountain Heritage Festival

Tuesday, June 14th, 2011

Years before folks B.A.S.E. jumped or rafted, our towns were made up of some great artisans and pioneers.  Folks who lived off the land and made our destination what it is today.

Fire House Cloggers

In June – we’ll celebrate them all with the annual Ansted Hometown Mountain Heritage Festival.

On June 17-19 the area will be full of crafts, demos, and art and photography shows.  The weekend includes a chance to get active with a 5k walk/run and a 10k event.

Join neighbors and new friends at community meals, including a spaghetti dinner, a pancake breakfast, and a beans and cornbread dinner.

Here’s the current schedule:

Friday, June 17, 2011

  • 2 pm Flag Ceremony
  • 4 pm Citizen of the Year- United Bank Lot
  • 4-7 pm Methodist Spaghetti Dinner
  • 6 pm Stonewall Jackson
  • 7-10 pm Street Dance United Bank Lot
  • Inflatables – Vendors – Crafters – Heritage Demonstrations

Saturday, June 18, 2011

  • 9 am 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run- Ansted Denesis Healthcare Alzheimer’s Benefit
  • 9 am VFW Pancake Breakfast followed by Hot Dog Sale
  • 10 am – 2pm Fire House Cloggers
  • 10 am- 3 pm David T. Linkenhoker Art & Photography Show
  • 11:30 am Awards Presentation For 5K- United Bank Lot
  • 12 pm Horseshoe Pitching Contest
  • 12 pm-2 pm Karaoke- United Bank Lot
  • 4 pm Parade
  • 7-7:45 pm Michelle Motley-United Bank Lot
  • 8-9:30 pm Glen Shelton Concert-United Bank Lot
  • Inflatables – Vendors – Crafters – Heritage Demonstrations

Sunday, June 19, 2011

  • Family Day-FREE ice cream!
  • 12 pm-3 pm Free inflatable fun for kids
  • Noon- 4 pm Gospel Music- United Bank Lot
  • 3 pm Episcopal Church Bean & Cornbread Dinner- Donations for Fayette County Humane Society
  • 4 pm Raffle drawings- United Bank Lot
  • Vendors – Crafters – Heritage Demonstrations

 

Ansted, high above the hills of the New River Gorge, actually has its origins in bituminous coal.  Named for scientist Dr. David Ansted, the town began in 1891 from land between Hawk’s Nest and Westlake.

While no coal is visible today, it’s the Appalachian history that remains and this weekend is a true celebration of the tenacity of its people.

Will we see you there?

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A Summer Spot Not to Miss: Canyon Rim Visitor Center

Tuesday, June 7th, 2011

If you’re curious about the New River Gorge or are looking for a fun outdoor related stop this summer – make a trip to the National Park Service’s  Canyon Rim Visitors Center.  The center sits just atop the Gorge and offers not only visitors information, but also cultural and historical info on the entire New River area.

To start, take in one of the Center’s videos on the construction of the bridge or how nature created the Gorge.  From there, hop over to the bookstore for the area’s best array of books on coal life, communities, hikes, and the natural surroundings of southern WV.

Canyon Rim Visitors Center

Have a question?  Stop one of the Park Rangers who are always happy to assist with interpretive information or suggestions on how to improve your stay.

Want to get a closer look?  Go outside the Visitors Center and follow their boardwalk for great views and a great photo opp.

Want to get involved?  Plan your trip around one of the Visitors Center’s many activities.  Everything from day hikes to presentations on bats and other wildlife.

Have you visited Canyon Rim?

It’s a Fact:  Canyon Rim hosts some 300,000 visitors annually and is open every day from 9 to 5 p.m.

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Where Does the Water Come From? Your Gauley River Questions Answered

Tuesday, May 17th, 2011

Other than rafting – what is the Gauley River known for?  Where does that water come from?  And how did those dam releases get started?

These are all questions that come up on your general rafting trip or at any National Park Service Visitors Center.

Where does the water come from?
The Gauley is made up of waters from four other rivers – the Williams, Cranberry, Cherry and Meadow Rivers.  Three streams converge on Gauley Mountain in Pocahontas County to give it its start.  Gauley waters come from five different West Virginia counties.

Summersville Dam Release

How did the dam release get started?
Congress actually designated that the Summersville Dam releases begin.  This was the first law passed in the United States to mandate recreational whitewater dam releases.

Was there a lot of Native American activity around here?

  • According to the National Park Service, the oldest artifacts from the Gauley and New River Gorge area are Clovis points. Made more than 11,000 years ago over much of North America, these intricately-shaped stone spear points were used by ancient nomadic hunter-gatherers, Paleoindians, to kill mammoth, mastodon, and other Ice Age creatures.  But agricultural based pieces from a later inhabited period remain as well.  It is documented that these were ancestors of the Cherokee and Shawnee nations.
  • The Mary Draper Ingles story indicates that Mary made her courageous pilgrimage home right along where the New meets the Gauley — after capture by the Shawnees.
  • The Sandstone Visitors Center has a Native American exhibit and a sample Clovis point.

 

What else is the Gauley known for?
While whitewater rafting is her claim to fame – insiders know that the Gauley offers some amazing natural scenery and is also perfect for hiking, camping, and climbing.  Fishing enthusiasts also love her musky, trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass.

Got a Gauley question?  Ask away.

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Falcons and Eagles – And No, We’re Not Talking NFL Teams

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

High above the Gorge, eagles soar.  But they are new residents of the area, after being gone for quite some time.  Their friends the peregrines are new to the neighborhood as well.

While you may not be into birds, this is a pretty cool story.  A story of the impact the National Park Service has on the area and their efforts to bring these once native birds back to our habitat.

The bald eagle was once a rare sight in the Gorge.  Today, catching a glimpse of this national icon is a bit more commonplace.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Just a few years ago a pair of bald eagles laid eggs in the Brooks area of the Gorge in Summers County.  Since then, they’ve returned.  Today the National Park Service (NPS) has set up a barrier around the nesting area for protection, as eagles are a bit skittish to human interaction.  It is believed that now five different eagle pairs can be found in the general area.  See pictures of the eagles here.

The Park Service is also making an impact in the regeneration of the peregrine falcon.  A cage-like structure is being used to protect the birds during the pre-flight period while allowing them to acclimate to the Gorge. Once they are ready to fly, the birds will be released but will continue to be fed as needed until they build up their own hunting skills.

If you’re interested in seeing these birds in their natural Gorge habitat, consider attending the New River Birding & Nature Festival May 2-7 or visit the Brooks overlook with your binoculars.

 

Now how cool is that?

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Early Wildflowers Are Appearing Throughout the Gorge

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

The unique forest system found in the Gorge lends itself to some great botanical finds.  Sometimes we may just hike on by if we’re not aware of the cool things that can be found right at our feet.

The northern ridges of the Gorge may not look too different than during the winter months – but inside the gorge, way below the bridge, you’ll see warmer temperatures are already a perfect climate for white violets, wood betony, and more than 40 different species of plants that are starting to come alive.

Wood Betony is blooming in WV

So why are so many unique plants found in Appalachia?  The ecosystem allows for the perfect growing medium – different than what we’d find in our own yards.  Things like blue violet, red trillium, and even wild ginger are only viewable at peak times right here in the New River Gorge.

Want to catch of glimpse of these native plants as they make their grand entrance?  Join in on one of the many wildflower hikes during the eighth annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend, April 22-24.

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10 Alternate Names For Bridge Day

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

What’s Bridge Day?  The short answer is it’s the largest festival in West Virginia.

But it’s more than that, really.  Just saying “the largest festival…” leaves out the whole community feel of it.  The tradition.  The adrenaline.

Maybe if there were some more names for it, it would help describe everything that goes down…

  • “Y’all Are Crazy” Day- The big draw, of course, is BASE jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge.  If you don’t know, BASE is parachuting from a fixed object- in this case, a bridge.  A spectacle.
  • “I Can’t Eat Any More… Well, Okay” Day If there’s one thing you’ll find everywhere at Bridge Day, it’s food.  From the Pancake Breakfast in the morning to the Chili Cookoff that night, (and all day long, too) there’s plenty of grub.
  • “This Place Is Awesome” Day When you see the big crowd, and the jumpers, and the rafters and kayakers below, and the fall colors, all from this engineering marvel of a bridge, this is exactly what you’ll think.  Promise.
  • “I Do Need Some Art” Day We’re lucky to have some of the most talented artisans in the state come and set up shop.  Almost anywhere you go on Bridge day, there’s great art for browsing and for sale.
  • “We Need To Stay Another Day” Day There is no way to do everything you’d like to do in the New River Gorge in a day.  Rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, ATVs, paintball, rafting, kayaking, and on and on.  Sorry about that.
  • “I Should Get A Motorcycle” Day It probably helps that Weest Virginia has more CRPC  (Curvy Roads Per Capita) than any other state.  Whatever it is, Bridge Day draws tons of bikes.
  • “I’ve Got To Show My Friends This” Day This year -the 30th anniversary- Bridge Day is full connected, online, and mobile. Text bd30 to 77007 to find out everything, and tag the stuff you share with #bridgeday or #bd30.
  • “I Could Get Used To This” Day The New River Gorge is the world’s greatest backyard, basically.  People move to this part of the Mountain State to turn life into serious play.
  • “Fat Guy With A Funnel Cake” Day Self-explanitory.
  • “We’re Definitely Doing This Again Next Year” Day If we renamed the festival after the phrase most often overhead at Bridge Day, this would be it.

It’s a lot of things.  More than anything, it’s fun.  And who are we to try to define fun, anyway?  We’ll just stick with Bridge Day.

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