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Posts Tagged ‘West Virginia’

All About Hawks Nest

Tuesday, May 15th, 2012

The New River runs through some beautiful areas here in West Virginia. This is evidenced by the six State Parks located in close proximity to the New River Gorge. The closest to the New River Gorge Bridge is Hawks Nest State Park. Its name is very representative of its location.

Seated right on the rim of the Gorge about 3 miles west of the Bridge, this Park offers not only wonderful views but plenty of recreation. Let’s take a look at why Hawks Nest is a great place to visit.

An Overlook at Hawks Nest State Park

The Lake

Hawks Nest Lake was built in 1936 as a result of damming off the New River to produce power for a Union Carbide-built metallurgical plant. Its 250 acres now provide recreational activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. The tunnel built to move water to the hydroelectric plant is still in use.

Located directly below the Lodge in the park, the lake can be accessed by driving down what was once a narrow gauge rail line into Ansted or by taking the aerial tram out of the Lodge. For the more adventurous types, park at the top of the Hawks Nest Rail Trail and hike to the bottom. Once there you can catch a jet boat that offers tours of the lake, culminating in a view of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Hawks Nest Lodge and Nature Center

The 31-room Lodge was built in 1967 and offers some of the most spectacular views from guest rooms of any State Park in WV system. Accomodations are reasonably priced and the Lodge is very close to many area activities. The Lodge also has a full service restaurant that allows guests to dine with a “birds eye” view of the Gorge, courtesy of a wall of windows.

The Hawks Nest Nature Center is located at the bottom of the aerial tram by the lake. It is filled with nature exhibits and interactive displays.. There are also many hiking trails on site. The newest of these is the Hawks Nest Rail Trail, based out of the Nature Center.

Other Activities

The 276-acre Park has lots of places to explore within its boundaries, but is also close to the heart of the New River Gorge. That means there’s plenty of fun to be had within minutes of the park. Here’s a list of recreation opportunities either in Hawks Nest State Park or close by.

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Golf
  • Whitewater rafting
  • Kayaking and Canoeing
  • Rock climbing
  • Zip lining
  • ATV riding
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Horseback riding

Need another reason to make Hawks Nest part of your New River Gorge visit? Views from the overlooks are spectacular, the people are friendly, and you’ll really be able to get back to nature and relax.

Have you visited Hawks Nest?

The Rich History of the New River Gorge and the Town of Sewell

Wednesday, May 9th, 2012

Sewell is another once-bustling area mining community. It was carved into the hillside of the New River Gorge to take advantage of the abundant coal reserves found there. But Sewell had a greater distinction at one time.

Curious?

Sewell used to be known as Bowyer’s Ferry, after Peter Bowyer. Peter not only established a ferry across the New River there around 1798, but he is also credited as the first white settler in the Gorge. This small settlement was right where the road from Charleston to Lewisburg met the New River. It was nearly 80 years before the CSX line was built through the Gorge. A depot went in at Bowyer’s Ferry and the name of the town was changed to Sewell Station. It was later just shortened to Sewell.

The Depot in Sewell, West Virginia

The name Sewell comes from Stephen Sewell, a European pioneer, among the first to settle and explore these mountains. From this name, it is fitting that this little town became the first commercial center for the Gorge’s small mining communities, with the first store being built by 1871.

Sewell had amassed a population of more than 300 by 1880. Even one of the coal seams running through the Gorge bears Sewell’s name.

Mining

The Longdale Iron Company from Virginia acquired land and opened a mine near Sewell Depot in 1873, the same year the railroad was complete. The Sewell mine was the first operation to have coke ovens in the Gorge, building 50 of the beehive design ovens in 1874. Eventually it was expanded to almost 200 coke ovens, the largest in the Gorge at the time.

Even later when the Sewell mines had been worked out, the town remained a vital link in the Gorge. Mines from the Clifftop area shipped coal down Mann’s Creek Railroad, through what would now be Babcock State Park. That coal was burned in Sewell’s coke ovens. These ovens burned coal until 1956, and were some of the last ovens used in southern WV. The towns last official resident, a railroad employee, moved out in 1973.

What’s Left

The remains of the old community are located just upstream, but across the river from the rafting access point at Cunard. The remains of some of the foundations and the coke ovens can still be seen. Many rafting companies use the areas between the river and the town for lunch and camping areas for overnight trips.

It’s easy to see why CSX chose this area to base a depot. There is a lot of flat area associated with it between the water and the steep mountainside.

How many mining towns of the Gorge can you name?

New River Gorge History: The Lost Town of Kaymoor

Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

There were well over 60 mining camps and communities located within the New River Gorge at one time. Many of them were no more than a few miles from the New River Gorge Bridge. The Industrial Revolution fueled a need for natural resources. The Gorge area, with its vast coal reserves, was able to prosper from this.

One of the towns that developed from this boom was the mining camp of Kaymoor. A little over a mile from where the New River Gorge Bridge is now, Kaymoor was home to one of the last operating mines in the Gorge. What is left today are a few of the old buildings, coke ovens and a couple mine openings that have been gated off for safety.

Let’s take a look at a little of the history of the Kaymoor mines and camp.

Photo Courtesy of the National Park Service

The Beginning

The Kaymoor mine was opened by the Low Moor Iron Company around 1899 to supply coal for its iron furnaces in Low Moor, Virginia.  This mine was a bit different than most because they built two complete coal camps for it, one at the top of the Gorge and one at the bottom. There were no churches, banks, saloons, or town halls associated with either one of these areas. Only company stores, a pool hall, and a pair of segregated schools were part of the camps.

Kaymoor partly gets its name from James Kay, the man in charge of building the town. In all, close to 130 houses were built to house the miners. In order to get these workers from the town to the mine, a single track incline was built to transport workers and equipment over a 1,000 foot slope. A similar double track incline was built to move the coal down to the processing plant and coke ovens. Both inclines were in operation until the mine closed in 1962.

The Decline of Kaymoor

Low Moor owned the mine until 1924, when, after the processing plant burned, they decided to sell. It was purchased by the New River and Pocahontas Consolidated Coal Company. They modernized the mine over the next couple of decades, including building a brand new processing plant.

The Kaymoor bottom camp was abandoned around 1952, with any remaining residents moving to the top. This made life more convenient for them because the bank the townsfolk used was in Fayetteville. Most of the structures that remained were destroyed by fire in 1960.

Kaymoor is unique too in that the average existence of a coal town was around 25 years, but Kaymoor was inhabited and worked for 62 years.

Today

Some of the remains of the Kaymoor Mines are still standing today. A short hike down the side of the Gorge will take you to the area with the old mine openings. Here you can also see the remains of some of the structures that were part of the mining operation.

The National Park Service has worked on preserving much of this area, and it is a neat look back at the past. You can also access the 800+ steps here that follow the same path as the old double incline , taking you to the bottom. There you can see a few more of the remains including the coke ovens.

It’s a strenuous hike into Kaymoor, but if you’re into history, it’s well worth it. Just be careful and keep your eyes open. There’s no telling what remnants of the past you might see.

Do you have any memories of Kaymoor?

Growing Up in Edmond, WV: Life in the Shadow of the Bridge

Friday, April 27th, 2012

By Ashley Thomas

There are many small towns in the area around the New River Gorge Bridge, many of which were once coal towns. Once upon a time, these towns were bustling with activity and excitement. Although things have quieted down today, many folks still live there and remember the “good ‘ol days”.

Some of my fondest memories as a child involved the goings on in the unincorporated area called Edmond, WV. I say “area” because other than the Post Office, there really isn’t much else there. It was a small community inhabited mostly by folks that used to work in the mines in the Gorge. As a young adventurous boy, I found Edmond to be a place of great fun and looking back, maybe a life lesson or two was learned there.

The author and his grandfather the Edmond home place

My great grandparents, Percy and Elizabeth Morrison, lived at what I would consider the epicenter of Edmond, being that the Post Office actually sat on their land. We would make the trip to go visit them on most every holiday and just about any other time something was going on. Or, when I would beg and plead enough.

One of the reasons I found Edmond fun was that Grandpa Morrison had about 18 acres and there was always something happening there. Grandpa planted two gardens every spring, even up into his late 70′s. One was across from the house and one was behind it. I guess he had certain vegetables he didn’t like cavorting together.  Plus, he plowed a field of corn, mostly for fun I think.

The author and family at the Edmond home place

The fun there for a young boy never stopped. I loved catching salamanders in the root cellar and out of the little creek that flowed on the property. This was mostly for fishing in the pond across from the house, although salamanders are just fun to play with too. There was even the occasional shooting rats off the axle of the trash trailer, strictly as a way of keeping our marksman skills sharp. I could run around and get as dirty as I wanted in Edmond and that was okay.

Grandma used to cook dinner for the family at least one Sunday a month until I was probably 10 years old. Family gatherings there could get really hectic if everybody showed up. There were 9 children, 20 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren in the family, so it could be a real shindig if everybody visited at once. It was cool to see cousins that you only knew from those rare occasions when everybody got together.

I can still see my Great Grandpa napping in his recliner chair on a Sunday afternoon. He would have golf on the TV and he had a small transistor radio that sat on the table beside him. He’d have an earpiece in one ear listening to the Cincinnati Reds. I’m sure he was dreaming of being at deer camp, his favorite spot outside of Edmond.

I have always felt lucky that I got to know my great grandparents that way and will forever remember the times I spent with them in Edmond. Every time I drive by the town now, I take a moment to remember how much my time on that little farm is still with me to this day.

Did you grow up around the New River Gorge and the Bridge? Share your memories below in the comments.

Top 5 Spring ‘Must-Dos’ Around the New River Gorge Bridge

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Spring weather has arrived with a rush this year. Ramps, morel mushrooms, and budding trees and flowers are all a few weeks earlier than normal. This means folks are already getting out and enjoying all the activities the New River Gorge has to offer.

Rafting is one obvious must-do adventure for visitors. But there are also other must-do activities that you might not know about (but should try to fit in your visit to the Bridge area).

Here’s our list of the top 5 musts for spring in New River Gorge Bridge country.

1. Drive the Gorge

Take a trip down old State Rt. 82 from the north side to the south. You can start at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and take advantage of the overlooks and the interpretive center there. Once traveling through the Gorge, there are great spots to get pictures of the Bridge. Be sure to stop at the bottom and watch rafts run Fayette Station rapid. There’s also a pull-off on the south side with a bridge over Wolf Creek and a hiking trail to the old Kaymoor Mines, if you want to stretch your legs.

2. Swirl Ice Cream Parlor

Located in downtown Fayetteville, this ice cream shop has lots of toys and goodies for kids you probably haven’t seen in years. Retro trinkets and toys are on display and available for purchase here. And oh yeah, they have great hand-dipped ice cream too.

3. Take flight in a WWII Biplane

Wild Blue Adventure Company Biplane

Wild Blue Adventure Company offers biplane rides over the Gorge in an authentic WWII Biplane. With an open cockpit, you’ll have great views of the Gorge from Thurmond to Fayetteville. Make sure you hang on. It’s a wild ride.

4. Long Point Trail

Just a couple of miles outside of Fayetteville, this 3.2 mile round trip hike will give you a wonderful view of the New River and the Bridge. If you’re looking for more hiking there, are also trails that branch off the main trail that can take you to Fayetteville, Fayette Station Road or the Kaymoor mines. This trail is a local favorite, so you know it’s worth the hike.

5. New River Jet Boats

Docked on the New River just below Hawks Nest State Park Lodge, this is another fun and interesting way to enjoy the river and see the Bridge. You can access the Jet Boat dock area by either riding the tram from Hawks Nest Lodge to the river or driving down Mill Creek out of Ansted. Either way, the trip on Miss M. Rocks is a great way to enjoy a little time on the New River and a wonderful view of the Bridge. This is an especially great option for those who aren’t able to raft the New River.

So this spring (or on your next visit to the Gorge), try one of these unique activities.

What are your ‘must-do’ adventures in the New River Gorge?

Before the New River Gorge Bridge

Friday, April 13th, 2012

By Ashley Thomas

Most local West Virginians who are over the age of 40 can remember the days before the New River Gorge Bridge was built. Even though I was a young child, I have lots of memories of making the trek through the Gorge, watching the growth of this grand structure as the building process progressed from each side to meet in the middle.

I lived in Fayetteville, but my great grandparents lived in Edmond. At least one Sunday a month we would go to their house for supper. This would involve a 35-minute trip to get to their house, most of which was navigating the crooked road that everyone used to take through the Gorge. That trip now takes about 9 minutes, aided by the 40-second trip across the New River Gorge Bridge.

Building the New River Gorge Bridge

Through The Gorge

The road through the Gorge is State Route 82, and other than going down Rt. 16 to Rt. 60, it was one of the only ways to get across the 900-foot deep canyon.  For anyone who has driven through the Gorge since the Fayette Station Bridge was rebuilt and the road was reopened, the drive feels different now.  The mostly one-way route that now exists makes for very easy driving.

It is hard for some to picture this route as a two-lane road that once had a lot of traffic. Passenger vehicles, coal and log trucks, and all kinds of tractor trailers once had to navigate this narrow mountain passage. One reason the trip took so long is that driving very quickly was treacherous. Around any curve you might have met a large vehicle that was taking up a lot of the road.

Fun or Fear? Both!

As a young child, I always found that driving through the Gorge closely resembled a carnival ride, one loaded with twists and turns and excitement.  I always tried to ride on the side of the car where I would have the best view of the Gorge. I could see straight down the steep sides of cliffs. More than once I thought about how crazy a tumble to the bottom would be.

The author's family in the Gorge

The road was so narrow in many spots that in order to maximize it’s width, it was necessary to eliminate a guardrail. This always added to the excitement. Nothing like knowing that there is nothing between you and the edge.

Riding on the inside didn’t feel much safer. Looking straight up the mountain at rocks and logs precariously balanced above the road, I was always sure one was about to let go and crush the car. You can get that same feeling today, if you really want. Just look up the hill next time you drive through and some of those same rocks are still perched there. 35 years later they still haven’t moved (thank goodness).

There’s no doubt the Bridge has made travel in this area easier , but when you have time, take a drive through the Gorge on Rt. 82.  Think about how that was once one of the only ways to cross the New River. I take my girls on drives through the Gorge every chance I get. They love it as much as I always have.

Do you remember the Gorge before the Bridge was built?  Tell us about it in the comments!

Zipping Around the Bridge

Friday, April 6th, 2012

Bridge Day offers folks the possibility of riding on the High Line, a 600 foot harnessed trip on a rope from the Bridge to the side of the Gorge. This experience is very similar to a zip line. The only difference is that the High Line uses a belayed rope to help control participants’ speed.

Zip lines are becoming increasingly popular in West Virginia and beyond.  Luckily for us, there are four Gorge-area zip lines, and another line is being constructed on the Bechtel Summit Boy Scout property.

Let’s take a look at area zip lines so you can choose one to visit when you’re here for Bridge Day.

The Burning Rock Express Dual-Racing Zip Line

What is a Zip Line

A zip line is a set of ropes or cables strung between two objects. These ropes or cables contain enough vertical drop from start to finish to allow a pulley to move swiftly on the lines.

Zip line riders, (aka ‘zippers’), wear a harness that is connected to a pulley and lanyard system. The pulley is attached to the tensioned line, and the vertical difference from the starting point to the ending point supplies the momentum to move you along the line. You hang suspended from the line over the length of the zip. Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

The length and speed of zip lines vary depending on how they were designed. There are two distinct differences in lines here in the Gorge.  Let’s take a look.

The Gorge Zip Lines

TreeTops Canopy Tour is located at Adventures On The Gorge. It has 10 zips, varying in distance from 100 feet to 730 feet. It also contains 5 cable bridges, 3 short hikes and a rappel. It takes about 4 hours to complete, so plan your day accordingly.

The Zip Line Canopy Tour is at ACE Adventure Resort. It is also a network of zips that keep participants in the air for over a mile. It also offers side-by-side zip racing, and has one long zip that is well over 800 feet. A 250 foot skybridge and dual 45 foot plunge lines round out this tour.

Gravity is also an Adventures On The Gorge activity, and is zip lining at its fastest (and most adventurous). These zips are designed with speed in mind and go from ridge top to ridge top. The longest zip is 3,100 feet, with speeds that can approach 60 mph. It also has zips of 1,600 feet and 1,300 feet, so you’ll get plenty of zip time. This one is definitely for the adrenaline junkies who like to go fast.

The Burning Rock Express Dual-Racing Zip Line is at Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park. It is a double racing zip line that just lets it rip. At over 2,500 feet and speeds that approach 60 mph, this zip line will definitely get your attention. Although it is just one zip, it’s a great, exciting addition to the 100+ miles of ATV trails at Burning Rock.

We’re lucky to have so many great opportunities to enjoy a zip line (or 10) around here. It’s a unique adventure that you should make part of your next Gorge vacation, during Bridge Day weekend or any other time of year.

And if you love zip lines, maybe you should consider signing up to do the High Line next Bridge Day. It may not be as fast, but hanging 600 feet over the Gorge is a whole different kind of exhilaration.

Are you ready to zip?

Bridge Day Behind the Scenes: Rappel Coordinator Benjy Simpson

Friday, March 30th, 2012

We’ve looked at many different organizations and groups that work diligently throughout the year to make Bridge Day happen. Another one of these players is Benjy Simpson, who has been in charge of the rappelling and high line programs for 20 years. He’ll tell you he’s learned a lot, it has been trying at times, but he wouldn’t trade one minute of it for anything.

In The Beginning

Rappelling off the New River Gorge Bridge had taken place before 1992, organized by a group out of Charleston. Benjy had wanted the chance to rappel off the Bridge when he got a call.

Benjy talks with reporters on the Bridge catwalk

Cindy Whitlock, then director of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce and organizer of Bridge Day, told Benjy he could rappel off the Bridge under one condition. He had to take over organizing Bridge Day rappelling, as the Charleston group wasn’t doing it anymore.

Benjy jumped at the chance.  However, he quickly realized that even with all his climbing and ropes experience, he was a bit in over his head. He immediately started studying and finding people who could help him learn what he needed to pull off a rappel of this magnitude. He also wanted to change the way the event was handled. He has accomplished both very successfully.

Through The Years

When Benjy took over the rappelling component of Bridge Day in 1992, there were 10 teams and 95 rappellers. In 2011 there were 23 teams and 311 rappellers who did a total of 860 rappels. Opening the activity up to more people was the biggest change Benjy had hoped to make; this change has been a success.

Benjy also wanted to ensure the event was as safe as possible. He’s very quick to point out that he’s had a lot of superb help in accomplishing this goal. He’s welcoming only his third Safety Officer in 20 years next year, and this consistency is one reason his team has been able to do such an amazing job every year.

The rappelling and high line teams have organizers and safety team members who are crucial in helping Benjy ensure safety for the event. In the 12 years he has managed the high line, there has never been an injury.  In fact, there’s only been one injury in the 20 years of rappelling. That’s a safety statistic Benjy is very proud of.

Benjy has signed on to organize rappelling and high line on Bridge Day for three more years. When that’s over, Benji says he’ll really be considering passing the torch to someone else. He loves doing it, has had a great time, and met tons of wonderful and unique people over the years, but he thinks it’s about time to enjoy Bridge Day from the deck. We bet he still slips down underneath for a bit, just out of habit.

How To Gear Up For Rafting Season, Part 2

Thursday, March 22nd, 2012

March is almost a memory and with April just around the corner, it’s time to think rafting. April is a time for the hardy paddlers to take advantage of normally high river levels and typically lower trip costs.

Before you come here to “get your raft on” there are a few things you need to think about that can help make your trip more enjoyable. We’ve compiled a short list for you:

Spring Rafting is a Wild Ride

Get the Right Gear

If you’re a wily rafting veteran, you’ve probably already learned a few things about what to bring on a trip. But if you’ve never been rafting in the spring or you’re a rookie to the sport, there are many little things you should consider for this time of year and this type of rafting:

  • Wear synthetic or wool clothing; stay away from cotton. If you wear fleece or other synthetic material clothing, you’ll stay warmer when you get wet (and yes, you’re going to get wet). Wool is also a good choice because it has the ability to keep you warm when wet. Sweaters, long underwear, socks, gloves and a beanie will all go a long way towards making your trip more comfortable.
  • Consider wearing waterproof clothing.  Even if you have great under layers or wear a wetsuit, you will still want to have something to keep the splash off .
  • Don’t forget your sun protection.  Spring is when you have the potential to get burned without realizing it. The air and water keep you cool all day, but the sun’s rays are blazing. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat will help diminish the sun’s effects and you won’t go home beet red.

 

Planning

A little bit of planning goes a long way.  This is especially true when it comes to rafting. There are a few things that you can do in preparation for a trip that will make a big difference.

  • Get to know area outfitters.  Rafting companies are all different, and some offer great deals this time of year. Many of them have specials that include lodging, dinner, and even free cold weather clothing rentals to entice rafters to take the plunge in the spring.
  • Know your limits.  If you’ve never been rafting before or you’re not the bravest when it comes to water, you may want to spend an extra bit of time finding a trip that matches your comfort level.
  • Get ready by getting moving.  Spring time rafting can be quite exerting, so try and get some exercise in prior to your trip. Walk, stretch, jog – any of these activities will prep you for a big day on the water.

Have you already made plans for your spring rafting trip?

Explore the Gorge at Canyon Rim Visitor Center

Thursday, March 15th, 2012

With a front row seat to the New River Gorge and the Bridge, Canyon Rim Visitor Center is a must-see when you’re visiting the New River Gorge National River. Located just on the North side of the New River Gorge Bridge, the center sees an estimated 300,000 people every year.

The Center provides information about the recreational, natural, cultural and historical values of the park. There is a staff of interpretive rangers that man the center and provide information about the park and its resources. And bonus: it provides a couple of the nicest views of the Gorge and the Bridge from multiple overlooks.

Let’s take a little deeper look at what this center means to the Park and its visitors.

Canyon Rim Visitor's Center

Inside the Center

The building itself houses a great mini-museum with photographs and exhibits collected from the people, towns and coal industry that inhabited the Gorge for so many years. Other displays focus on the natural history of the area. There is an auditorium that runs two permanent videos, and special features and programs rotate through from time to time.

There is also a gift shop that sells publications specific to the park and surrounding area. They have a great selection of books on the natural and cultural history of the area.  There are plenty of fun items for the kids.  And, you’ll find plenty of books on recreation and maps to help you navigate the New River Gorge.

Outside and Beyond

In addition to the great overlooks at Canyon Rim, the Park Service plays host to a number of events and activities throughout the year. Many of these events are based out of Canyon Rim or take place on the property. Guided, informative nature hikes, birding sessions, wildflower walks and many events geared specifically towards children are offered throughout the year.

Coming up in the next few months at Canyon Rim:

  • Earth Day Celebration, April 21st. The NPS will have a booth set up in Fayetteville as part of the Earth Day celebration in town.
  • Wildflower Weekend, April 27-29. Several programs and hikes at different locations in and around the park will be offered focusing on the spring wildflowers of the Gorge.
  • Water Safety Weekend, May 26-28. With summer just around the corner, the NPS will conduct programs dealing directly with safety while in or around the water.

And many more events will be scheduled soon at Canyon Rim..  Visit the Center’s website to check the calendar periodically for updates, or call 304-574-2115 for more information.

The New River Gorge is an amazing place and has so much to see (and do!). Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the Gorge has to offer. Canyon Rim Visitor Center is a great place to start.