The New River Gorge West Virginia is one of those amazing destinations that will, frankly and simply, amaze you. Once I started digging into this area I realized that there are a variety of ways to experience the gorge. If you like soft or extreme adventure, this is the place. Or maybe you like a more relaxed excursion into this part of the Appalachian hills of West Virginia. Let’s take a virtual trip and count the ways.
1. ‘A river runs through it’. Not just any river but this old man river, the New River, is one the oldest rivers on the continent. Paddlers are drawn to the river. Kayaking, canoeing or white water rafting through the gorge has been described as traveling through a mini version of the Grand Canyon. In fact it is often called ‘The Grand Canyon of the East’.
2. Happy trails. One of the most popular hiking trails in the east is called the Endless Wall Trail. They call it Endless Wall because the line of cliffs goes on for quite some distance. The views are spectacular and you can often hear the whitewater rafters from 1,000 feet below.
3. On the road again. A one hundred year old road of hairpin turns leads you to the bottom of the gorge. View remnants of abandoned coal mining communities. Learn the history of the mining industry among ghost towns rapidly being taken over by nature. As a bonus, a few ghosts may hitch a ride with you on your way back up the gorge.
4. By rail. A day long train excursion traverses the former Chesapeake & Ohio mainline from Huntington, WV to Hinton, WV. The New River Train Excursions suggest fall as the best time to ride and view some of the most spectacular fall scenery as well as the many towns and cities they pass through.
5. Horseback. Equestrian Adventure has over 20 years of experience and access to over 6,000 acres of the trails along the rim of the New River Gorge National Park.
6. Vertical. Rock climbers are also drawn to the area. The abundance of climbs (1,400) and the views (30-120 feet in height) as well as the hard sandstone are a plus for experienced climbers.
7. On a higher note. See the gorge from Treetop Zip Line and Gravity Canopy Tours. The tours are a combination of zip lines, cable bridges and stationary tree platforms. They tout it as a great adrenaline rush. I would not doubt that.
8. On an even higher note. Wild Blue Adventures will take you up in an open cockpit WWII biplane. Cool.
8. Go underground. Caving in the New Gorge is big. Less adrenaline but those who like stalactites, stalagmites and helicites may argue with me. The Stratosphere Cave is the most popular.
10. A view from the bridge. Built in 1980 on U.S. Route 19 near Fayetteville, West Virginia, the New River Gorge Bridge is an architectural icon and one of the most famous bridges in the country.
After all this adventure where does one hang their hat and rest their weary bones? The Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast of course. A lovely respite located in the middle of the New River Gorge recreation area. A stroll into the historic town of Fayetteville is a must. The town is described as an eclectic community of outdoor enthusiast, artists, and native West Virginians. Sounds like a place to hang an ‘open for business sign’ as well as your hat, permanently.
The B&B Team represents The Morris Harvey House for sale. The occupancies average around 50%, a remarkable achievement for any inn in a small town setting, which is testament to the strength of the draw that the Gorge has. Topping off the attractiveness of the Morris Harvey House is the detached adjacent owner’s cottage with 2 bedrooms and full bath, kitchen, and living/dining room, affording space to relax and get away from the business while being immediately convenient. It is a beautiful property with so much more to offer than at first glance. Just like the New River Gorge, new adventures await new owners.
Thanks for Listening,
Janet Wolf
