The phrase “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia” gained widespread use in the mid-1970s, appearing on everything from government brochures to license plates.
After my recent vacation in the New River Gorge, I suggest adding a third word: “wet.”
It rained every day, but I didn’t let that spoil my mood. I dodged the raindrops and managed to hike all five mountain trails.
A park ranger told me there was a drought in the area. Consider the drought over.
The trip was my 10th visit to the New River Gorge in the south of the state in the last 11 years. I claim it is the most beautiful place in the world.
I really needed West Virginia this year. The last few months have been so difficult and stressful for a variety of reasons.
About 20 minutes after arriving in Fayetteville, I heard “Take Me Home, Country Roads” on satellite radio.
I was back where I belonged.
When I got to my hotel room around 11pm that night, I noticed how relaxed I felt. The tension of the last few months seemed to disappear.
On the first full day of my trip, I was ready to hit the trails.
The Endless Wall Trail offers some of the best views of the New River Gorge
Endless Wall is my favorite trail and the first one I hike every summer. The view of the canyon from Diamond Point Overlook is my favorite view in the park.
I got there at 8:20 a.m. to beat the crowds. To put that in perspective, on a typical workday, I’m not even out of the shower by 8:20 a.m.
This year there was an added attraction. Apparently a goat escaped from a nearby farm and is now wandering around the forest. It was in many photos on Facebook, but I didn’t see it.
When I reached the Diamond Point Overlook, I saw rain clouds covering both the New River Gorge and the famous bridge. It was a majestic sight.
On the entire 3.8-kilometer circular route, I only encountered eight people and two dogs jogging with their owners. They were not on a leash, as required by the park rules.
The morning temperature was around 15 degrees, which was refreshing, at least until the 97% humidity set in and my shirt stuck to my skin.
Rain clouds also obscured the view of the bridge at the end of the Long Point Trail the next morning. At the Main Overlook in Grandview in neighboring Raleigh County, they were still visible for a while in the afternoon.
When I reached the visitor center, several deer were wandering around the parking lot like they owned the place. They didn’t seem to care much about people. I got some nice pictures.
Finally the sun broke through and burned away the rain clouds, revealing a spectacular view of the gorge from the highest point of the national park at 437 metres above sea level.
Reporter discovers hard-to-find waterfalls
I spent most of my last full day in West Virginia chasing waterfalls. Last year, I couldn’t find the Hawks Nest Rail Trail in nearby Ansted. Instead, I hiked down a remote gravel road. I could hear the water rushing in Mill Creek, but I couldn’t see it through the trees.
After initially missing it again, I stumbled upon the correct trail. Having already hiked four mountain trails, my legs were pretty tired. The Rail Trail was flat and easy to walk.
The rushing water provided a peaceful soundtrack to my hike.
From there I went to Cathedral Falls, which falls 60 feet from Cane Creek over a ledge of shale and sandstone into a small pool.
Cathedral Falls was breathtaking. To get there you have to drive down a winding road, even by West Virginia standards.
I was relieved that I didn’t get sick on these country roads, otherwise it would have been time to break out the Dramamine.
On my last two trips to the New River Gorge, I ventured out of the park to watch sunsets at Beauty Mountain. The evening sky was partly sunny, so I took a chance.
The sun only came out for a few minutes, but the mountain lived up to its name. Mist descended over the gorge and created a picture that was in no way inferior to a sunset.
My trip was almost over. The next morning I filled up with gas before driving the 280 miles north. I noticed a motorcyclist wearing a black leather vest with the words “Iron Pig” written on it. That’s a motorcycle club.
I saw the movie “The Bikeriders” earlier this summer and wondered if I could be an Iron Pig.
This is an adventure for a future trip.
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