Gorge Guide Spring/Summer 2013 by New River Gorge Adventure Guide

Gorge Guide SPRING/SUMMER 2013

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Event Calendar inside!

New River Gorge Bucket List

Must-do Items

emergency primer

What to do When Things Go Wrong

Join Up! Fly the Gorge

BIPLANE RIDES «

1.304.574.1150

www.wildblueadventurecompany.com Dining-Shopping-Events

Imagine.

Shopping for things created in neighboring counties. Not neighboring countries. When you shop Tamarack, you’ll discover thousands of handmade crafts, unique works of art and one-of-a-kind gifts. All crafted in one state. All under one roof. Shop the Best of West Virginia. Shop Tamarack. OPEN DAILY | EXIT 45 I-77/I-64 BECKLEY

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Fayetteville, WV 219 W. Maple Avenue 304.574.2200

Charleston, WV 222 Capitol Street 304.342.7437

Morgantown, WV 1002 Suncrest Towne Centre 304.777.4749

Open Daily / Lunch & Dinner

Worthington, OH 7227 N. High Street 614.885.7437

Dayton, OH The Greene Town Center Opening July 2013!

www.PIES AND PINTS.net

Find, follow, like and review Pies & Pints online at:

CONNECTING ART TO OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR COMMUNITY TO ART

GET INVOLVED!

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS

Come Visit Our Artist Cooperative Open Thurs—Sun, 12—8

ART CLASSES

◆ New! African Drumming Workshops ◆ kids arts and craft classes ◆ adult painting and mixed media

New Photo Studio at FAC CO-OP

◆ framed photography ◆ portraiture by appt.

103 Keller Avenue (above Secret Sandwich Society) www.fayettevilleartscoalition.org Fayettevilleartscoalition@hotmail.com

New River Gorge Adventure Guide covers the beautiful natural playgrounds in and around the New river Gorge including the Gauley river and summersville lake area, the Bluestone river, the meadow river, and more. it is based out of south-central west Virginia near the New river Gorge Bridge. PuBlisher/editor Cristina Opdahl editoriAl coNsultANts Maura Kistler, Christopher Danz coPy editor Martha Opdahl heAlth/eNViroNmeNt editor

Ginger Danz

coNtriButiNG writers Amanda Ashley, Jonathan Danz, Katie Johnson, Keith Kinsey, Erin Larsen, Maura Kistler, Brian Vincent coNtriButiNG PhotoGrAPhers

Christopher Danz, Mike Turner

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Jim Maxwell Please send request for media kits to gorgeguide@gmail.com or call 304-573-8113 EDITORIAL CONTENT editorial and photo submissions are welcome. send a brief description of your story idea or jpeg of the photo you are submitting to gorgeguide@gmail.com copyright© 2013 by Nickelville Press, llc. All rights reserved. reproduction in whole or part without written permission is expressly prohibited. new river gorge Adventure guide P.o. Box 372 fayetteville, wV 25840 304-573-8113 outdoor activities are inherently risky, and participation can cause injury or loss of life. Please consult your doctor prior to beginning any workout program or sports activity, and seek out a qualified instructor. Nickelville Press, llc will not be held responsible for your decision to play outdoors.

coVer: crystal hudson and sampson take in the view above endless wall, New river Gorge, west Virginia. Photograph by shullphoto

Old River, New Adventures, Lasting Memories www.NewRiverGorgeCVB.com ❦ New River Rendezvous ❦ May 16—19 ❦ White Oak Rail Trail Expo ❦ June 1 ❦ New River festival ❦ June 7—9 ❦ Ansted Hometown ❦

Mountain Heritage Festival June 14—16

❦ National Scout Jamboree ❦ July 15—24

www.VisitFayettevilleWV.com *Check the website often for all that’s happening in the ’Ville

 Fayette County Farmer’s Market  Every Saturday May—October 7:30—11:30AM located in parking lot between Fayetteville CVB and Diogi’s.  Market Day  First Saturday of every month June—October; 8:00—11:30PM Artisan Market, Live Music, Yard Sales  West Virginia Day: 150th Birthday  June 20, 2013, 12:00 Noon Downtown Fayetteville  New River Gorge Heritage Festival  July 4th Weekend Downtown Fayetteville

Don’t Miss Out On All The Fun!

SHOPPING Your Next ShoppiNg AdveNture iS right ArouNd the CorNer! Shop over 60 national retailers and specialty shops and then enjoy a tasty treat at one of our eateries! Conveniently located near area hotels and attractions! Visit our website for store listings, events, sales and promotions.

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GorGe Guide Spring/Summer 2013 Issue

happenings

Photos, oPPosite PAGe (toP to Bottom): shullPhoto (left), cristiNA oPdAhl, kyle heeter, shullPhoto (left), PAiGe dAlPorto, GeorGe BrAGG, Gem PhotoGrAPhy

8. riding the scouting wave scouting turns into high adventure at a new

facility offering state-of-the-art trails, tracks, and climbing walls, plus ambient showers.

GUMBO’S Downtown Fayetteville

9. Junctions to come even more trails—and more connected trails—are in our future.

rebirth of a tower A wind turbine is repurposed at summersville lake 10. A Greener ’Vous solar power comes to the New river rendezvous. New super introducing New river Gorge National river’s new superintendent rambling rumpus Andrew Adkins of the wild rumpus talks to us about music, touring, and making stuff.

12. The New river Gorge Bucket list

by Gorge Guide contributors 29 things you need to do here before you die: from barrel-rolling to surfing, eating ramps to hiking in the moonlight.

19. it’s All About the Play

by katie Johnson, Jonathan danz, cristina opdahl, and maura kistler four river play spots for rafting, kayaking, squirtboating, suPing, and yep, even swimming.

22. land of Green by Bryan simon

Three trails excerpted from an upcoming guidebook, useful for all trail users whether you’re on foot or metal steed.

26. Be well by erin larsen A spring cleanse for mind and body. 27. don’t forget hangtime by Geoff heeter There are lots of things that

make a great family vacation, but the most important is a flexible attitude.

AWARD WINNING CAJUN & AMERICAN CUISINE FRESH SEAFOOD



28. New river Gorge 911

WV GRASS-FED BEEF

30. Adventure calendar

LOCAL CRAFT BEERS

by Bryan simon what to do when the snake bites, a friend falls down hard, and three other outdoor situations about which you should know. A long one-way hike down the Bluestone, two triathlons, and a way to make a difference on two wheels.

31. our sly, shy Neighbors

hard to get in our backyard forests.

by Jim mccormac The beautiful red fox plays

32. Nature & culture calendar

we do festivals. string band, arts & music, heritage, and river festivals—we got ’em. Now come join us.

33. energy efficiency for everyone

by cathy kunkel An energy policy expert explains how we can reduce our energy use and why we should.

35. foraging for fungi

by keith kinsey delicious treats await you in the woods.

36. The Gorge Guide restaurant Guide

hungry? let us help source your next meal. check this chart to find all the good food this area has to offer.

 

SOUPS



& HOMEMADE DESSERTS HOURS: Lunch, Dinner, & Sunday Brunch

304-574-4704

Happenings

New River Jetboats

“Best View of the Bridge”

will be. A quick look is enough to make the adults who play in the Gorge wonder whether they’re too old to join. here are some fun facts and highlights:

• At Hawks Nest State Park • Scenic Tram Ride • Covered Jetboat Ride • Trips Run Rain or Shine • Voted “Best of the Road by Rand McNally”

Fun For All Ages! May–September June, July, Aug, Oct

Weekends 11am–6pm Weekends 11am–6pm Weekdays 11am–4pm CLOSED Wednesdays

NewRiverJetboats.com 304-640-0924 49 Hawks Nest Park Road, Ansted, WV 25812

• Oﬃcials say that on July 15-24 the summit will be the second largest city in the state of west Virginia. • a valley on the property dividing the eastern and western core areas is spanned by a suspension bridge almost 800 feet long. • total miles of road in the complex: currently 14 miles. long-range plan: 35. • government departments coordinated with for the Jamboree: wV National Guard, department of defense, homeland security. • Phrases troop masters are using to help prepare their scouts: “rugged west Virginia” A map of the summit Bechtel reserve’s 100 year vision and “everything is uphill.” • temperature of the shower water: ambient. • Reduction of the amount of water required per person, thanks to ambient temperature the skies Just miGht turn tan on July 15 showers and a greywater system: two-thirds. when an expected 50,000 Boy scouts and 300,000 • total miles of bike trails: 36, including a boy scout-related visitors descend on the New river “high gear” area with pump track, dirt jumps, and Gorge for the 2013 Boy scout Jamboree. dual slalom courses; and a “low gear” area with if you’re a scout, you may already know that cross country and downhill trails. the National Jamboree is the scouting equivalent • “Th e Cloud”: a place to learn robotics, of the world cup because it comes every 4 years. computer science, mobile communications, and This year’s Jamboree is being anticipated with even other techy stuff . more ado than in the past, for it is also the official opening of a huge new faci• Zip lines, 15 of lity which happens to be in them, totalling in length our back yard. to 28,750 feet or 5.45 The new summit miles, the longest zipline Bechtel reserve, known mileage in world. simply as the summit, is • BmX: 273,672 being built on a 10,600 acre square feet, tested by tract of land, 13 miles of professional BmXers, which abuts the western including pump track, flat side of the New river race track, and table-top Gorge National river. The land was purchased in jump. Number 2 in the world for square footage of 2009 after the scouts looked at 80 other possible facilities. locations. known locally as Garden Ground, the • Challenge courses: 6. number 1 in the world mountainous area outside mount hope, west for these, too. Virginia, had been timbered and mined in past • Skate park: 103,933 square feet area, decades but was otherwise undeveloped. including a foam pit for testing tricks. The vision is no humble scout camp with A-frame tents and carefully constructed lean-to • man-made climbing walls: 125 climbing fires. Presumably there will be some fire building, stations, 100 bouldering stations, 42 rappelling but that is no longer the exclamation point of the stations, 6 “leap of faith” stations. The number 1 scouting experience. The summit is being touted man-made outdoor facility in the world. as the beginning of a new direction for the Boy • 1,333 “shooting opportunities”: sporting scouts—one that embraces high adventure and clay course, shot guns, rifles and pistols. X-Games-style grit. • moving targets: 10 of the 116 archery As this issue goes to press, construction crews stations have these. are burning the midnight oil to get ready for the 10• 115 liters: the capacity of the duﬀel bag day event. The curtain is still down on the project, every scout must fit his gear into. but stats abound on just how big the summit

ONE-OF-A-KIND STAINED GLASS CREATIONS • POTTERY • JEWELRY• • FINE ART • AND MORE! •

At Dove’s Outlet Village, Route 19 and Hinkle Road Hours: Wed—Sat 12–5 and by appointment

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NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

100% recycled paper

Photos: this PAGe: courtesy of the Boy scouts of AmericA; oPPosite PAGe (toP to Bottom):terri shifflett, cristiNA oPdAhl

riding the Scouting wave

Happenings rebirth of a tower wheN steVe keBlesh of summersville lake retreat purchased a damaged wind turbine base in 2009 from Beech ridge wind farm in Greenbrier county, west Virginia, it weighed 72,000 pounds and was 100 feet long. over the next several years, he consulted with tower engineers and historical lighthouse experts to repurpose the metal tube into as authentic a lighthouse as possible.

welding and drafting students at fayette institute of technology and Nicholas county career & technnical center helped create the inner stairs (there are 122) and landings. keblesh found a 1941 westinghouse beacon in an old airplane hangar at rader airfield in summersville. The lighthouse officially opens June 20th of this year. tours will be offered on that day and after. Go to summersvillelakeretreat.com for more information.

Junctions to come

two yeArs After the ribbon cutting for the Arrowhead trail system, New river Gorge trail users have more trail options to look forward to. “we’re filling in holes,” says Jamie fields, outdoor recreation Planner at New river Gorge National river, of a series of 6 projects in the planning stages which would link many miles of trails in the park. “This is part of a long term vision of a through-thepark trail that some day we hope will be as much trail as possible from the Northern boundary to the southern boundary of the park.” fields cautions that long term vision could take as much as 50 to 100 years to come to fruition. for now, fields and other NPs planners have worked out the next handful of steps towards that goal: a total of 7 miles of connecting trails called trail development Plan Phase one. when completed, a lengthy system of park trails would almost reach the northern park boundary. construction on one kaymoor trail, one of many New or more segments is likely river Gorge National river trails to to begin this summer as a be linked in a long range plan Boy scout Jamboree project. it’s time to dust off your hiking shoes or mountain bike. There is more exploring ahead. for maps and information on trails in the area, go to nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking.htm. for locals’ trail recommendations, go to nrgorgeguide.com/category/hikingnrg.

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SprinG/Summer 2013

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Happenings

A Greener 'Vous

New Super The New Super intendent for the New River Gorge National River is Patricia Kicklighter, who is moving here from Assateague Island National Seashore. Kicklighter, who will be the park’s first female superintendent, began her career 30 years ago as a river ranger at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Under her leadership, Assateague built a new visitors center, an environmental education facility, established a recycling program, and increased the park’s use of solar power.

10 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

Rambling Rumpus Andrew Adkins, frontman to the popular Appalachian Stompgrass band, shows me around his garage cum luthier workshop just a few miles from the New River Gorge Bridge. Instruments—guitars, banjos, mandolins—in various stages of construction and deconstruction line the workbench and walls. He pulls out a thin, semi-hollow body guitar he’s finishing up, and points to a banjo he’s making for Langhorne Slim. Adkins sorts through the instruments for other projects he’s working on as well. A wedding ring made from a vintage quarter. A walnut belt buckle with a maple inlay in the shape of West Virginia. “I’ll make anything,” Adkins says. “But I prefer guitars.” Lately, most of his constructions are crafted from trees downed in the derecho that swept through West Virginia last summer. The current incarnation of The Wild Rumpus is much the same thing: Adkins, plus two other musicians—guitarist Allan Sizemore and bassist Clint Lewis—who blew in from other projects that didn’t pan out for various reasons. Though The Wild Rumpus is 7 years old, the turnover of band members a few years ago whittled the band down to a membership of one: Adkins. Once he teamed up with Sizemore and Lewis, that all changed. “We’re more The Wild Rumpus than ever,” Adkins says. “We’re all on the same page, working toward the same thing. On stage, we’re very comfortable.” If the band members are the heart of The Wild Rumpus, songwriting is the band’s spine. “Songs are the ultimate something out of nothing,” Adkins says. “People bring their guitars for me to fix or adjust. I’ll strum them a bit and the songs seem to fall out.” 100% recycled paper

You can find The Wild Rumpus first two CDs at cdbaby.com/Artist/TheWildRumpus. Their newest album Shake Yer Rumpus will be out this summer.

Photos clockwise from top left: Christoffer Riemer, courtesy of the wild rumpus, NPS Photo.

The New River Rendezvous, a climbing festival with its 10th event this May, has been getting greener every year. “Five years ago, we rolled out our no waste initiative, and we felt we were setting the highest eco-bar for any larger event in the county,” remembers Maura Kistler, organizer of the Rendezvous. That year, to minimize waste, Kistler and organizers asked festival goers to bring their own plate, cup, and fork, and to take their trash home at the end of the event. “It has been ridiculously successful. We have experienced great compliance cheerfully given. And now, many events are going no waste.” This year, the Rendezvous is pushing the green bar even higher with solar power. LED lighting in the vendor booths will reduce power demand, and a solar trailer will power many of the booths. The solar is being provided by Dovetail Solar and Wind out of Athens, Ohio, and the green initiative is being sponsored by Osprey Packs. “Large groups can convene without massive amounts of trash and waste,” says Kistler. “We do it every year. We are proof that it works!”

While Adkins writes many of the original songs, Sizemore and Lewis are integral in shaping them. “On our way to a show, I played a few songs I’d been working on. Shortly after the first song started, Allan and Clint were talking over the song, clearly not interested. The second song, Allan comes in with some harmonies. The third, there was discussion on how to make it better. Playing with Allan and Clint makes me a better musician and songwriter,” Adkins says. “It’s that simple.” This year, The Wild Rumpus has booked as many dates as they can. “We’re looking at doing 125-150 shows this year, from MerleFest to the John Hartford Memorial Festival.” That much touring can be difficult. “You have to convince yourself that your music is good enough. You have to play with the same energy whether you’re in front of 5,000 people or four. We may be playing a song for the hundredth time, but it’s the first time for someone in the audience.” Adkins says The Wild Rumpus’s dedicated and growing fanbase is one of the best parts of making music, one reason to keep going. “Our fans are unbelievable. There are those who’ve been with us from the beginning who travel a ways to see us. Some people I took whitewater rafting in West Virginia brought a crew to the Rodeo Bar in New York. Our fans are the most ridiculous, wonderful people. They got us everything.” When asked about success, Adkins thinks for a moment. “I can’t ask for anything more. I’m making a living playing music. With these guys we’re able to evolve as musicians. It’s important to keep moving forward. If you don’t, you stand still. You die.” —Jonathan Danz

AUGUST 2013

Beginner friendly fun for the whole family!

BIKE 2 MILES RUN 2 MILES PADDLE 1.5 MILES

Duckies provided by ACE Adventure Resort with pre-registration

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Lower New River on a Tuesday, No One Else in Sight

This fish can be hard to catch, but it’s out there aplenty on a tuesday, or wednesday. monday, even. you put in for the lower New river Gorge at cunard, shove off, and float downstream. run the hole at upper railroad rapid, eddy out and watch the other craft you’re with come through. As you pull back out into the current, you gaze back upstream and realize that your trip is the only one out there soaking in all this beauty. The Gorge, grand as it is, is your intimate playground. for a few hours you’re alone....

Eat Some Ramps

Also known as wild leeks, Allium tricoccum is found growing wild in these parts in the early spring. sautee the greens and bulbs in olive oil. eat them straight, add them to scrambled eggs, or try them in potato ramp soup. Garlicky, with strong onion flavor. Those who try them and like them don’t look back.

Interrupt a Pileated Woodpecker’s Lunch

Bucket list the

The loud tap tap tap of a woodpecker in an otherwise serene forest rings out surprisingly loud—even obnoxiously so—among the other creatures trying hard to play it cool and be quiet. stop in your tracks and find the noisemaker, for there’s a good chance around here it’s a Pileated woodpecker. The prehistoric-looking creature is the u.s.’s largest woodpecker. They’re instantly recognizeable (think woody woodpecker). look for the telltale red crest (both males and females have it) and white lines down the sides of the throat.

new river gorge

WHEN WE SET OUT to compile a list of not-to-be-missed, do-before-you-die activities for our area, we set 15 as a good number. That number quickly, out of necessity, grew to 20, then 25...until we settled on 29. We knew there is a lot to do here—we live it every day—but we didn’t quite comprehend how long this list would get. Herewith, the longest feature yet in our pages, our NRG Bucket List. We’re sure you’ll have some items to add. Go to our Facebook page and let us know what is on your New River Gorge Bucket List. —The Editors

NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

100% recycled paper

Photo of PileAted woodPecker: mAGNus mANske

Photos, clockwise from toP: keN thomAs, leoNArd Price, shutterstock, JoNi-PekkA luomAlA, shullPhoto

6 Go Deep, Summersville Lake

The water is teal blue and unbelievably clear. come on, stick your face in it and open your eyes. Before you know it you’ll be diving deep into the cooler layers and coming up just long enough for air. for maps and boat rentals go to summersvillelakeretreat.com.

Catch the Sunset on Film, from Anywhere

Moonlight Hike

Throughout the history of the world, the moon has been a mystical symbol of power. one walk along a trail under the light of the full moon and you’ll know why. The world becomes a different place when rendered in black, blue and white. Bring a flashlight, but do yourself a favor and leave it off. stow it and let your eyes adjust to the low light. Before long you’ll wonder why you have never done this before. —Jonathan danz

Late Night 8-Ball, Charlie’s Pub charlie’s has been around almost as long as the Gorge itself. rack ’em up and go for the bank shot.

SprinG/Summer 2013

NRGORGEGUIDE.com

Jump from a Rock scared? check that it’s all clear, focus on the horizon, and take a couple of running steps.

two types of insectdevouring plants live in the boggy area of cranberry Glades Botanical Area in Pocahontas county, about a 1 hour drive from the canyon rim Visitors center at the New. The Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea venosa), pictured left, and the sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) snare their prey in two different ways, but the lure—a beautiful and predatory blossom—is the same. (304-653-4826, fs.usda.gov/ attmain/mnf/specialplaces)

10 See a Bald Eagle

Walk in the Footsteps of 20th Century Coal Barons

in 1900 Thurmond was a booming hub where coal, gambling, and the mainline of the chesapeake and ohio railroad came together. today the town is still a treat. walk along the tracks past the Thurmond National Bank, the cool old tipple, and look back at the now-restored depot, where more freight was handled in that time than anywhere between richmond and cinicinnati. Go to thurmondwv.org for directions.

Barrel Roll

your chances of seeing a live version of this majestic icon is growing. The first breeding pair was confirmed in the New river Gorge in 2009, and they have returned every year since. Guides say bald eagles are sometimes seen along the New between Thurmond and cunard. Another good bet is Brooks island near sandstone Visitors center, where the breeding pair have made their winter home. (304-4660417, nps.gov/ neri/planyourvisit/ sandstone.htm)

14 13 14

View the Horsehoe Bend in the New River from Beauty Mountain

NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

100% recycled paper

Zip

20, 30, 40, or 50 miles per hour, in the trees or wide open air. There are no fewer than 4 zipline tours in the New river Gorge area open to the public. take your pick which kind suits you. Go to NRGorgeGuide.com/ zipline for descriptions.

Photos, this PAGe (clockwise from toP left): chris m morris, courtesy of Ace AdVeNture resort, courtesy of wild Blue AdVeNture, courtesy of Ace, rANdAll sANGer, thurmoNdwV.orG. oPPosite PAGe: shullPhoto

See a Carnivorous Plant in its Native Habitat

3-Sport Epic Day

The spring of 2010, before my wife and i got married, i panicked and moved back into my van at the local climber’s campground. i felt the wanderlust pull of the season, and thought i was not ready for the domestic bliss of such an amazing, southern woman. i found myself back in my past dirt bag environs, surrounded by people a decade younger than me. one day, to cheer me up, three of my young friends suggested a memorial day, summersville lake triathlon. i accepted their challenge. micah, craig, Greg and i headed out to long Point trail at summersville lake. we ran 2 miles on gently rolling trail along the rim of the lake to long Point. Then we downclimbed a 50-foot chimney that rated 5.3-5.4, scrambled down some rocks and hit the lake. we found a giant inner tube wedged into the rocks and decided to take it with us as we swam a half mile across the lake to rat’s hole, a great deep water soloing area. we crossed the lake and started climbing at rat’s hole, soloing out over the water on the sweet sandstone and splashing down into the lake when we couldn’t climb any farther. After an hour or so, we started swimming back across the lake, a half mile to long Point. The race was on. The inner tube had been left behind and it was every man for himself. who would get to the car first? we started scrambling back up the chimney, and once at the top, sprinting to the finish. All four of us were exhausted, but we dug deep and ran hard for the 2-mile stretch back to the car. truth be told, i don’t remember who won. i recall micah passing me and thinking, “it’s ok, he is 13-14 years younger than me.” i’m pretty sure Greg came in last, but maybe i remember it that way because he was the best climber, the cockiest, and the one i wanted to beat the most. either way, i finished that triathlon thinking one thing, “it’s time to go home.” i knew, standing there amidst the glory of west Virginia, surrounded by these incarnations of my younger self, that it was time to commit to something bigger. my heart was already devoted; it had just taken my mind a little longer. That is the beauty of this southern wV enclave. you can find the time, the seclusion, and the proper recreation for any urgent soul searching. i married that amazing woman. our first child was born shortly thereafter, and that is why the summersville lake triathlon is on my list. multi-sport days should be on any list for the NrG region. it is one of the few places you can combine so many world-class pursuits, and you never know what truth you’ll discover along the way. —Brian Vincent

WEST VIRGINIA’S

WILD SIDE

FINDYOURS

• WHITEWATER RAFTING • ZIP LINE TOURS • CLIMBING • MOUNTAIN BIKING SOMETHING • STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING • MUD OBSTACLE ON COURSE VACATION! • PAINTBALL & ATVs

WILD

New River Gorge, WV 800.787.3982 AceRaft.com

ACE-4-NRG Adv Guide 2013.indd 1

4/18/13 5:01 PM

sandstone falls is only 25 feet tall at its highest point, but it’s is the largest waterfall on the New river, and spans the river where it is 1500 feet wide. A system of bridges and boardwalks guides visitors over water channels and islands to spectacular views of the falls. take a detour on the half-mile island loop trail to see a unique ecosystem only found in 5 areas of west Virginia. for directions, go to www.nps.gov/neri/ planyourvisit/the-sandstonefalls.htm. —randall sanger

17 Drop a Line In

Get Launched from the Blob

NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. sir isaac Newton’s law of motion applied to a launch bag known as the Blob means that if a person twice your size climbs up a platform and jumps down onto an inflated bag, you, sitting on the opposite end of the bag, will catapult skyward. The Blob can be found in the lake at Ace Adventure Park and lake, aceraft.com, 800-787-3982.

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The 821 Steps of Kaymoor

The kaymoor miners trail and the 821 stairs is the most strenuous trail in the NrG. known and loved by locals, it’s the best cardio workout east of the rockies that mother Nature can give you. The miners’ trail at kaymoor falls more than 800 vertical feet with an average grade of 30% (42.5% grade on the stairs themselves). from the canyon rim at rocky top all the way down to the New river, you will wander through rocky switchbacks, steep climbing cliffs, waterfalls and mine ruins before you descend the elaborate staircase of 821 steps at sewell Bench. while the stairs definitely provide a hard cardio workout, often times the hardest part comes after the stairs, when you can continue to push your heart rate on the trail back to the top. it’s steep! The kaymoor mine site still has mining machinery and mining infrastructure, and the remains of the town are still visible by the river. The spectacular views of the gorge and the cliffs of endless wall and the New river just might distract you from the lung and quad burn. —Amanda Ashley

Photos this PAGe (clockwise from toP): rANdAll sANGer, cristiNA oPdAhl, courtesy of Ace AdVeNture resort. oPPosite PAGe (toP to Bottom): courtesy of AdVeNtures oN the GorGe, courtesy of Ace, tim kiser

View a 1,500’Wide Waterfall

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REV UP THE FUN ON YOUR ADVENTURE VACATION

There’s a place on the upper New where it’s worth taking a break from your slow drift downstream. dowdy creek, a tributary of the New river, is best accessed where dowdy flows into the New. Park your kayak, canoe, or raft on river right about 4 miles from the mccreery put-in. hike up an obvious trail through a short railroad tunnel, and cool off under the falls. several area outfitters run trips that float past dowdy creek. Go to newrivergorgecvb.com/things-to-do/newrivergorge-rafting/ for a full listing.

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REV UP THE FUN ON YOUR Best ADVENTUREaqVACATION WELCOME! Surf

intentionally or unintentionally, in a raft, ducky, or kayak, it’s too fun not to do at least once.

Catch Early Morning Fog on the River This dissected plateau is an ancient landscape, worn down over time by rain and streams and rivers. small wonder then, that when fog shrouds the green flanks of the canyons in the morning, the whole place takes on a primordial cast. if an apatosaurus raised its head out of the mist, it would seem right at home. on a foggy morning, you can hear the river, but you can’t see a whole lot of it. fog sits on a river when the water is warmer than the air, so early morning is the time to catch it. Get up at the crack of dawn and get to creek or riverside when the weather forecast predicts coolish temps. —Jonathan danz

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Sun—Thurs: 11am–9pm Fri—Sat: 11am–10pm 2027 E. Main St. Oak Hill

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BridgeWalk at Twilight

spectacular and gripping during the day, the catwalk under the New river Gorge Bridge at sunset takes on an otherworldly feel. The colors of the twilight sky, the darkening trees, and the blue-grey swirly water 800 feet below will stay with you. (bridgewalk.com, 304-574-1300)

24 Two Days a Week, Two Locations!

We accept Food Stamps and WIC-FMNP Coupons!

The rock that brings climbers to the New is Nuttall sandstone, a very old, solid rock with features that present a range of challenges for reaching the top. There are more than 1,400 established routes in the area, many of them worthwhile classics and classically New river like Supercrack (pictured): chunky, with horizontal cracks and holds that require you to get up on your toes and stre-e-etch. experienced climbers can pick up New River Gorge Rock Climbs at water stone outdoors. for the rest of us, guided rock climbing trips are available in fayetteville. (hardrockclimbing. com, 304-574-0735)

on Court Street between Diogi’s Mexican Restaurant and the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau  In Oak Hill: Tuesdays , 3PM –6PM

at the 137 Main St. parking lot in downtown, across from Wendy’s NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

Track an Animal

“Animals live secret lives all around us,” writes mark elbrock, author of Mammal Track & Sign: A Guide to North American Species. “tracks and signs are everywhere.” try an interpretive hike led by a park ranger knowledgeable in animal tracks and other signs of their secret lives to start. Go to www.nps.gov/blue/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm for a schedule of ranger hikes along Bluestone National scenic river.

 In Fayetteville: Saturday Mornings, 7:30–11:30AM

Climb a Classic

continue reading The New River Gorge Bucket List on page 34. 100% recycled paper

PhOtOS, thIS Page (tOP tO BOttOm): geORge BRagg, gem PhOtOgRaPhy, JaRek tUSZynSkI, JaSOn hOllIngeR; OPPOSIte Page: kyle heeteR

It’s all about the Play There are places on a river that make you forget about going downstream.

Katie Johnson on the Big Wave

Kayak: Surfing Big Wave on The Dries Section of the New River The New River Dries has always been a great run. The section of whitewater below the Cotton Hill Bridge is a stunning finale for the New before its name changes to Kanawha. Waterfalls pour out of tributaries along the four mile stretch and tiger-striped, canyon walls house the biggest rapids of the entire river. Best of all are the countless surfable waves and holes that change with the varying water levels. On July 8th, 2001, a geological event made one spot on the Dries world famous among kayakers. That summer morning, 11 inches of rain fell on Fayette County in 4 hours. By afternoon, Laurel Creek, the biggest tributary to the run, was so flooded it washed away several houses and the road that ran high above it. Along with the debris, many of the huge rocks in the creek floated like styrofoam out of the creek and were deposited into the New River just below the Cotton Hill bridge. This deposit (called an alluvial flow) narrowed the

river significantly. Brand new compression waves formed conveniently at the put-in to the Dries. It turns out that at high water these waves are huge, bigger than any kayakers had surfed in the area. Today, more then a decade later, photos and video of the waves have ended up all over the world. When the levels are right, there’s a good chance that some of the worlds best kayakers will be gearing up at the put-in. Here’s what you can expect as the levels change. 20,000–25,000 cfs: The waves are starting to form. A gentle glassy wave is backed by a couple of smaller waves. It’s a nice spot to learn to surf. 25,000–30,000 cfs: There are three pretty solid waves now. The first wave is widest and glassiest. The second, a little more dynamic but narrower, and the third is getting a heavy foam pile rolling down its face. The river left eddy is still easy to catch, but it’s trickier to paddle back onto the waves from the eddy. 30,000–40,000 cfs: It’s a serious and beautiful wave train. From the put-in under the bridge, you can see fellow surfers when they’re on the peak, but they disappear in the troughs. The third wave is wide, bouncy and stiff. There’s still a river left eddy, but it’s

a long walk back up if you miss it. 40,000–55,000 cfs: Kayakers from out of the state and out of the country start showing up to surf these levels. Several big air contests have been won here and many aerial tricks are invented at these levels. Now two waves have formed on the right bank and making it onto them from the tumultuous river right eddy requires a lot of expertise and bravery. The first wave is finicky. Catch it at the right time and this wave is oblivion—glassy, steep, and peaking well above your head. The second wave is towering with a good amount of foam to make it retentive. There’s a rib down the middle to base bounces off of for any kind of aerial trick known to kayaking and the occasional face plant. 55,000+cfs: Elite experts only at these levels. As the river right waves are peaking, a monster in the middle comes into play. It’s a commitment getting out to surf this one. You are guaranteed air but error could be painful and even life threatening should you swim. There is river right eddy access for a walk back upstream. Miss the eddy and you are in for a dangerous paddle or swim through the trees. —Katie Johnson

Swim, Squirtboat: Going deep at Halls of Karma, the lower new river

nate freier down under

the Best ride oN the New is on its surface, pounding through the whitewater or floating in the pools in between. however, there is a place just downstream of lower keeneys creek rapid known as the halls of karma, where the New is deeper than it is wide and the best ride is down under. it’s a well known squirt boaters destination because they like to go deep and their boats are designed for it. The rest of us can get there without a kayak. stand at the upstream, riverside edge of a large, flatish rock called lollygag. you’ll see the nexus of the downstream current and the upstream eddy waters. take a deep breath and hold it as you jump, keeping your body straight all the while so you knife into the seam between the two currents. hit it just right and you’ll ride the elevator down, down, down. sound a bit scary? well, it is. The halls of karma is not for everyone, but if you can keep your cool even when the water grows colder and darker, you’re in for a 30 second eerie and amazing swirl. A couple of things to remember. Never do this without a personal flotation device (Pfd). And, if the ride gets uncomfortable, you can stroke your way back to the top. —Jonathan danz

e r u t n e v d a e h t e c Experien

! G N O L R E M M ALL SU ses s a P n o s a e &S s t n e v E y l k Wee

Photos, this PAGe (toP to Bottom): NAte freier, mAtt sloAN; oPPosite PAGe: shullPhoto

the Perfect wAVe oN the GAuley river near mason’s Branch earned its name by being perfectly formed for the newest surf sport, stand up paddle boarding. The glossy green wave has the long trough that suP boards need, and a little foam pile on the top. The approach eddy is large and a nice long pool sits below it. And if that’s not enough to justify its name, the Perfect wave is surfable from 300cfs to more than 10,000+cfs, suitable for beginner suP surfers to advanced. “it’s remained challenging for me and i’m in my third year,” says melanie seiler, a suP instructor and avid Perfect wave surfer. seiler says that at 1,000 cfs or less it’s a good suP beginner wave, a “baby wave with a foam pile.” At 1,000 cfs to 2,000 cfs, the wave becomes smooth and green. seiler rates it Sup: Surfing intermediate at the perfect wave, this level. she has surfed it up to Gauley river 11,000—definitely an advanced level. “it’s a little eerie because you have to cross the river to get your eddy access,” says seiler. “And there’s usually debris coming at you when it’s that high.” —cristina opdahl Melanie Seiler on the Perfect wave

raft, Kayak, river Board, Sup: Skill workout on Fayette Station, lower new river

Jay young running fayette Station rapid A wiNdiNG teN-miNute driVe from fayetteville down into the Gorge will take you to the single greatest resource of any paddler looking to improve his or her skills in

whitewater: fayette station. it’s a one-stop shop with everything you need to build your skills. first, parking is plentiful and river access easy. you can work on your basics in

the giant eddies above and below fayette station rapid. when you are ready to start experimenting with moving water you can attain (paddle upstream) up to Thread the Needle, a very gentle rapid with some giant boulders, where you can practice ferrying across the current and entering and peeling out of eddies. once you get comfortable at Thread the Needle, you can tackle fayette station rapid, a meaty, straightforward class iV. At summer water levels, rocks on river left and river right are highly visible and there is an obvious downstream V. waves crest and break down the main artery in fayette station rapid, great training ground for leaning into the good stuff rather than away from it. This is the best part of fayette station rapid: big waves and relatively little risk. A giant eddy slows you down at the bottom left. Paddlers use all sorts of crafts to tackle fayette station: kayaks, rafts, river boards, suPs. hang out long enough and you may even see an inflatable dinosaur ring or two. —maura kistler

everyone. r fo g in th e om n, we have s o s a e s re ti n e tures On the n n a e r v o d y A a n d fu a e Whether for ence all of th ri e p x activities e g n a in c z a e k m li a a ly ls p loca deals on sim s Guests and u o ri e s s n a e offer. That m to s a h e rg o G including: ming Hole im w S s ll a F n es to Canyo venture Park dge d A l a ri e Season pass A k ndezvous Lo re e rT R e t b a y im a T r rd fo tu es Sa Season pass hetty’s Pub & C t a ver charge!) y o a c d n o o (n M ts s ry e e u v g Live music e s for locals & ie rt a P l o o P t igh Wendesday N

304-574-0704

www.onthegorge.com

114 Lush, unique trails are detailed in a

new guide book.

of them are excerpted here. By Bryan Simon

Photo this page: shullphoto; opposite page: courtesy of wolverine publishing

and of Green

Trails hiked roughly 350 miles of trails between August and January of last year with GPs and notebook in hand. he consulted National Park service personnel and local bike shop owners to get details about which trails allow bikes. take note, cyclists: a whole section of the guide is devoted to mountain biking. included with each trail is a description of what you'll find, mileage, gps coordinates of the trailhead and trail highlights, elevation charts, and trail combination options. simon, who grew up on a farm in lewis county and has been coming to the New river Gorge area since the 1980s, has hiked all over the world. “what most impressed me about the trails in the New river Gorge is there’s a really unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage that you usually don’t get,” says simon. “National Park trails

Location: southeast of fayetteville, wV, craig BraNch TraiL

desceNd to the kAymoor trAil via this wide and enjoyable trail that passes along a break in the cliff and weaves between boulders the size of homes.

finding the trailhead (38°02.488 N, 081°04.053 w) from us route 19, follow wV 16 through fayetteville 0.7 miles to the intersection with Gatewood road. Bear left and follow Gatewood road 2.0 miles before turning left onto kaymoor No. 1 road —National Park service “brown” signs point the way toward kaymoor at this intersection. follow this road 0.9 miles to a t intersection; turn right here and follow the gravel road toward the Arrowhead trail system parking at 0.25 miles. The trailhead is to the left, just as you enter the lot, and is marked by a large gate that prevents vehicle access to the trail.

11 craig BraNch TraiL

Craig’s Branch Trail

Descend to the Kaymoor Trail via this wide and enjoyable trail that passes along a break in the cliff and weaves between boulders the size of homes.

2.19 mi

142 ft 537 ft

Finding the Trailhead

trail description Location: Southeast of Fayetteville,

farther along, keep your eyes peeled to the right to see an outstanding example of the (38°02.488 N, 081°04.053 W) WV, along Gatewood Road effect of rainWV and on rock. 0.7 continue Maps: USGS Fayetteville quad From US Route 19, follow 16 weather through Fayetteville miles to from the trAilheAd, BeGiN downhill and arrive at the intersection with the intersection with Gatewood Road. Bear left and follow Gatewood 1:24,000 descending along a wide and well-maintained kaymoor trail (trail 14) at 2.19 miles. At this Trail options: Connect with Arroad. At 0.2 miles intersect the Adena trail Road 2.0 miles before turning left onto Kaymoor No. 1 Road — National Parkintersection Service “brown” signsflpoint the way toward Kaymoor rowhead Trail System paths; connect to a nice at stone makes for a great (trail 17) on the right and a connector trail forat this intersection. Follow this road 0.9 miles to a T intersection; Kaymoor Trail (Trail 14). seat, but before you plop down to rest sneak the dalton trail (trail 18) Shares on the left . Th Facilities: parking area withis is turn right here and follow the gravelGiant roadboulders toward along the Arrowhead Craig Branch Trail. intersection h within the Arrowhead the Arrowhead Trail System; gravel Trail System parking at 0.25 miles. The trailhead is to the left, just as system. continue along craigtoilet facilities, parking forthe 20 vehicles, youcraig enterBraNch the lot, TraiL and is marked by a large gate that prevents vehicle picnic facilities. access to the trail. Branch trail and connect with dalton 2100 highlights: Bouldertrail field, trail shortly thereaft er. dalton Intersection with Dalton Dalton splits and Adena trails (H) to right here Trail Description gorge views. shares its path with craig Branch for 2000 the next 0.7 miles until moving right Boulder field From the trailhead, begin descending along a wide and wellat 0.9 miles at intersection N. Before Trail Milestones: maintained road. At 0.2 miles intersect the Adena Trail (Trail 17) on 1900 these trails diverge they cross a rocky the right and a connector trail for the Dalton Trail (Trail 18) on the stream enveloped by 0.2rhododendrons, mi – Intersection with Dalton and left. This is intersection H within the Arrowhead System. Continue making for a prettyAdena stoptrails in(H)late may 1800 along the Craig Branch Trail and connect with Dalton Trail shortly when they are in bloom. (38°02.425 N, 081°03.880 W) thereafter. Dalton Trail shares its path with Craig Branch for theIntersection nextwith Kaymoor Trail 0.9 mi – Dalton splits from Craig 0.7 miles until moving right at 0.9 miles at intersection N. Begin to catch glimpses ofTrailthe 1700 Branchthen (N) the trail Before these trails diverge they cross a rocky stream enveloped by gorge at 1.0 miles, and N, 081°03.323 rhododendrons, making for a pretty stop in late May when they are begins to steepen at(38°02.532 1.2 miles, with W) 1600 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 1.3 mi – Boulder field in bloom. rhododendron to either side and a DISTANCE (mi) (38°02.697 N, 081°03.143 W) Begin to catch glimpses of the gorge at 1.0 miles, and then the steep drop-off to the2.19 left . At 1.3 miles Fayetteville, Lansing, & Kaymoor Region 38 mi – Intersection with trail begins to steepen at 1.2 miles, with rhododendron to either begin to negotiate several switchbacks Kaymoor Trail side and a steep drop-off to the the left. At of 1.3the miles beginto to spot negoti-the a peek over back stone and see massive boulders, the size (38°02.741some N, 081°02.484 W) of ate several switchbacks and see massive boulders, some the size of wreckage of an old automobile just over the homes, strewn throughout the forest. At homes, strewn throughout the forest. At roughly 1.4 miles during bank. roughly 1.4 miles during fall and winter, you’llfall and winter, you’ll catch good views of the gorge. Just 0.2 miles catch good views of the gorge. Just 0.2 miles farther along, keep your eyes peeled to the right to see an outstanding ELEVATION (ft)

along Gatewood road Maps: usGs fayetteville quad 1:24,000 Trail options: connect with Arrowhead trail system paths; connect to kaymoor trail (trail 14). facilities: shares parking area with the Arrowhead trail system; gravel parking for 20 vehicles, toilet facilities, picnic facilities. Highlights: Boulder field, gorge views.

are usually either beautiful or you get the cultural heritage. here we have both.” Big Branch trail is a notable example. The trail near hinton, west Virginia, offers tons of wild flowers, an old rock wall, and a tree that grows right up through an old wash basin. Another nice surprise for simon was kate’s Plateau, which runs along Glade creek. “it’s the most remote you can get in the New river Gorge,” says simon of the nearly 8-mile trail. “it goes by a beaver pond and some old homesteads. you really get out there.” read on for the goods on a 1/4 mile trail that includes a mystery, one that takes you past house-size boulders and Gorge views, and another that weaves through thick rhododendron patches and over gushing streams. —the editors

→

whAt New riVer GorGe AreA trAils meander along a creek but don’t suffer much elevation change? Are there good trails outside the more well-known fayetteville/lansing venues? can you bike them? This month you’ll be able to find the answers to these questions and more in a new trail guide published by wolverine Press. Hiking and Biking in the New River Gorge: A Trail User’s Guide covers 114 trails in the New river Gorge National river and surrounding state parks. its author Bryan simon covers them well: the guidebook’s variety and detail are impressive, setting itself up to serve the wide range of New river Gorge trail users—from the hard-core hikers and bikers to the amblers. to research the guidebook, simon

example of the effect of rain and weather on rock. Continue downhill and arrive at the intersection with Kaymoor Trail (Trail 14) at 2.19 miles. At this intersection a nice flat stone makes for a great seat, but before you plop down to rest sneak aNRGORGEGUIDE.com peek over the back of the stone SprinG/Summer 2013 to spot the wreckage of an old automobile just over the bank.

Rental Bikes Trail Maps

Narrow Gauge Trail

marathonbikes.com

Narrow GauGe Trail

This fun trail follows the rail bed for the Manns Creek Railway, and moves along Manns and Glade creeks before arriving at a park highlight, the swinging bridge over Glade Creek.

Hours: Tues – Sat 10am – 6pm Sunday 10am – 4pm Closed Monday

104 East Maple Ave. Fayetteville, WV Narrow (304) 574-2337

Trails

44 ft 412 ft

location: Accessed from WV Route

Location: Accessed from wV route 41, east side of New River Gorge 41, east side of New river GorgeMaps: USGS Thurmond quad Maps: usGs Thurmond quad1:24,000, USGS Danese quad 1:24,000 This fun trail follows the rail bed for the Manns Creek Railway, and moves along Manns and Glade 1:24,000, usGs danese quadTrail options: This trail connects with creeks before arriving at a park highlight, the swinging bridge over Glade Creek. 1:24,000 Rocky Trail (Trail 64) and Old Sewell Trail options: This trail connects Road Trail (Trail 67). 2.52 mi 44 ft 412 ft 2 Facilities: No facilities at the trailhead, with rocky trail (trail 64) and VISIT SUMMERS COUNTY but parking and toilet facilities are readold sewell road trail (trail 67). ily accessible in the campground above. facilities: No facilities at the location: Accessed from WV Route Finding the Trailhead Highlights: Manns and Glade creeks, 41, east side of New River Gorge trailhead, but parking and toilet swinging bridge. Maps: USGS Thurmond quad (38°00.221 N, 080°57.030 W) facilities areportion readily 1:24,000, USGS Danese quad The trailhead is located in the northern of theaccessible park. From USin 1:24,000 Route 60, travel 1.6 miles along WV Routeabove. 41. Turn right on thesouth campground Trail options: This trail connects with Clifftop Loop Road (CR 11/4) until reaching the park campground.Trail Milestones: Highlights: manns and Glade Rocky Trail (Trail 64) and Old Sewell The trailhead is located on the right side of the park road that leads creeks, swinging bridge. Road Trail (Trail 67). to the northern cabin area. Signs located throughout the park guide

GauGe Trail

2.52 mi

Finding the Trailhead (38°00.221 N, 080°57.030 W) The trailhead is located in the northern portion of the park. From US Route 60, travel 1.6 miles south along WV Route 41. Turn right on Clifftop Loop Road (CR 11/4) until reaching the park campground. The trailhead is located on the right side of the park road that leads to the northern cabin area. Signs located throughout the park guide you there. Trail Description

Yellow Diamond Blaze Leaving the park road at the trailhead on the right, follow the trail (also an access road) alongside Manns Creek for 0.2 miles. At this point the trail moves to the left and narrows slightly — this area is heavily populated with rhododendrons. At 0.5 miles Manns Creek 0.2 mi – Trail splits left begins to fall away from the trail and the roar of the cascades lessens. Facilities: No facilities at the trailhead, you there. (38°00.202 N, 080°57.208 W) In the next 0.1 miles remember to look to the right and over your but parking and toilet facilities are read1.52 mi – First barricade shoulder to appreciate the falls along the stream below. ily accessible in the campground above. Trail Description this fuN trAil follows (38°59.406 N, 080°57.394 W) Now the trail begins to emerge from the thick rhododendrons,Glade often Creek. Highlights: Manns and Glade creeks, swinging bridge. Yellow Diamond Blaze the rail bed for the manns 1.65 mi – Second barricade found along streambeds, and to move into a more mature deciduous Leaving the park road at the trailhead on the right, follow the trail (38°59.337 N, 080°57.286 W) forest. The mature trail continues to descend gradually rock walls begin to to creek railway, and moves deciduous forest. Thase trail continues W W W . N E W R I V E R G A T E W A Y W V . C O M with human passage. This bridge utilizes the concrete pillars that (also an access road) alongside Manns Creek for 0.2 miles. At this 1.9 mi – Swinging bridge materialize to your left. At 1.3 miles Manns Creek is but a memory, descend gradually as rock walls begin to materialize Trail Milestones: was known as the Tank Trestle or Horseshoe point the trail movesalong to the left manns and narrows slightly this area is and —Glade creeks beforeonce supported what 304-466-5420 (38°59.286 N, 080°57.142 W) and you can now catch glimpses of Glade Creek far below. Trestle of the Manns Creek Railway. Careful crossing thismiles bridge, as heavily populated with rhododendrons. At 0.5 miles Manns Creek to your left . At 1.3 manns creek is but a At 1.52 reach theanother first barricade impedes progress along arriving park highlight, 0.2 mi – Trail splits left it is extremely slippery whenmiles wet. Continue 0.62 milesthat to the begins to fall away from the trail andat thearoar of the cascades lessens. the swinging memory, and you can now catch glimpses the trail, awith washed-out portion the original rail line. Move down of Glade (38°00.202 N, 080°57.208 W) trail’s end and intersection the Old Sewell RoadofTrail. In the next 0.1 milesbridge remember toover look to Glade the right andcreek. over your creek far below. 1.52 mi – First barricade shoulder to appreciate the falls along the stream below. and right, cross the stream, and ascend the opposite side back to the (38°59.406 N, 080°57.394 W) Trail Combinations/options Now the trail begins to emerge from the thick rhododendrons, often trail. Just 0.13 miles farthermiles along encounter thefisecond barricade that At 1.52 reach the rst barricade 1.65 mi – Second barricade found along streambeds, and to move into a more mature deciduous and detour impedes again to theprogress right and below, crossing the stream over along the trail, a washed-out (38°59.337 N, 080°57.286 W) The Narrow Gauge Trail connects with Rocky Trail (Trail 64) and forest. The trail continues to descend gradually as rock walls begin to a wooden bridge. You’ll find a small waterfall above with a cave 1.9 mi – Swinging bridge the Old Sewell Road Trail (Trail 67). Utilizing a caroriginal shuttle, a great materialize to your left. At 1.3 miles Manns Creek is but a memory, portion of the rail line. move down and right, behind it, butNarrow don’t let thatTrail distract you from the hidden railroad gem (38°00.221 080°57.030 w) (38°59.286 N, 080°57.142 W) one-way hike is to combine the Gauge andand Old Sewell and you can now catch glimpses of GladeN, Creek far below. cross stream, below: the axleTrail’s to the a narrow gauge railcarascend that lies the in theopposite streambed side back Road Trail. At the Narrow Gauge terminus and intersection At 1.52 miles reach the first barricade that impedes progress along Narrow GauGe Trail to the trail. Just 0.13 miles farther along encounter the bridge. some climb time here with Old Road Trail, turn left Take and steadily alongto theexplore these two sights the trail, a washed-out of the original rail line. Move downnorthern portion Thportion e trailhead is located in the of Sewell the below trail and road until you reach the Glade Creekto Grist Mill.the Return by detour again to the right and right, cross the stream, and ascend the opposite side back to the before ascending steeply regain trail. the second barricade and from us route 60, travel 1.6 miles south along Personal and Grouptrail. Just 0.13 milespark. car. This one-way jaunt is 4.11 miles. farther along encounter the second barricade Slightly past this secondcrossing barricade, come upon the over sign for and below, the stream a Rocky wooden bridge. To create a loopTrail, with the Narrow Gaugeto Trail, the above and detour again to the rightroute and below, streamon overclifftop loop road wV 41.crossing turntheright Yoga Instruction and leading steeply the complete left. Continue straight until reaching 72 you’ll fi nd a small waterfall above with a cave one-way turn left at the gristmill. Pass the visitor center on a wooden bridge. You’ll a smalluntil waterfall above with athe cavepark campground. (crfind11/4) reaching Thtrail e andthe highlight of your hike, the swinging bridge over Glade Creek, Individualized Health the left and climb along the park road until you reach the first road behind it, but don’t let that distract you from the hidden railroad gem behind it, but don’t let that distract you from the 20-foot span thatleads rocksto slightly up and down between the pillars is located right side of the park road Coaching leading left. Turnaon this road (which cabins 1–6). At Cabin below: the axle to a trailhead narrow gauge railcar that lies on in thethe streambed

 Erin Larsen 

finding the trailhead

Holistic Health Coach

&Yoga Instructor

hidden railroad gem below: the axle to a narrow

970-708-7947

No. 5 watch for the trailhead to Skyline Trail (Trail 70). Take Skyline below the bridge. Take some time here explore these two cabin sights area. signs located that leads to tothe northern gauge railcar liesonin the streambed below the 230 Babcock State Park Trail 1.5 miles until it intersects with Rocky Trail.that Turn left before ascending steeply to regain the trail. throughout the park guide you there. Rocky Trail, descending to Narrow Gauge Trail. At this intersection, Slightly past this second barricade, come upon the sign for Rocky bridge. take some time here to explore these two turn right and return via the remaining portion of the Narrow Gauge Trail, leading steeply to the left. Continue straight until reaching sights before ascending steeply to regain the trail. Trail (1.7 miles). This combination results in a 7.92-mile loop. the highlight of your hike, the swinging bridge over Glade Creek, slightly past this second barricade, come upon a 20-foot span that rocks slightly up and down between the pillars

eelarsen@hotmail.com 



trail description

the sign for rocky trail, leading steeply to the left. leaving the park road at the trailhead on the right, Babcock State Park 231 continue straight until reaching the highlight of follow the trail (also an access road) alongside manns your hike, the swinging bridge over Glade creek, a creek for 0.2 miles. At this point the trail moves to the 20-foot span that rocks slightly up and down between left and narrows slightly— this area is heavily populated The famous swinging bridge on the Narrow Gauge Trail. the pillars with human with rhododendrons. At 0.5 passage. This bridge utilizes miles manns creek begins Narrow GauGe Trail the concrete pillars that to fall away from the trail once supported what was 2500 and the roar of the cascades Like Nature? N known as the tank trestle Trail splits left lessens. in the next 0.1 miles 2400 or horseshoe trestle of additional Notes remember to look to the the manns creek railway. NRGorgeGuide.com 0.1 miles right overoperated yourTrue shoulder On 02/16/2013 the From 1873 until 1956, the Mannsand Creek Railway along the -0.0° North 2300 declination is and -8.0° North NAD27 CONUS Datum path of magnetic the Narrow Gauge Trail Old Sewell Road Trail,Grid carrying careful crossing this Magnetic North -8.1° changing by -0.05° per year Universal Transverse Mercator Zone 17 to appreciate falls along from the mines at Clifftop and lumber from the Landisburg. This Will keep you up to date coal small railroad, only 40 miles in length, moved coal and timber from 2200 bridge, as it is extremely the stream below. these two towns to the main Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) lines in on ranger talks, birding First barricade slippery when wet. the New River Gorge. A sharp eye will find remnants of this past Now the trail begins Second barricade festivals, wildlife happenings, throughout the hike. 2100 Swinging bridge continue another 0.62 to emerge from the thick and other exciting, fun Mountain-Bike Note miles to the trail’s end and rhododendrons, often 2000 and educational events for Two locations on this trail require mountain bikers to dismount and intersection with the old streambeds, carry their bicycles: onefound at 1.5 miles along and the second at 1.6 miles. It is nature lovers young and old. 1900 also advisable to walk your bicycle across the swinging bridge. sewell road trail. 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 and to move into a more DISTANCE (mi) ELEVATION (ft)

230 Babcock State Park

232 Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park 233

with huma once suppo Trestle of it is extrem trail’s end

Trail Combin

The Narro the Old Se one-way h Road Trail with Old S trail and ro car. This o To create one-way tr the left and leading lef No. 5 watc Trail 1.5 m Rocky Tra turn right a Trail (1.7 m

Trails The “Face” Loop TraiL The “Face” Loop Trail

The highlight of this short and easily accessible trail is a boulder with a meticulously carved face etched into the stone.

Location: Just east of the Canyon

Rimof Visitor Center and New River Gorge Location: Just east the

canyon rim VisitorBridge center and Maps: USGS Fayetteville quad New river Gorge Bridge 1:24,000 Maps: usGs fayetteville quad Trail options: The trail is a branch of 1:24,000 a climber-access trail for Endless Wall. Facilities: Trail options: Th e trailGravel is aparking at pulloff for five vehicles. branch of a climber-access trail for highlights: An intricate carving and endless wall. pretty waterfall. facilities: Gravel parking at pulloff for five vehicles. Trail Milestones: Highlights: An intricate carving and pretty waterfall. 0.1 mi – The “Face” (38°04.063 N, 081°04.158 W) 0.18 mi – Waterfall and right turn hiGhliGht of this (38°04.029 N, 081°04.158 W)

the short and easily accessible trail is a boulder with a meticulously carved additional Notes face etched into the stone. The climber trails are not signposted and are not recommended unless you’re familiar with the area. See Mikew) Williams’ (38°04.060 N, 081°04.257 New River Gorge Rock Climbs for more information regarding driVe North AloNG us route 19 this and other unmaintained from fayetteville, climber-access wV, crossing the bridge. trails.

finding the trailhead

turn right onto lansing-edmond road (county route 5/82). continue 0.3 miles and turn right onto fayette station road (cr route 82). travel 0.1 miles, reaching a y intersection. keep left here and travel an additional 0.6 miles to a pulloff with an NPs informational board describing scenic drives in the region.

trail description

0.25 mi

181 ft 140 ft

Finding the Trailhead (38°04.060 N, 081°04.257 W) Drive north along US Route 19 from Fayetteville, WV, crossing the bridge. Turn right onto Lansing-Edmond Road (County Route 5/82). Continue 0.3 miles and turn right onto Fayette Station Road (CR Route 82). Travel 0.1 miles, reaching a Y intersection. Keep left here and travel an additional 0.6 miles to a pulloff with an NPS informational board describing scenic drives in the region. Trail Description From the informational board, walk 40 meters uphill along the road until reaching a doublewide trail that veers to the right. “No Hunting” signs are posted to the left as you descend and reach a paved path with stone. Turn right along this path and cross a small stream by way of a stone bridge. Rounding a bend in the trail, begin to watch for the moss-covered face to the left at 0.1 miles. Take a children or in wet and icy conditions, as the moment here and examine the detail of the carving in the boulder. trail thisstory stream abovebut a 20-foot drop Why here? Why justcrosses a face? The is unknown, the etching’s on the left . quality is impressive. Continue along the trail another 0.08 miles, arriving atop a 20-foot waterfall. At this point and just above the falls turn right, crossing the stream and climbing steeply through rhododendron to return to the trailhead and area.trails Take caution in this area with children Theparking climber are not signposted and or in wet and icy conditions, as the trail crosses this stream above a are not recommended unless you’re familiar 20-foot drop on the left.

Additional Notes

with the area. see mike williams’ New River Climbs for more information regarding this and otherA unmaintained brave “Face” in any weather. This trail is a climber-access short branch from an unmaintained climber-access trail trails. Gorge Rock Trail combinations/options

that serves the Fern Buttress climbing area. To explore this area, at 0.2 miles continue straight rather than turning right (and returning The “Face”This Looptrail TraiLmeanders for miles along the base of the to the trailhead). cliff, accessing ladders and cliff breaks to reach the rim of the gorge. 1720

1700

1680

ELEVATION (ft)

1660

The “Face”

Fayetteville, Lansing, & Kaymoor Region 34

1640

1620

Waterfall and

right turn from the iNformAtioNAl board, walk 40 meters uphill along the road until reaching a doublewide trail that veers to the right. “No hunting” signs are posted to 35 Fayetteville, Lansing, & Kaymoor Region the left as you descend and reach a paved path with stone. turn right along this path and trail milestones cross a small stream by way of a stone bridge. rounding a bend in the trail, begin to watch for 0.1 mi – The “face” the moss-covered face to the left at 0.1 miles. (38°04.063 N, 081°04.158 w) take a moment here and examine the detail of 0.18 mi – waterfall and right turn the carving in the boulder. why here? why just (38°04.029 N, 081°04.158 w) a face? The story is unknown, but the etching’s quality is impressive. Hiking and Biking in the New River Gorge: continue along the trail another 0.08 miles, A Trail User’s Guide can be found at New arriving atop a 20-foot waterfall. At this point river Bikes, marathon Bicycle company, and just above the falls turn right, crossing and water stone outdoors, and at the stream and climbing steeply through rhododendron to return to the trailhead and wolverinepublishing.com/hiking-biking-newparking area. take caution in this area with river-gorge.com 1600 1580

0.0

0.1

0.2

DISTANCE (mi)

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Health and maple syrup. restriction diets and cleanses such as this can pose problems for some. People may lose weight, but then rapidly gain it back, while feeling deprived and depleted. By Erin Larsen As an alternative, try drinking a morning tea consisting of lemon our Busy lifestyles often juice with a dash of cayenne pepper, leave us over-stressed, under-rested and either raw honey or maple syrup. and poorly nourished. The adrenal The cayenne will warm your body and glands get taxed, resulting in weight boost energy, the lemon helps cleanse gain, lack of energy, and overall poor the liver, and a little sweetness can health. The popular media is full of make it more enjoyable. drastic methods to fix what ails you, but in addition to what you put iN improving your health does not require your body, pay attention to what you anything complicated or extreme. put oN your body. our skin is our simple, moderate changes can make a largest organ, and it is also semibig difference in how you feel. permeable, meaning it can absorb let's start with diet. The standard toxins as well as release them. if you American diet has a fitting acronym: wouldn’t pump your body lotion sAd. sAd diets are highly processed, into your mouth, think twice before low in nutrients and high in calories. slathering it all over your skin. i These foods cause inflammation in recommend shea butter, almond, the body and coconut, olive, give us low or apricot oil return for for the skin. our body’s immediately energy after showering investment. or bathing, eat more give yourself fresh a quick body fruits and massage with a vegetables, high quality oil. whole your skin will grains and still be moist, fresh juice from oranges, apples, carrots, beets, and ginger fresh water, and your pores replacing open, so your dried fruits or bars, canned or frozen skin will absorb the oil and you won't foods, crackers, pastas and other be left with a greasy feeling. This also convenience foods. it’s also a good helps to dispel toxins and activate the idea to cut meat consumption back lymph and circulatory system to aid to one meal a day and make sure in cleansing the body. your protein source is organic and finally, clear some time to unprocessed (avoid deli meats). Aim cleanse your mind. release stress by for meals that consist of only two or engaging in some sort of relaxation three foods so that your digestive technique regularly, daily if possible. system can more easily break down This could be 20 minutes or more the food and glean the nutrients. of gentle yoga, meditation or deep Need a lift? drinking homemade breathing. take a slow walk in the juices (vegetables run through a woods and synchronize your breath juicer) and mineral broths (vegetable with your footsteps. take a break soup broth) are a great way to boost from your television or radio for the minerals and vitamins in the body a week. tune out from the chaos and aid in elimination of toxins in and violence in our world so you the gastrointestinal tract. in order to can take time to find solace inside. maintain the body’s balance, juicing remember, cleansing doesn’t have to and drinking smoothies is best in the be complicated, and adopting one or spring and summer months when the two of these suggestions can get you weather is warm. winter is a good started on the path to feeling lighter, time for warm foods, lightly cooked having more energy, and sleeping vegetables and cooked whole grains, better. like rice and quinoa. you may have For more guidance on your path to heard of the master cleanse, which healthy living contact me at 304-640consists of drinking warm water 7320 or eelarsen@hotmail.com. with lemon juice, cayenne pepper

Be Well

For life’s misadventures, caring is our business! Fayetteville Urgent Care is Family owned and operated. We provide the very best care at an affordable price. Life’s illnesses and misadventures shouldn’t break the bank, and shouldn’t ruin your vacation. We are here to take care of you and your famiiy when you need it most. Colds, Flu, Sprains Strains, Ear Infections Broken Bones Cuts, Scrapes, Burns Rashes, Abscesses

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Don’t Forget Hangtime And other advice for family vacations

Photos: This page, left to right: eric ward, cristina opdahl; opposite page, courtesy of cyclonebill

By Geoff Heeter The New River Gorge made it on to another list. We were in the USA Today’s Summer Travel Guide of 2012 as a selected Best Family Vacations. I should say, I’m not surprised. Of course we were. But even more impressive, SuperBowl Champ Kurt Warner holds forth about family vacations on the same pages. I like what Kurt has to say and loved watching him play, but I decided after looking through his piece in the Travel Guide that I had a few nuggets of family vacation wisdom of my own to share. First: I am a firm believer in Plan Z. Being flexible is critical to family fun. Don’t get me wrong—you must have Plan A to start with. But Plan A never works out. It just doesn’t. That’s why knowing your options is very important.

Lets start with Plan A. Get those little monsters involved. They are always on some electronic device anyway, so put that time to use. Have them surf options for lodging, activities, food, even the travel route

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Family Travel

shopping, lunch, and ice cream at Tamarack is the perfect rainy day schedule. Or, if you need it, with detours to cool side trips. take a rest day. You’re on vacation. Knowing how to read a map or follow GPS And then there’s the stuff that rainy days are directions are great life skills. But don’t tell them best for. Taking a hike to a waterfall in the park that. It’ll ruin their fun. in the rain is Plan A can be as magical. You simple as choosing won’t see red a destination or as spotted newts if detailed as an hour by you only go out hour itinerary. Red flags in the sun. You go up on the hour-bywill not melt. hour itinerary, but we’ll Go get wet. And talk about that in a few. muddy. Start out by picking Here’s the a type of vacation: Red Flag: An beach, amusement park, hour-by-hour cruise or our favorite, itinerary is far a red eft, a juvenile red spotted newt outdoor adventure. I am too restrictive. not biased. My family It will get you has done all the above, except for the cruise—I into trouble. If you are here for the week, pick get seasick. The others we have done and the kids your top three activities, watch the weather, and are the ones who really love the outdoor stuff, book your trips accordingly. even if they are couch potatoes most of the year. Make sure to leave time to just relax. Sit Find the type of family around the table and make faces at each other. vacation you all have chosen and When kids are surveyed after vacations, they make it within an easy day’s drive. rank the hang time higher than the adventures. Less than 8 hours total car time. Always have, always will. Next: Choose some activities. A Knowing that there are options all around mix of free and paid activities is best. for every Plan B to Z situation makes it easy Make sure you have a budget set for to have a flexible, spontaneous, playful family this ahead of time. Rafting on the New outdoor adventure vacation filled with quality River can range from $59 for a mid time for you and yours. week family trip on the Upper New to Remember: it’s not the destination, it’s the $200-plus per person per day for an journey. But you have to get out the door. Come overnight on the river. see why plans B-Z in WV are so Ossum. Here is where I will get some Geoff Heeter designed and built their family owned hate mail from activity providers all and operated Opossum Creek Retreat with the over the world. family vacation in mind. (www.opossumcreek. Do not make reservations com, 800-582-0256) ahead of time. There, I said it. This is the CRUX of plan B through Z. I have guided raft For more information about red efts, red trips all over the world and have been in every spotted newts, and other salamanders, read kind of weather on the river. It is more fun in the an article on these creatures at nrgorgeguide. sun. com/a-wild-world-of-salamanders. The Exhibition Coal Mine followed by

spring/summer 2013 NRGORGEGUIDE.com 27

Safety Tip: A fall can yield injuries along a wide

New River Gorge 911

By Bryan Simon

The sun flickers through the green leafy canopy of the forest on a bright summer morning as you move briskly along the trail. The abundance of beauty within the cliff-lined confines of the New River Gorge causes your eyes to wander toward the canopy until a subtle, but unmistakable, rattle awakens the innate fight versus flight response that we all possess. A timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) has alerted you to his presence alongside the trail. Mother Nature, home to a splendid array of wonders, also hosts dangers in the form of difficult terrain, rapidly changing environmental conditions, and potentially dangerous encounters with animals that reside in the eastern woodlands. Recognizing potential emergencies, how to avoid or mitigate them, and understanding how to respond to different scenarios will help you to enjoy your endeavors with confidence. Below are a few potential situations that can occur for outdoor adventurers in the New River Gorge during the summer months.

Heat Illness Scenario: After driving through the night to the New River Gorge, you and your friends immediately hike to the crag and spend the day climbing on the sun drenched rock of Endless Wall. After rappelling, a climber says he feels faint and needs to sit down. He complains of a headache, nausea, and has not had much to eat or drink throughout the day. What To Do

What To Do

The best method to care for a snake bite is to avoid it altogether by maintaining awareness while on a hike. The following steps will help you to provide care until reaching medical personnel.

Tip: There are some persisting myths regarding snake bite treatment. Do NOT: cut or suck the wound, capture the snake, or apply a tourniquet or ice to the site of the bite.

Falls (Sprains, Strains, and broken bones) Scenario: While hiking along the Kaymoor Trail, your friend misses a step and twists her ankle. After catching her fall, you find that her ankle is tender to the touch. What To Do

1. Keep the victim calm. 2. Clean the area with water to remove any

1. No matter the area of injury, sit down and

3. Keep the bitten area below the level of the

2. If it is an ankle or knee injury, can the injured

4. Remove any jewelry or restrictive clothing. 5. Transport to a local hospital. Most hospitals in

3. Think RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and

remaining venom.

heart and immobilize it if possible.

the area carry a stock of antivenin. Call ahead to inquire about availability while in transport.

28 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

assess. Is the area tender or painful? hiker stand and bear weight? Elevate.

4. If the injury is serious, get help.

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1. 2.

Stop physical exertion.

Move him into a cool shaded area and have him sit or lie down with legs elevated. Fanning the person is helpful.

3. Remove or loosen restrictive clothing. 4. If possible, have him drink water and eat. 5. Place a wet cloth across the neck, or wet his t-shirt, face, or body.

6. If the person becomes confused or loses

consciousness, stops sweating, or has an increase in respirations and heart rate—seek medical attention.

Tip: Always take signs of heat illness seriously. Heat stroke, the worst case of heat illness, is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical assistance.

Know before you go… In over your head and need help? Call 911. 1. Stay calm. 2. Describe where you are. 3.Describe the situation. 4. Follow instructions.

Photo, This page: Daniel J. Layton

An adult copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix)

rattlesnake mentioned above, the New River Gorge is also home to the copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), another venomous member of the pit viper family. These are the only two venomous snakes that reside in the region and are most active between the months of April and October. Neither of these species is particularly aggressive and will retreat if given a chance. The best advice is to stay away from all snakes and enjoy your day.

There are different types of heat illness and they are generally labeled as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. No matter the designation, the following steps will help your friend:

Snake bite Scenario: In addition to the timber

spectrum from a minor ankle turn to a compound fracture of a femur. Assess the severity of the injury. If it is a slight sprain, follow the RICE acronym. For more severe injuries, splints and trained medical evacuation may be needed.

Safety Tip: Always

Lightning

transport victims of near drowning to the hospital. often, they will appear fully recovered, but may develop difficulties later.

Scenario: while mountain biking along the Arrowhead trail system, a thunderstorm rumbles down the gorge. you hear the crack of thunder what To Do

and see a flash of lightning. 1. seek low ground and get away from metal objects (bikes, tents).

2. Avoid being the tallest (or highest) object in the immediate area.

3. if in a group, spread out and squat down during the storm.

4. if a building is near, go inside.

what To Do

Tips: if a member of your party is struck by lightning, remember the following rules: • Call 911, this is a medical emergency! • you Can touch them! • Remember your aBCs (airway, Breathing, circulation). often a lightning strike victim will “look” dead. Be prepared to do cPr or conduct rescue breathing.

Near Drowning

Photo, this PAGe: shredeX

Scenario: you are swimming in summersville lake when a friend gets in over his head and begins to yell for help. Before you arrive, he goes under. you and friends are able to pull him to shore.

if he is not breathing, mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing is the only treatment that will help. Be prepared to conduct cPr is no pulse is present.

Be prepared for the victim to vomit during rescue breathing, roll him to the side when this occurs and sweep any vomit from his mouth before restarting rescue breathing.

3. if your friend is breathing, position him comfortably and help as needed.

if the event occurs in swift moving water or after jumping from a height, rescuers must assume that the person may have injured their spine and take adequate precautions to protect them.

Local Hospitals Summersville Memorial Hospital 400 fairview Heights rd. summersville, wV 26651 (304) 872-2891 Plateau Medical Center 430 Main St. oak hill, wV 25901 (304) 469-8600 raleigh general Hospital 1710 Harper rd. Beckley, wV 25801 (304) 256-4100 national Park Service Glen Jean, wV

(304) 465-0508

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SprinG/Summer 2013

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Adventure Calendar

July 14 Scenic Mountain Triathlon Where: Richwood, WV What: 23.8 miles Run, Bike, Swim

May May 17-19 New River Rendezvous Where: New River Gorge What: Climbing Festival By the time you read this there will in all likelihood be no spaces left for the 10th New River Rendevous, a weekend of climbing comps, clinics, slacklining and good fun to raise money for the New River Alliance of Climbers. Only 600 spots were open for registration, and every year the Rendezvous fills up. You can go to facebook. com/NewRiverClimbing, like the page, and be apprised of the ‘vous next year in time to register. And you can still give money to NRAC at newriverclimbing.net.

June June 1, July 6, August 3 Bluestone Turnpike Hike Where: Pipestem State Park What: 9.5 mile hike along a remote section of Bluestone River Start at the bottom of the tram that runs from Pipestem, and with a park ranger, walk the 9.5 miles along the Bluestone River to Bluestone State Park, where the park service provides a ride back to Pipestem. A remote and beautiful section of river not otherwise accessed without arranging your own shuttle. More info: nps.gov/blue/planyourvisit/rangerprograms.htm

30 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

A traditional swim, bike, run triathlon in one of the most beautiful areas of West Virginia. You’ll swim 0.5 miles in chilly Summit Lake, cycle 17.1 miles over 4,000–foot Kennison Mountain to the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, then run 6.2 miles of rolling terrain to the Cranberry Glades and back. More info: scenicmountaintriathlon.com

August August 4 Thurmond Triathlon Where: Thurmond, WV What: Beginner Triathlon

July 20 Wheels of Hope Ride Where: Lewisburg, WV What: Road Cycling Choose between 3 rides: 20 miles beginner or family distance, 63 miles for a challenging ride, or 100 miles for a century. All the routes are through the lush and rolling hill countryside of the Greenbrier River Valley. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and local residents fighting cancer. More info: wheelsofhopewv.com

It’s a perfect length for a first triathlon: bike 2 miles from the Thurmond Train Depot to Stonecliff beach, paddle flat moving water 1.5 miles (inflatable duckies are available if you pre-register), then run a 2 mile loop around Thurmond, a former coal-mining hub, now a picturesque historical landmark. Kids as young as 7 may enter; suitable for grownups wanting a mellow triathlon experience as well. More info: thurmondwv.org

July 28 Little Beaver Chainring Challenge Where: Little Beaver State Park What: 7, 14, or 21–mile Mountain Bike Race Locally famous for its techically demanding trails, the Little Beaver singletrack is a perfect place to test how well you can negotiate rocks and roots. Add a hundred other bikers out there, and it becomes fun. More info: rcccrides.com 100% recycled paper

Photos (clockwise from top left): cyclists in the Wheels of Hope Ride, a mountain biker takes on the Chainring Challenge, Bluestone River, and swimmers churn up Summit Lake at the Scenic Mountain Triathlon

PhotoS (clockwise from top): courtesy of wheels of hope ride, philip poiff, public domain, rob mckenzie photography; Opposite page: jim mcCormac

July

Nature

our Sly, Shy neighbors

the red fox lives happily, secretly near us, and that’s the way she likes it. By Jim mccormac “if the lion was advised by the fox, he would be cunning.” —william Blake

use rock piles, hollow logs, or other suitable crevices. The babies—kits— are born in early spring. Voyeuring an active den is a treat. The kits, which sly, sVelte, ANd good looking, normally number a half-dozen or so, the red fox is your neighbor although cavort and tussle near the entrance you may not know it. one of our like kittens. The parents will bring most interesting mammals, foxes wounded chipmunks and other are adaptive and faring well, even small prey, so that the youngsters can in suburbia. These clever beasts practice the craft of killing. foxes recognize us as one of their few aren’t strict meat-eaters, though— enemies, and that, coupled with their they’re omnivorous, or eat a variety of mostly nocturnal habits, keep the fox food. during summer and fall, berries largely out of sight and mind. and other vegetable matter become A red fox is worth a gander, if chance dietary staples. permits. it’s testimony to the fox’s good i once drove by a rural farmhouse looks that with scads of especially chickens in showy the yard when women are something caught called “foxes” my eye. it was a (apologies to red fox, frozen Gloria steinem stiff as a statue, and crew). paw in the air Bright-eyed and poultry on and bushyits mind, looking tailed, the fox straight at me. is endowed Busted, the fox with a scampered off. gorgeous coat These clever of burntcreatures are not orange. A normally chickenwhite breast and dark legs give the thieves though, and are far more impression that it wears black stockings beneficial than detrimental. They’re and a bib. The incredible white-tipped inveterate mousers, and partial to tail can be well over half the animal’s the rabbits that plunder your garden. length. it serves as a rudder on aerial fluffy should be safe, too—cats are leaps and helps balance the animal normally too much for a fox; with when in full gallop. jumbo cats such as maine coons it foxes are canids, the same family may be the fox who worries! that your dog belongs to. They do look At one time, bounties on dog-like, albeit a small one—a 15 lb. fox foxes were common. People didn’t would be hefty, and they’re only 3 ½ feet have much understanding of the long. were it not for their thick, shaggy importance of predators, and foxes coat, a fox would be but a wisp of itself. were vilified as killers of “good” foxes act very cat-like in spite of their animals. eventually, the archaic canine lineage, as anyone who has fox bounty practice was banned, watched one hunt mice knows. They’ll and foxes can be found commonly furtively stalk prey, and then pounce throughout west Virginia. in a stiff-legged leap, deftly seizing the Jim McCormac is an Ohio-based victim. naturalist, author of three books red foxes pair up in winter to breed. Their dens are usually modified on wildlife and frequent blogger at jimmccormac.blogspot.com. woodchuck burrows, but they’ll

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June June 1 Appalachain Music & Arts Festival

Where: Tamarack, Beckley, WV What: 8 hours of live music from blues to string bands, artist demonstrations, and treats. More info: tamarackwv.com

June 1, July 6, Aug 3 Market Day

Where: Fayetteville, WV What: Farmers Market, Artisans Market, and Flea Market converge on Court Street, Fayetteville. More info: visitfayettevillewv.com

June 7-9 New River Festival

Where: Fayette Station Road What: The Reel Paddling Film Festival, workshops including a stream exploration and photography workshop for kids, and a not-to-miss puppet parade, and Saturday night, dance bands Danger Muffin and Gangstagrass. More info: newriverfestival.com

June 14-16, 2013 Ansted Mountain Heritage Festival Where: Anstead, WV What: Crafts, food, parade, and rides. More info: newrivergorgecvb.com

32 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

June 20 WV Day: 150th Anniversary of Statehood

July 12-28 Duck Hunter Shoots Angel

Where: Fayetteville, WV What: Plans are still in the works but—spoiler alert—there will be cake! More info: visitfayettevillewv.com

Where: Historic Fayette Theater, Fayetteville, WV What: A comedy from an impressive pool of local talent. More info: historicfayettetheatre.com

June 20 Lighthouse Lighting

July 15-24 Jambo, the National Scout Jamboree

Where: Summersville, WV What: A new lighthouse made of the base of a wind turbine and offering views of Summersville Lake officially opens. More info: summersvillelakeretreat.com

July 4th of July Weekend New River Gorge Heritage Festival

Where: Fayetteville, WV What: Old fashioned 4th of July Celebration in downtown Fayetteville including the John Kemper Band at Historic Fayette Theater More info: visitfayettevillewv.com

4th of July Weekend Independence Day Celebrations

Where: assorted New River Gorge locations What: Fireworks and bouncy houses at Adventures on the Gorge, Big Air contest at ACE Adventure Resort. More info: adventurewestvirginia.com and aceraft.com

100% recycled paper

Where: Mount Hope, WV What: 50,000 boy scouts, venturers, volunteers, and staff from all over the country come together. More info: Summit.scouting.org

July 15-24 Experience West Virginia

Where: various locations What: Workshops in crafts, science, music, and West Virginia history. More info: experiencewv.org

August July 31–August 4 Appalachian String Band Festival

Where: Camp Washington Carver, Clifftop, WV What: A five-day gathering of stringed instruments, the musicians who play them, and the people who love to hear them. More info: wvculture.org/stringband

photos: this page, clockwise from top left: courtesy of wv division of culture and history, paige dalporto, courtesy of tamarack (2), public domain

Nature & Culture Calendar

Environment

Bluestone Lake valley, Summers County, WV

Energy Efficiency For Everyone

Photo courtesy of www.forestwander.com

By Cathy Kunkel

West Virginia is an energy state. We are the nation’s second-largest coal producer and our natural gas production is on the rise. West Virginia is also a major electricity exporter. In 2010, West Virginia’s power plants produced more than twice as much electricity as was actually consumed in the state. The vast majority of our state’s electricity production comes, of course, from coal. But this coal-based electricity system does not deliver power as cheaply as it did in the recent past. Residential electric rates have risen more than 50% in the past five years. In large part this has been driven by the rising price of coal and volatility of coal prices on the international market. The price of coal delivered to electric power plants in West Virginia more than doubled from 2000 to 2010. Nevertheless, both of West Virginia’s electric utilities have announced plans this year to acquire additional coal-fired power plants from affiliated electric utilities in neighboring states, which would mean even greater exposure to volatile coal prices for their customers. Ironically, as electric rates continue to go

up, our power companies are largely overlooking the cheapest and least risky resource: energy efficiency. Just as utilities can invest in new power plants, they can also invest in reducing electricity use by offering incentives and programs to help customers conserve electricity. Utility efficiency programs are paid for through electric rates, just as investments in power plants are. But energy efficiency investments cost rate payers less than half the cost of producing the same new electricity in a power plant. Utilities can offer consumers: incentives for recycling old and inefficient refrigerators, home energy audits by local businesses with rebates for efficiency improvements, incentives for the purchase of EnergyStar appliances, custom incentives for energy efficiency projects undertaken by industrial customers, and more. Our utilities are beginning to offer some of these programs, although not to the level that they do in neighboring states where they also operate. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps you can take right now to increase your efficiency. Did you know, for example, that “energy vampires” (devices that suck power even when turned off like chargers, TVs, and cable boxes) are often responsible for 10% of a family’s utility bill? Connecting these devices to a power strip to disconnect their power when not in use is

a simple way to save money. Other low-cost measures include: caulking around windows and doors, insulating your hot water pipes and hot water heater (which can account for 15-25% of your home’s energy use), and covering windows with plastic sheeting or insulating shades. Appalachian Power customers can also take advantage of the company’s free home energy assessment program. And everyone can take advantage of the $500 federal tax credit for home energy efficiency, which covers investments like insulation and efficient heat pumps and water heaters; this tax credit was recently extended through the end of 2013. Energy efficiency investments would save money and create thousands of jobs for West Virginians. Spending money to reduce our demand for electricity is far cheaper per unit of energy saved than investments in generating the same amount of power. Residents and businesses that take steps to save money on their bills are making themselves less dependent on the international commodity prices for coal and natural gas that have been a major driver of electric rates. And the jobs created in weatherization and green building are jobs that cannot be outsourced. Cathy Kunkel is a policy analyst for Energy Efficient West Virginia (www.eewv.org).

spring/summer 2013 NRGORGEGUIDE.com 33

simply put, there are few things as fun as riding high on the pillow in a raft full of your friends at Pillow rock on the upper Gauley. for the uninitiated, the Gauley river alone is considered one of the best commercially run stretches of whitewater in the world and Pillow rock is one of the prime reasons the Gauley has that reputation. imagine a torrent of water the width of the river being funneled into a giant, house-sized boulder. At first glance, it looks like you’re going to t-bone the rock. But here’s the cool thing. The water hits the rock and because it has nowhere to go, it folds back on itself, creating a cushion of unruly, frothy whitewater. when your boat hits that cushion, the nose will turn to the right and it will look like you are going to broadside the rock instead. But take heart, because the pillow is still in effect. your guide may have you try to slap the rock with your paddle or call for you to get left to keep boat upright. either way, you’ll come screaming off the pillow into a serious drop. if you aren’t grinning after it’s all over, you may need to check your pulse and rethink this whole bucket list thing. —Jonathan danz

Climb a Boulder

Nuttall sandstone is so dense, its version of erosion over the last millions of years has involved house-size boulders tumbling down the slopes of the New river Gorge to rest at various climbable angles in various places, many of which are accessible. The Gorge area is experiencing a renaissance in bouldering, with new problems cropping up faster than ramps in a rainy April. water stone outdoors on court street offers a free basic guide to bouldering areas.

Ride High On the Pillow

NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

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Bike the Arrowhead Trails

Built in 2011 by the international mountain Biking Association, the Boy scouts, and the National Park service, the Arrowhead trails are everything biking in west Virginia should be: smooth singletrack tracing blissful ridgelines and threading through rhododendrons and lush eastern hardwood forest. Beginner to Advanced. rental bikes can be found at New river Bikes (304-574-2453, newriverbikes.com) and marathon Bicycle company (304-574-2337, marathonbikes. com). Go to NRGorgeGuide. com/nrg-areatrails/ for an overview of the trail system, and nps.gov/neri/ planyourvisit/ bicycling.htm for a downloadable map.

Photos: this PAGe, clockwise from toP left: courtesy of Ace AdVeNture resort, cristiNA oPdAhl, PAtrick Beck

The New River Gorge Bucket List, continued from page 18.

Eat a Freshly Picked Morel

if you haven’t had a chance to savor a freshly picked morel mushroom, hang around west Virginia in mid to late April and you’ll be in for a treat. Their delicate, earthy flavor is highly prized—for good reason. morels usually begin showing their honeycomb-like heads in late march and may last into may. They can be tricky little buggers to find. Those who know where to find them carefully guard that information. try the farmers market, where locals with the experience and access to prime morel growing areas provide the freshest specimens. like many mushrooms, they need to be cooked before eaten. sautee with butter, being careful not to overdo it on the heat. crack a little black pepper, sprinkle a bit of salt on them, and enjoy. —Jonathan danz

Funky, Upscale & Delicious

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Want to learn how to find your own? Read below.

Foraging for Fungi i chAlleNGe you to experience the outdoors in a different way: through your taste buds. First, an important note: Before any wild foods expedition, be sure to obtain one or more reliable field guides. Tag along with someone who knows what they are after and what different plants to avoid. if you’re reading this in may or early June there may still be time to hunt for the elusive morel. These wonderful little mushrooms arrive in early spring, especially after the first thunderstorms of the year warm the earth back up, popping up in ancient mountain patches all over the area. There are three species native to the New river Gorge area. Half-free Morel: The most common species and the largest. yellow Morel: elusive, blending into the dead leaves. black Morel: highly sought after for its exquisite flavor. The best time to search is the day after a spring rain on northern facing mountain sides. Never eat them raw, always cooked (preferably battered and pan fried), and as with any mushroom it does have look-a-likes.

By keith kinsey if morel season has passed there are many equally good fungi just waiting for you to enjoy. often, after a summertime evening shower, mushrooms will start populating trails and open fields. A few are well worth keeping your eyes peeled for, as their unique flavors and vitamin rich fruits will give you a treat not to be forgotten. russulas and boletes, chicken of the woods, puffballs and oysters are some of these. The NrG area is also home to a true delicacy, the golden chanterelle. chanterelles often fetch $20-$30 per pound and are abundant from July through october under old growth hemlock forests and around rhododendron. These are small golden yellow mushrooms that, when cooked, offer a meaty texture and a flavor that rightfully earns them the name “Queen mushroom.” foraging for food that has been a part of the eco-system for millions of years brings new meaning to the saying “eat locally.” foraging for food is becoming a lost art, but if you really enjoy eating different foods and learning about our eco-system, it’s a skill worth having.

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Immerse Yourself in the Gorge

www.nrgorgeguide.com has • what’s happening • calendar of events • blogs • trail info • stories about all the fun things to do here •

The Gorge Guide Restaurant Guide

Photos, top to bottom: local decor at Gumbo’s & Diogi’s, the bar at Pies & Pints, Smokies’ buffet, bottled heat, and jukebox at Dirty Ernie’s

Restaurant

Address

Fare

Meals

The Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill 304-574-2750

Oscar White Rd. Lansing

“Mexican fusion”

lunch & dinner

Cathedral Café 304-574-0202

134 South Court St. Fayetteville

American

breakfast & lunch

Chetty’s Pub 888-650-1932

219 Chestnutburg Rd. Lansing

American

lunch & dinner

Diogi’s 304-574-3647

312 North Court St. Fayetteville

Latin American

lunch & dinner

Dirty Ernie’s Rib Pit 304-574-4822

310 Keller Ave. Fayetteville

BBQ, steaks and sandwiches

dinner

Gumbo’s Cajun Restaurant 304-574-4704

South Court St. Fayetteville

Cajun cuisine

lunch & dinner; brunch on Sun; closed Mondays

Los Vaqueros 304-469-6505

2027 East Main St. Oak Hill

Pies and Pints Pizzeria 304-574-2200

219 West Maple Ave. Fayetteville

Rio Grande Restaurant 304-465-5434

571 Mall Rd. Oak Hill

Secret Sandwich Society 304-574-4777

1031/2 Keller Ave. Fayetteville

Smokies on the Gorge 888-650-1932

219 Chestnutburg Rd Lansing

Wild Flour Bakery 304-574-0001

105 West Maple Fayetteville

36 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE

100% recycled paper

Mexican

lunch & dinner

gourmet pizza

lunch & dinner

Mexican

lunch & dinner

Sandwiches, burgers and salads

lunch & dinner; closed Tuesdays

Gourmet Buffet

breakfast & dinner

Bakery

breakfast & lunch; closed Sundays & Mondays

Gorge Guide Coupon Page

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Services

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SprinG/Summer 2013

NRGORGEGUIDE.com

Gallery

Located near Gauley Bridge and just off of the historic Midland Trail Scenic Byway, Cane Branch cascades over 60 feet into a natural amphitheatre to form Cathedral Falls. Photograph by Randall Sanger.

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86 Fayette town Ctr. Rd.

304.574.2604

126 West Main St.

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1401 Main St. East

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173 Virginia Ave. East

Summersville 5329 Webster Rd.

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129 West main St.

355 main St.

304.872.1001

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Gauley BRidGe