Gorge Guide SUMMER/FALL 2014
new river
adventure
FREE!
YOUR RESOURCE FOR ADVENTURE IN THE NEW AND GAULEY RIVERS AREA
Event Calendar inside!
3Authors 3Picks
for River, Rock, & Trail
mountain Bike Mana 4 Arrowhead Trails + more
WWW.NEWRIVERGORGEGUIDE.COM
Bridge Day Guide + Tales from Down Below
FA YE TTE VILLE: Big Time Fun in a Small Town Way! Events: → Captain Thurmond's New River Gorge Challenge August 2, Downtown Fayetteville.
→ Market Day in Fayetteville Artisans and live music the first Saturday of every month. Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, 7:30—11:30am. Janutolo Park.
t Farmer's Marke & Market Days
→ Fayette County Farmer’s Market Every Saturday until October 25th 7:30—11:30am. Fayetteville CVB Parking Lot.
Family Friendly Festivals
→ Historic Fayette Theater The 39 Steps: Live theater production September 5-19 → WV Video Boaters Challenge October 1, HIstoric Fayette Theater, Downtown Fayetteville → Historic Fayette Theater Love, Loss, and What I Wore: Live theater production Oct 17-26
888-574-1500 310 North Court Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840 www.VisitFayettevilleWV.com facebook.com/visitfayettevillewv
→ Bridge Day and Bridge Day Chili Cook-off October 18, Chili Cook-Off in Downtown Fayetteville
History, Culture & Outdoor Adventure
→ Run Around the Gorge October 24-26, near Fayetteville
play. stay. dine. shop. Located n
ext to
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Celebrating 35 years of Bridge Day, 10/18/14.
START HERE.
There’s only one place to start your New River Gorge vacation, but where that will lead you is when the real adventure begins. One-Stop Area Visitor Information: Rt. 19 in Oak Hill • Oyler Ave. exit
NewRiverGorgeCVB.com • 800.927.0263
photograph by Martin unrue
Enjoy a relaxing cabin stay with adventure filled activities
located in the New River Gorge Area Call today for our Special Package Rates or visit us online.
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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 copy editor
Cristina Opdahl
Martha Opdahl
health/environMent editor
Ginger Danz
contributing Writers Amanda Ashley, Jonathan Danz, Katie Johnson, Erin Larsen, Jim McCormac, Bryan Simon, Mike Williams, Jay Young contributing photographers Edwin Teran, Mike Williams, Jay Young
Christopher Danz, Bryan Simon,
ADVERTISING send a request for a media kit to gorgeguide@gmail.com or call 304-573-8113 STORY AND PHOTO SUMBISSIONS 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 copyrightŠ 2014 by nickelville press, llc. all rights reserved. reproduction in whole or part without written permission is expressly prohibited.
What’s the secret? SANDWICHES. Seriously good sandwiches.
1031/2 Keller Avenue, Fayetteville WV 25840 304.574.4SSS SecretSandwichSociety.com
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: a raft floats on the lower gauley river. Photograph by Mike Turner/www.NewRiverPhoto.com
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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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new river
adventure
GorGe Guide Summer/Fall 2014 Issue
happenings
8. training ground climbing ten 5.14s in one month at the new river gorge. Wild and Monumental
a national monument near the new river gorge may be on the horizon for West virginia.
nrc for the new a powerful organization takes a new name. 9. surface burn a rare fire lights up the new river gorge. hidden treasure a clever new product for when you’re high and dry. 10. Three’s a charm by Mike Williams, jay young, and bryan simon photos, opposite page (clockWise FroM top leFt): nrgag, edWin teran, jay young, jiM MccorMac, levi rose, jay young
Three local authors pick three of their favorite routes, runs, and trails in the nrg.
16. The arrow hits the Mark
by cristina opdahl Finding family bliss on the arrowhead trail system, one loop at a time.
17. More to love
by jonathan danz There is plenty more to ride than the arrowhead around here. a survey of other trails and systems nearby.
20. look down
our annual guide to bridge day. read it to find out where to go and what to look for when you get there.
22. catching Things That Fall best, if coldest, seats during bridge day.
24. letting go by katie johnson themselves.
by amanda ashley tales from the very
on backing off and letting your teens find
25. toxic beauty
by jim Mccormac certain preferences of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly make it rather deadly to predators.
26. be Well: simplify your life
by erin larsen some inspiration to ruthlessly get rid of your stuff and let some new energy flow.
27. event calendar
sup racing, a regatta, a triathlon, birds of prey, theater, and much more happening around the new river gorge.
30. step it up
by david Wolff Work on your hand jams, smears, and lock offs, and you’ll soon be climbing like nick duttle.
31. 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.
32. Where to Find it services found here.
33. classifieds
adventure, cabins & hotels, restaurants, retail, and
Cranberry Glades—part of the proposed national monument
wild and Monumental
Nick Duttle powers through the New River Gorge.
training Ground this spring When elite professional climber nick duttle took a break from a texas project and wanted to train hard, he came to the new river gorge. his intention was to climb 10 5.14 level rock climbs, and over the next month, he impressively ticked them all off. “it was a significant amount of climbing,” he admitted later while home in colorado when we spoke with him over the phone. but duttle takes his training seriously and the new, he said, can teach a climber a lot. “The new requires a lot of a climber including intricate footwork,” nuttle explained. The way up a difficult route “doesn’t
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immediately present itself. in the red river gorge it’s more obvious.” duttle’s most memorable 5.14 here was Mango Tango on the lower Meadow. “That’s a gorgeous piece of stone—the highest quality piece of rock in the new river gorge area,” he said. on his last 5.14 challenge, Hoax of Clocks, a climb reputed to have stumped famous ascentionist chris sharma, a hold broke off in the middle of a difficult section. duttle continued to the top; it was his second attempt. you can view duttle’s climb in a video by edwin teran posted on vimeo at vimeo.com.
NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
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the united states has 109 national Monuments, none of them in West virginia. That may change. The West virginia Wilderness coalition is working with partners to propose a birthplace of rivers national Monument in the southern Monongahela national Forest. The current proposed outline consists of 125,000 acres and includes the cranberry Wilderness, the largest eastern wilderness area, and tea creek backcountry, with miles of high quality mountain bike trails and excellent trout fishing. The area contains red spruce restoration areas, sphagnum bogs, and six “regionally-significant rivers” including the cranberry, gauley, and greenbrier. These
New River cleanup by the NRC
nrc for the new the national coMMittee for the new river has changed
waterways eventually empty into the kanawha, ohio, and Mississippi rivers. The proposed land, located about an hour from the new river gorge and managed by the u.s. Forest service, is currently protected. but, except for the permanently designated cranberry Wilderness, that policy could easily change. “every 10 years, the priorities [of a national forest] are up for debate,” explains kelly jo drey, campaign organizer for Fayette and nicholas counties. “We’d like to see the priorities of recreation and habitat restoration for this land be protected forever.” a birthplace of rivers national Monument would do just that.
its name to the new river conservancy. it has grown from a local 1974 effort against proposed hydroelectric dams on the new river in virginia to a farreaching organization fighting to protect the new river in north carlina, virginia, and West virginia. you can find out more information about the organization at NewRiverConservancy.org.
this page, clockWise FroM top leFt: edWin teran, ForestWander.coM, neW river conservancy; opposite page: jay young (top), vertical Medicine resources (bottoM)
Happenings
Happenings
The NRG in April, 2014
Surface Burn
an unusually dry spring was followed by an unusual event for the generally moist new river gorge: a forest fire. The fire broke out on the evening of april 20 along the cliff base of the endless Wall near Fern point. The flames spread that night and throughout the next day, eventually crossing the endless Wall trail and speading down to the river below. nps staff, local firefighters, and traveling hot-shot fire crews had the fire well under control by april 24. it was fully extinguished by heavy rains on april 29. approximately 130 acres were burned in the blaze. because the fire was largely Previously Owned & Previously Luved CD’s, DVD’s, LP’s a surface fire, the damage, like many eastern forest fires, is unlikely to be longPreviously Owned & Previously Luved CD’s, DVD’s, LP’s lasting. The fire burned leaf litter and had an average char height of 5 feet. in a few Previously Owned & Previously Luved CD’s months, say nps rangers, it will harely be noticeable at all.
Super Selection of All Recorded Music Super Selection of All Recorded Music - CD’s, LP’s, DVD’s Super of All Record - CD’s, LP’s,Selection DVD’s “In-Store Play - New Releases” - CD’s, LP’s, DVD’s
“In-Store Play - New Releases” Fine Cigars, Tobaccos & Accessories “In-Store Play - New Relea Gift Posters, Stickers, Fine Cigars,Unique Tobaccos &Items Accessories Can Safes,Posters, Lighters, Ashtrays ...Unique more ...Gift Items Stickers, Fine Cigars, Tobaccos & Acce Clothing Can Rad Safes, Lighters,Posters, Ashtrays ... more ... Unique G Stickers, Hot Fashion Jewelry Rad Can Clothing Safes, Lighters, Ashtrays . Hot Fashion Jewelry Rad Clothing ADULT BOUTIQUE Hot Fashion Jewelry “Latest & Only the Best Marital Aids!!!” ADULT BOUTIQUE Lotions • Fetish • Lingerie • Adult DVD’s • Gag Gifts “Latest & Only the Best Marital Aids!!!” ADULT BOUTIQUE • Bachelorette &“Latest much more&DVD’s ...Only Lotions •Party FetishItems • Lingerie • Adult • Gag the Gifts Best Marita Hidden treasure • Bachelorette Party Items & much• more ... • Adult DVD’s Lotions • Fetish Lingerie kudos to bryan and deb siMon, Come Shop & Have a Good •Time! Bachelorette Party Items & much local climbers and co-founders of vertical
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Medicine resources, for the launch of their 2nd product. The high and dry is a 72-gram, 3” x 4” first aid kit inside the pocket of a chalk bag. it was created with multi-pitch expeditions in mind and can be found at Water stone outdoors and online at vertical-medicine.com.
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Three’s a Charm
10 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
3 Authors Give 3 Picks for
Rock, Rivers & Trails
100% recycled paper
Climb By Mike Williams
Author of New River Rock, Volumes 1 & 2
Beginner
Zag
5.8, trad or top rope Bridge Buttress
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climbers visiting the New River Gorge for the first time often gravitate to the Bridge Buttress, a stunning outcrop of orange sandstone almost directly beneath the bridge. This cliff was the first to be tackled by early New River climbing pioneers due to its roadside location along Fayette Station Road. In 1975, before the bridge was constructed, West Virginia local Rick Skidmore jammed his way up the lightning-bolt shaped crack that splits the center of this tall buttress. He named his route Zag (5.8). Nearly 40 years later, it’s considered a classic route with great movement and excellent rock quality. Zag is now considered an entry-level rock climb. A bit of scrambling up ledges abruptly ends at a sheer vertical wall split by a solitary fissure barely wide enough to accept fingers and toes. The crux is short-lived and quickly opens up to a wider crack and abundant holds on the face. Topping out offers one of the best close up views of the bridge in the gorge. Zag offers good protection for the lead climber. It can also be set up on top-rope. If Zag is too challenging, try Easily Flakey (5.7), another classic just 50 ft. to the left. Too easy? Step up to Angel’s Arête (5.10a), a heavenly dance just a few feet to the right. Beta: Park along Fayette Station Road just downstream of the bridge and directly beneath the roadside cliff. Ascend a few stairs to the base of the wall, turn right, and Zag is the obvious crack just 50 ft. up the hill.
Intermediate
Can I Do It ’Til I Need Glasses? 5.10c, trad Endless Wall
Endless Wall is the crown jewel of New River rock climbing. Stretching unbroken for nearly five miles, this wall alone contains five-hundred excellent climbing routes. Midway along this remarkable stretch of cliff, the river and paralleling cliff line make a 90-degree turn at Diamond Point, home to the classic 5.10 crack climb, Can I Do It 'Till I Need Glasses. It’s worth the extra effort to make the 30-minute approach to Diamond Point, a relatively long one by New River Gorge standards. This narrow peninsula of stone juts its chin into the gorge in a display of superiority over all other crags. At the tip of the chin is the immaculate rock of Can I Do It, exposed to the elements from all sides and weathered into unique shapes seemingly custom-cut for climbing. This 90-foot route has it all: delicate crack climbing, a shallow dihedral, and some funky bubble-wrap bulges that lead to the anchor. On top is one of the most popular hiker overlooks that offers views up and down the river, from the bridge, all the way to Beauty Mountain. Beta: Park at the NPS Nuttall Parking area off Lansing Road. Follow the Endless Wall loop trail to the Honeymooner’s Ladders and descend to the cliff base. Walk downstream for about 10 minutes and rack up just around the corner from a massive boulder that marks Diamond Point.
Expert
Skylore Engine
photo, opposite page: Mike Williams
5.13a, sport Cirque
Expert-level climbers test themselves on the stunning tiger-striped wall of the Cirque, which harbors the highest concentration of difficult routes in the region. Dozens of routes ascend this overhanging, 100-foot cliff but only a handful go all the way to the top. The “easiest” path to the top is called Skylore Engine, a route that blasts directly up the center of the wall following a series of barelythere features on an otherwise blank slate. Just getting off the ground proves to be a challenge with powerful, shoulder-wrenching movements and footholds the width of a pencil. Fortunately, there’s a good ledge to rest on at half-height before engaging the steepest part of the climb. Blank swaths of glassy smooth stone can only be bypassed by leaping upward to catch the next ledge, sometimes completely leaving the rock with all limbs. Making it to the top of this one is cause for celebration, and possibly the opportunity to gaze over at the next world-class rock climb to attempt. Beta: Park at the NPS Nuttall Parking area off Lansing Rd. Follow the Endless Wall loop trail for ten minutes to the rim of the gorge and a sign that says “climbing access.” Descend the Cirque ladder and walk the base of the cliff upstream to the Cirque. Skylore Engine starts near the center of the wall at a vague dihedral.
SUMMER/FALL 2014 NRGORGEGUIDE.com 11
Paddle By Jay Young
Author of Whitewater Rafting on West Virginia’s New and Gauley Rivers
Beginner
Upper New River For the neophyte boater or rafter, the Upper New represents the perfect proving ground of shoaly ripples and wideopen wave trains. At lower levels, the Upper New provides ample opportunities to slide into the river and float alongside the raft. Beginning kayakers find ample places to practice water reading and eddy turns. At higher spring levels, it’s a terrific entry into big-water paddling, with friendly wave trains and holes few and far between. Pick your poison and go for it because the “Upper New” isn’t just one section. You have several choices of put-in and take-out. For the maximum density of rapids (including one rather large set of Class II waves just after the put-in), try Glade Creek to Grandview Sandbar. For a slower, more mellow run of placid pools punctuated by long sets of ripples, try McCreery to Stone Cliff. This section also offers a side hike to Dowdy Creek. If it has rained recently, the waterfall is not-to-miss. If you’re confident and near the top end of “beginner,” try Thurmond to Cunard, which is actually the first and far easier half of the Lower New River section. It has two Class III rapids, Surprise and Big Baloney. And mercifully, the take-out is hard to miss.
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Intermediate
The classic intermediate run that built West Virginia’s whitewater-rafting industry is characterized by big waves with relatively few obstacles. Its nature, however, changes dramatically at various levels. In summer, the Lower New is more Class III rock garden than roller coaster, as lower water slows things down considerably. Chutes and rocks with pillows and pour-overs are the norm from negative 1 to 1.5 feet on the Fayette Station gauge. From 2 feet to around 6, the waves get enormous and the holes get clingy. This is the range that made the New River Gorge famous, for while this large volume river can be intimidating at this level, it’s also seriously fun. For intermediate kayakers, foreknowledge of hazards (or a solid roll) becomes crucial. Then comes spring, which is a different story entirely. Above 6 feet on the Fayette Station gauge, you need to bring your big-water A-game. The lines get wider, but the potential swims are long and dark. Kayakers need to have a bomber roll. At truly high levels—let’s say 10 feet and above—the Lower New is virtually a 7-mile long class-V rapid. Oh sure, there are only a few major obstacles to avoid—like Whale Hole, Barry’s Hole and Pig Farmer Falls—but avoid them you must, or suffer the fluffy unfiltered fury of whichever god you worship.
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12 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
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Photos, this page, bottom and oppostie Jay Young; this page, top: NRGAG
Lower New River
Advanced
Upper Gauley River
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Dining-Shopping-Events
if ever a whitewater river run had the complete package, it’s the upper gauley, also known as the beast of the east. This world-famous section of mayhem is intimidating for good reason. it has creeky chutes, massive waves, blind drops, pour-overs, headlong plummets into rocks and holes. kayakers need to know it has ample opportunities to pin your boat permanently, undercuts (lots of undercuts) and sieves. several rapids can claim any combination of the aforementioned hazards, and some have—gulp—all of them. The upper gauley even draws whitewater groupies who hike in just to watch you run rapids. on any given saturday, pillow rock and sweet’s Falls are veritable roman coliseums filled with snarling spectators who really only want one thing: to watch you. get. eaten. by. lions. The upper gauley is not class v plus. it stops a full notch shy of hair boating. nevertheless, use your judgment. kayakers, if you don’t belong on the upper gauley, but you go there regardless, then the best you can hope for is the undisguised scorn of your fellow paddlers. consider a commercial rafting trip instead—loads of fun on the same whitewater. discretion is, after all, the better part of valor.
How to Get There: newrivergorgecvb.com/see-anddo/river-rafting/ has a complete set of rafting and kayak instruction outfitters serving the upper new, lower new, and gauley rivers.
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t a m a r a c k w v. c o m 1 - 8 8 - TA M A R A C K
O PE N DA I LY | E X IT 4 5 I -7 7/ I - 6 4 B E C K LE Y
Hike By Bryan Simon
Author of Hiking and Biking in the New River Gorge
Beginner
Kaymoor Trail
8.34 miles Near Fayette Station Road
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the Kaymoor trail in the New River Gorge incorporates the natural beauty of the area with the region’s mining history. It is less traveled by visitors than the ever-popular Endless Wall Trail or Long Point Trail, and offers everything from distant views, multiple streams and waterfalls, to some of the best preserved mine structures in the region. Don't worry, you do not have to hike the entire length to see the highlights. From the trailhead you will immediately cross a steel bridge that spans Wolf Creek as it tumbles toward the New River. Walk an additional 200 meters to arrive at one of the highlights of the trail, a waterfall that you walk beside (and over). After a short section of incline, the trail flattens out and allows for a wonderful walk through the West Virginia woods until you begin to reach remnants of mine operations at the 1.5 mile point. Continue along the trail for 0.5 mile until you reach the main mine complex, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area features a mine entrance along with many original signs and a stone building. The trail intersects here with the Kaymoor Miner’s Trail (all 820 steps of it) and offers a wonderful view across the gorge towards Endless Wall. Many people turn around at this point and return to the trailhead, but the remaining 6.34 miles are filled with streams, wildlife, and viewpoints. Trailhead: The Kaymoor Trail is found 1.2 miles from the lower bridge on Fayette Station Road as you travel up the south side of the gorge.
Intermediate
Headhouse Trail 1.4 miles Beauty Mountain area
The Headhouse Trail is a rewarding trek back in time. It features some fantastic mine ruins hidden within the gorge. Although short in length, it drops precipitously, making the hike down easy, but the return a little more difficult. From Beauty Mountain the trail descends along a wide path, passing a climbing wall on the right known as the “Super Mario Area.” Continue down the trail to a sharp turn where this trail intersects with the Conveyor Trail. At this point you will see the ruins that mark the end of the trail. Take some time and explore as the trail features a mine entrance and conveyor complex. On a hot summer day, the cool air from the mine is a welcome relief. Information boards tell the history of this mine site, including its ownership by Henry Ford. After extensive restoration by the National Park Service, this location was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005. Trailhead: From U.S. 19 turn onto Lansing-Edmund Road. In 2.5 miles, turn right onto Beauty Mountain Road. Park at the Nuttall Cemetery sign; take the middle gravel road 0.15 miles to the trailhead.
14 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
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photos this and opposite page: bryan simon
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Big Branch Trail
2 miles Brooks and Sandstone area
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Advanced
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a hidden geM oF a trail, big branch is located within the brooks and sandstone region of the gorge near hinton, Wv. This 1.97-mile loop travels over and alongside a mountain stream with numerous waterfalls to the location of a turn-of-the-century farm and gristmill, the remains of which are mostly hidden from view. park in the brooks Falls parking area (a beautiful spot to view the wide and gentle new river) and cross Wv 26 to the trailhead along a steep bank and keep to your left. The first short portion of trail meanders gently by the road before turning right and gaining elevation steeply. over the next 0.6 of a mile the trail ascends almost 500 feet to reach the homestead location. here you will see moss covered stone fences and if you have a sharp eye, you might even see the “washbasin tree,” where a tree has grown right through a washbasin. a large waterfall is also located here and after rainfall, is absolutely gorgeous. continue along this trail through the forest and you will be rewarded with views of the new river from high above. Trailhead: From i-64, take exit 139. travel 14.1 miles along Wv 20 to hinton, Wv. continue through town and cross the bridge over the new river. turn right on Wv 26 and follow this road until reaching the brooks Falls parking area.
Fayetteville, WV Charleston, WV Morgantown, WV Worthington, OH Dayton, OH 219 W Maple Avenue 222 Capitol Street 1002 Suncrest Towne Centre 7227 N High Street 52 Plum St. The Greene 304.574.2200 304.342.7437 304.777.4749 614.885.7437 937.429.7437
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A rider in the 6 Hours of Arrowhead, a race held each spring.
The Arrow Hits the Mark
glowing from conquering a good challenge. The the 2011 opening oF the arroWhead kids couldn’t wait to get back to the “whoop de trails, the much-praised iMba-designed stacked dos,” a series of fun, short hills on the clovis looped trail system in the new river gorge trail. The arrowhead trails had become one of national river, coincided with our 7-year-old our family’s favorite playgrounds. daughter being ready to ride real mountain bike For the next two summers, clovis was our trails. by “real” i mean not just ride a bike off the go-to loop for a quick evening family ride. pavement, but on twisty, turny, up-and-down dirt trails, with roots and rocks. We’d started her on the straight and flat southside junction trail earlier that summer and had a blast. The short one-mile inside loop of arrowhead called the clovis trail was the next step. she was a bit nervous at first, so my husband ran beside her, holding the back of her t-shirt just in case she took a sudden turn into the trees. by halfway around, he had let go and was racing to keep up with her, yelling out for her to keep her speed up as she approached a hill. i took a turn on the next loop, again first running beside her with a piece of her clothing in my grip, then sprinting to keep up. Meanwhile, my husband and This is how it feels to ride the Arrowhead Trails our older son stepped up to the second arrowhead loop, the 3-mile long adena trail. The adena trail was perfect for an 8-yearanyone who was tired could stop after one loop, old boy who was hungry for a bigger adventure. while the rest of us got in as much biking as we by dinner time, everyone was plenty tired and needed. We’d end the day with my husband and
i each taking a quick sprint loop while the kids listened to the frogs start croaking. after a year or so of this, i was having so much fun on the shorter arrowhead loops, i realized i hadn’t yet done dalton, the longest and most difficult loop. so my husband and i set out for it without kids one spring afternoon and spent 8 miles feeling like kids again, banking tight turns (or so it felt) and letting it rip in the few open downhill sections. indian pipe (Monotropa uniflora) was out. it’s a bewitching plant that has no green—it doesn’t practice photosynthesis—and pops up suddenly after rains kind of like mushrooms. dalton’s twists and turns slowed me down enough to keep an eye out for the beautiful patches of this somewhat rare treat. as for the biking, there were a few technical sections that i proudly made, and others that i had to dismount to get through, silently planning a re-do soon. The challenge was just right for me, and i didn’t feel like i was just whizzing through a ride without taking in the scenery. now it was my turn to be excited about the arrowhead trails: i’d found one of my favorite playgrounds. —cristina opdahl
photos, this page: Markus bergvind. opposite page: jonathan danZ
Beginners and advanced riders find their zone
More to Love
+4 rip-roaring trail systems
#1
By Jonathan Danz
eventually settled into a mix of up and down singletrack that was by turns smooth and rocky with some moderately steep climbs and descents. Some rocky creek crossings gave a good challenge, the highlight being one that passed along a waterfall. All the while, the trail followed the New River. Riding in the early spring afforded us a view the whole way. The singletrack ended at the junction of Mill Creek and the New River, where the Hawks Nest tram delivers sightseers. The last leg of the ride followed the Ansted Rail Trail, about 1.8 miles of easy climbing along the wonderfully scenic Mill Creek. Now, when riders ask me about the Ansted Connector? “It’s fun,” I will tell them. “And technical in parts. Definitely go.” How to Get There: For detailed directions and a map locating this trail, go to nrgorgeguide.com/biketrails.
Ansted Connector Trail 10 miles, one way
Having never ridden the Ansted Connector Trail before, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Most people I’d talked with hadn’t ridden this stretch and those that had described it in broad strokes such as “it’s fun” or “it’s got some technical parts,” but that was it. Leaving Fayetteville, we picked up the trail from the Teays Landing access road after crossing the New River Gorge Bridge and heading down Fayette Station Road. Check your brakes before bombing down this curvy, paved downhill. The trail started as an old mining road that passed ghostly mining operations before narrowing down into singletrack. There were moments where blown over trees and small landslides forced us off our bikes, but they were easily passable. The trail
A waterfall along the Ansted Connector Trail
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• Locator maps • • Trail maps • • Trailhead Directions • Can be found at NRGorgeGuide.com/biketrails
#3
ACE Trails 30 miles of
Little Beaver State Park 19 miles of trails
I won’t lie. I’d been avoiding Little Beaver because it sounded like a lot of work and misery. Sure enough, everything I’d heard about Little Beaver was 100 percent accurate. Roots? Check. Rocks? It’s got ‘em. Climbing? As much as you want. The one thing I didn’t expect? Fun. I climbed from the parking lot, following a trail that ran along the border of the campgrounds. Eventually I reached the cemetery at the top of the ridge and picked up Rhododendron Run. This stretch had a nice mix of some flowy stuff, technical climbs and full-on rock gardens. While the trails are marked, I wasn’t always sure where I was (I wound up in the adjacent Glade Springs development at one point). I spend most of my time riding on the IMBA-style Arrowhead trails near Fayetteville, so this was a nice, if more strenuous, change of pace. There are no shortage of challenges along the way, but I enjoyed the feeling of Little Beaver SP: Plan on slower than normal. accomplishment looking back and admiring the rock garden I just cleaned. Some gardens I enjoyed from a more horizontal viewpoint whilst entangled in my bike. trails As always, keeping an eye farther down while the arrow the trail went a head trails were built over long way toward a short period of time, negotiating the much of them by Boy Scout rocks and roots. troops completing their Picking good lines community service detail helped, too. If you during the Scout Jamboree, like that worn-out the trails at ACE have been feeling you get at gradually, quietly chiseled the end of a long out over decades. ride, you’ll love A mix of singletrack Little Beaver. and old logging roads wind Don't forget to look around: A few tips will their way along ridgelines Monotropa uniflora help you get the and hollers near Minden, most out of the West Virginia. Occasionally trails at Little Beaver. the woods give way to a beautiful • Expect your pace to be slower than view of the gorge, and the ample normal if you’re not used to riding this singletrack has some technical kind of terrain. sections thrown in for good • Be prepared to fix a flat or two. measure. These trails are located • There are plenty of trails here; planning on the private property of a out your ride is advisable rather than commercial resort, but open to just winging it. the public for riding (check in at the welcome center on your way How to Get There: to the trailhead). —NRGAG Little Beaver State Park is located just southeast of Beckley in southern West Virginia. From US How to Get There: aceraft.com 64, take Exit 129A. It is two miles south on WV has directions. For a locator map, 307. For a locator map, go to nrgorgeguide.com/ visit nrgorgeguide.com/biketrails. biketrails.
18 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
100% recycled paper
photos, this page (clockwise from top left): michael boyes, wikipedia commons, Michael boyes, opposite page (top to bottom): jarrett smith, jonathan danz
#2
How to Get There?
Caution is advised on the Kanawha SF downhills
#4
Kanawha State Forest 13 miles of trails
I hiked in Kanawha State Forest, 1 hour west of the New River Gorge near Charleston, over 15 years ago. Once. What I remember most is the vertical relief of the landscape. Guess what? It’s still there. I returned recently to try out the trails on my bike. We started out climbing the fire road for about a mile until we came to Teaberry, a fun trail that with some steep features and a couple of challenging switchbacks. I took it slow and walked a couple of spots that were above my comfort level. I’d probably try riding those next time around. At the bottom, we took an old fire road to the Mossy Rock trail. It started out on a reasonable grade and continued to get steeper as we climbed. With some rocks and roots sprinkled in, the trail will push all but the heartiest riders to the edge of their climbing abilities. The end of Mossy Rock dumps you out on Middle Ridge Road, an extension of the fire road we climbed at the start that runs along, well, the middle of the ridge. Weaving in and out of the road is the Middle Ridge Trail. This is the payoff for all that climbing. Middle Ridge is flowy without any huge climbs and seems to go on forever. Way fun.
Eventually we were back on the fire road, looking for a trail to take us off the ridge. We’d been at it for a while and had more or less decided to avoid Black Bear, Kanawha State Forest’s signature trail. It’s steep, rocky, rooty and will give your brakes a good workout. But the first sign we came to was, yep, Black Bear, and we couldn’t resist the challenge. There is one super steep section--
Spectator Falls—that you can (and we did) ride around. These trails are challenging, but fun. They are, for the most part, old-school trails that were built to get you from bottom to top and vice versa. Ride these often enough and you’ll be a beast on two wheels. How to Get There: For directions and a printable/ downloadable trail map, go to kanawhastateforest.com. For a locator map, go to nrgorgeguide. com/biketrails.
New River Gorge Bridge Day October 18, 2014
20 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
100% recycled paper
photos, this page (clockwise from top): NRGag, ppwv, nrgag, nrgag; opposite page: nrgag
Look Down.
Join those who take advantage of the once-a-year opportunity to walk on the 876-foot-high, 3,030-foot-long New River Gorge Bridge. Make your way to the center of the bridge, where BASE jumpers (parachutists who specialize in jumping off of Bridges, Antennaes, Structures, and Earth) step off a platform and aim for a landing zone on the river bank. Keep your eye on a 16-foot diving board—jumpers willing to put on a show use this to get more spring for tricks. And, for the 3rd year in a row, wait for a daredevil to climb in the catapult, a pneumatically loaded 12-foot long steel arm that hurls experienced BASE jumpers even higher. The catapult this year is a new and improved version that will launch jumpers more than 50 feet over the bridge railing every 10 or 15 minutes. For more details, visit officialbridgeday.com.
Bridge day Schedule
Walk beneath the New River Gorge Bridge, 851’ above the New River, on the 24” wide catwalk.
Friday, October 17
5:00–9:00pm: Taste of Bridge Day Smokies on the Gorge, Ames Heights, WV sample cheesecakes, seafood bisques, soups, jambalaya, and more at an annual competition between area restaurants.
Saturday, October 18
9:00am–3:00pm: The New River Gorge Bridge is open Walk out onto the bridge to watch the base jumpers take a step into 876-feet of air between the bridge and the river below.
2:30–6:00pm: Bridge Day Cornbread & Chili Cook-Off and Fall Festival
Court Street, Downtown Fayetteville taste test traditional and non-traditional chilis and cornbread, vote for your favorites, and listen to the groovy sounds of the lilly Mountaineers.
Look Up. Three Options for Going Below:
1. Walk the 4-mile stretch of
road from us 19 to the banks of the new river. remember, you’ll need to walk back up.
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2. purchase an into the
gorge shuttle bus pass for a ride to the new river near the landing zone and back up ($20, preregistration required, officialbridgeday.com, 800-9270263).
hoW do you get to the bottom to watch the parachutes wafting down? Forget about driving yourself—the road down is closed on bridge day.
3. take a guided 2 hour tour down under the bridge with a down under tour. a box lunch and t-shirt are included. preregistration is required ($65, officialbridgeday.com, 800-927-0263).
800-582-0256 OpossumCreek.com CONNECTING ART TO OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR COMMUNITY TO ART
Introducing CREATIVE JUICES FUN-FILLED ARTISTIC EVENINGS WITH WINE AND FRIENDS the last Tuesday of every month
Check our website for the next Creative Juices event
www.FayettevilleArtsCoalition.org FayettevilleArtsCoalition@hotmail.com
Q&A
Catching Things That Fall
Checking in with Bridge Day River Rescue by Amanda Ashley
“Don’t forget, the river is always the softest area to land.” —Bridge Day Organizers
What does the job of river rescue on Bridge Day entail? • We assist jumpers who make water landings. We pick up about 25% of the jumpers. —Tom Dragan, Bridge Day River Rescue team member for 33 years • Waking up too wickedly early (crews meet at 5am) and wearing really really warm clothes. Also, I have yet to figure out how to take care of
22 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
my neck from looking up all day long. —Kathy Zerkle, NPS River Ranger • Looking up all day. It’s a guessing game. Who’s going to land where and where do you need to be? —Mike Mather, Bridge Day River Rescue team member for 20 years What special skills are required in the job? • Awareness, timing. You need to be close enough to assist but not too close or you’ll be in the way. Our job is getting the jumpers into the boat safely and quickly. Not hitting the rocks is important, too. — Mather • Our team has to be able to work together as a unit, set our egos aside. We have 4 boats and 8 people. Our focus all day is on the person who is in the air or in the water and needs assistance. —Dragan What is the closest call you have witnessed? • I had a jumper land 10 inches from my boat. He was coming in hot as we were picking up another jumper, and splash, he was right there. —Zerkle • One year, a jumper was spinning out of control. 100% recycled paper
He was over the rocks, then over the water. Over the rocks, then over the water. [We were trying to figure out] where he was going to land to be in the best position to react. He landed in the water, and we got him. —Mather What hazards come with the job? Items have been thrown off the bridge. It’s a real problem. [Items that fall] sound like a huge blast hitting the river. One year a rock took a huge divot out of one of the oars. —Mather What is the worst part about the job? The possibility of a chute not opening. The scariest part is being directly under the bridge and being in the line of falling debris—water bottles, hats, cameras, sunglasses—from the bridge. It’s helmets on and eyes in the sky. —Matt McQueen, NPS River Ranger What is the best part of doing river rescue during Bridge Day? The view of the jumpers. You are right there and it’s the best seat in the Gorge. —McQueen The jumpers keep going all day long. So...how do you answer the call of nature?
photos, this page: KRAUSS; opposite page: nrgag
From the bridge the little boats look like sharks, eating up the BASE jumpers who end up in the river. They are the river rescue boats crewed by a seasoned group of professional swift water rescue teams. Many of those boats are jetboats—crafts well suited for moving water rescue because they don’t have propellors that can be damaged by rocks. The Bridge Day river rescue teams have worked together for decades, patrolling the eddy below Fayette Station rapid for BASE jumpers who—some intentionally, some by accident—end up taking the softer landing. We figured they would have some good stories to tell, so we called them with some questions:
Happy 35th Birthday, New River Gorge Bridge Day! The first New River Gorge Bridge Day was held on November 8, 1980. two parachutists jumped from a plane onto the bridge. Five jumped from the bridge. 5,500 people walked across.
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it’s all about the l Z (landing Zone) • Main Landing Area: 25 feet x 75 feet • Percentage of landings made on dry ground: 71% • Percentage of landings in the water: 28% • Location of remaining 1% landings: railroad tracks, trees, etc. • Size of “accuracy pad,” the target to win a Landing Zone prize: 30 inches in diameter • Prizes for jumpers to hit the accuracy pad fi rst without falling: base gear, “front of the line” passes.
We love trains. jumping stops for trains so jumpers don’t risk a train collision if they land on the tracks. That’s when rescuers get bathroom breaks and snacks. —Mather
What was the funniest thing a jumper ever said to you when you pulled them out of the water? • A jumper kissed me and said, ‘That was awesome!’ i assume he meant the jumping, not the kissing. —Zerkle
What is the most memorable landing you witnessed? • A jumper came into the LZ so fast and so hot they smacked right into the side of the ambulance. —McQueen
• have you seen my leg? our
• An amazing woman jumper just ever so lightly hit the landing. and then a guy raced in, hitting her and breaking her leg. —Mather
What is the best part about doing river rescue on Bridge Day?
• Th e wheelchair base jumper last year. he just nailed the landing. it was perfect, a very empowering moment. —dragan
answer was, ‘yeah we saw it fly through the air.’ it was a jumper who lost his prosthetic leg in the air. —Mather
Three o’clock, when the day ends with no major injuries, and everyone is safe. —dragan
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Get Out There • trail info • • calendar of events • • business directory • • articles & photos •
NRGorgeGuide.com
Letting Go
they turn away and pretend that they already know everything. None of us know all of who we are at that age, and it’s certainly not my job to figure that out for them. What better way is there to help them figure out who they are then backing off and letting them suffer the consequences of their mistakes or reap the rewards of their successes? Maybe they’ll become something that I wouldn’t have dreamed of in my wildest imagination. Now is the time that they have to start creating that world for themselves. Even the old stuff that I once showed them every day probably has to be experienced with their own hearts and minds. How to paddle through an eddy line or how to tie knots has to be rediscovered with their own intentions. Even if we did dance together every day from birth to twelve, there’s a good chance that they’ll pretend not to like dancing until I turn away and they discover it for themselves. All I can hope for is that I’ve given them a few resources and all the freedom they need to find a passion and to do what makes them happy.
By Katie Johnson When my kids were babies I remember reading some advice that as a new parent, I shouldn’t label my children. The same advice seems quite applicable now that they are teens. It is important that I not try to define my kids.
Where to Send ’Em
It’s time for them to start claiming their own identities and making their own definitions. There’s a good chance that teens don’t even have words for who they are yet. Perhaps that’s why they brood and snap at us. Maybe that’s why
Sometimes the best thing you can do as a parent of teens is get out of the way. Herewith, some activities in the New River Gorge that your teens can do...without you. ◊ Hiking
Yes, send them on a hike. Better yet, let them choose the route. If they’ll allow it, we have a suggestion: The Endless Wall trail loops from one parking lot to another in approximately 3 miles, a great not-too-long, not-too-short, hard-toget-lost expedition length. NRGorgeGuide.com/hikingtrails
◊ The Upper New in a Ducky
◊ New River Gorge Bridge Catwalk
High places will bring everyone back to Earth. Bridge Walk (304-574-1300; BridgeWalk.com) is 850 feet above the New River.
Adventures on the Gorge has a free, technical 9-hole course (adventuresonthegorge.com/ amenities/disc-golf) and the Wonderland Disc Golf covers 6,000 feet (aceraft.com/westvirginia-adventure-activities/disc-golf).
◊ Climbing
Unless they are extremely well-trained and have been climbing with adults for quite some time, they’ll need to go on a guided trip. But what better place to send a sullen young adult: the only thing to get mad at is the rock. Hard Rock Climbing (HardrockClimbing.com, 304-574-0735) runs guided climbing trips in the NRG.
It’s great for teens to be the captain of their own ship. Most Bridge Walk—851 feet up New River outfitters offer ducky ◊ Paddle Boarding (inflatable kayak) options on Equal parts adventurous and a cake walk, Upper New River trips. newrivergorgecvb. Stand Up Paddleboarding is easier than it com/see-and-do/river-rafting lists a complete looks. It also makes you look really cool. set of outfitters. (adventuresonthegorge.com, 855-379-8738)
24 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
◊ Disc Golf
100% recycled paper
Natural consequences on the Upper New
◊ Skatepark
Rippers from far and wide stop in to ride the bowls at the Fayetteville Skate Park. (330 Park Dr., Fayetteville, WV 25840)
◊ Mountain Biking
The Dalton Trail for accomplished athletes; the Adena if they are starting out. New River Bikes (NewRiverBikes.com) offers guided tours and rentals; Marathon Bikes (MarathonBikes.com) has rentals.
photos, this page (clockwise from top): Alex Proimos, ACE adventure center, bridge walk. opposite page: jim mccormac
Teens in the Outdoors
Nature
toxic Beauty
shunned by most predators. This has spawned a phenomenon known as batesian mimicry, in which tasty animals evolve the appearance of toxic ones. several other butterflies, including the red-spotted purple and spicebush swallowtail, resemble the pipevine swallowtail to a great degree. presumably the harmless species gain a measure of protection by their mimicry. birds, especially, quickly learn to shun distasteful food sources. The most interesting of the batesian mimics
the pipevine swallowtail's precious trick By Jim Mccormac
one oF the Most coMMon butterflies in West virginia, including the new river gorge region, is also one of the showiest. The pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor, is a winged work of art, a fluttering gem glazed in psychedelic blue iridescence and stippled with neon orange dots below. When sunlight glances off the upperwings, the butterfly explodes in a shimmering burst of electric azure. butterflies and plants are inextricably linked. Flowers rich in nectar, such as milkweeds, entice the butterflies to feed. nectaring butterflies, gracefully flitting among flowers, are the most visible part of the butterfly life cycle: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, adult. but it is the caterpillars that do the heavy lifting, and dictate where the butterflies occur. pipevine swallowtail caterpillars are eating machines. plant matter is continually vacuumed in one end, and emerges from the end in the form of little pellets known as frass. Most butterfly caterpillars are finicky eaters; the pipevine cats especially so. a plant that Pipevine swallowtail is required sustenance for a particular type of caterpillar is termed a host plant. pipevine is the eastern tiger swallowtail. These large yellow swallowtail caterpillars only eat members of the and black butterflies can’t be missed, and males look pipevine family of plants. in West virginia that is nothing like the dark pipevine swallowtails. but in mostly the high-climbing dutchman’s pipevines. regions where pipevine swallowtails abound, such as nearly all of West virginia’s some 2,500 species of the new river gorge, a large percentage of female butterfly and moth caterpillars are excluded from tiger swallowtails are black and greatly resemble eating pipevines due to their toxicity. For you and the pipevines. apparently nature only invests in me, eating the foliage of these plants would be akin protective coloration for the female butterflies, as they to noshing on salad laced with arsenic. pipevines are play a larger role in carrying on the species. pipevine swallowtails are fond of forming “puddle clubs.” aggregations of butterflies often gather in areas of damp soil. These groups are comprised of males; they tap salts from the soil which are essential in replenishing their reproductive secretions. swallowtails often visit flowers as well, but photographers soon learn that they are tricky subjects. pipevines nearly always flutter their wings, as if caught in a breeze, making it difficult to freeze the action. if you want pipevine swallowtails in your Hotdogs for birds, except for the poison yardscape, plant some dutchman’s pipe around the home. chances are good that the butterflies will lay eggs which will spawn caterpillars. plant some infused with aristolochic acid, which is very toxic milkweeds and other native plants in the garden and stuff. as the swallowtail caterpillars have evolved the you’ll soon have a constant procession of beautiful ability to assimilate the toxins and sequester them butterflies dropping by. in their bodies, the caterpillars in turn are highly distasteful. caterpillars are nature’s hotdogs, and Jim McCormac is an Ohio-based naturalist, author legions of predators seek them out for food. not so of three books on wildlife, and frequent blogger at much the pipevine cats, though. jimmccormac.blogspot.com. The distasteful effects of aristolochic acid carry through to the adult butterfly, and they too are
Quaint & Quiet Garden Ground Mountain Cabins Mount Hope, WV Within New River Gorge National Park → Close to the Summit Boy Scout Reserve www.GardenGroundCabins.com
304-253-1083
Pear Tree Arts & Garden Dove’s Outlet Village, Rt 19 and Hinkle Rd. Fayetteville, WV
304-575-3730
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Locally handcrafted items Pottery classes Custom stepping stones Paint your own ceramics CHECK OUT OUR CLASSES ON FACEBOOK
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(304) 255-2664
like wildlife? nrGorgeGuide.com Stay up to date on ranger talks, festivals, wildlife happenings, and other exciting events.
Health
Creative
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from the publishers of the New River Gorge Adventure Guide
304.573.8113 RavenCreativeWV.com ravenhasapen@gmail.com
Fayette County has a Montessori-based education option for preschool and elementary-aged children.
The Montessori educational model has been shown to increase creativity, social adeptness, and problem solving abilities.
Learn More at NRGLC.org. Donate at NRGLC.org.
26
NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
Simplify your life
time to clear away the clutter living siMply is an art. it is very easy to be consumed with material things including belongings we work to pay for but have no time to enjoy. if your life is feeling cluttered or you are feeling stuck, consider embracing simplicity by adopting a mentality of “less is more.” When we have less, we have more time to enjoy the things we love and more space and energy to create abundance of wealth, health, and prosperity. but like any fine art, we must practice. in my yoga classes i often recite the first yoga sutra:“chitta vritta nirodaha,” yoga is clearing out all the excess chatter that goes on in the mind. When we slow down the mind in our yoga practice we are able to think more clearly, focus on what is important, and treat our bodies and others with care and compassion. Think of this exercise as a yoga practice for your home and life. clear out all the excess clutter that can occupy your time and energy, and open the door for what you really want in your life. The ancient practice of Feng shui teaches us that clutter blocks energy in our space. it can trap negative energy and prevent positive energy from entering. The effects can be felt in our physical and emotional bodies as well as in our careers, relationships and finances. if you experience a lot of anxiety, health issues, or want to lose weight, work on ridding your living spaces of clutter. it can be a fun and liberating experience – once you notice the benefits you might become slightly addicted to throwing things out! When i moved into my 452 square foot yurt i had to get rid of a lot of stuff. sorting through the boxes, closets, and rooms, i realized i had way too much of most things: clothing, kitchen items, shoes, even three 100% recycled paper
violins! i was amazed at how much stuff i had that i really had no use for and hadn’t used in years. after removing it i felt freer. For many people, decluttering can feel overwhelming. Where does one start? take a good look around your main living areas. i recommend you use the following questions to evaluate your material possessions: do i currently use, wear or need it? do i have a strong emotional attachment to it? have i used, worn, or needed it this year? kitchens are often overlooked as potential clutter-centers. look through your cabinets and refrigerator, and throw out anything you haven’t used within a year or is past expiration. give your cooking and baking supplies a once over; you don't need four spatulas unless you are a professional chef and teach cooking classes. next, take a look in your car. is it neat and somewhat orderly or do you have trash and items strewn all about? keep those three questions in mind as
you progress through your storage closets, bathrooms, guest rooms, drawers, and shelves: do i currently use it? do i have a strong emotional attachment to it? have i needed it this year? if the answer is no to all three, let it go! While you work, clean and dust your space, which is beneficial for your physical health and immensely cleansing for your energetic body. take note of the effects of this exercise in your life and continue to adopt this practice throughout the coming years. you may be surprised at what you make space for. Clean up your diet and lifestyle and attract wealth, health and prosperity to your life. Need a little more guidance or have questions? Contact me at 304-640-7320 or eelyoga@gmail. com. Follow me on Facebook at Eel Yoga and eelyoga.com.
photos, this page: suravid; opposite page: top, nrgag; bottoM, levi rose
Raven
Event Calendar
August ▶ August 9–October 25 Fayette County Farmers Market
Fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and local meats can be found at the farmers market on Saturdays off Court Street in Fayetteville 7:30-11:30am and at the pavilion in Oak Hill on Tuesdays, 4-7pm.
▶ August 20-31 Oak Leaf Festival
Where: Oak Hill, WV Music, crafts, wine & cheese tasting, and inflatables for the kids in downtown Oak Hill. More info: newrivergorgecvb.com
▶ August 23 New River Gorge-ous Trail Run & Hike
Where: Minden, WV A 5-mile walk, 7.5-mile run, or 13.2-mile run on mountain roads and singletrack trails at Ace adventure resort. The route is rolling, following ridgelines through deep, hardwood forests and past Gorge views. 8:00-9:30am race day registration. More info: aceraft.com/trail
▶ August 24 Mountain Mama Hospice Regatta
Where: Summersville, WV The 3rd annual regatta on Summersville Lake to benefit Hospice of Southern West Virginia. 7-foot to 26-foot boat divisions and an opportunity to watch the race up close enough to hear the crews holler. Good food and kids activities including a rain gutter race. 10am. More info: soapysails.webs. com
▶ August 30 Wings of Wonder, Birds of Prey Where: Pipestem Resort State Park
Learn about the owls, hawks and eagles that are native to West Virginia. More info: pipestemresort.com/special.html
September ▶ September 5-7; 12-14 The 39 Steps
Where: Fayetteville, WV Fayetteville’s lively and historic community theater features a whodunit comedy. More info: historic fayettetheatre.com, 304-574-4655
▶ September 6 Market Day
Where: Fayetteville, WV Farmers market, artisans market, and live music converge on Court Street at Janutolo Park. 7:3011:30am. More info: visitfayettevillewv.com
▶ September 7 Appalachian Duathlon/Triathlon
Where: Lewisburg, WV You get to choose whether or not you want to swim in this event. The swim is 740 meters long, the bike 13.5 miles, and the run a 5K. More info: appalachiantri.org
▶ September 19-21 Craggin’ Classic
Where: New River Gorge American Alpine Club campground
What: Pig roast, demos, and lots of great clinics on trad tricks, bouldering, risk manage ment, and more. More info: americanalpineclub.org/p/ craggin-classic
Photos (clockwise from left): Jam at the Fayette County Farmers Market; the attainment race at Stand Up in Wild and Wonderful WV
More than 1 million people visit the New River Gorge National River every year. They all want to know about your business. To advertise, contact gorgeguide@gmail.com or 304-573-8113.
www.NRGorgeGuide.com
Event Calendar
▶ October 11 Babcock “Sticks and Stones” 15K
▶ September 21 SUP WV: Stand Up in Wild and Wonderful
Where: Fayette Station, WV What: Two Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) races: the first, an attainment on flat moving water; the second, a downriver race through 3 rapids. Demos, prizes, and an after-party/ awards ceremony at Rendezvous Bar, Adventures on the Gorge. More info: WVMelanie2013@yahoo.com
▶ September 22 Animal Upper Gauley Race
Where: Summersville, WV You get to choose whether or not you want to swim in this event. The swim is 740 meters long, the bike 13.5 miles, and the run a 5K. More info: gauleyrace.com
▶ September 26-28 Fall Birding Weekend
Where: Babcock State Park, Danese, WV A brand new race from the folks who bring us the Gristmill Grinder: This 15K begins at Camp Washington Carver and travels over beautiful woodland trails past Mann’s Gorge, up a Narrow Gauge Trail, past the historic Gristmill, ending at an amazing view. Preregistration required. More info: sticksandstonesrun.com
▶ October 17-19; 24-26 Love, Loss, and What I Wore
Where: Fayetteville, WV Historic Fayette Theater puts on a comedic and poignant play about matters of the heart and matters of the closet. More info: historicfayettetheatre.com, 304-574-4655
▶ October 17-31 Haunted Trail
Where: Little Beaver State Park, WV Ghosts and goblins haunt a spooky trail. More info: littlebeaverstatepark.com
Where: Fayetteville, WV Raptor identification at a hawk observatory and warbler watching at Wolf Creek Park. Limited to 12 participants. More info: birding-wv.com
Where: Fayetteville, WV Farmers market, artisans market, and live music converge on Court Street, Fayetteville
▶ October 18 Chili Cook-off
Where: Fayetteville, WV Sample and vote for your favorite chili in downtown Fayetteville to the sounds of the Lilly Mountaineers. Music begins at 2:30. More info: visitfayettevillewv. com
▶ October 24-26 Run Around the Gorge
Where: Fayetteville, WV What: As much running retreat as it is race, the Run Around the Gorge covers up to 41 miles in two days over a mix of singletrack, rails to trails, country roads with massages available at the finish. More info: runaroundthegorge.com
▶ October 25 Halloween Train
Where: Cass Scenic Railroad, Cass, WV What: Ride a haunted train past train yard ghouls up a mountain to Whitakker Station. On the way up you can dine on brains and eyeball platters in the dining car. Train departs at 6pm. More info: cassrailroad.com, 304-456-4300
▶ November 15 Canary in the Cave 25+K Trail Run
Where: Fayetteville, WV What: Begin at the Fayetteville Town Park for a 25K run down into the Gorge past abandoned coal mines and waterfalls before making your way back up. Limited to 150 runners. More info: wvmtr.org
▶ October 1 Whitewater Video Boaters Challenge
▶ October 4 Market Day
Where: New River Gorge Bridge & Fayetteville, WV What: Watch parachutists float from the New River Gorge Bridge, walk the bridge, and shop at vendors. More info: officialbridgeday.com
November
October
Where: Fayetteville, WV What: The best of the season’s whitewater videos face off for crash and burn, skit, and other awards. More info: historicfayettetheatre.com
▶ October 18 Bridge Day
▶ October 17 Taste of Bridge Day
Where: Ames Heights, WV Sample pies, soups, cheesecakes, jambalaya, and more created by esteemed local chefs for an annual tasting and contest. More info: officialbridgeday.com
Photos (clockwise from left): A kayaker in the Gauley Race runs Pillow Rock Rapid; sunflowers at the Farmers Market; a BASE jumper comes in for a landing on Bridge Day.
PhotoS, this page (clockwisre from top left): animal upper gauley race, nrgag, nrgag
at Janutolo Park. 7:30-11:30am More info: visitfayettevillewv.com
We start making biscuits before dawn.
Tudor’s biscuit makers begin preparing our
delicious buttermilk biscuits before the sun comes up.
They’re hot, fresh and ready when you are, whether you’re running through the
drive-thru on the way to work or enjoying a leisurely breakfast in our dining room.
We’re proud to be a West Virginia Company. Ansted
Fayetteville
Fayetteville
SummeRSville
86 Fayette town Ctr. Rd.
304.574.2604
126 West Main St.
323 North Court St.
Oak Hill
1401 Main St. East
Smithers
173 Virginia Ave. East
Summersville 5329 Webster Rd.
mt. Hope
anSted
5329 Webster Rd.
901 main St.
129 West main St.
355 main St.
304.872.1001
304.877.5549
304.658.5234
304.632.1742
Gino’S pizza & SpaGHetti HouSe iS a WeSt viRGinia Company
Gauley BRidGe
Skills
Step it Up
low and force the bottom Climbing techniques that will serve you well in the NRG rubber under the ball of your foot Climbing routes in the New River against Gorge have tremendous variety. Here you’ll find the rock. On slabby (less than everything from splitter finger and hand cracks vertical) terrain, lead with to steep, powerful sport routes to technical your head and try to keep your vertical face climbing and aretes. Even with all “nose over your toes.” that variety, some skills are particularly useful When the footholds on the Nuttall sandstone found here. Read on to seem to disappear, as they learn more: sometimes will, don’t blindly paste your foot just anywhere. Hand Jams Use your eyes to carefully Hand jamming isn’t just for trad climbers in the scrutinize the rock for any New River Gorge, where there is an abundance subtle bumps, depressions, of horizontal cracks. Done correctly, hand jams or irregularities that could work more like a passive piece of traditional give you better purchase. One climbing gear, allowing for an excellent rest. more tip: If you walk around To practice hand through sand and dirt in jamming, look for your climbing shoes before some hand-sized you rope up, you'll kill your cracks you can reach friction. Keep your shoes from the ground. squeaky clean before climbing, First, karate chop and they’ll stick to places you your flat hand into the never imagined they would. crack. Then bring the meaty part of the base Lock Offs of your thumb into Climbing in the NRG can be your palm, cup hard, very “bouldery.” This means and squeeze. Your requiring big, powerful moves hand will expand to and a correct sequence. To thrive in this style of fill the space: the back climbing, you need a good lock off. Imagine a of your hand forced pull-up to understand a lock off: straight arms, against one side of the beginning of the pull-up, is the most efficient the crack, the base of and restful position. The top of the pull-up is the your thumb and fingertips against the other. locked off position, and arguably the next most Hand jams work great in parallel-sided efficient position. cracks. Practice utilizing constrictions in the The lock off is especially useful on many rock to find the most secure fit. Nothing is more NRG routes when you must make a big move bomber than a good hand jam right above a to an unknown hold. A slight constriction at your wrist. strong lock off allows you time to find the Smearing best spot and grip Climbing in the New River Gorge will with your free arm. improve your footwork. The rock here The lock off position tends to be steep and technical, requiring is also frequently used confident feet and good body tension. One when clipping bolts or key to mastering technical footwork is placing gear. When that finding subtle intermediate footholds, and bolt hanger is just out smearing is often a good solution. of reach to clip from Smearing—forcing the sole of your the good stance—and shoe against smooth rock to hold yourself shorties out there know in place—requires friction. The friction how to do this because they have to—you must is generally good on Nuttall sandstone, but pull a move and lock off to make the clip or place smearing on the often fine-grained texture a piece, and then relax back into the stance. requires some finesse. If you’re motivated to train and want to The key to smearing is getting a lot of rubber develop your lock off strength, you can do offset in contact with the rock. Drop your heal down pull-ups. Wrap a towel or bit of rope around your
30 NEW RIVER GORGE ADVENTURE GUIDE
100% recycled paper
pull-up bar so one hand is about 6 inches to a foot lower than the other. This isolates the lower arm for a one-arm lock off at the top of each pullup. Try to pause at the top of each offset pull-up for a few seconds. Keep that up and you’re on your way to an impressive one-arm pull-up.
Know your limits
All climbing can be “heady.” It’s important to be honest with yourself and know your limits. The climbing in the New River Gorge can be particularly mentally engaging because, although solid gear is generally available and most climbs are well protected, you still may encounter occasional runouts on trad climbs and high first bolts or greater spacing between bolts than you’re used to on sport routes. You may also encounter thought provoking or strenuous gear placements. It’s good advice anywhere to avoid climbing at your on-site limit, particularly on traditional routes, until you’ve had a chance to get used to the style of climbing at a given area. That goes for the New River Gorge as well. Stay within your limits and have a great time. David Wolff is Owner and Senior Guide of New River Climbing School, specializing in private guiding and PCGI Guide Training/ Certification (304-308-1400; newriverclimbingschool.com).
Photos, this page: nrgag; Jarek Tuszynski/ Wikimedia Commons (top left)
By David Wolff
Gorge Guide Restaurant Guide
Photos, top to bottom: Cathedral Cafe, the buffet at Smokey’s on the Gorge, the bar at Pies & Pints, and a Gumbo’s burger
Meals
Restaurant
Address
Fare
The Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill 304-574-2750
Oscar White Rd. Lansing
“Mexican fusion”
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
Country Thai Restaurant 304-900-1188
464 Ames Heights Rd. Lansing, WV 25862
Thai
Diogi’s 304-574-3647
312 North Court St. Fayetteville
Gumbo’s Cajun Restaurant 304-574-4704
South Court St. Fayetteville
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
Smokey’s on the Gorge 888-650-1932
219 Chestnutburg Rd Lansing
Wild Flour Bakery 304-574-0001
105 West Maple Fayetteville
Latin American
Cajun & American
lunch & dinner closed Wednesdays
lunch & dinner closed Mon., Tues.
lunch & dinner
lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch. closed Mondays
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 Sun., Mon.
SUMMER/FALL 2014 NRGORGEGUIDE.com 31
The degree of difficulty will vary from rapid to rapid and with water level. River users should consult with an experienced river runner or ranger before attempting river running.
Much of the land within the National Park Service areas remains private property; please respect the owners’ rights.
5 Miles
0
Picnic area
Public river access
Campground
Primitive campsite
Restaurants, Adventure, Cabins/Hotels, Retail & Services Dixie WHERE TO FIND THEM 16
39
er y ule Ga
Summersville Lake
Jodie 39
Riv er
Ga ule y
GAULEY RIVER NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
Ho m i ny Cre ek
Mount Nebo
Cabins & Hotels 7. Country Road Cabins 8. Garden Ground Cabins 9. Mill Creek Cabins 10. Opossum Creek Retreat 11. Quality Inn 12. Skyline Resort 13. Summersville Lake Retreat
Carnifex Ferry State Park
16
ow
ad
60
er Riv
Riv e r
13
Me
60
19
Summersville Dam 41 129
Gauley Bridge
Adventure 1. Ace Adventure Resort 2. Adventures on the Gorge 3. Bridge Walk 4. Hard Rock Climbing 5. Mountain State Miniature Golf 6. Wild Blue Adventure
R iv
Peter s Cree k
Swiss
Belva
79
129
ANSTED Hawks Nest State Park
naw ha
19
Hico
Ka
Cotton Hill
7
Victor
6 Hawks Nest Dam
2
16
5
10
60
Ames Heights
9
Lansing
3
82
Canyon Rim Visitor Center
Lookout
Edmond
41
82
FAYETTEVILLE
31 16 27 6 16 19 35 15 18 34 31
Winona k ee Cr
21
Meadow
61
Riv e r
lf Wo
33 20
Clifftop Ma nn s
Cunard
C ree
11
k
26
60
OAK HILL
29
RAINELLE Minden
77 64
Babcock State Park
Thurmond
612
Whipple
Plum Orchard Lake
41 64
Thurmond Historic District 61 loup Creek Dun
20
Fayetteville Danese
25
Glen Jean
17 32
25
4
19
Plum Orchard Wildlife Management Area
to Charleston
31
Thayer
22
8
Restaurants 15. El Rio Grande 16. Gino's Pizza and Spaghetti House 17. Gumbo’s 18. Los Vaqueros Restaurante 19. Pies and Pints 20. Secret Sandwich Society 21. Tudor’s Biscuit World
41
Dowdy
ek Cre
Cr
23
Prince
La
Terry
19
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61
Quinnimont
41
64 77
Meadow Bridge
NEW RIVER GORGE NATIONAL RIVER
Grandview
k Cre e ow
20 64
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16
41
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M
19
28
Piney Cre
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C
9
Meadow Creek
k ree
Glad e
←
16
24
7
Retail 22. Budget Tapes & Records 23. Crossroads Mall 24. Elevation Sports 25. Marathon Bicycle Company 26. New River Bikes 27. Pear Tree Arts and Garden 28. Tamarack 29. Water Stone Outdoors
Lick
ek
5
Green Sulphur Spring
Cr e
3 64 77
Sandstone Visitor Center
BECKLEY
41
Sandstone
16 307
64
Beaver
19
64
307
L au rel Cr e e
Little Beaver Lake
Daniels
Brooks
Little Beaver State Park 20
Shady Spring Glade Creek Reservoir
P
in
M
ad am
C re
ek
3
19
ey
k
26
HINTON 107
Bellepoint
Bluestone State Park Ghent
12
Flat Top Lake
tle Lit
Bluestone Dam
iver rR
Creek
77
64
Greenbri e 3
ne River sto ue Bl
BL U
20
K E LA TON ES E
BLUESTONE NATIONAL
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Services 30. Action Printing 31. Bridgeview Urgent Care 32. Canyon Massage & Bodywork & Kula Community Yoga Studio 33. Fayetteville, WV CVB 34. New River Gorge CVB 35. Ocean's Massage Therapy
Classifieds
BIKE RENTALS REPAIRS ACCESSORIES & GIFTS
Recreation
Services
Raven
Creative
Promote what you do in the Classifieds. 3 months for just $75 email: gorgeguide@gmail.com
New River Climbing School 304-308-1400 NewRiverClimbingSchool.com
BIKE RENTALS REPAIRS ACCESSORIES & GIFTS BIKE RENTALS REPAIRS ACCESSORIES & GIFTS
BIKE RENTALS
REPAIRS
ACCESSORIES & GIFTS
MARATHON BICYCLE CO. MARATHON BICYCLE CO.
MARATHON BICYCLE CO.
MARATHON BICYCLE CO.
304-574-2337 304-574-2337 304-574-2337
Services Professional Publishing and Writing Services
Praxis Electrical, Inc. 304-465-3654
• Publishing • • Email Marketing • • Copywriting • Rack Cards • • Sales Letters • Newsletters • • Press Releases • Brochures • • Articles • Publications • • Design & Layout • Editing • • Web Content •
Dry Needling 10% off first appointment
A HOLISTIC TREATMENT PERFORMED BY A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL
Erin Larsen
Holistic Health Coach
from the publishers of the New River Gorge Adventure Guide
304.573.8113 RavenCreativeWV.com ravenhasapen@gmail.com
&Yoga Instructor
Personal and Group Yoga Instruction and Individualized Health Coaching
304-640-7320
eelyoga@gmail.com www.eelyoga.com
Christopher G. Danz Licensed Electrician Electrical Contractor #WV048491
(304) 578-8658
praxis.electrical@gmail.com
Ocean’s Massage Therapy Healing Body, Mind, & Spirit Heather M. Terrio
• Swedish • Deep Tissue • Pregnancy • • Hot Stone • Acupressure • • Couples Massages •
304-923-8489
by appointment only
OceansMassageTherapyWV.com WV LMT # 2006-2249
Advertise in the Gorge Guide Classifieds!
Action Printing
Our readers are an active demographic with disposable income.
• PRINTING • LAMINATING • • PHOTO RESTORATION • TYPING • • LAMINATING • DESKTOP PUBLISHING •
Services Real Estate Recreation For Sale Announcements
Get exposure for 3 whole months PRICES START AT $75 Contact: gorgeguide@gmail.com, 304-573-8113
photo by Mr. schultz
813 Main Street, Oak Hill, WV
304-465-1407 phone action@westlake-wv.com
SuMMer/Fall 2014
NRGORGEGUIDE.coM
33
Gallery
Summersville Lake has many access points for boating and swimming.
Photograph by Christopher Danz
Let your spirit soar! Colorful fall foliage transforms
TREETOPS
Canopy Tour
Adventures on the Gorge® into a whole new experience. Timbertrek Aerial Park and Gravity Zip Lines are open through November. Let your spirit soar no matter the season!
TIMBERTREK
TreeTops Canopy Tour is open year-round!
Aerial Park
GRAVITY
Zip Lines Leading the world outdoors
A
M
E
R
I
C
A
’
S
P
R
E
M
I
E
R
A
D
V
E
Let
yourself
N
T
U
R
E
R
E
S
O
R
T
Dinner Event Schedule
GO.
November 7 Orient Express November 21 Havana Nights December 31 New Year’s Eve Party January 17 Hawaiian Luau January 24 Murder at the Juice Joint February 14 Mardi Carlo February 21 Murder Under the Big Top March 7 Low-Country Boil
Leading the world outdoors
N E W R I V E R G O R G E G E TAWAY. C O M
888.383.9933