Boy Scouts of America in WV: The Summit Bechtel Reserve

Since November of 2009 when the site selection was made, 10,600 acres of wilderness and old mine lands in Fayette and Raleigh Counties have been slowly transformed into what will be the Boy Scouts of America’s newest High Adventure Camp.

The Summit Bechtel Reserve is going to carry the Boy Scouts into the next century by focusing on state of the art equipment and embracing change to better engage the youth of today.

Boy Scouts of America

The What

The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve is going to be the Boy Scouts of America’s greatest facility. Not only will it be the newest and most state of the art High Adventure Base Camp, but it will also become a future home of the National Scout Jamboree, starting in 2013. It will also be the home of the National Center for Scouting Excellence.

It will be the seventh High Adventure Base Camp in the history of the BSA; it will be the fourth currently operational camp. The programs offered at the Summit will be specifically tailored to take advantage of the New River Gorge and its resources. It will offer rafting, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, rappelling orienteering, and geocaching. There are many other activities being proposed as well.

The Where

With close to 13 miles of its property bordering the New River Gorge National Park, this camp is situated in the heart of southern WV.  8,000 acres are in Fayette County and the remaining 2600 are in Raleigh County.  This 10,600 acre reserve allows the scouts to access more than 70,000 acres of park property just outside its boundaries.

Located between Fayetteville and Beckley, and only about 25 miles from the Gauley River National Recreation Area, its not hard to see why this site was chosen ahead of 80 others in 28 states.  This site also has a close proximity to a large percentage of the U.S. population, with nearly 2/3 of people in the United States living within a 10 hour drive of the Summit.

The How

After it was selected as the site, the next step to making it a reality was to get funding. Stephen Bechtel, a past eagle scout himself, donated $50 million  to the project and the Summit was named in his honor.  Millions more have been donated from a wide pool of sources, making this one of the largest BSA projects ever. In fact, when all is said and done, the Scouts will most likely have close to $250 million in the project.

The Why

The Summit was developed out of necessity. There is typically a wait list to attend the other High Adventure Camps. Also, the permanent home of the National Jamboree, Fort A.P Hill in Virginia, is part of the Fort A.P. Hill Army instillation.  At the Summit, BSA now has it’s very own, dedicated spot for the Jamboree.

It’s estimated that 50,000 scouts and 300,000 visitors will visit the Gorge during the Jamboree.  The local area is busy getting ready for these new visitors.

Are you coming to the Jamboree in 2013?

 

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Gorge Happenings | No Comments »

Where to Stay In the New River Gorge

If you’re planning a trip to the Gorge, one of the first things you should think about is where you’ll stay while you’re here.

There are so many different options for lodging; cabins, hotels, campgrounds, B&Bs.  By understanding the choices that are here, you can figure out what’s going to work best for you and your group.

Let’s take a look at what you’ll find in the Gorge:

Cabin at Opossum Creek Retreat

Camping

Have a big group or concerned about cost? Or do you just like the communing with nature and sleeping under the stars? There are plenty of opportunities to camp around the Gorge, from organized campgrounds with many amenities (think showers and laundry areas), to rustic camping in remote areas with little more than a portable toilet.

Hotels

Hotels offer the convenient option of a place to lay your head at the end of a busy day. Their staff makes sure your room is tidied every day and many hotels are national chains, so you know what you’re getting.

If your idea of a perfect vacation is a getaway where you don’t have to cook, clean, or lift a finger, a hotel might be your best bet.

Bed and Breakfast

The Bed & Breakfast is quaint in nature and communal in style.  This option is great for folks who have outgoing personalities and like being around other people. This style of lodging is more apt to appeal to couples or a small family.

B&B’s around here are typically small, popular lodging choices.  Try to book your stay as far in advance as possible, especially if you have a particular B&B in mind.

Cabins

Cabins are the new home away from home for vacationers, allowing groups to cook their own meals and relax in a beautiful, comfortable setting. Cabin types vary from small rustic models with few amenities to extravagant digs that make you feel like royalty. In the Gorge, you’ll find cabins that are privately owned or those that are part of adventure resorts.

Cabins appeal to everyone from couples to large groups.  In fact, some cabin businesses have models that can sleep up to 20 people. One of the best things about staying in cabins is that most of them are close to the outdoor action, like biking, hiking, climbing, and rafting.

Where do you like to stay when you visit the Gorge?

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Plan Your Visit | No Comments »

All About Ansted

If you’re traveling from Charleston east on Route 60 (the Scenic Midland Trail National Byway), the first community you come when you reach the plateau is the town of Ansted.  Located almost on the rim of the New River Gorge, this town is an interesting little community with a lot of history.

A Little History

The Overlook at Hawks Nest State Park

The first settlers in this area were a group of Baptist “squatters” in 1790,  but the town wasn’t established until around 1891. It was named after British geologist Dr. David T. Ansted, who mapped out the coal seams in the surrounding area and owned all the land that is now the town.

Ansted also played a role in the Civil War; both Union and Confederate armies concentrated their efforts on the area in the early 1860′s.

The expansion of the railroad in the early 1870′s helped Ansted flourish by allowing the transport of this area’s coal and timber resources. The narrow gauge railroad coming from the mainline was in use until 1972.

Ansted Today

With a good small business environment and a great location for anything outdoor recreation-related, Ansted has a lot to offer its residents and visitors. Here are just a few of the activities that can be done near town.

  • Whitewater rafting
  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Zip Lines
  • Rock Climbing
  • Hunting
  • Fishing
  • Jet Boat rides
  • Boating

Hawks Nest State Park is located just inside of town limits, boasting a wonderful lodge and restaurant on the rim of the Gorge. A tram will take you down to the river, where you can catch a ride on the New with New River Jetboats. The river is dammed up just below the park area, creating a 250 acre lake that provides many opportunities for recreation.

Ansted a great vacation spot for anyone who likes small town life and enjoys outdoor recreation.  Have you visited Ansted?

 

 

 

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in History, Things to Do | No Comments »

Conquering the New River Gorge Bridge – Bridge Walk

The New River Gorge Bridge spans a canyon that is both deep and wide and steeped in history. For over 30 years, people have been crossing the Gorge in less than a minute, thanks to the Bridge.

But what you might not know is that a metal walkway is built into the bridge’s internal construction, originally intended only to allow engineers and inspectors to examine all the pieces and parts of this enormous erector set.  Now you can step onto this catwalk thanks to Bridge Walk, one of the newest adventures in the Gorge.

Ready to go under the Bridge?

From the catwalk, you’ll get some unique and spectacular views of the Bridge and the Gorge below it. Bridge Walk gives folks the opportunity to take a stroll across the New River Gorge Bridge, just 15 feet under its deck. To take in both the form and the function of a design (one time the longest single span steel arch bridge) is a pretty amazing experience.

The History 

This monstrosity of a bridge was completed in 1977, after 4 years of building and a $37 million price tag. It was designed by the Michael Baker Company and built by American Bridge Division of US Steel.

It was built from COR-TEN steel, which is designed to form a rust layer for protection.  This technique eliminates the need to paint this behemoth. It also helps the Bridge blend in with its beautiful surroundings. The Bridge is 3,030 feet long and stands 876 feet above the New River below.

The Walk

The Bridge Walk is an endeavor undertaken by a few local entrepreneurs.  It was envisioned as a possibility years ago by the National Park Service in their original park plan.

The concept is simple and safe. Get harnessed up and attached to cables that run the entire length of the Bridge and then take a leisurely stroll under the Bridge’s deck from one side to the other.  The equipment is top of the line and the tour includes guides that ensure guest safety and share local knowledge, history and interesting Bridge facts and figures.

No matter how many different angles and views you have seen the Bridge from before, this one is definitely the most interesting and unusual. Remember to bring your camera as pictures are allowed and encouraged.

The tour is available to most people from about the age of 9 to 90 and is even set up to accommodate folks with disabilities, as they have a wheelchair that will fit on the walkway.

Have you experienced Bridge Walk?

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Things to Do | No Comments »

Winter in the New River Gorge – Get Outside and Get Active!

The New River Gorge is a summertime paradise for the outdoor adventure seeker. But just because winter has pushed summer aside doesn’t mean its time to hibernate in these parts.  In fact, some activities you’d think of as summertime pursuits can be a bit more pleasant and rewarding this time of year.

Here’s a look at some of the winter activities in and around the New River Gorge:

Winter Wonderland - Photo by the New River Gorge National River

  • Bridge Walk- The chance to go underneath the New River Gorge Bridge doesn’t end with warm temperatures. The deck of the Bridge gives great coverage from precipitation.  The Gorge is a different kind of beautiful this time of year.
  • Zip Lines- An exhilarating, year round activity that offers a much different perspective when the leaves are gone. There are several zip lines in the area, and each one is different. Zipping through the snow sounds like fun to us!
  • Hiking- This is one of those activities that often becomes a bit more pleasant with cooler temperatures. And now that leaves are gone, you’ll be able to see the many old coal mining structures that are along Gorge hiking trails. In the winter they are exposed and easier to locate and explore.
  • Cross country skiing- These same hiking trails, with enough snow cover, can provide some very diverse cross country skiing terrain.
  • Biking-  Lots of new biking trails were built in the Gorge this summer. A cold, dry winter can mean lots of mountain biking opportunities.

These are some adventures that many of us can participate in.

But, there are extreme weather paddlers who will raft or kayak the areas rivers and streams almost every month of the year. Because winter is a wet season, some of the best paddling begins in November.

Hunting and fishing are also popular wintertime activities.  Trout are still somewhat active.   Grouse, rabbit, and duck and goose seasons extend into late January and February.

And of course, Winterplace Ski Resort is about 45 minutes from the Gorge.  This ski resort offers a variety of slopes for all expertise levels.  We love the tubing park, which will be a hit with everyone in your group.

So there’s really no excuse.  Get outside and play!

What are you doing this winter in the Gorge?

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Things to Do | No Comments »

Holidays in the New River Gorge

The month or so between Thanksgiving and New Years is given the title of “Holiday Season”. It is the time of the year when frantic shopping and family feasts are the norm and everything else takes a bit of a backseat to the festivities.

The Gorge area has lots of opportunities to revel in the holiday spirit with some great events that showcase the season. Let’s look at a few of the things to do or see in the Gorge area over the next month or so.

 Historic Fayette Theater

The Historic Fayette Theater will host three events this “Holiday Season”.

A production of the classic tale “A Christmas Carol” will run November 25, 26, 27 and December 2, 3, 4.  There’s no better way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Then, the New River Youth Symphony Chorus will host their winter concert December 10 at 7 pm.  You don’t want to miss these talented youngsters.

Finally,  the Wild Rumpus, a spectacular local band, will host their Third Annual New Years Bash on New Years Eve.

All of these events offer great entertainment for the entire family.

Lacy’s Lights and Maple’s Display

The Page Vawter House

If Christmas lights really get you in the spirit, then you may want to prepare yourself before going to check out Lacey’s Lights at the Fayette County Park.

This long running light display includes two collections donated by Lacy Smith and another collection from Elwood Maples. The 300,000 lights cover a majority of the park.  Entrance is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. The display runs the entire month of December from 6-9 nightly.

Page/Vawter House Christmas Lights  

This historic house in downtown Ansted will be lit up and open to the public for tours starting December 10. Tours will be given at 5:30 and 6:30 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until the end of the month. The house boasts 11 fireplaces and 52 eight-foot tall windows. A visit here  is a great way to take a step back in time.

How are you getting into the holiday spirit here in the Gorge?

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Holiday, Things to Do | No Comments »

Nuttallburg, Henry Ford, and Coal Mining in the New River Gorge

There are well over 15 abandoned mining towns and camps in the short 14-mile stretch of the New River Gorge that is from Thurmond to Teays Landing, but none have quite the appeal or history of the mining camp that was Nuttallburg.

Built somewhere around 1872 by the Nuttall family, the Nuttallburg mines were some of the earliest mines opened in the Gorge. Located in the heart of the New River Gorge near the rapid known as Double Z, the Nuttalls owned some of the prime coal property in that canyon.

Nuttallburg Today

From Mountainside to Auto Works

The Nuttalls owned and operated the Nuttallburg mine until 1920, when it was purchased by Henry Ford to supply high quality steam coal for his River Rouge Auto Plant in Dearborn, Michigan.

At that time, the mine was modernized and operated as the Fordson Coal Company and recorded production as such from 1923 to 1927. Railroad regulations eventually ended Ford’s ownership of the mine complex.

It was sold a year or so later to the Maryland New River Coal Company, whose records show that it produced the most coal in a year at just over 171,000 tons. This was more than likely due to the innovations Ford spent time and money to build into the mine complex.

Maryland New River Coal Company continued to operate the mine until 1953. It was closed for good in 1958.

Nuttallburg in a Nutshell

From its original beginnings in 1873, the town was comprised of a few common features. There were somewhere between 75 and 100 houses, around 80 coke ovens, and three different conveyors on the property.

The “rope and button” conveyor that is still standing today was one of the updates that Henry Ford instituted. This particular type off conveyor was used because it was more efficient and it reduced the fragmentation of the coal. At 1,385 feet, it was one of the longest conveyors in use anywhere at that time.

Other structures included a scalehouse and scales, a drumhouse or headhouse, blacksmith shop, carpentry shop, slate dump, and a tipple located on the railroad sidings that branched off the C&O mainline. Considering the limited amount of flat space available in the Gorge, it’s remarkable to think about how the town was built.

Nuttallburg Today

Today you can visit Nuttallburg and see this abandoned town for yourself.  The National Park Service has installed 25 interpretive signs that tell the story of this New River Gorge gem.

Do you have any memories of Nuttallburg to share?


Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in History, Things to Do | No Comments »

Whitewater Is Only The Beginning: Other Outdoor Adventures in the Gorge

Whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley Rivers used to be the main draw for outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers visiting West Virginia.  But there are many ways to enjoy the rugged nature this area has to offer.   And now visitors have a chance to experience even more of it.
Over the past few years, lots of new adventures have become available here in the New River Gorge:

Off-road riding is a popular adventure in WV

  • Rock climbing
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain biking
  • Kayak clinics
  • Paint ball
  • Canopy Tours
  • Stand up Paddle Boarding
  • Fishing trips

The Don’t Miss Activity

One of the fastest growing activities here has been ATV and UTV riding. Some of the best ATV terrain east of the Mississippi River is right here in southern West Virginia.

The Hatfield and McCoy Trail system offers well over 500 miles of off-roading for ATVs, dirt bikes and UTVs.  The trail system has been around for a decade now and is still growing.  It has a future goal of someday offering over 2,000 miles of trails.

Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park offers over 100 miles of trails and has major expansion in its future plans. With over 8,000 acres to develop and a close proximity to Beckley, this system is easily accessible for those visiting the New River Gorge.

Area ATV trails give you the option to rent your ride, or you can bring your own vehicle.

Have you ever explored the New River Gorge on an ATV?

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Outdoor Activities, Things to Do | No Comments »

Local Jargon You Might Hear at Bridge Day

Bridge Day brings crowds of people into this area from all over the world.  In fact, out-of-towners make up a large portion of the Bridge Day population. But this is an event locals have been coming to for years and never miss.

BASE Jumping on Bridge Day

If you happen to be from another state (or even another country) and you chat with a local, there’s a chance you may hear some new or different expressions. Such as:

  • O’er yonder - It means over there but doesn’t describe exactly how far. “The funnel cake man is o’er yonder and man, are they good.”
  • Smack dab - A specific place. “The BASE jumpers are smack dab in the middle of the bridge.”
  • Holler - You may hear the Gorge referred to as this. “They have a shuttle that’ll take you down into the holler so you can watch from the river.”
  • Poke - A bag. “All the people on the Bridge must have been shopping because they are all carrying pokes.”
  • Smidgin’ - The tiniest little bit.  “I only got a smidgin’ of sugar on my funnel cake.”

What are some other expressions you’ve heard WV locals use?

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: ,
Posted in Festivals | No Comments »

Bridge Day – The World’s Most Unique Festival

One day every fall, the town of Fayetteville, for a mere 7 hours, becomes the largest populated town in WV. This is accomplished by a three-decade old event that originally was only supposed to be a ribbon cutting ceremony but instead became WV’s largest single day festival. Yes, you guessed it: Bridge Day.

Bridge Day occurs the third Saturday in October and it has since the very early 80′s. It coincides with the end of Gauley Season and what is typically the peak of the fall foliage display. Set against a backdrop of reds, yellows and orange, visitors to Bridge Day eat, drink and are merry while enjoying a beautiful fall stroll across one of the world’s largest bridges. Here’s a look at some of the things that make Bridge Day unique.

B.A.S.E. Jumpers take the plunge

High-Flying Side Show

The New River Gorge Bridge is 876 feet tall, making it one of the tallest bridges on the planet. This appeals to one group of individuals much more than any other; B.A.S.E. jumpers. While nearly 100,000 people are walking across the Bridge, 400+ others are using this day to take advantage of one day of legal B.A.S.E. jumping.

B.A.S.E. is an acronym for the types of objects that this group of thrill seekers looks to jump off of; Building, Antennae, Span and Earth.  The New River Gorge Bridge is a challenge for jumpers due to wind conditions and a river with rapids located at the bottom.

The Vendors

Bridge Day vendors are a big part of the action.  Food, gadgets, clothing, and displays are all lined up along either side of the road leading to the Bridge. There have been some pretty unique items sold on the Bridge, including The New River “Pet Rock”.  It was, well, a rock, supposedly from the New River with a little face painted on it.  Did you buy one?

Bridge Day food is always eagerly anticipated by everyone.  You’ll find all your typical festival food, from caramel apples to smoked turkey legs and our favorite, funnel cakes. There are some different options too, such as fajitas and vegetarian fare.  Trust us, you won’t walk away hungry.

Gone By The Wayside

There are a lot of traditions that are part of Bridge Day.  But there are some things that have happened in the past that you probably won’t see again:

  • Bungee Jumping
  • Marching Bands
  • Traffic allowed in the south bound lanes

Bridge Day continues to evolve, but it will always remain one of the most exciting, unique festivals you’ll find anywhere in the world.  And the best way to learn what Bridge Day is all about is to attend.  See you there this year?

And, do you know why bands aren’t allowed to march on the Bridge anymore?

Pass it along...
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Google
  • StumbleUpon
  • TwitThis

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Festivals | No Comments »

« Older Entries