Posts Tagged ‘outdoor adventure’

Boy Scouts of America in WV: The Summit Bechtel Reserve

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

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?

 

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All About Ansted

Friday, January 6th, 2012

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?

 

 

 

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Conquering the New River Gorge Bridge – Bridge Walk

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

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?

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

Friday, December 9th, 2011

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?

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New River Gorge Campgrounds and Fall Camping Essentials

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

Fall in West Virginia is a great time to camp. The summer crowds have diminished, the temperatures are cooler and  the bugs have all but disappeared. There are many camping options in the New River Gorge area,  but camping in the fall can be a much different experience. Knowing what to expect and what you need to bring can help you stay comfortable and have a trip to remember.

Essentials for Comfortable Camping

What follows is a list of necessities for comfort while enjoying autumn camping in the Mountain State.

Make Camping Comfortable

  • Tarps – An essential item as the weather in WV changes about as often as the hour does. Normal fall showers can dampen even the most stoic camper’s spirits. Having good tarps above and below one’s tent and camping area can be the difference between camping or floating.
  • Temperature rated sleeping bags - Fall temperatures can dip into the mid to low 30′s at night. Make sure the sleeping bag you are using is designed to accommodate these temperatures for comfort while you sleep.
  • Propane or gas lantern- It gets dark pretty early here in the mountains, especially if you’re camping down low. This style of lantern provides quality, long-lasting light. Hang one or two in camp and you can cook, eat or just relax and talk for hours.
  • Headlamp or small flashlight - Whether you are camping in a campground or a more a remote area, when nature calls in the middle of the night you are going to have a hard time finding your way around without light.  Everybody should really have their own flashlight of some sort.
  • Comfortable slip-on shoes - An essential piece of camping gear if you are tent camping. They save the tent floor from grime or wear and tear.  Added bonus: slip-on shoes save you from tying sneakers every time you go in or out of your temporary home.

These are just a few of the essentials you should consider when packing for a camping outing.

Camping Opportunities

Curious about where to camp in the New River Gorge?  Here are some options:

These are just some of our area campgrounds.  The New River Gorge also has plenty of remote camping spots. No matter what type of camping experience you’re looking for, rest assured: you’ll find it around the Gorge.

Do you have any other suggested camping essentials?

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Five Essentials For a Successful Day Hike in the New River Gorge

Friday, May 27th, 2011

The New River Gorge is a day-hiker’s paradise. And having lived here for the last twelve years, I’ve been able to see many special places within the crevices of these mountains, and best of all, they’re pretty easy to access.

Having several miles under my belt, I’ve learned what is most important to bring on a day hike. I know, I know, it’s just a day hike. Granted, the likelihood of an incident is slim, but things can happen – weather changes – curious bugs – pesky stumps – there’s no telling.

Before you head out on your hike, heed these tips...

With that said, here are a few key items I’ve learned – the hard way – to always bring with me.

The Right Shoes

This is a hike, after all, and the right footwear is a critical component. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen day hikers ill-prepared wearing flip flops and even heels… yes, heels.

Trails, in any woods, are inherently uneven and are riddled with roots and rocks. Find a shoe with a meaty tread and proper toe coverage and ankle protection.

Food and Water

My own day hiking experiences have proven that things don’t always go as planned – the hike takes a little longer than expected, my map reading skills aren’t quite what I had thought and so on.

No matter how short the trip, I always take a fanny pack-style container full of water and an energy bar. It has truly made many-a-hike much more pleasant.

First Aid Kit

Now, I know what you’re thinking – it’s just a few hours. Well, anything can happen, and it can happen in the blink of an eye. I’m not suggesting carrying your entire medicine cabinet, but a few essentials are the sign of a well-prepared hiker.

I take a pocket knife, medical tape, a few band-aids, a little packet of antibiotic ointment and some type of pain reliever. It’s not much, but it’s enough to get you back to the car.

Jacket

In the heat of summer, this may not be necessary. But I will tell you, the weather has changed for the worse on me – even in the summer. You’ve seen it. The clouds start to roll in, the wind begins to blow and then, the first sign – that one drop of rain hits you square on the head. All I’m recommending is a super light jacket, one you can ball up in a pocket and tuck away for that afternoon thunderstorm.

Bug Repellent

This little item isn’t just for mosquitoes. In these parts, I’ve found that gnats are far more pesky on the trail. They buzz around your head, you swat and you swat – inevitably one makes a b-line right into your eye. And it’s stuck there for the duration of your hike. This is exactly why I recommend bug repellent. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Now, these are my suggestions for a successful hike. If you have an item that your can’t live without or has proven it’s weight in gold on one of your hiking adventures, please share.

Beth Gill

ACE Adventure Resort

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The Secret To Paddling The New River

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

If you come to the New River Gorge for a visit, it’s a good bet that you’ll want to see the river. And by “see”, we mean “do”, of course. More specifically, “paddle”.

Paddling the river has some prerequisites. The place you’ll be going is, after all, a national park, and you’ll need to be ready. And there’s the secret.

If you take just a little time to plan your day on the river, you’ll be so much happier. Trust us on this. A little preparedness goes a long way. It’s worth going over a few things before your trip, just to make sure you’re covering all the bases.

Here things to check off your list before heading to the river:

Know Your Outfitter There are lots of raft companies in the gorge, and each one has a different personality. Look through our links, and go over several before deciding on one. Many offer additional activities to add after your trip is done.

Get Your Timing Down Did you know that you could avoid crowds on the river even on the busiest day of the year? Timing is hugely important when it comes to booking your trip. Go for the earliest or latest trips of the day if you want the river to yourself. Book mid-morning if you want a lot of people around for atmosphere.

Understand The Sections Each outfitter can walk you through this, but there are basically four sections of river around the gorge. In ascending order of difficulty, they are: Upper New, Lower New, Lower Gauley, Upper Gauley. Remember, the point is always to have fun- pick the section that’s appropriate for your group.

Come Early, Stay Late The one guaranteed way to destroy a white water vacation is to rush things. Everyone’s time is short, so it’s understandable; it’s just unfortunate. The way to enjoy the river is to take your time and relax. Come a day early and stay the day after. Once you get here, you’ll be on river time.

Take It All In Rafting is best enjoyed loudly. If you yell, scream, and have fun, you’re doing it right. Do everything you have the chance to do- swim, surf, explore. Get the video, buy the T-shirt. There’s a lot to experience down on the river; make sure you get all of it.

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