Tag Archives: New River Gorge

Butcher Branch Falls (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on July 14, 2018 by Andrew Wojtanik

Southern West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River includes dozens of waterfalls, some easier to reach than others. Among the relatively simple is Butcher Branch Falls, which, despite being less than a half-mile from the Kaymoor Top Trailhead, is rarely … Continue reading →

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Fayette Station Road (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on July 11, 2018 by Andrew Wojtanik

Before the New River Gorge Bridge—the longest arch bridge in the western hemisphere—was constructed in 1977, travelers across New River Gorge in southern West Virginia were forced to descend and ascend more than 800 feet in elevation on the slow … Continue reading →

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Tunnel Trail (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on June 26, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Admittedly, the Tunnel Trail at New River Gorge National River in south-central West Virginia is a bit of a letdown sans its namesake attraction: a cave-like passage now closed to visitors. Barring deep structural fixes to the poorly-supported tunnel—historically a … Continue reading →

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Castle Rock Trail Loop (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on June 25, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Lacking the most creative nomenclature, the Grandview area at West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River nonetheless lives up to its name, boasting spectacular vistas and craggy cliffs. With New River some 1,400 feet below, the Castle Rock/Grandview Rim Trail … Continue reading →

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Skyline Trail – Narrow Gauge Trail Loop (Babcock State Park, WV)

Posted on June 5, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Especially in the spring, when water levels are particularly high, the Skyline Trail – Narrow Gauge Trail Loop in Babcock State Park is simply spectacular. This 4,127-acre park in south-central West Virginia, often dwarfed by its larger and better-known neighbor, … Continue reading →

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Headhouse Trail (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on May 30, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Coal mining was once the ticket to wealth in rural West Virginia. Today it is a struggling industry—the number of coal jobs in the state has halved since 1983. Yet even as more coal mines close, they remain an integral … Continue reading →

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Canyon Rim Boardwalk (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on May 29, 2016 by Andrew Wojtanik

Many visits to New River Gorge National River in south central West Virginia begin at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, situated off Route 19 on the east flank of the gorge. While some of the best hikes in the park … Continue reading →

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Cathedral Falls (Gauley Bridge, WV)

Posted on August 2, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik

For visitors to West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River, a stop at Cathedral Falls—located just outside the park near the town of Gauley Bridge—is a must. Presumably named for the Cane Branch Church situated just upstream, Cathedral Falls tumbles … Continue reading →

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Sandstone Falls Overlook Trail (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik

Sandstone Falls Overlook is an underwhelming hike in an otherwise overwhelming park. High above West Virginia’s gorgeous New River Gorge, the overlook offers only a sliver of a view, just enough to see 25-foot Sandstone Falls at a great distance. … Continue reading →

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Big Branch Trail Loop (New River Gorge National River, WV)

Posted on August 1, 2015 by Andrew Wojtanik

The Big Branch Trail at West Virginia’s New River Gorge National River treks through a peaceful, serene landscape of dense canopy and tumbling cascades, highlighted by a pair of waterfalls (15 and 30 feet). In winter, the ridge portion offers decent … Continue reading →

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