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Every now and then we all need a change of pace, but that
doesn’t have to mean slowing down. The Mid-Atlantic is packed with places where
you can ride the rapids in the morning, summit a mountain the afternoon and
dive through the trees on your bike the next day. Whether you prefer to be
surrounded by sand, rocks or woods, here are some nearby destinations that will
help you get away while staying active.
Hours spent along the banks of a remote river are the
makings for a great getaway. Throw in some intense rapids, cliff-side rock
climbs and canyon hugging trails, and you’ve got an adventure. New River
Gorge’s mix of high-flying outings and dramatic views create the ultimate
outdoor vacation.
Whitewater Wonders
Most travelers to the New River area come for one thing—the
whitewater. The New River Gorge has routes to please all levels of kayakers and
rafters. From Cunard to Fayette Station, experienced paddlers can take on a
thrilling mix of Class IV and V rapids, including the Upper Railroad, Lower
Railroad, Keeneys and Greyhound rapids. For something more gentle and relaxing,
try the Upper New River between Prince and Thurmond. For a list of local river
outfitters, see www.newrivercvb.com/rafting.html.
Cliff Climbing Away
The mighty New River has carved out some of the East Coast’s
best climbing with its sandstone cliffs that reach up to 120 ft high along a
nearly 10-mile stretch of the canyon.
The New River Gorge National River area boasts more than
1,400 established climbs, many that feature a wealth of crack routes. The
majority of routes favor experienced climbers with most rated at 5.9 or harder,
including those in the popular Bridge Buttress area. See www.newriverwv.com/Recreation_Rock_Climbing_.php.
Gorge-ous Trails
Catch stunning views of the gorge—nearly 1,000 ft
below—along the 2.5-mile Endless Wall Trail. For a short challenging hike, take
the Kaymoor Miners Trail, which covers 1,000 vertical ft in 0.5 miles.
For a long hike or short bike, try the 6.4-mile
Cunard-Kaymoor Trail, which passes by the Kaymoor Mine site. (www.nps.gov/neri/planyourvisit/hiking.htm).
The town of Fayetteville is building the state’s first municipal freeride park
with the first phase expected to open this summer. See www.freeridewv.com.
Events and Festivals
New River Gorge Bridge Day, the state’s largest one-day
festival, draws thrill seekers from around the globe to test their limits on
the world’s second longest single arch bridge. On Oct. 18, the 876-ft-tall,
3,030-ft-long New River Gorge Bridge will welcome more than 400 base jumpers
and 200 rappelers to prove their mettle before 80,000 spectators. A 700-ft
high-line has also been added to the event, which zips riders from the bridge’s
catwalk down to Fayette Station Road (www.officialbridgeday.com).
The extreme off-road Captain Thurmond’s Triathlon is
scheduled to return in August with a new route. Tentative plans call for a bike
leg from Fayetteville to Cunard, kayaking the rapids from Cunard to Fayette
Station, and finishing with a run back to Fayetteville (www.captainthurmonds.com). ACE New
River Bike Fest offers a weekend of rides and races for all ages, including a
challenging West Virginia Mountain Bike Association-sanctioned race and the
Minden Mudfest with kids’ rides and races (www.aceraft.com).
Camping
Babcock State Park, which borders the river, offers 52 sites
that accommodate tents or trailers with access to restrooms, hot showers and
laundry facilities. For a bit more comfort, the park also has 28 cabins with
kitchens and bathrooms. See www.babcocksp.com.
