[GMAP]<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=38.0845652,-81.0597113+to:38.1071961,-81.0498811+to:US-60+W&geocode=FWLoRAIdlOEq-w%3BFdUfRQIdgSAr-ykLipbPw7tOiDF2D0EvRf3X4A%3BFTx4RQId50Yr-ykX4AnTS7pOiDG5HsFVrDA0AQ%3BFUkXRgIdKMMo-w&hl=en&mra=dme&mrsp=3&sz=16&via=1,2&sll=38.147079,-81.205444&sspn=0.016217,0.033023&ie=UTF8&ll=38.147079,-81.205444&spn=0.016217,0.033023&t=h&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=embed&saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=38.0845652,-81.0597113+to:38.1071961,-81.0498811+to:US-60+W&geocode=FWLoRAIdlOEq-w%3BFdUfRQIdgSAr-ykLipbPw7tOiDF2D0EvRf3X4A%3BFTx4RQId50Yr-ykX4AnTS7pOiDG5HsFVrDA0AQ%3BFUkXRgIdKMMo-w&hl=en&mra=dme&mrsp=3&sz=16&via=1,2&sll=38.147079,-81.205444&sspn=0.016217,0.033023&ie=UTF8&ll=38.147079,-81.205444&spn=0.016217,0.033023&t=h" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>[/GMAP] Wild and wonderful West Virginia has some excellent runs, not the least of which takes you over Gauley Mountain. Waterfalls, bridges and gorgeous river views abound on the trip. I start at the New River Bridge Visitor's Center which is worth the small hike to see the 3rd largest steel arch bridge in the world (used to be the first). It is something to behold. If you have the time, New River has some great white water rafting, which incidentally end right under the New River Bridge, and newly added zip line adventures for the whole family. The drive over Gauley Mountain is a twisting turning nightmare for those with a weakness for car sickness, but there are plenty of distractions to stop and take a look at. There is the infamous Mystery Hole (have to see it to understand), Hawk's Nest State Park, and scenic overlooks that will allow a break in the twists and turns. While it is not the Dragon, the Dragon is not this, either. This trip ends at the Glen Ferris Inn which overlooks the Gauley River and a large electricity generating dam and waterfall. You can go up the river and eventually get to Charleston. Blenko Glass is along the way (in Milton, WV) for another interesting place to stop and see. Enjoy!
Route 60 is a fantastic road. As are a lot of roads in WV. Our (Hampton Roads club MINI) Fall Colors Run takes in a good portion of WV roads in the upper north east part of the state. It's really a overlooked state when it comes to MINI runs.
Great shots! Is the old bus still on that island out in the middle of the Gauley? I remember that thing from when I was a kid. My great grandmother lived in Smithers and we used to see that thing every time we were up that way... Thanks for sharing!
Couldn't agree more. The Upper Gauley, Lower Gauley, and New River has some of the best white water rafting runs in the country!
My aunt and uncle live just a few miles from the New River rafter's shops and someone has also started a zip line down in the gorge. Supposed to be pretty cool. I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet, but have done the whitewater on the New a bunch. Want to do the Gauley in the fall when it is kickin'. Love it up there.