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choose an outdoor adventure
(Prices/descriptions updated 3/08)
Saturday, there are workshops throughout the morning, and an afternoon dance. However, you may want to spend at least part of your day enjoying a hike, bike, climb, drive, float, or horseback ride. Use the following three links to navigate to the different sections of this page.
The amount of time these activities take varies greatly. Directions and contact info are also given where needed. If you elect a briefer activity, you will have time to explore on your own.
pro-guided activities -- BOOK NOW to insure a reservation. MEET AT RIVERMEN AT 8:40 for check-in.
Big water on the lower section of the New River!
Note in the trip description whether lunch is or isn't included. IF LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED WITH YOUR TRIP, either select the Saturday sack lunch option as part of your Whitewater Whirl registration, or plan to have lunch elsewhere on your own -- you've got plenty of options. Add 6% sales tax to prices shown. It is customary to reward your guide with a gratuity for exceptional service. For a trip with a boatload of people, this might be as little as, say, $10 from each.
This year's outfitter for ALL pro-guided activities except birding is Rivermen Whitewater.
Directions to Rivermen from Fayette County Park Leave the Park, turning right onto Rt. 16 at the end of the park road. When you reach the light at Fayetteville (US-19), turn right onto US-19. Watch your speed on 19! At the next light, turn right onto Laurel Creek Road, and then take your first right into Rivermen.
Lower New (full day trip which typically returns mid-afternoon - 8:40 am check-in; $84+tax per person. ($91.04 after tax & river fee) Lunch IS included. Alternating from calm, languid pools (perfect for a lazy swim) to the crashing waves and swift drops of Class III-V rapids, the Lower New River offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exhilaration. Both beginner and expert rafters enjoy the magnificent canyon scenery, encounters with wildlife, and glimpses of the many ghost towns that once lived along the river. Minimum age is 12 for this trip. Call Rivermen at 800-545-7238, Ask for PJ. Say you're with the Whitewater Whirl group and you want to book the raft trip.
SCROLL DOWN almost to the bottom of this page for directions to the outfitter (Rivermen).
(more guided activities below)
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But what if it rains? As many experienced outdoor guides will tell you, "there's no such thing as bad weather -- only poor clothing." In fact, most people who dress appropriately for the conditions discover that the idea of getting wet is the unpleasant part. Actually getting rained on is no big deal at all, if you're dressed for the conditions: YOU don't get soaked - your outer layer protects you from that nasty 'ol H2O. So bring clothing (including footwear) appropriate to your planned activity, and rain attire in any case. You'll be dry and happy, unless you get onto the river, in which case you'll merely be happy. Contact us with your questions/concerns. |
Birding
Birding with The New River Birding & Nature Festival The New River Birding & Nature Festival is located in and around the New River Gorge National River. Administrated by the National Park Service, this area is the heart of the upland, hardwood forests that Cornell University Laboratory of Ornithology has identified as a crucial stopover habitat for the continued survival of species such as Golden-winged, Blue-winged, and Swainson’s warbler, as well as the Scarlet Tanager. This activity is not provided by the outfitter of all our other pro-guided trips. You can see what's available on Saturday, at what cost, find out all other necessary info, and register here.
Or go birding on your own. See the self-guided section below.
Guided Mountain Biking 
Half-day Follow the River Tour (8 am to 12 pm) $85+tax per person. Helmet and water bottle provided. Lunch NOT provided. The easy tour begins with a mild descent on the Thurmond-Minden Rail Trail which offers incredible views of the river and the abandoned railroad town of Thurmond. After a brief visit to the historic Thurmond Depot, riders will travel down-river via the Southside Junction Trail. This trail is part of the historic trek taken by Mary Ingles-Draper after her daring escape from Indian captors in the 1800’s. Approximate Distance: 7 Miles. Your bike is a disc brake-equipped 2005 Specialized Hardrock Mountain bike. Every tour bike is thoughly cleaned and serviced before every ride. Call Rivermen at 800-545-7238, Ask for PJ. Say you're with the Whitewater Whirl group and you want to book the bike trip.
Smallmouth Fishing on the New River
Half-day Smallmouth Float Trip The half-day is $275+tax per boat of 2 people. If someone is interested in going on their own anyway, they can still buy the boat. Trip time is 6:30 am.
$275+tax for 2 people (i.e., $137.50 each pre-tax, but must be booked in 2s. Ideally, you'll have a dance buddy who would like to do it with you and share the cost. If not, you may contact us and we'll email the WW list to see if there's another person interested in your trip before you decide whether to book. The New is justly famous for its warm-water fishing. This trip goes out in the early morning when smallmouths are often most active. This trip will give you approximately 4 hours of quality smallmouth bass fishing. PROVIDED: Snacks, drinks, tackle and transportation to and from the river.
Important: You must hold the appropriate WV licence - 3 day tourist licences are available, and you may purchase the appropriate fishing licence online and print it out immediately. Call Rivermen at 800-545-7238, Ask for PJ. Say you're with the Whitewater Whirl group and you want to book the fishing trip. Remember, there must be two participants for this trip; enquire by what date you can cancel with a full refund if a second person doesn't sign up. You will still be able to book one of the other trips offered here.
Please note:
This year's outfitter for ALL pro-guided activities except birding is Rivermen Whitewater.
Directions to Rivermen from Fayette County Park Leave the Park, turning right onto Rt. 16 at the end of the park road. When you reach the light at Fayetteville (US-19), turn right onto US-19. Watch your speed on 19! At the next light, turn right onto Laurel Creek Road, and then take your first right into Rivermen.
The start time given for each trip is the time you are to BE AT THE OUTFITTER FOR CHECK-IN.
Note in the trip description whether lunch is or isn't included. If it isn't, either select the Saturday sack lunch option as part of your Whitewater Whirl registration, or plan to have lunch elsewhere on your own -- you've got plenty of options.
Add 6% sales tax to prices shown. It is customary to reward your guide with a gratuity for exceptional service. For a raft trip with a boatload of people, this might be as little as $10 from each.
Ready to register?
self-guided activities
(copy and paste whatever info you want and take it with you to WW)
Select the Saturday sack lunch option as part of your Whitewater Whirl registration (take your lunch with you when you head off, or come back later and get it), or plan to purchase lunch elsewhere on your own, or bring your own from home -- you've got plenty of options.
Birding on your own
"Definitely mention the birding next time! I did not have enough time to exhaust the possibilities even at the top of the hill because it was PEAK migration and the warblers and other birds were so plentiful." - Ruth Anne Lachendro
Ruth Anne nailed it: There's no better Spring birding here than Whitewater Whirl weekend. You can just walk up the hill from Whirl Central, or take a hike into the Gorge, or take one of the raft trips and view birds from a raft drifting downriver. It's all birds, all the time! Another birding option (for a fee) would be to register for one of the Saturday pro-guided excursions being offered by the New River Birding & Nature Festival, taking place in our immediate area at this time. See the pro-guided section, above.
Kayaking/Canoeing
You'll need all your own gear on the New River
At Summersville Lake you can rent both kayaks and canoes (scroll down)
I. On the New River
American Wildwater's website includes links to local river info. On their West Virginia page, first look at the river level legend at the top of the page, then scroll down to the "New" (River) entries, and click on the links to info on the river's various sections. Clicking on a section link brings up detailed, current info on that section, and links to the Park Service's Guide To Paddling the New River and to their Map of the New and Gauley Rivers. The map will help you find your put-in and take-out points.
"Each run is a different river." In other words, what is easy water at one rate of flow can be a whole different ballgame when the river is lower or higher. Use your best judgement both in choosing which section to run, by scouting questionable rapids, and then by portaging where prudent for you to do so.
Here are the sections listed:
1. WV/VA State line to Bull Falls Campground
2. Bluestone Dam to Sandstone
3. Sandstone to McCreery
4. McCreery to Thurmond
5. Thurmond to Cunard
6. New River Gorge: Cunard to Fayette Station
7. New River Dries: Hawks Nest Dam to Gauley Bridge
KAYAKERS: Considering driving distance and technical difficulty, I recommend you consider sections 3, 4, and 5, unless you are a highly skilled paddler, in which case you could also consider sections 6 and 7. Each section has its own character, and the descriptions given are clear and concise.
CANOEISTS: Consider the tamest sections only -- Section 5 would be best (with a portage around Surprise rapid)
In terms of distance from the Whirl, here is the section order, beginning with the nearest section: 6, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
II. Paddling on Summersville Lake
For a soothing flatwater-only experience, Summersville Lake is a great place to paddle. The "shoreline" is largely vertical sandstone cliff. There are also hiking and biking opportunities, and Civil War sites too.
Army Corps of Engineers Summersville Lake page
Rent kayaks and canoes here
Bridge Haven Golf Club is an 18-hole public course with a snack bar, driving range, club/cart rentals, and weather permitting, a putting green is available. Call: (304) 574-2120 for tee times. Directions: Head to Fayetteville, cross 19, go through town center (2 lights), and continue past the downtown. At Sherry's Beer City (on right) take the left fork, which is Gatewood Road. Continue about 3.5 miles and turn left at Elverton Road, then left again at Browns Road. Bridge Haven will be on your left. Fore!
Scroll down for more self-guided stuff. But first, heeeeeeeeeeeeere's the Gorge!
Mountain bike on your own Be safe: biking buddy highly recommended! Bring food and especially water. If you need to rent a mountain bike, get to New River Bike in Fayetteville: Leave WW and turn right toward Fayetteville. At the light, continue up the hill. When you get to a hard left at a stone/wood flower planter (Keller Ave.), turn L and park anywhere on the left. You'll see Pies & Pints (great beer and pizza) and New River Bike. Here are four popular Gorge mountain biking biking trails with driving directions and trail descriptions.
On-Road Biking This part of West Virginia is mainly "hills and hollers", so you'll definitely use those lower gears. The shoulders on many of our roads are narrow and often not well-maintained. Also, many country roads - including most of the following route - are two-way, but only one lane. So keep your wits about you, and wear something bright up top.
Back way to Fayetteville: Fayetteville is worth a visit, and a bike ride along Laurel Creek is a picturesqe way to get there. Get on your bike, leave the park and head down the hill. Turn R at the stop sign (mile 0.0) and you're heading toward the Animal Control Center, with Laurel Creek on your left. At the Center, turn L, still following the creek. Reach a stop sign at 2.4 miles - there's a tall rusty structure to your left. Turn L. From this point, it's a moderate, but not steady, climb to US-19 (6.2 miles). Cross 19 and continue to a T at Fayetteville High (6.6 miles), where you'll turn L and cruise into Fayetteville. Just befor you reach the light you'll pass Daniel's Market.
The return leg is up to you. I recommend retracing your route. It's pretty, a lot of downhill, and the alternative is less safe IMO. Route 16 (which is how you got to the County Park in the first place) down to Beckwith has many curves and bad shoulders - creating real wreck potential if you need to get over at the wrong moment for a driver going 55. If you do decide to go that way, take it easy going down hill and keep your ears wide open, especially in blind curves. Don't assume drivers will be looking out for you, because they won't be.
Fayetteville: Fayetteville is the county seat, and has benefited from seasonal outdoor tourism. Along with rafting, rock climbing and kayaking are the two sports that have put this area on the map. Fayetteville has a tiny downtown, but it contains a few worthy restaurants, a couple small galleries, antiques, and "outdoor" shops.
From the center of town, facing the Courthouse from the opposite sidewalk: face R and walk down Court Street (Rt. 16 South) to the Cathedral Cafe. The Cathedral is the place for great coffee & tea, great muffins, cookies, and it's where the climbers and paddlers mix with the shirt and tie crowd. Browse the books, visit the small gallery upstairs. They serve meals, too, so you might choose to have lunch there instead of ordering lunch from us. A little further down across the street is a little antiques place where they have a knack for turning junk into art. Head back up the street, passing Hard Rock (refers to the local sandstone, not to music) and the Fayette Theatre, which tends to put on pretty good shows for a small town. Then there's Gumbo's Restaurant - I like the po' boy catfish sandwich. There's an art gallery on the corner. Next block is the courthouse. Water Stone Outdoors is on the next corner; I think everyone who's ever worked there rock climbs. The prices for some of the technical outerwear may shock you. But it's worth it if you need it! Down the street you'll come to the fork at Keller Ave. Going either direction here will get you down to US-19. Go down Keller and you'll quickly see Pies and Pints (great pizzas and microbrews), New River Bike (tours, rentals), and a new restaurant. Take a minute to walk down the stairs at Pies and Pints. Notice the humongous silver maple tree. At the bottom of the steps, find the cylindrical structure set in the ground. Look inside. If you can tell me what it was used for, we'll both know.
Hiking/Walking/Driving Around Be safe: If you plan to hike in the Gorge, bring a buddy, something to eat, and especially water.
New River Gorge by car, with hiking option
Before the "Big Bridge" was constructed (and you can get the story on that at the Canyon Rim Visitors Center - see below), the only way across the New River in this region of the county was Fayette Station Road, and it's a great drive. Turn R out of the County Park Road and proceed to US-19. (Fayetteville is dead ahead.) Turn left at US-19, cross the New River Gorge Bridge, and take your first right, which is the Park Service exit. Turn R and enter the Canyon Rim Visitors Center lot. Check this place out thoroughly, inside and out on the short overlook trails. Pick up a trail map at the counter if you like. Then, hop back in your car, exit the lot, turn right, pass the souvenir shop, and take an impossibly hard R downhill. You're on Fayette Station Rd., or Rt. 82. Wherever you have a choice thereafter, head downhill, and you'll reach the bottom of the Gorge. Cross the Fayette Station bridge; it's a near-replica of the one taken down a few years ago. You can pull over and park once you've crossed, and walk back onto the bridge. Look downstream - that's the Fayette Station rapids. It's fun to watch rafters and kayakers run that rapid, and you may see a few, depending on when you arrive - later is better. To get right down on the New River for a great view, drive downstream a short distance until you reach a fork. Left will take you back out of the Gorge. (Don't turn around! Fayette Station Road is one way!) Instead of taking that left just yet, continue straight over a small wooden bridge and on into the parking lot. Get out, and look toward the river. You're looking at a belt of trees. Thread your way through those trees, taking whatever path you find. You'll have to climb over a few boulders before you reach the water, where you'll see the rapid. Find yourself the perfect boulder, sit and enjoy the BIG water. Eat lunch if you have it, or save it for later.
Okay, you're ready to leave the river. Cross that little wooded bridge again and turn right. Hiking option: Up the gorge aways on the left is the Kaymoor Trail. It's an easy but great 2-mile walk (one way) to the remains of the old Kaymoor Mine complex, which alone is good enough reason to take this pleasant walk. The trailhead is on your L at a sharp R bend; pull over to the left and park well off the road. There was a monster flood here a few years ago and it utterly altered the terrain at this trailhead. (That's Wolf Creek by the way.) Enjoy your walk along this old mining bench - a road cut into the side of the gorge face to access the mines and to transport the coal out. Amazing. While you're at the mine site, find the descending stairs. This is the STAIRMASTER FROM HELL. If your knees give you trouble, don't even think about it. But hey, you're a dancer! Otherwise, enjoy the descent to the river, keeping in mind you'll have to climb out again eventually. You'll also see a sign for the Kaymoor Miner's Trail. It's a mile of steep trail, many switchbacks, difficult for sure, that the miners who lived in the community called Kamoor Top used to walk twice daily to and from work. I can't imagine climbing THAT at the end of a hard day in the mines. Try a bit of it, and see what you think. The main Kaymoor Trail goes another 6 miles past the mine, so go as far as you want, then retrace your route.
Continuing up and out of the Gorge, you'll come out back on US 19, but back on the Fayetteville side of the "Big Bridge" again. You could (1) cross 19 to take the back way into Fayetteville, Keller Ave. -- you'll pass New River Bike and Pies and Pints (great pizza and beers). Then, either turn L to go into Fayetteville - well worth a visit - or R, which will take you to the light at 19. Go through the intersection to get back to WW. Or (2) When you come out of the Gorge, just turn right onto 19, go to the Fayetteville light, turn right, and you're heading back down to The Whirl. (I didn't tell you how to get to the Beauty Mountain overlook or a host of other great spots, but you can always come back next year!)
Other "Saturday drives": You could combine these for a full morning or more.
Mystery Hole loop: This is the short, easy, paved version of the Cotton Hill Scenic Drive.
Leave the County Park and turn L onto RT 16. (I'm not going to tell you where to stop. Just keep your eyes open and enjoy yourself.) Go through Beckwith to Chimney Corners; Turn R on US-60 (unless you're going to do the Grist Mill loop; see below) and go to US-19; then S toward Fayetteville. If you haven't already: once you pass the Ames Heights/Lansing-Edmond exits (they're across the highway from one another), get in the left lane and exit left at the Park Service's Canyon Rim Visitor's Center. If you miss the exit, you're now on the bridge. Just go to the light at Fayetteville and turn around.
When you're ready to leave the Visitors Center, you might consider the "New River Gorge by car" trip - see above. If you do opt for the Gorge, you'll take a right out of the parking lot and follow the directions for that drive. Otherwise, turn left out of the lot. At 19, cross the median and turn left to take you toward Fayetteville. At the light, turn L to Fayetteville, or R to return to the Country Park. If you want to combine this drive with the Babcock State Park drive, do not exit US-60 onto US-19, just continue over 19.
Babcock State Park Scenic Drive
Get to Junction of US-60 and US-19. If you're starting from the County Park, leave the Park, turn R, and head up to Fayetteville. Cross the median at US-19 and turn left, and proceed up to US-60. Exit 19, and take a left at the end of the ramp to head toward Rainelle. Follow this road to Rt. 41, and turn R. When 41 and 60 split, turn R, staying on 41. Pass Clifftop Loop Road on R and continue to the main entrance of Babcock State Park. Drive to the bottom of the hill and park. if its lunch time, pick a spot where you like the view and enjoy. The rock pool below the grist mill was a swimming area in less litigious times. The Grist Mill is purportedly the most photographed structure in the State. You can pich up a trail map in the Office. Mann's Creek Trail is a favorite of mine; it's a beautiful creek. When you decide to leave, head back up the hill, passing a left down to a cabin area, and take the next left. This is the service road that will take you to the Manns Creek cabin area and on to the campground. Exit the campground onto Old Clifftop Road. From here, you can turn right and drive to the Art Gallery, which you'll find on the left at an intersection. David Weaver and his family are all accomplished artists, and David's Flemish School-type painting is well know and admired. Backtrack and stay on Old Clifftop Road (careful, it winds and is narrow) until it ends at Rt. 60. Continue ahead back to Rt 19, where you cross over the highway and get in the left lane to get on 19 S, which will take you back to Fayetteville. Turn right at the light to return to Whitewater Whirl, or go left into Fayetteville.
Shopping and Dining See Fayetteville, above, and also:
Tamarack Tamarack is the nation's first and only statewide collection of handmade craft, art and cuisine showcasing The Best of West Virginia. From hand-carved furniture to glass and pottery to Appalachian quilts, Tamarack offers only the best. You will also find a delectable array of regional specialty foods and products, as well as performances, craft demonstrations, and theatre (depending on what's going on when you are there). Plus, they feature THE BEST cafeteria food you’ll EVER have, at great prices. http://www.tamarackwv.com/ To get there: Head to Fayetteville, talke a right at the light at US-19, and keep going until you begin seeing the distinctive Tamarack signs, which you just follow.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine This mine tour would be a natural to combine with a visit to Tamarack, since they're in the same general area. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers visitors a realistic look at coal mining as it was at the turn of the century, both [way] underground and in the coal camp above. It's worth doing! http://www.beckleymine.com/becm/coal_overview.cfm
To get there: Go to the Fayetteville light at US-19 and turn right (South). Go about 16 miles to Beckley. Take the US-19 S/WV-16 ramp toward NORTH BECKLEY/BRADLEY. Turn LEFT onto WV-16 S. and go 4.8 miles. Turn RIGHT and just ahead, take a SLIGHT LEFT onto ADAIR ST. Then just ahead, Turn LEFT onto EWART AVE. End at 513 Ewart Ave.
Ready to register?
what to bring
In general: It's springtime, so be prepared for a variety of temps, and bring raingear. A daypack. Water bottle. Sunglasses, sunscreen (waterproof if rafting), small cameras, money for gifts/souvenirs/guide tip, a hat or cap, sunscreen, bug juice, epi pen if you're allergic to bee stings (just a precaution, there aren't scads of bees around), river shoes or sandals for water activities such as stream wading, layered clothing including a rain coat or shell with hood. Check the forecast:
Local 10-day forecast
Besides the above listed items, here are specific recommendations for specific activities:
Rafting/river adventures: Comfortable footwear you don't mind getting wet - sandals with SmartWool-type socks is great. Avoid cotton entirely, as it gets cold when wet. Polypro, capilene or other synthetic long underwear under your shorts is great on cooler days. Pack an upper-body garment made of Polartec, wool, or similar for a warm middle layer. Sun screen, rain gear, hat, sunglasses, Croakies or other brand elasicized headstrap to keep your glasses from getting away, bug spray, water bottle, lunch (some outfitters provide lunch, check the listing of the activity you're interested in), a nylon shell top & bottom. Secured dry bag available onboard to store that extra clothing layer, meds, glasses, wallet, etc.
Birding: Field glasses; guide book. Outerwear as appropriate for the weather.
Fishing: The appropriate licence; also check here.
Rock climbing/rappelling: Climbing shoes provided. For the walk to your climb site, wear sneakers or any close-toed, comfortable shoe or boot you can get dirty. (Not sandals - it's easy to bang a toe in cliff areas.) Outerwear as appropriate for the weather.
Horseback riding: Long pants, long sleeved shirts, shoe/boots with smooth soles (avoid sandals). Outerwear as appropriate for the weather.
Biking: Old shirts, Riding shorts or regular shorts (jeans and long pants not recommended), Sturdy shoes or sneakers (no sandals will be permitted), Windbreakers in rainy or windy weather. Helmets will be provided and must be worn at all times. Outerwear as appropriate for the weather.
Hiking/general outdoors: You favorite nature guides. Hiking boots would be a good idea, but sneakers will get you through most anywhere you're likely to be this weekend. Daypack, water bottle. Remember the wool/Smartwool socks in case it's on the cool side, and outerwear as appropriate for the weather.
Ready to register?
