Spring is rolling into Summer, quickly. Memorial Day is here and starts the summer season, and our country honors those service men and women who have fallen by celebrating our freedoms. Because of their sacrifice, we get to relax and enjoy living in the most wonderful country ever created.
So, what are doing for Memorial Day? Vegging on the couch? Watching the grass grow? Does not sound like much fun to me. You either? Get out have some fun! Enjoy the outdoors!
New River Gorge National River
Where can you go to have some early summer fun? The New River Gorge offers lots of options. Rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking in the national park, bass fishing and whitewater rafting are just some the activities you have in West Virginia. Why the New River Gorge? Here’s why I like to utilize the park.
Rock Climbing has beginner routes for a true novice like me. Yes, I am a true goober at climbing. Each time I have tried climbing the guides have shown me how to get to the top of the wall. Coaching me on hand and foot holds every inch of the way. Once on top, I have been known to shout, “I am King of the World!” Well, not really, but that is how I felt.
The New River Gorge has been home to mining, timbering, and railroading for over a hundred years. Now it is protected as a great natural resource for future generations. Roads left behind from these activities make cool mountain bike trails. My personal favorite trail is from Cunard to Thurmond. Old mining ghost towns of a bygone era offer a glimpse of long abandoned homes and businesses. As I travel along this trail, the New River slides by on its journey to the sea. I like to take time to stop at Surprise Rapid to watch the rafts blast the big waves and listen to the shouts of excitement. Taking a fishing pole along to catch a bass or two has produced a dinner of fresh fish (you have to know how to cook ‘em). Don’t forget a license.
Over 30 years ago, I discovered whitewater rafting on the New. I’d been canoeing for years on the Upper New on the easy parts. When I got to Thurmond, we were told you can’t take a canoe past here. “So what do you do?” Have to take a raft. “Ok, cool. Uh, where do you get one of those?” Well, found one of those and after one trip… hooked!
After all these years, I still love the New. I really like big waves and holes. No bigger water than the New River. Surprise, the Keeneys, Dudleys Dip and Fayette Station always get me pumped.
So you hanging on the couch this Memorial Day? Watching the grass grow? Not me, I will be somewhere in the New River Gorge. Hope to see you there!
Tags: family vacations, Hiking, Memorial Day, mountain biking, rock climbing, West Virginia Whitewater Rafting