7-STATE MOUNTAIN TRAVEL GUIDE hether altered, restored or un- touched by humanity, the story of the Blue Ridge region told by nature and science is singularly inspiring. Let’s listen as she tells Wus her past, present and future. ELKINS-RANDOLPH COUNTY TOURISM CVB ) West Virginia New River Gorge Let’s begin our journey on the continent’s oldest river, surrounded by 1,000-foot cliffs. Carving its way through all the geographic provinces in the Appalachian Mountains, this 53-mile-long north-flowing river is flanked by rocky outcrops and sandstone cliffs. Immerse your senses in the sights, sounds, fragrances and power of the Science and inNature the Blue Ridge Region flow at Sandstone Falls. View the gorge “from the sky” with a catwalk stroll 876 feet up on the western hemisphere’s longest steel arch bridge. C’mon along as we explore the southern Appalachians in search of ginormous geology and geography, nps.gov/neri fascinating flora and fauna. ABOVE: See a bird’s-eye view from the bridge By ANGELA MINOR spanning West Virginia’s New River Gorge. LEFT: Learn ecosystem restoration at Mower Tract. MAIN IMAGE: View 90° razorback ridges at Seneca Rocks. ABOVE: Bluets along the trail are a welcome to springtime. LEFT: Nequi dolorumquis debis dolut ea pres il estrum et Um eicil iume ea dolupta nonectaquo conecus, ulpa pre 34 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2021 35 ELKINS-RANDOLPH COUNTY TOURISM CVB Mower Tract acres and hosts seven Wilderness areas. MUCH MORE TO SEE IN VIRGINIA… Within the Monongahela National fs.usda.gov/mnf ) Natural Chimneys Park and Camp- locale that includes 10 miles of trails, Forest, visit the site of ongoing high- ground, Mt. Solon. Plan an overnight scenic overlooks, a wildflower garden, elevation forest ecosystem restoration. Appalachian Forest Discovery Center stay to marvel at the seven, 120-foot Discovery Center and the Mill Mountain Once carelessly mined, a 40,000-acre Learn about forestry, nature, culture rock “chimneys” (that reveal 500 million Zoo. years of geological history) during the ) Highland County. For a panorama of tract is slowly regaining healthy soil and and history at this National Heritage day, and stargaze the night sky after high ridges and wide valleys, visit this water systems and diverse native plant Area site. From industrialization in the dark. location—one of the least populated populations through multi-agency efforts. past to present-day conservation and ) Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, counties in the eastern U.S.; and pick Specifically, red spruce and big-toothed management, the environments within Winchester. Learn about local heritage up some local maple syrup while you’re aspen, once abundant in this ecosystem this multi-county region are rich with inside, and explore 90 acres (including there. dating back to the ice age, are the focus of resources and stories of life and living a seven-acre garden of roses, perennials, ABOVE: Visit the Appalachian Forest BACK CREEK FARMS reforestation. These habitats are wildlife in the mountains. Located in a historic vegetables, and water features) outside Discovery Center and West Virginia Railroad via three miles of trails. Museum. corridors and critical for sensitive species grist mill in Elkins, this heritage tourism ) Jackson River Scenic Trail, Cov- such as the Cheat Mountain salamander initiative contains engaging exhibits ington. Take the whole family for a BELOW: Ride vintage diesel to steam at and Virginia northern flying squirrel. The complimented by specially curated yearly Durbin & Greenbrier Valley RR. day-hike on this old railroad bed trail (of Monongahela overall spans 1.7 million updates. elkinsrandolphwv.com crushed smooth gravel) adjacent to the river; wheelchair accessible. ) Virginia ) Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Harrison- Mt. Rogers National Recreation Area burg. Visit diverse habitats of 100+-year- Ride the highest elevation road in the old forest trees, perennial, herb and wildflower gardens, wetland habitats, state in this 200,000-acre protected a greenhouse and nursery, and relax at MUCH MORE TO SEE IN WEST VIRGINIA… wilderness area. Or explore the 500 miles the pavilion and tree terrace. of trails, including a hike on 60 miles ) Rich Hole Wilderness Trail, Lexing- ) Back of the Dragon, Tazewell. Hug ) Blenko Glass Company, Milton. The now world-renowned discover camps, forts and historic events that shaped the future of the Appalachia Trail and a ride on ton. For a rocky steep challenge, hike or the ribbon curves (400 of them!) on handmade glass company celebrates its 100th year in Milton of the state. horseback for 67 miles of the Virginia bike this 5.9-mile trail to the summit of 32 miles of two-lane mountain road (originally founded in 1893), after humble beginnings in a small ) Dolly Sods Wilderness, Grant/Randolph/Tucker counties. Ex- Highland Horse Trail. From the New River Brushy Mountain; and bring a camera! famous amongst riding enthusiasts for perience true wilderness across 17,371 acres, lofty summits, 47 hillside barn. in the east to the summit at 5,729 feet, ) Museum of Geosciences, Blacksburg. the thrills and the views. hiking trails, during four seasons in this remote location. View the largest display of Virginia ) Spruce Knob – Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, River- biodiversity is rich. In particular, the High ) Trail Circuit – Cobbler Mountain/ ton. Perfect for rock climbers and the rest of us, these white and ) Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston. Tour the second minerals in the state with over 14,000 Country is renowned for its meadows, Muddy Run/Jackson River Gorge, Hidden gray Tuscarora quartzite formations lie 900 feet above the river largest hand-cut masonry building in the world; home to a items including gemstones, fossils and Valley. Experience the geological diver- spruce and fir forests, rocky outcroppings and offer views of unspoiled wilderness in all directions. (checkered) 160-year history of caring for the mentally ill (…and geophysical instruments. sity with a hike up mountains, across ) Seneca Caverns, Riverton. Step back 460 million years into it may be haunted). and wild ponies. fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/ ) Fenwick Mines Trails, Craig County. suspension bridges, beside wetlands the heart of karst geology (landscapes formed by water dissolv- ) Roaring Plains West Wilderness, Randolph/Pendleton coun- recarea/?recid=77722 Enjoy a leisurely walk through hard- and through gorges. ties. Listen to the silence (despite the name) of these 6,792 acres ing rocks) to see stunning cave features and formations. wood forests and beside swamp and ) Science Museum of Western Virginia, amongst native vegetation, rich understory flora and diverse ) Beverly Heritage Center, Beverly. Spend the day in one of the Beagle Ridge Herb Farm marsh habitats for wildlife and wildflow- Roanoke. Stop in and gain knowledge wildlife. er viewing on two trails. first settlement-towns west of the Alleghenies touring museum Spend the day in this mountain valley about physics, geology, weather and exhibits in four historic buildings, each telling the story of local ) National Coal Heritage Area & Trail, Oak Hill. Glimpse the ) Big Walker Mountain Lookout Tower, haven of specialized gardens spread across the human body in this accessible-for-all history, the Civil War and a journey through time. unique culture of coal country via stops at preserved mining Wytheville. Brave the 100-foot-observa- 160 acres in Wytheville. The beauty and facility, which also hosts a native pollina- ) Bickle Knob Observation Tower, Elkins. Climb one of the few homes, railyards, company stores and other indicia of a largely tion tower for a bird’s-eye view of the tor butterfly garden. bygone era. aromas abound at the Lavender walk, standing and publicly accessible fire towers in the Monongahela mountains. ) Dehart Botanical Gardens, Stuart. NF for a panoramic experience. ) Gaudineer Knob, Huttonsville. Get the binoculars ready to see water garden, Cottage garden, Tea garden, ) Woodpecker Ridge Nature Center, CHASE GUNNOE At this 172-acre nature preserve, where ) Durbin and Greenbrier Val- the diverse population of the 186 boreal forest birds who call Troutville. Get the binoculars ready holistic eco-sustainability is the mission, ley Railroad, Elkins. Travel in this almost pure stand of native red spruce trees home. to scan for dozens of bird species in enjoy a mountain-waterfall loop trail to ABOVE: Witness wild ponies at Mt. Rogers. vintage passenger trains behind ) Stirrup Gallery, Elkins. Learn about life around the world from hardwood forests, open fields, ponds, watch for over 400 species of plants and steam locomotives through re- the Stone Age to the early 20th Century visiting the 10,000+ evergreen stands and from the hawk- wildlife. items on display at this free museum. BELOW: Take a “growing” class at Beagle watch platform. mote mountain terrain, or stay Ridge Gardens and Herb Farm. ) Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks. Plan overnight in a real caboose. ) Snowshoe Mountain skiing, Snowshoe. Carve some powder, ) Natural Bridge, Natural Bridge. a trip to see the canyon geology five snowboard or cross country on 60 trails at this popular winter- ) West Virginia Botanic RIGHT: Tap into deliciousness on the Virginia Famous for hundreds of years, plan a miles long, 1,600 feet deep, shared with Garden, Cheat Lake. Stroll the time destination; and relax afterward at local resorts. Maple Syrup Trail, Highland County. stop at this 215-foot naturally carved Kentucky and representative of the Ap- 82-acre gardens at your leisure ) The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs. Treat yourself to limestone gorge that is listed as One palachian Plateau in this location. a stay at one of the world’s finest luxury resorts whose varied of the Seven Natural Wonders of the or with an educational guide BEAGLE RIDGE HERB FARM ) P. Buckley Moss Gallery, Waynes- to learn about native plants, history dates back to 1778 and guests have included presidents, Modern World.