Every autumn, the
entire state of West Virginia is an evolving symphony of changing colors. The
dual spines running up its eastern border with Virginia, the Appalachian and
Allegheny Mountains, start the symphony with a resounding blast of yellows and
reds while September is still young. The bobbing tops of the dozens and dozens
of smaller mountains, completely covering the state, soon follow suit.
Any where you go you
will see autumn colors; West Virginia is a leaf lookers' paradise. We have
some favorite spots but, then, almost anyone who has traveled through Virginia
as a leaf looker is bound to have a favorite spot or two. Stretching in a squiggly
line some 60 miles south to north, is the awesome New River Canyon. Interstate
64 crosses it upstream (just east of Beckley). You can exit onto a good
secondary road at exit 139 (WV Hwy 20) and take in the views in safety, - then
return to the Interstate. There are many great trails in this area for
strolling and, even, hiking. For more information view the National Park Site:
New
River Trails
New River Canyon
We prefer the vistas
from and around US-19 and US-60 from Hico to Charleston along the New River
Canyon. Take exit 48 of the WV Turnpike just north of Beckley. The New River
Bridge, about 25 miles from (north) of the Turnpike is, in itself, a stunning
sight. On the other side of the bridge is the official Canyon Rim
Visitor Center. In the main building you'll find a wealth of information. On the west side of the parking lot
is a long series of flights of rustic (but very safe) wooden steps
descending to an observation platform. Warning! Descending is the easy part.
Ascending all those step (it seems like there are hundreds of them) can be
quite taxing. You don't have to descend all the way to appreciate the view so
if you only get part way down and feel enough is enough, don't be embarrassed.
We don't have any statistics but many, many people only descend part way.
Continuing north on
US-19 to Hick, turn left on US-60. You'll be heading west (according to the
signs but its actually northbound to Charleston), past Ansted and, about 11
miles from US-60, you'll be at the New River Canyon. From then on you'll be
following the New River downstream to Charleston.
Hawks Nest State Park
Near Ansted is Hawks
Nest State Park (on your left) and Hawks Nest State Park lodge. The lodge has 31 rooms
all perched on the New River Canyon overlooking the famous C & O Hawks Nest Bridge
spanning the New River far below. The lodge has a full service restaurant, gift shops, museum and nature center. An aerial tramway takes
guests to the State Park down on the east bank of the New River. Also available,
during the summer and early autumn, is a jet boat excursion up the New River to view the magnificent US-19
New River Gorge Bridge.
Looking up at that mammoth bridge from the river far below is a powerful
experience. Electronic, discounted, reservations for rooms at the Lodge are
not available but reservations can be made by phone to the Lodge directly at 304-658-5212. Rooms are
at a premium during 'vacation season' (until 31
October) but significantly less during the late fall (when the leaves have turned to
winter brown or are all gone, of course).
Most hotels and motels are 'booked up' during the autumn leaf-viewing season. If you haven't made your hotel or motel reservations yet we have included a list of area hotels and motels with access to an on-line hotel reservation system for your convenience.
