Page 2 - New River Lodging | Country Road Cabins

New River Gorge Bridge - Spectacular Architecture

Thursday, February 18, 2010 by Country Road Cabins Staff

New River Gorge Bridge West Virginia Family Vacations

Almost everyone who comes this way on West Virginia Family Vacations makes a stop at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center to take in the spectacular view of the New River Gorge Bridge. The Bridge is one of the most famous icons in this part of West Virginia. Built from 1974 to 1977, the Bridge was for many years the longest Steel Arch bridge in the worrld. It is still the longest in North America.

The Bridge is 3,030 feet (924 m) long and its arch extends 1,700 feet (518 m). Located along US Route 19 - 876 feet (267 m) above the New River - the Bridge is crossed by more than 16,200 motor vehicles very day.

New River Bridge Walk Tours - View from underneath New River Bridge

It is the highest vehicular bridge in the Americas, and the second-highest in the world. Talk about impressive!

This is not a bridge just to drive over, it is a work of art worth taking a moment on the way to New River lodging to marvel at. Folks coming this way should take a few moments and stop to explore. It's well worth it. There are even new Bridge Walk Tours coming in spring 2010 which will let folks explore the walkaway under the bridge! It's an amazing experience, run by our friends just down the road from our cabins at Class-VI-Mountain River.

West Virginia Winter Adventures: Cold Weather, Warm Fires, Great Hiking

Sunday, January 10, 2010 by Country Road Cabins Staff

Cold weather offers great excuses to wear big sweaters, woolly socks and Mouse Works fleece hats by West Virginia native Ryan Williamson. It's also perfect "wandering in the woods" weather. No snow on the ground? Go crunching over frozen trails and listen to the fosty leaves underfoot. Trails abound in around our cabins for New River lodging and Hawk's Nest lodging, offering many options for winter walking.

There is nothing like the stillness of a winter-wrapped forest. When a critter moves in the distance, it can be heard for miles. Everything is crisp and clear, and details stand out more in the silence. Winter views in the New River Gorge area are also fantastic. Vistas hidden by summer leaves open up, and creeks only heard before become visible, often bordered by icicles and frosty rocks.

Return from a chilly outing to light a crackling fire and sip hot chocolate - or climb into the hottub. What better way to finish up the day?

New Year's Eve on the New River Gorge

Monday, December 28, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

New Year's Eve can be a big deal, with big parties, big TV screens, big cheering. Or it can be several friends gathering for a house party, games, drinks, food and fun. Or, perhaps best of all, it can be a quiet evening for two with a bottle of champagne, a hot tub and a cozy fire.

New Year's Eve at the New River Gorge offers stunning, snowy scenery, fabulous lodging and the perfect opportunity for either Romantic Cabin Getaways or New River cabin rentals for gathering of friends to ring in the New Year. (Oh yeah, proposing to your beloved on the rim of the New River Gorge on New Year's Eve also counts as a perfect thing to do.)

Spend the day exploring West Virginia's National Park, breath in the history, grab a bite with a view at Smoky's On The Gorge, then settle in to ring in the New Year mountain style back at your New River lodging. Starting the new year in a new place is always a great plan.

West Virginia - Stained Glass and Stunning Scenery

Saturday, December 26, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

Mountain Art Glass Wset Virginia Vacations

West Virginia is known for its striking scenery, lush green mountains, wild rivers and snowy slopes. But there are other things of beauty to be viewed, some of which can be found just a short trip from Hawk's Nest lodging.

Mountain Art Glass in Fayettleville creates fantastic kaleidoscopes, eclectic window panels, jewelry, treasure boxes and unusual gift items. The artist, Stephanie, incorporates Austrian and Czech crystals, natural quartz, amethyst crystals and semi-precious stones into her work, making the view of her glass panels and gifts as striking in their own way as the view of the New River Gorge.

Stephanie and her lovely work can be found at 145 Sarah Street in Fayetteville. What West Virginia family vacations or romantic cabin getaways would be complete without a taste of such local talent?

Southwest Eats in West Virginia

Sunday, December 20, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

West Virginia Vacation Cabin Rentals Diogi's Mexican Restaurant

Finding a good place to eat out on a West Virginia family vacation is always an adventure. Luckily, there are some fun places in Fayetteville, WV that fit the needs of New River lodging guests of all ages. Diogi's Mexican Grill and Cantina is one of them.

The owners, Oscar and Barbara Aquilar are the perfect pair to create a West Virginia Mexican restaurant. He is from El Salvador and she was raised is Hinton, WV. Before opening their Fayetteville cantina, Barbara owned and ran the El Azteca Mexican Restaurant in Philadelphia.

Diogi's offers everything from lunch specials, to salads, to vegetarian fare to burgers with a chipotle twist.

Add a fun twist for dog people - Doigi means dog, and the owners are dog lovers - if your for legged friend is well behaved and on a leash, bring him out to eat with you. Dogs are welcome to dine with you on the restaurant deck!

So when when cooking in a West Virginia cabin vacation rental is just not what's called for one night, wander down to Diogi's and have a great meal.

Canyon Rim Visitor Center - Views and History Come Together

Monday, November 30, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center on the New River Gorge is to gather information about things to do on a West Virginia family vacation. From New River cabin rentals to rafting to mountain golfing to horseback riding, this area has it all and the Visitor Center is a great resource.

The Visitor Center was built from local sandstone and red oak and it blends, year by year, into the natural setting of the New River Gorge. Featured in the Center is a exhibit room
filled with photographs and exhibits of the people, towns, and history of the gorge. There are also displays on the outdoor recreation and natural history of the area.

The most famous and obvious thing of note about the site is the view of the New River Gorge and Bridge. A stunning deck off the back of the visitor's center has a two-mile view southward into the park - one of the oldest river gorges in the world. Hiking trails, handicap accessible observation decks over more views. There is also a non-profit bookstore with titles from nature guides to culture and history. All profits from bookstore sales go directly back to the New River National River and Park.

It's a worthwhile stop for folks on their way to their New River lodging. They can enjoy the views and pick up some reading material to aid in the exploration of this beautiful corner of West Virginia! The Canyon Rim Visitor Centers is open daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

A West Virginia Best Kept Secret: Winter Fun!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

West Virginia Family Vacations Canopy Tours

West Virginia in the winter has more to offer than most people know. From romantic cabin getaways in front of warm fireplaces, to ski vacations and Treetops Canopy Tours that get you zipping high through the forest, West Virginia offers lots of winter fun.

Winterplace offers family sized skiing adventures within an easy drive 45 minute drive from New River lodging, letting visitors experience both the winter wonderland of the New River Gorge and slope-side activities such as skiing and tubing in one trip.

Treetops Canopy Tours feature 10 Ziplines, 5 Sky Bridges, 1 Rappel, and 3 Short Hikes. It takes about 3 1/2 hours and is located in the old growth hemlock and hardwoods forest of pristine Mill Creek Canyon, right next to the New River Gorge. It is open year-round! Soar thru the snowy branches this winter for a wonderful change of view!

Free Things to Do at Hawk's Nest State Park

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

Free Things to Do at Hawk’s Nest State Park

Hiking is free and a wonderful activity for everyone who wants to stretch their legs and see some great scenery. The trails at Hawks' nest State Park vary from easy and flat to more difficult grades down to river overlooks. Only 15 minutes from Country Road Cabins, these trails at Hawk's Nest are soem of our favorites. They are located in the middle of New River Gorge country, one of the most spectacular places to visit in the US. Fall colors are especially breathtaking, and peak toward later October.

Hiking (& Biking on the Rail Trail)
A series of short loop trails are available near the CCC shelter and museum areas.

The Cliffside Trail: Distance 2 miles
The trail starts at the lodge and follows the canyon side cliffs to the Hawks Nest Overlook. The trail offers excellent opportunity for examination of the geology and New River forest ecosystem. The trail is average difficulty with some steep slopes and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Fisherman's Trail: Distance 1 mile
This is a short trail following the rivers' edge starting at the public boaters access areas. The trail provides access for fishing and vantage point to see the Hawks Nest Dam. Public access to the dam and industrial site is prohibited.

Lovers Leap Overlook
Lovers Leap Trail This trail starts at the tram way upper station and travels down a steep grade of wood steps and series of steep grade changes with over 100 steps down to a rock outcropping. The trail is rigorous exercise traveling along uneven wood and rock surfaces. Recommend sturdy closed-toe shoes. Those desiring to enjoy the view with less strenuous activity should consider the main Hawks Nest Overlook that also offers similar views.

GSYP trail: Distance 1.5 Miles
The trail is named for the summer maintenance crew that dug this trail into the hillside down to the river area. The trail provides an excellent hike to the river and features a series of switch backs and steps through a beautiful mature forest. The trail comes out at the river boater parking lot, hikers can purchase a one-way ticket on our tramway (in season) to hitch-hike back up mountainside. A great place to view wildlife. Sturdy close-toe shoes are recommended. Distance 1.5 Mile

Hawks Nest Rail Trail: 3.6 miles (Ok for Biking)
This is the newest trail that is shouldering our boundary and completes it travels near the park Nature Center. The 1.8 mile (one way) trail is an easy walking, gravel trail featuring two trestles and many waterfall vantage points. The trail is a great place for a short stroll or connection to the river via a bike. The trail can be a circle trail using the River Road (vehicle traffic) or by connecting a lift on the tramway. See the park lodge for more information. The trail is maintained by the town of Ansted and trail volunteers. No trail free, tramway requires ticket purchase. Bike rentals are available at Class VI Mountain Rivers.

Hawks Nest State Park

Monday, August 24, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

Hawks Nest State Park is a beautiful place to visit less than 15 minutes from Country Road Cabins. Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, the Park encompasses 276 acres bordering a rugged section of the New River Gorge National River.

Long known for its panoramic views, the park offers great day hikes, picnic areas, lake access for fishing and boating, and a very cool sightseeing aerial tram, along with jetboat tours that leave from the park's dock. Not to be missed is the park's Nature Center. There is a 31 room lodge at the park as well, if you prefer a lodge room over your own deluxe New River log cabin rental.

Below the lodge, the New River forms peaceful Hawks Nest Lake. Above the lake, the narrow canyon and rushing water create one of the most challenging whitewater paddling waterways in the nation.

Hawk’s Nest Nature Center
This is one of the best parts of our nearby State Park. The Nature Center is definitely worth a visit when you are visiting our southwestern WV area.

The River Nature Center features opportunities for kids of any age to enjoy and experience the life within the New River community. The nature exhibits demonstrate interactive nature displays, as well as an on-site naturalist for assistance and information.

The Nature Center is also the base contact station to the new Hawks Nest Rail Trail operated by the Town of Ansted. Hawks Nest Nature Center is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends after Labor Day through closing in late October. The Nature Center and the aerial tram operate on the same schedule.

The Nature Center may open for school or other groups on a reservation basis, as available, during the week. (A minimum of a two week advance notice is required for groups.)

Gift shops at the park
There are three gift shops at Hawks Nest State Park. The Lodge Gift Shop is open daily. The Lower Park Gift Shop is located 1/4 mile west on Route 60 and is open May through October. Both gift shops offer many varieties of souvenirs, T-shirts, toys, jewelry, glassware, and other items. The third gift shop is located at the River Marina where you will find our Nature Center. Items you will find include educational gifts related to nature.

Free and low cost fall vacation fun is waiting for you in the beautiful New River Gorge Region of southwestern West Virginia! Next blog is on things to do at Hawk's Nest State Park. We'll cover hiking, jebtboat tours, and the aerial tram.

Hawks Nest State Park:
49 Hawks Nest Park Road
Ansted, WV 25812
(304) 658-5212 or 1-800-CALL WVA

Suggested Motorcycle Tours in Southern WV

Monday, July 27, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

Here are some of the best motorcycle rides in our new River Gorge touring area, in southern WV. Visit our local Hico Harley Davidson shop for more great touring info.

These suggested rides take you off the beaten path, through our friendly towns and into the heart of our area. There is a place to stop, something to do, and definitely things to see on every route. We know you will find southern West Virginia as Wild and Wonderful as we do! Ride on!

Beckley WV Loop: 129 miles

From Beckley, WV, travel I-77 N to exit 48, Rt. 19 (toll 3 miles)
Follow Rt. 19 N to Hico (26 miles), follow signs to Rt. 60 W
Take Rt. 60 W to Gauley Bridge (16 miles), then to Montgomery (11 miles)
Take Rt. 61 N to Marmet (18 miles), then Rt. 94 S to Racine (10 miles)
From Racine take Rt. 3 E to Whitesville (18 miles), then to Glen Daniel (27 miles)
Continue on Rt. 3 back to Beckley WV.

Summersville Dam and Highland Scenic Hwy Ride: 195 miles

From Fayetteville, WV take Rt. 19 N to Summersville (23 miles),
Take Rt. 39 E toward Richwood (23 miles), continue on Rt. 39 E to Cranberry Visitors Center (23 miles),
Get on Rt. 150, Highland Scenic Highway and follow to Rt. 219 S (23 miles),
Take Rt. 219 S to Marlinton then on to Lewisburg (42 miles),
Take Rt. 60 W to Hico (53 miles), From Hico; take Rt. 19 back to Fayetteville, WV (8 miles)

For area lodging, our New River cabin rentals are convenient to great touring, affordable, and loaded with all the right amenities (hot tubs, fireplaces, grills, decks, secure parking, full kitchens, etc.!) Summer is here!

Curves, Byways, Vistas: Motorcycle Touring in Southern West Virginia

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

We are really lucky that we live in the midst of incredible motorcycle riding in southern West Virginia. We have a plethora of scenic highways and byways, rugged terrain, fantastic vistas, and lots of curves. The New River Gorge National Recreation Area is exceptional for scenery, and diversity of riding terrain. The Gauley River National Recreation Park is also next door to us, with yet more touring options.

Adventure… Every road leads to an adventure. Really! Southern WV is a mecca for outdoor adventure. Chellenge the rapids of the famous New and Gauley Rivers; explore the caves and caverns in Lewisburg, or hike, bike (that's bicycle!), or climb in one of our scenic National or State Parks. Try the new canopy tour just down the road from our Country Road Cabins, the New River Gorge Canopy Tour at Class VI-Mountain River and Rivermen. We offer adventure packages that help you save on any of these activities.

History… Touring on the Coal Heritage Trail through the heart of the coalfields or exploring the Midland Trail Scenic Byway which winds 180 miles across WV’s midsection, is a great weekend getaway. Learn about West Virginia’s coal mine history at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, discover rail heritage in Hinton or visit Civil War battlefield sites.

There are lots of lodging and camping options in our New River Gorge area. Our deluxe log cabins with private hot tubs are only minutes from the New River Gorge bridge and Visitor's Center, outstanding outfitters (including our sister company Class VI-Mountain River), great restaurants, and more. There's plenty of secure parking for your bikes at our cabins as well.

New River Zipline Canopy Tour

Monday, January 5, 2009 by Country Road Cabins Staff

Treetops Canopy Tour West Virginia New River Gorge

The New River Treetops Canopy Tour zip line is the perfect new adventure for a new year. Open year round, the canopy tour is a world-class series of high-flying ziplines and sky bridges that take guests soaring through an old-growth helmock forest. More than just physical adventure, the canpoy tour is teaching ground for the history of the forest and the battle to save the hemlock trees from the hemlock woolly adelgid. Designed to thrill first timers and hold hands at ziplines, the canopy tour is the perfect adventure for West Virginia family vacations year round.

Whether the ground is carpeted with snow or spring wildflowers, autumn leaves or summer ferns, the Treetops canopy tour is an ideal adventure. It lends itself to several visits, so guests can see the forest in all seasons. Centrally located near Hawk's Nest lodging, New River lodging, and the New River Gorge, Treetops is one adventure we really, really like. A lot. See you in the trees!