Fayette County: Gorges, Bridges and Mining History
Accommodation in Fayette County
Fayette County combines the landscapes of the New River Gorge with impressive bridge history, historic mining towns and a variety of trails. The county is located in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and is ideal for a trip that brings nature experiences and cultural history together. When choosing your vacation rental, you can therefore consider whether you would like to spend your vacation days primarily hiking, taking scenic drives, visiting historic sites or enjoying active experiences on the water.
Gorge Views and Hiking Trails
Babcock State Park offers 17 hiking and walking trails with a total length of more than 20 miles. One of the park’s special attractions is Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully operational replica of Cooper’s Mill. Hawks Nest State Park features a 270-acre recreation area, a nature museum, jet boat rides and hiking trails.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve also offers distinctive destinations for planning your days. The Endless Wall Trail leads through the forest, crosses Fern Creek and follows the edge of the cliffs. Several overlooks are located along the way. Long Point is a rocky outcrop with panoramic views of the gorge and the New River Gorge Bridge. Those who enjoy climbing will find more than 1,400 established climbing routes in the park. The rapids on the New River range from Class III to Class V; licensed outfitters offer guided trips.
The New River Gorge Bridge as a Landmark
The New River Gorge Bridge is 3,030 feet long and stands 876 feet above the New River. Fayette County is also home to the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. In 2013, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. With Bridge Walk, you can take part in three-hour guided tours along the maintenance catwalk beneath the bridge.
Bridge Day takes place on the third Saturday in October. On this day, the New River Gorge Bridge is opened to pedestrians. The Canyon Rim Visitor Center offers exhibits, an 11-minute orientation video, and views of the gorge and the bridge. It is also the central point for information and access to the resources of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Scenic Drives, Mining and Railroad History
Fayette Station Road is an 8-mile one-way road for a scenic drive lasting approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Vehicles more than 12 feet tall are not permitted on the road. For travel planning, it is also important to note that the road to Nuttallburg is narrow, winding and steep, and is mostly only one lane wide; large vehicles and trailers are not recommended there.
Kaymoor One is among the best-preserved mining complexes in the New River Gorge. The Kaymoor Trail is a two-mile, moderate hike that connects with the Kaymoor Miners Trail at the mine entrance. Nuttallburg is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the best-preserved coal-mining complexes in West Virginia.
Thurmond is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Thurmond Walking Tour is 0.5 miles long, follows a loop back to the starting point and takes about an hour. The historic Thurmond Depot was restored as a park visitor center. Exhibits and historic furnishings convey the heyday of railroad transportation there.
Historic Sites and Regional Culture
The Fayetteville Historic District includes 75 historic homes and buildings; the district can be explored on foot. Ansted is home to the Contentment Museum, also known as the Colonel George Imboden House. The historic residence is part of the Contentment Historical Complex, which also houses the Fayette County Historical Society. Contentment is furnished with period antiques.
Camp Washington-Carver is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site serves as a cultural center for the mountain region of West Virginia and hosts seasonal programs dedicated to preserving arts and traditions. The African American Heritage Auto Tour is a self-guided tour of 17 historic sites in Fayette, Raleigh, Summers and Nicholas counties.
Active and Leisurely Vacation Days
For a different way to spend the day, Fayette County Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course and access to fishing at two ponds. The Fayette County Farmer’s Market features local vegetables, meat, baked goods and pastries; it offers fresh products from Fayette County, West Virginia, and the New River Gorge region. Destinations like these can be especially suitable when you want to follow an active outing with a quieter day featuring regional products.
In the Oak Hill area, the White Oak Rail-Trail runs for almost 8 miles through the city and connects the communities of Summerlee and Carlisle at its two ends. Most of the trail is paved, while two miles are surfaced with compact gravel. The White Oak Railroad Depot first opened in 1903. For additional places to visit while planning your trip, consider Mount Hope, Ansted, Fayetteville and Oak Hill.
Choosing the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Interests
The wide variety of experiences makes it worthwhile to choose your vacation focus deliberately. If you primarily want to explore trails, overlooks and the gorge, you can make the hiking destinations the basis of your travel planning. For those interested in cultural history, the bridge, mining complexes, railroad history and historic homes take center stage. Families can also vary the pace of their days and combine active outings with museums, scenic drives or visits to regional markets. An accommodation in Fayette County should therefore match the experiences you plan to enjoy most often during your stay.
For the overarching travel overview: West Virginia.
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