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Hiking the 1.3 mile trail up the backbone of the rocks to the observation point at Seneca Rocks is also well worth it. I would advice everyone to do so. Steps, switchbacks and benches are scattered along the trail where you can take a break along the way. At the base of the rocks is a visitor's canter which details the history of the rocks and gives information on the use of the rocks in the training of WWII soldiers in dealing with rugged terrain overseas. Experienced climbers will find over 370 mapped routes to explore, varying in degree from the easiest to the most challenging. Two climbing schools, one in the community of Seneca Rocks, the other in Riverton offer training for beginning and advanced rock climbers. Three other places of interest in the area are Spruce Knob, the highest elevation in the state, and two caverns, Seneca and Smoke Hole. After testing your skills rock climbing visit Harpers Ferry , which is a place of historical interest that I enjoyed visiting. Harpe...

Small towns are often like time capsules, which capture the charm and warmth of days gone by. Shinnston , West Virginia is one such town in Harrison County . Shinnston is located in the North Central part of West Virginia, where you'll find the West Fork River Rail Trail , featuring over 16 miles of scenic trails to explore. Bring along your camera and capture the West Virginia's natural beauty and wildlife. The trail is also popular with hikers, and for horseback riding. You can also rent a bike if you did not bring your own and set off for a ride along the trail. As you ride you find yourself discovering several of the other nearby towns, and country roads. This is usually where we find great Farmer's Markets that are perfect for picking up a healthy snack or treat. You can also enjoy recreation at nearby Audra , and Cedar Creek , Stonewall Jackson State Parks or visit Coopers Rock, which has a wonderful view of the Cheat Rive r gorge. Interesting sites to visit along ...

In September near my hometown in Franklin, which is located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia on Route 33 is where we join the festivities at the Treasure Mountain Festival . Franklin, West Virginia, a small town, located in Pendleton County, is considered one of West Virginia's best-kept secrets, and named in honor of Edmund Pendleton. As you drive through Pendleton County you cannot help but admire the simple beauty of the scenic landscape of forested mountains and fertile valleys at the headwaters of the South Branch of the Potomac River. Treasure Mountain Festival commemorates an Indian attack, in the 1700's on local settlers. Fort Seyber t is named for Captain Jacob Seybert of Pendleton County, and is one of the earliest structures built in the area. It later became a safe haven during Indian uprisings. Ft. Seybert was attacked by Shawnee Indians led by Chief Killbuck. The settlers were killed or carried off to become slaves and a pot of valuables were taken by th...

  West Virginia has something for everyone, including plenty of undiscovered beauty, much history, and restful places for people who want to escape from a world that moves too fast. Founded by General Alfred Beckley in 1837, Beckley is one of southern West Virginia's largest towns. General Beckley's home, The Wildwood House , which containing many pieces of original furniture remains a reminder of the city's past. The tour of the home takes you back to what West Virginia life was like in the 1800's. To experience the life of early pioneers visit Southern West Virginia pioneer village, Mountain Homestead . Since travel through the mountains could be extreme the settlers built self-sustaining towns rather than rely on supplies from the outside. On the Interpretive tours available you can learned more about the people who called this 1860's frontier settlement home, and visit a Log Home with barn, One Room Schoolhouse, Blacksmith Shop, Weaver's Shed, and the Countr...

  Southern West Virginia is known as the Grand Canyon of the East, and is where the New River curves through the mountains, and a 53-mile stretch of the river was designated a National Historic River in 1996. This is a great place to enjoy a relaxing day fishing or take a raft or duckie trip on the Upper New with its' mild to moderate ripples or take on the Lower New big water rapids that is great for all levels of experience. New River season begins in April and runs through October. The New is a free-flowing river and boasts a different experience every time. Attracting rafters from around the globe, the Gauley River , located in Summersville , is a dam-released river and has a scheduled release season starting the Friday after Labor Day and going for six weekends – a 22 day season. (Reservations are highly recommended). The 26-mile stretch of river is divided into two sections; the Lower Gauley with its' combination of spectacular scenery and challenging rapids offers an...

  We arrived early at the Lakeview Golf Resort and Spa and weren't able to check in as they were still cleaning the unit. One thing about being at a timeshare is the ability to trade. If you do this on a bit of the off-season, you can still get the area attractions and in many cases a larger unit than the one you trade. Our unit had two bedrooms and two and half bathrooms. Each of the bedrooms upstairs (Oy, the climb) had a full bathroom and tv. The bathroom downstairs was perfectly placed at the entrance. Full kitchen with dishwasher, dining area and living room with a tv and couch. Washer and dryer. What more can you want? At no extra charge you can get the cleaning folks to tidy the place the whole week. I only asked for it once. There is a hotel on the premises and quite common for groups to come in and book events. You park in front of your unit but may not be as easy if you're stopping at the hotel. That's where the computer is that gave me access to my email at no c...

  My friend Laurie and I set off on a road trip to Morgantown , West Virginia . Wanting an extra day from our check in at a timeshare week, we stayed at the nearby Lake Manor Bed and Breakfast. Arriving in the mid afternoon we were told that the last room available was given to us, which was where the owner Kathleen (Katie) Crumbaker and her mother usually stayed. The room was large, had two queen beds and beautifully decorated, as were all of the rooms. We popped into the kitchen as it was just off the parking lot and easier to get our luggage in. There was a group of folks pulling apart what appeared to be a roasted pig. Augie and his wife Rosemary, two of the guests, brought the pig as well as a roaster doing the job in the parking lot. All who were present in the kitchen were tasting it as we participated in pulling the pork with forks, placing it into a large pan. A pot of Cuban Beans were cooking alongside of another pot of rice. Augie brought some special BBQ sauce. Someone ...

The historic Thurmond Depot is now a seasonal visitor center. The historic towns of Southern West Virginia offer a glimpse into the past unlike any other. Stroll the streets of these historic towns and you'll embrace a piece of American history. Among these treasures is West Virginia's railroad heritage, which has been preserved by the National Park Service . For a great example of the life of those who owned and worked the early railways visit Thurmond, West Virginia . Once a bustling railroad town, Thurmond later became a ghost town after the coal was removed from the area. For a time, the bustling town thrived as the largest revenue on the C and O Railroad line because of the huge amounts of coal removed from the surrounding mountains. Did You Know? The  National Park Service  has a Thurmond Walking Tour explore the  C and O Railroad  and other historic sites. During the week the town was fairly peaceful, with very few inhabitants, but on weekends it came to li...