New River Gorge West Virginia

New River Gorge, West Virginia Canyon Rim Tour

New River Gorge National Encompasses 70,000 acres between Hinton & Hawks Nest State Park. Created to conserve & protect 53 miles of the New River as a free-flowing waterway. Visitors Centers are Canyon Rim (304-574-2115), on US 19 just north of Fayetteville & Sandstone (304-466-9192), at Exit 139 on I-64. Visitor information stations are also open during summer months from 12-5 at Grandview & 10 - 5 at Thurmond Depot. Call for hiking & biking trail information.


Recreation - 4-Wheel Vehicle Drive, White Water Rafting, Site Seeing, Hiking, Rock Climbing; Mountain Biking; Lama Riding; Horseback Riding: Backpacking

New River Gorge- From Indianapolis to Fayetteville, West Virginia is about 6 Hours ; from Cincinnati it is about 5 hour and from Columbus only 4 hours to paradise and from New York City it is only about 8 hours and the last several hours you are in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Fayetteville has lots to offer, outfitters, hotels, restaurants, back country roads and adventure just minutes away. Make this your headquarters and plan several trips for a variety of exciting activities.

Canyon Rim-Twisting, curving, and descending 1,000 feet from the canyon rim to river level, this 16-mile drive follows the old highway into the gorge of the New River, crosses the river, climbs up the other side of the gorge, and drives across the modern New River Gorge Bridge 876 feet above the river. It ends at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center of the New River Gorge National River. The drive is best suited to 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles, Jeeps, SUV's, and trucks. The road is gravel and narrow and steep. Held in awe by white-water enthusiasts, the New River, now preserved as the New River Gorge National River, surges through a 1,000-foot-deep canyon in southern West Virginia. The New River and the nearby Gauley are known for their Class III to Class V+ rapids, the best and wildest white water in the country east of the Rockies. Special Attractions: Challenging driving and spectacular views from above and below the gorge and bridge. This is a complete description of a scenic drive with a route map and information on the best travel seasons, interesting sites, recreation opportunities, camping locations, and much more.

Starting at the National Park Canyon Rim Visitor Center, you can get directions for this original journey that was for many years the only way across the gorge. You can also learn about West Virginia's Coal Mine History. Gift Shop is also available. From WV19 Mountaineer Expressway, take WV 82 north and then it will switchback and wind its way down into the gorge. Watch the rock climbers. After passing under the big bridge, look to the right to spot the gabions--big metal cages holding rocks. Park in the pull off on the left. A set of stairs takes you up to Bridge Buttress, one of the most popular and easily accessible climbing areas in the gorge. Watch the climbers and you’ll get a good idea of how this exciting and challenging sport works.

Continue down until you cross the original (rebuilt) Fayette Station Bridge over the New River and begin to wind your way back up the narrow road on the opposite side. You will be able to look up and see the new bridge spanning the entire gorge 870 feet above. Before you continue back up, look for a little wooden bridge on the right that leads to a parking area. Stroll down to the river to watch the kayakers and rafters run the last big rapid of their trip. Fish. Picnic. Or just sit and watch the view of the river.

Kaymoor Mine Hike: Continue your journey by starting up the north side of the gorge. A mile up the road, in a hair pin curve, you will see a pull off with a National Park Service kiosk. This is the trailhead for a 1.8 mile hike out to the remnants of the Kaymoor Mine. After a short climb the trail rolls along and provides great views and interpretive signs. For bonus fitness points, take the 800 steps down to the bottom and check out the rest of the old mine site.

Continue up the north rim and at the switchback, follow signs for traffic, and continue on route 82




After your busy, physical day, you’ll need to relax and tell stories over a good meal. Continue up the south side of the gorge until you hit Rt. 19. Go straight across the highway and you’ll run into Pies and Pints in less than a mile. Or head further uptown for Cathedral Café, Gumbos, or Sedona Grill.
Head back to Opossum Creek Retreat for a soak in your hot tub.

Daniel Boone National Forest- Red River Gorge Kentucky

Site Under Construction!!

ATV Riding; Hiking; Jet Boat Ride; White Water Rafting; Climbing; History; Camping; Coal Mine Ride; Driving Mountain Roads;

Red River Scenic Gorge - Kentucky: Just 3 hours traveling I-65 to I-64 all the way out of Indianapolis and then you can enter another world, a nearly forgotten place of beauty and back country fun. Starting at Winchester, Kentucky just southeast of Lexington, you will begin to find yourself on a path to true mountain backroads. Take Exit 98 off of I-64 onto the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway. From the BTCMP, you will turn right on K 77 or the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. This will take you through the gorge to K 715. Continue this route to Gladie Environmental Learning Center open mid-March through November. Here you can embark on outdoor adventures including rock climbing or hiking. Hiking is abundant along the Byway, ranging from half-hour jaunts to 370-mile epics. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail follows Daniel Boone's footsteps and traverses high ridges, plunges into deep gorges, and skirts clear streams and whitewater river sections.






Hawks Nest - New River Gorge -

Cave River Valley - Springmill (Indiana)

Canoeing, Hiking, Caveing, Primtive Camping, ATV Riding, Sight Seeing, History
Southern Indiana has been called the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is true that there are some rugged hills and wide valleys with beautiful rivers and creeks to enjoy. You don't have to journey a 1,000 miles cross country to see wild lands and enjoy the outdoors. Immerse yourself in woodland splendor and walk into Indiana's wild country. From Indianapolis, this is just a two hour journey and from Louisville it is only about an hour to get started.

This Tour takes in a unique geological feature called the Wesley Chapel Gulf near the Rise of the Lost River in western Orange County that is worth hiking. From there you can go to Hindostan Falls, to Springmill State Park and Pioneer Village and stay at the Spring Mill Inn. Then the adventure really begins. Head west on SR 60 to Campbellsburg for a caveing adventure in Cave River Valley. Then get you ATV ready for some wild trail riding at Backwoods Adventure Park. Salem has a couple of historic areas that are worth a look to wind up your trip to cave country including Beck's Mill and John Hay Historic Center complete with pioneer village.


Canoe Trip - Hindostan Falls to Portersville-
The twenty-mile section of White River between Hindostan Falls and Portersville is an enjoyable nine-hour float with two sections of rapids. The river flows slowly through farmland and wooded areas. Camping facilities are located at Glendale Fish and Wildlife Area southeast of Washington 12 miles on State Road 257, and in Martin State Forest east of shoals 2 miles on US 50. The fishing is good at Hindostan Falls for freshwater drum and in the river for trotline fishing. For the canoeist who also enjoys hiking, there are thousands of acres in the national forest near the river.
Orangeville (Rise of the Lost River) Wesley Chapel Gulf Geological Feature - Start your journey heading down SR 37 to Orleans and then 2.4 miles further and turn right (west) on CR 500 N.


Link to Pictures of Cave River Valley: http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/548987141IThhov?vhost=outdoors

The put-in site is second ramp at Hindostan Falls State Fishing Area east of Loogootee. The take-out site is at the Portersville State Launch Ramp across the river northeast of Portersville. The car shuttle beginning at Hindostan Falls moves north on Hindostan Road then west on State Road 550 to Loogootee, then south on US 231. Turn right off US 231 at County Road 650 S and head west in Alfordsville. Turn left in town on County Road 1175 E. South of town stay on the blacktop jogging west on 700 S then south on 1125 E and proceed about 4 miles to the river near Portersville. The take-out site is on the northeast side of the bridge.

ATV Riding: There is Lawrence Country Recreational Park for ATV's and off road motorbikes located west of SR 37 head west on CR 750N, turn right and then left on CR 870. The park is at the dead end. 400 acres of separate trails for each sport.

ATV Riding: North of Salem, take SR 135 N to Kossuth. Turn left at signs that say Kossuth and follow signs that say "Backwoods" from that point. 140 acres of trails and primitive camping is available- no electric and no running water on site.

Williams-Shoals Back Country Home Tour

Jug Rock - Shoals

Self-Guided Tour Activities: Sight Seeing Drive; View Roadside Caves and Rock Formations; Camping; Fishing; Hiking; Rock Cimbing; Boating

Williams is located about two hours south of Indianapolis. Take SR 37 south to Bedford, Indiana. Turn west on SR 158 and then south on SR 450 to Williams. The trip to Williams is filled with lush forest lands, beautiful hillside vistas of the region. At Williams, you can access the White River for fishing, camping, picnics and dam viewing. There is also a covered bridge located just outside of town crossing the White River. Take the Huron-Williams Road across the Williams Covered Bridge to Huron. Turn right on SR 50 West to the entrance of Martin State Forest. There are fishing, hiking, camping and picnic areas located there. The trails are moderately rugged hilly trails. There are three small 3-4-acre lakes for fishing.

Shoals - Leaving Martin State Forest, head west on SR 50 to Shoals. Shoals is located on the White River and famous for Jug Rock and its sandstone outcroppings along the river. Take caution during heavy rains and high water as you cross the bridge on SR 50 heading west and turn right on Poplar Street and then right again onto West River Road. This unique road hugs the river on one side and sandstone rock outcrops and caves will be on your left. It is narrow and has tendencies to flood in heavy rain. There is a house built into the rocks, which is a picture worth taking. The road widens and becomes gravel n a wooded area. More rock outcrops are visible on the left. Native Americans used this area for village sites in prehistoric times. Indiana University has excavated sites in the region. Follow West River Road until it comes to a T. Turn right and follow the gravel road until reaching the next road to the left. Turn left and it will take you back to SR 450. Turn right on SR 450 to head back to Williams and Bedford.

Canoe The White River from Williams to Shoals. The 19.5-mile section between Williams Dam and Shoals take-out is a seven hour float. This section of the river passes by LaSalle Spring, a sulfur water spring. In addition, a large eagle's nest (approx. 6 feet in diameter) can be seen near the islands. The put-in is located at the Williams Dam State Fishing Area on State Road 450. Put-in facilities include a concrete ramp, campgrounds and parking lots. The riffles below may necessitate a portage on the left in lower water. The take out point in Shoals is at the third street (1 1/2 blocks before the river) where you turn right and then veer left at the Y intersection on East River Road as you leave town. Heading north on East River Road, proceed about 1 1/2 miles to the river. The road runs adjacent to the river providing several steep but passable access sites. Permission must be gained before trespassing on private property and there is limited parking along the road. Side Note: To continue back to Martin State Forest on back roads. Once you load your gear continue on East River Road to the intersection. Turn Right on CR91. At the next intersection, turn left on CR 95 and follow it east to the next intersection. Turn right on CR 93 south and this will take you back to Martin State Forest and SR 50.

Rock Climbing may be possible on several cliffs on West River Road including Rock House and McBride's Bluff overlooking the White River. Check GPS cooridinates of N 38.726439 and W -86.780277.

Harrison-Crawford Back Country Recreation

Sailing on Blue River Old State Capital at Corydon

Squire Boone Caverns View of Ohio River

Corydon - to - Mauckport and Brandenburg -to Squire Boone Caverns - to -O'Bannon State Park-to-Wyandootte Cave-to-Leavenworth-to Hemlock Cliffs - (or) - to Marengo Cave -to- Milltown's Cave Country Canoes - back to Corydon.

This Back Country Travel Destination is loaded with options from family oriented walking trips to rugged outdoor activities aimed at those that need a challenge. Allow several days to a week at minimum to take advantage of all the beautiful sights and engaging activities. There really is something for everyone in southern Indiana.

Recreation: Historical Driving/Walking Tour of Corydon Historic Sites; Restaurants and Gift Shops at Corydon; White Water Rafting at Corydon; Driving/Sight Seeing Ohio River Area; Cave Tour; Camping; Horse Back Riding; Mountain Biking; Hiking; Historic Drive; Hiking; General Store (Leavenworth) History; Canoeing;Backpacking; ATV Riding; Rugged Hiking in some areas; Spelunking on special tours of Wyandotte and Marengo Caves; Boating on the Ohio; Rock Climbing and Repelling

To Corydon and Beyond: From Indianapolis south on I-65 it is about 2.5 hours to Corydon. There you can grab a hotel room and make it your home base for a wide variety of outdoor and recreational activities. Corydon was the first state capital of Indiana until it was moved to Indianapolis. The downtown area is where you can start this tour by drinking in the local history. The Old Capital Building, built of area limestone, is now a state historical site and was the Indiana capital from 1813-1825. Near the capital is a marker which commemorates the raid on Corydon by John Hunt Morgan in 1863 during the Civil War. There are several other historical structures located within walking distance as well as shops and restaurants and the Kintner House Bed and Breakfast, another historical building. Much of the deliberations of creating Indiana's state government were conducted under a large Elm tree which died in 1925 from Dutch Elm Disease. There is a sandstone memorial protecting the remaining trunk of the tree which once stood five feet across with branches spreading out 132'. -- White Water Rafting-Kayaking or Canoeing - Little Indian Creek at Corydon's Country Club 1.5 miles downriver to the County Fairgrounds. Rated as a Class I (III) Section by American Whitewater

African American School -Just a few blocks away is the first African-American School built in 1891. It was first called the "Corydon Colored School," it is now known as the Leora Brown School and was renovated in 1993 to be used for cultural and social activities. One of the most uplifting accounts of our African American population involved the migration of about 100 individuals who came into Harrison County, Indiana Territory about 1814-1815 with an elderly white couple, Paul and Susannah Mitchem, to be freed from enslavement. Their deeds of emancipation are recorded in some of Harrison County's oldest deed record books.

Battle Park - 2 miles south of Corydon-where the "Battle of Corydon" happened in 1863 when the Confederate Colonel John Hunt Morgan came across the Ohio River against the orders of the confederate general. He led 2,400 Confederate soldiers across the Ohio to distract the Union Army in Ohio from efforts against Confederate troops in Tennessee. He met resistance from 450 Harrison County Home Guard. They seized two steamers on the Brandenburg side of the Riverto transport troops across the river to the shore east of Maukport. Morgan managed to easily defeat the guard and proceeded into Corydon collecting the spoils of war and collecting ransom for prisoners they had taken. Morgan left Corydon and continued on his 46 day, 1,000 mile raid into Ohio and ended with his capture in July of 1863 at New Lisbon.

Maukport and Brandenburg were originally laid out close the shores of the Ohio. Due massive flooding and tornado damage in the 20th century, the majority of the buildings have been raised and only foundations remain of the former structures. Brandenburg was rebuilt high above the water but if you travel to the old site there are ghostly reminders of the recent past. There is also a boat landing here.

Squire Boone Caverns is about a ten mile journey from Corydon. Squire Boone was the brother to the more infamous, Daniel Boone. It is said that they discovered the caverns in 1790. Squire apparently hid in the caverns to escape a Shawnee Indian war party. Squire Boone brought his family to live nearby. He acquired the land where the cave is located and carved stone out of a nearby hill to build his home and carved various political and religous statements onto the quarry walls that remain there tody. He wanted to be buried in the caverns that he discovered. His remains were put into the cave upon his death in 1815. The cave is filled with amazing formations and underground rivers and waterfalls. The cave is well lit for hiking on guided tours. There is a pioneer village, gift shops, a working grist mill and special tours for everyone. Squire Boone caverns also has a hiking trail and educational programs for students and scout troops.

Wyandotte Cave -For a more rugged adventure in cave exploration, Wyandotte Cave, located 12.5 miles west of Corydon provides several tours for both the beginner and for those that want a spelunking adventure. Wyandotte Caves were used by pre-historic Indians. Evidence of native occupation comes in the form of the remains of bark torches, footprints and plant fiber moccasins. Flint that is found inside was also used by the Indians extensively for knives, ceremonial items, arrows, spears, hide scrapers and drill bits.
O'Bannon State Park -To camp overnight and enjoy more wildlife and hiking, Indiana's newest state park--3,000 acre -O'Bannon State Park, located in the middle of the 24,000-acre Harrison-Crawford Forest (formerly called: Wyandotte Woods) offers 281 Electric hook-ups; 47 Horseman non-electric camp sites and 25 primitive camp sites. They have horse back riding, fishing and swimming in the new aquatic center. There is a boat landing on the Ohio and plenty of mountain bike trails in rugged terrain. Hiking down dry creek beds offers up some fascinating views of rock formations and is also a great place to find Harrison County Flint. The park is home to the famous, "Adventure Hiking Trail." This 27-mile hike is about two or three days of moderate and rugged terrain with karst outcroppings, extraordinary bluffs and vistas as well as views of some unique plants.

Whitewater Rafting, Canoeing or Kayaking- Potato Run - Harrison-Crawford Forest Horse Camp Put In-to -Mouth of the Ohio River. Class I-II (III) Easy to difficult according to American Whitewater. The sections for whitewater rafting and canoeing are less demanding and less difficult than in other states, so keep that in mind when comparing water. This section is 2 miles long and very scenic.
ATV's are allowed on some county roads in the Hoosier Hills National Forest if registered street legal. Contact the DNR for more information before attempting to ride in the forest.

Leavenworth -After leaving O'Bannon State Park, just five miles further west on SR62 is a little village of Leavenworth. Old Leavenworth is down on the river and again you will see some ghostly remains of a town that once stood alongside the great Ohio. There is still a tavern operating and periodically this area floods during high water periods. There is a a boat launch here as well. Big Springs Harbor, located down on Court Street has camping, boat rental facilities, a floating banquet hall and a Days Inn fo those that need a break from "roughing it." Travel back up to the highway and on into the town built high above the water. Stop in at the Leavenworth General Store called Stephenson's. It has everything from an antique shop, museum, snack shop, deli, and some unique items found nowhere else. It is a must see shopping experience. If you want to know something about the region, visitors need to check Stephenson's out. Just past the village you will see breathtaking views of the Ohio and a unique place to stay on the river is the Leavenworth Bed and Breakfast. This turn of the century renovated home sits on six acres overlooking a huge bend in the Ohio and winter or summer, the views are spectacular. Across the highway is the Overlook Restaurant which teeters on the edge of the bluff of the bend.

Hemlock Cliffs -For those that want to do some rock climbing and extreme hiking and see some really gorgeous cliffs and falls, a side trip north to Hemlock Cliffs is worth the drive. From Leavenworth it is about a 17 mile trip west on SR 62 and north on SR 37 to CR 8 or Union Chapel Road. Turn left and left again onto CR 13 Hatfield Road into the National Forest Road. There are rock outcroppings, ravines and dry stream beds to hike. Archaeological investigations indicate Native American occupation as far back as 10,000 years ago especially under a huge rock shelter at the head of the canyon. There are two areas that are off limits to rock climbing and repelling. Respect any postings that are listed about restrictions. Bring your own water and do not try to filter the stream water due to Hemlock trees growing in the area which release a poisonous chemical into the creeks. There is very primitive camping (backpacking) down in the canyon if you stay well back off the trails. Others prefer to camp in the parking lot area. Again this is a very delicate area and be respectful of the terrain and the danger when attempting to climb.

Marengo Cave- From Leavenworth head north on SR 66 and follow the signs to Marengo Cave which will be celebrating its 125th anniversary September 6, 2008. Marengo Cave is a US National Landmark that features walking tours to adventure tours. The formations are spectacular and include flowstone, stalctites, stalagmites, soda straws, cave popcorn and rimstone dams. They also offer cabin camping, gift shop, cafe. gemstone mining, a cave simulator, playgrounds and picnic areas. They offer special packages for groups and reservations are welcome.

Cave Country Canoes at Milltown- From Marengo take SR 64 East 5 miles to Milltown and to the livery. Here you can buy your own canoe or kayak or take one of several canoe trips down the river. Enjoy the wildlife along the way and camp on the shore.