Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Golden Oldies: A Guide to Visiting Berkeley Springs State Park
Nestled in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, Berkeley Springs State Park offers a glimpse into a bygone era. The park encapsulates over 1,000 acres centered around the historic Warm Springs Resort, famed for its geothermally heated mineral waters. Indigenous peoples recognized the springs' curative powers for millennia, and in the late 18th century European settlers ushered in a new age as the first hotel was constructed to accommodate health-seeking "taking the waters" visitors.
Stepping into the Georgian style bathhouse feels like a journey through time. Marble floors echo with each step as guests disrobe and submerge themselves in 96-degree waters rich in sodium, calcium and bicarbonate. Soaking away stresses and strains accrued in the modern world, it's easy to picture dignitaries like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson receiving similar restorative treatments. Exiting with skin so supple it's difficult to peel away from the towel, it's simplicity itself to imagine why this was once the preeminent destination for the well-to-do set.
Besides witnessing firsthand the historical charm and health benefits that first attracted settlers, the park invites further exploration. Stroll manicured lawns and formal gardens on the historic resort grounds. Set out on over 15 miles of trails winding through mature forest and beside the Potomac River, keeping eyes peeled for wildlife like deer and numerous bird species. Picnic at one of the parks many picnic areas dotted throughout the bucolic scenery. Or simply curl up with a book beside the fireplace in the rustic lodge, soaking in ambiance and relaxation.
What else is in this post?
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Golden Oldies: A Guide to Visiting Berkeley Springs State Park
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Mysteries of the Mound: Exploring Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Park
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Rivers and Ridges: Kayaking the New River Gorge
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Peaks and Ponds: A Day Hiking at Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Cascading Wonders: Seeing the waterfall highway on the Dolly Sods Wilderness
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Forests and Ferns: Hiking among Green Bank’s old-growth woods
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - CANYONS AND CLIFFS: EXPLORING THE NATURAL SPLENDOR OF CATHERINE’S CREEK
- Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Glistening Gems: Viewing the quartzite formations of Watoga State Park
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Mysteries of the Mound: Exploring Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Park
Rising majestically from a bend in Grave Creek some 30 feet above the surrounding landscape, the enormous Grave Creek Mound commands attention with its sheer scale and the myriad mysteries it poses. Believed constructed by the Adena Culture between 200 BC to 100 AD, this immense conical earthwork stands as the largest Pre-Columbian structure north of Mexico at over 100 feet in diameter at its base and 29 feet tall.
How so few built such a colossal edifice using simple stone tools and wooden implements boggles the mind. What purpose or purposes it served to necessitate such a gargantuan feat of engineering also evades historians. Were important ceremonies and rituals held upon its summit? Did it serve as a burial site for prominent chieftains as its name implies? Unanswered, these conundrums have fueled imaginations for centuries.
Modern visitors flock to Grave Creek Mound Archaeology Park hoping to gain new insights or have their own 'Eureka!' moments. Park staff offer interpretive programs and activities to gently illuminate Adena Culture ways of life. Climbing to the observation platform atop the mound rewards with breathtaking panoramas across verdant hills and the creek below, transporting one back to the days native peoples first witnessed this new addition to their landscapes rise skyward.
Interacting with full-scale reproductions of Adena dwellings and tools sparks vivid musings of what daily existence entailed in 1000 BC. Wandering self-guided trails winding among other preserved earthworks and diminutive markers depicting where further mounds once loomed heightens appreciation for these peoples' monument-builders. This place ensures the Adena Culture's enduring accomplishments and mysteries continue illuminating minds for many generations to come.
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Rivers and Ridges: Kayaking the New River Gorge
Carving a deep slash through the rugged Appalachian Mountains, the New River is aptly named, geologically speaking. It is actually one of the oldest rivers on the continent, predating the surrounding topography. The primeval New River has been steadily etching away at the landscape over eons, leaving behind the magnificent New River Gorge. Spanning over 70 miles long, 1,400 feet deep, and 3,030 feet wide at its broadest point, it ranks as the second largest canyon east of the Mississippi.
This unique topography makes the New River Gorge a paddling paradise. The calm flatwater sections interspersed between whitewater rapids provide just the right blend of thrills and relaxation. The consistent flow and gradient also make it an outstanding training ground for aspiring kayakers looking to hone their skills.
Torsten took his first tentative paddle strokes on the New River Gorge after getting hooked on kayaking during a tropical vacation. Returning home to West Virginia, he yearned to get back on the water but lacked any nearby options. On a friend's recommendation, he headed to the New River Gorge. Immediately he was enthralled with the stunning scenery of steep forested slopes tumbling down to the river's edge. The canyon walls amplified the sound of rapids rumbling ahead, quickening his pulse with excitement.
Though initially intimidated when facing down those first rapids, Torsten soon got the hang of eddying out and ferrying across the frothy current. His skills improved rapidly, egged on by fellow paddlers offering tips and encouragement. Before long he was seeking out the biggest waves he could find to test his mettle.
Now a New River Gorge devotee, Torsten extols the pleasures of paddling its length. He delights in observing wildlife like river otters at play and hawks circling overhead. The ever-changing scenery captivates as the river alternately squeezes through tight gorges and opens up to broad vistas. Of course, he still relishes charging into surging rapids, always on the lookout for new lines to run.
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Peaks and Ponds: A Day Hiking at Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area
Perched along the highest points of the Allegheny Mountains, Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks beckons outdoors enthusiasts with its lofty vistas and rugged terrain. Jakob relished the challenge of summiting some of the region's tallest peaks during a strenuous day hike through this nationally protected area.
He started his adventure with the steep 1.5-mile trek up Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet. Huffing and puffing as the thinning air sapped his strength, Jakob pushed onward, pausing periodically to take in breathtaking panoramas unfolding across seven states from the summit lookout tower. On a clear day it seemed one could spy forever, the rolling folds of endless mountains appearing to blend into the sky itself on the furthest horizons.
Refueling with an energy bar at the top, Jakob next set his sights on climbing Seneca Rocks, a renowned rock-climbing destination boasting sheer sandstone cliffs soaring 900 feet upwards. He hiked several miles along the Seneca Trail Loop taking in views of daredevil climbers scrambling up the vertiginous faces like spiders scaling a wall. Impressed by their daring antics, yet not quite ready to try climbing himself, Jakob continued on to the aptly named scenic Glade Run area, where colorful fall foliage reflected across peaceful mountain ponds.
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Cascading Wonders: Seeing the waterfall highway on the Dolly Sods Wilderness
Tumbling down the Allegheny Mountain's western slopes, Red Creek and its many tributaries etch deep gorges across the Dolly Sods Wilderness landscape. This intricate dendritic drainage system earned the area the well-deserved nickname of the “waterfall highway”. A paradise for waterfall chasers, over 20 cascades plummet through primeval hemlock forests along Red Creek’s length. From roaring torrents to delicate wisps, the diversity amazes.
Torsten relished exploring this liquid wonderland on a backpacking trip one crystalline autumn. Wending along trails paralleling Red Creek’s sinuous course, he marveled at the unique character of each falls he encountered. Some thundered with raw power, sending up billowing clouds of mist that left his clothing sodden and skin tingling. Others tumbled gently in multiple bridal veil tiers fringed by swaying ferns. A few dropped stealthily out of hillside seeps, evident only by freshly dampened boulders that had suddenly materialized trailside.
One particularly memorable falls required a short scramble down a steep ravine to access. Emerging from the sheltering forest, Torsten gasped to see Cabin Run Falls framed perfectly between soaring sandstone cliffs. From this vantage point 100 feet below, the vaulting cascade took on abstract qualities. Pouring smoothly over the cliff top, the 20-foot wide sheet of water accelerated into freefall, fragmenting into irregular chunks midway before crashing into the jumble of boulders below. Mesmerized by its fluid choreography, Torsten lingered until cold autumn shadows crept up the canyon walls.
Wending onward, surprises continued around each bend. Miniature flumes just inches across trickled down mossy embankments. Below, Red Creek’s main torrent powered massive boulder gardens, surging through channels scoured smooth between house-sized rocks. One could hardly walk a mile without stumbling upon yet another new falls, each singularly captivating.
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Forests and Ferns: Hiking among Green Bank’s old-growth woods
Nestled within West Virginia's Allegheny highlands, Green Bank harbors a precious ecological gem - stands of old-growth forest unlike any others remaining in the eastern United States. On a quest to experience these virgin woodlands firsthand, I joined an interpretive hike through the Green Bank section of Monongahela National Forest.
Wending along dusty footpaths, our guide Jane illuminated just how exceptionally rare such intact forest communities have become. Most Appalachian old-growth was leveled during rapid logging between 1880-1920. Entire mountainsides were denuded, altering soil stability and waterways. Few scraps survived this onslaught, mostly on steep hollows and slopes too problematic for timber companies to bother with.
Even those neglected patches remain threatened today by invasive pests and piecemeal nibbling at their edges. That's why I felt so privileged to walk among groves still dominated by ancient trees that germinated prior to European settlement. No massive stumps marked where equally monumental predecessors once stood. No ruts scarred the earth from skidding logs downhill. The vivid complexity of native flora still thrived undisturbed.
Beneath the cathedral-like canopy, open space felt strangely scarce. Towering trunks crowded close, competing for sunlight. Looking heavenward, one's vision was arrested by a dense latticework of limbs that obscured all but narrow slashes of sky. These patriarchs stretched 130-150 feet tall and measured over six feet in diameter. Running my hands over furrowed bark textured like liquid stone, I silently thanked them for enduring centuries of storms, droughts, and pestilence.
I delighted in tracing the succession of fallen nurse logs nourishing fresh generations of trees. Mossy beards of lichen draped from branches, translucent as the most intricate lacework. Stepping carefully over plush carpets of leaf litter, I noted astounding biodiversity underfoot. Delicate fronds of wild ginger, dog-hobble, and rattlesnake fern flourished sheltered from light and wind. Jane mentioned over 600 herbaceous species have been documented here. That sheer wealth of flora supports wildlife from black bears munching on nuts, to innumerable invertebrates that birds like the cerulean warbler feast upon.
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - CANYONS AND CLIFFS: EXPLORING THE NATURAL SPLENDOR OF CATHERINE’S CREEK
Tucked into West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, Catherine’s Creek carves a winding course through rugged topography characterized by sheer cliffs, plunging waterfalls and deep hollows blanketed in old growth forest. This pristine area within the Germany Valley Karst region entices outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, hunting and more. Its remote location far from major cities provides a peaceful escape into nature.
Avid hiker Amelia still reminisces fondly about her first backpacking trip along the length of Catherine’s Creek. Arriving at the trailhead, she was immediately struck by the area’s primordial beauty. Trails meandered across ridgetops cloaked in gnarled oaks and hickories, granting panoramic vistas over the creek winding through the valley floor hundreds of feet below. From those lofty perches, the distant horizon bristled with the dark green silhouette of mountains fading into blue oblivion.
The hypnotic sound of rushing water resonated from hidden depths as Amelia descended old lumber roads into lush hollows. Waterfalls appeared around each bend, veiled by overarching rhododendron and mountain laurel. She scrambled down mossy banks to admire cascades pounding through narrow clefts in towering rock walls. Further downstream, gentle pools reflected clouds gliding across cerulean skies.
Late one afternoon, she emerged from the sheltering forest into a broad open meadow. Suddenly the terrain fell away at her feet into the precipitous gorge holding Catherine’s Creek. Dizzying cliffs plunged over 400 feet to the valley bottom. Across the void, hawks rode thermal updrafts against craggy sandstone bluffs stained burnt umber by iron deposits. Entranced by the primeval vista, Amelia lingered until the setting sun cast its rosy alpenglow across the ancient crags.
Cliff-loving rock climber Mark also enjoys exploring Catherine’s Creek, but for far different reasons than Amelia. He is lured by its reputation for excellent traditional climbing amid stunning scenery. Rappelling down sheer faces, he revels in the visceral sensation of clinging to tiny holds and cracks hundreds of feet off the ground. The mental focus required transports him into an almost meditative state.
Wild and Wonderful: The Top 10 Natural Wonders in West Virginia That You Must See - Glistening Gems: Viewing the quartzite formations of Watoga State Park
Torsten had heard tales of the surreal quartzite landscapes found within Watoga State Park but nothing could have prepared him for the visual feast that awaited. What started as a short hike along Bennett Run quickly turned into a full day adventure of geological discovery.
Rising above the lush Sitka Spruce and red maple-lined stream, towering cliffs composed of rose, purple and snow white quartzite jutted skyward. Torsten scrambled over boulders the size of small houses just to crane his neck back and take in the full scale of the palisades. Slabs separated into gigantic exfoliating sheets that resembled piles of gigantic mica flakes gently curling away in the sunlight.
The true gems however were found lower to the ground. Wending between uplifted outcrops covered in delicate coral-like structures and mushroom-shaped pods, each turn revealed formations more bizarre than the last. He spotted massive honeycombed blocks resembling giant sponges with quartz crystal geodes nestled inside hollowed pockets. Neighboring rocks displayed intricate designs of swirling bands and looping whorls reminiscent of butterfly wings frozen in stone.
Most mesmerizing of all was standing amidst a circular amphitheater completely encrusted by glittering quartz crystals. Torsten attempted to capture it with his phone but the dense lattice of points reflecting and refracting the sun's rays defeated any camera. He gave up and simply immersed himself in the hypnotic shimmer, feeling as if he'd stumbled into a glade belonging to the fairies themselves.