Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
But words can only do partial justice to the early
mining experience, you have to see the mines and ride the man cars to fully appreciate
this vital part of our nation's history. At the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, visitors
may take a tour of the mine led by a retired miner and see the old tools and machines
once used to dislodge the coal from the mountainside.
Hatfield-McCoy Trails
Once you've left the cool air of the Beckley Exhibition
Mine - usually 58°F - you might be ready for a little ATV action to really get your
blood pumping. The
Hatfield-McCoy Trails consists of over 500 miles of maintained trails open
to hiking, mountain biking, ATVs, horseback riding, and dirt bikes. These mountainous
trails are named after the infamous feud that took place between the Hatfield and
McCoy families over 100 years ago. Today, the ever-expanding trail system is open
to riders carrying a state permit and users are allowed to bring their own off-road
vehicles or rent one from one of several vendors located at the various trailheads.
Bramwell's Coal Boom
Perhaps no other town can better attest to the rise and
fall of coal's dominance in southern West Virginia than
Bramwell. Several ornate mansions mark the landscape in one of the greatest
coal boomtowns in the nation. Once you have seen the miner's shanty at the Beckley
Mine, you can see how the other half lived at one of the many Victorian homes built
by wealthy coal barons. Twice a year, the Millionaire Garden Club hosts a tour of
almost all of the Bramwell mansions just in time to see the dogwoods in bloom or
the homes decorated for Christmas.
Outdoor Fun
River Gorge National River is home to the second
longest single-arch steel bridge in the world as well as a large population of rare
blue-winged warblers. This river along with the Gauley River also has some of the
best whitewater rafting and canoeing in the country.
Pinnacle Rock State Park's namesake Pinnacle Rock offers a unique view from
this ponderous rock outcropping. Every room at
Twin Falls Resort State Park's spacious inn has a balcony and access to
the 18-hole golf course. There are also cottages available as well as a restaurant
that is open year-round.
Above all else, this byway offers an unsurpassed glimpse into West Virginia's colorful
history. While some of the road may be windy and narrow, this helps to further showcase
the hardships of settling amongst West Virginia's many mountains. However, these
same curvy roads are perfect for motorcycling and allow motorists to take their
time so they can appreciate all of the wonderful mountain scenery. No matter what
you drive, the Coal Heritage Trail is easily one of the best-preserved remnants
of mining heritage in the nation.
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