Hiking @ Brush Creek

Hiking @ Brush Creek

A little off the beaten trail, pretty much only known to the locals, is a little wildlife area called Brush Creek. The Nature Conservancy maintains most of this lovely little park.

Here is the official stuff.
“The Falls of Brush Creek drop 25 feet over a sandstone ledge near the mouth of the stream's deep gorge of Brush Creek at Bluestone River. These "block" falls have been a popular local beauty spot since European settlement, though natives most likely frequented the falls for the same reason. The West Virginia Nature Conservancy, in cooperation with Pipestem Resort State Park, maintains a natural area at the falls. A rough trail leads from a picnic shelter to a ledge from which the cascade may be observed.”


If you like Mountain Laurel and cool outcrops of rocks, then this is the place for you. I always joke with friends that in the summer this is a prime spot to observe “redneck” courting practices. This is also a suspected breeding grounds too. Personally this has not been observed. LOL. During the day though, this is quite a nice park to hang out in.

I love going down to the river, and checking out all the cool crawfish and little fish you can find in the water. My friends and I like to do lots of off-path exploration. This trip we found some really cool plants and fungi.


If you want to see something off the beaten path this would be the place I’d adventure to.

The Baron rates this park a 4 out of 5, only because location isn't the easiest to get to.


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Sir Justyn

White Water Rafting - New River

As an Innkeeper I need mini holidays sometimes. My best friend was coming down to hang out with some of her college friends for summer break before school started up again, and we had the grand idea to go White Water Rafting. Out of all the cool crazy things i've done White Water Rafting was never something I'd tried. Being only 30+ mins from the house, I just had to try this adventure.

It was a very warm September day. Mid-80s Hurricane Faye just dumped a lot of rain in the southern part of the New River via the Carolinas, so that meant great water levels for us in Southern WV.

The day began like most other days. Fed the guests some breakfast, did a quick cleanup, and hit the road for adventures. By 9am we arrived at Class VI off of Rt-19.




After a short bus ride we were at the river. I was a little afraid. I love doing new things, but still...this was slightly dangerous. Well, onto the river we went. Our guide Doug was a local. We swapped a few stories about Winterplace Ski Resort, the Ghent/Flat Top Area and the people we knew.





Now it was time for the fun part! Class I and II are kinda like playing in the ocean, but Class III and IV are very fun. Joop's friend Cathrine got thrown out of the boat. It was funny!!! LOL. She climbed back in and wanted to do it again.



All and all it was a great adventure. It will be added to The Baron's Venture's book.
If you've never been rafting, it's something everyone needs to try.

A Baron's Rating of 5 Coolness Factor

Ducky whitewater trips aren't what you might think they are. On our full day Upper New trips we take the whole family, from six years old to 86 years young, down a wonderful stretch of class I and II rapids with lots of river fun and floating in between. With the emphasis on fun, adventure, and safety, Class VI customizes our trips to the age and abilities of your family members. Everyone in the group will have the option of taking a ducky, which is like a small personal raft, or relaxing in a full-size guided raft. There really is something for everyone on this family river trip, from running the gentle rapids to swimming and floating in the lazy drifting pools. From start to finish, there's no better way for the family to spend a day together than doing the Upper New river with Class VI!

This is a great trip for families, scouts and youth groups.
The Upper New is rated Class I to Class III with gentle, playful waves and plenty of calm water in between to enjoy the majestic scenery!
Depending on water level and the Upper New Canyon we are able to run, we will stop at Dowdy Creek to play under the waterfall or stop at Jump Rock (you guessed it - a rock you can jump off!)
There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, bird watching, picture taking or just plain tuning out.
Don't forget to add meals and lodging for money saving packaging.

Till next time!

-Sir Justyn