Last One to the Top is a Rotten Egg

After we left PA, we headed back to West Virginia and The New River Gorge area.  There was a trail there that we wanted to do back in May and we just ran out of time.  I'm so glad we decided to return because we had an amazing day!

The first thing we came across was a gorgeous waterfall that flowed right across the trail. It was a place we passed on the returned hike too so we managed to get a little wet!

The trail itself was only two miles long and it was a simple hike in/hike out. The trail took you along the remnants of the Kaymoor Coal mines.  The entrances to the mines are closed off now with huge bars, but you can feel the cool air that comes from underground.  It was a natural air conditioner!


When we got to the end of the trail there were 837 stairs leading down the side of the mountain to the ruins of an old mining town that sat along the river.  Camden and I made it half way, Grace went 50 steps further, and Dave and Lauryl did the entire set of 837 steps!  The picture show the last stretch of steps to the top.  


By the time we started back on the trail, the temperature had grown much hotter.  We took advantage of the air from the mines and the water fall a long the way.  


At the end of the hike we took a swim in this spring.  The water was chilling and wonderful!  It got deep right in the center and reminded us of something you'd see on some of the reality adventure shows.


It was a spectacular day and we find that we really enjoy our time in this part of the country.  It was a great choice to return here as part of our journey south.