Isolated Waterfall, New River Gorge Nat'l River WV

This is a beautiful waterfall in the New River Gorge National River. It falls down one of the steep bluffs, goes under the road and flows into the New River directly behind the photographer.

But you've really got to love back roads to find this place. In an earlier post, I described the directions to Sandstone Falls. Continue along the same road. The pavement soon ends and you go a couple of miles on a dirt road. The falls will be on your left, just before you go under the I-64 bridge.

The road then goes under the interstate but stops at a gate to private property. There is no access to the interstate from the riverside road.

Sandstone Falls, New River Gorge National River WV

The New River Gorge National River is a scenic, often spectacular stretch of the river lying roughly between Hinton and Montgomery, West Virginia. The New is world-renowned in whitewater rafting circles.

Here are two views of Sandstone Falls. Although one of the most scenic spots in the park, Sandstone Falls is probably frequented more by locals than by tourists, due to its isolated location. To reach it, take WV secondary Route 25 from WV 20 across the river from Hinton. It is several miles on a winding, two-lane road to the parking lot for the falls. There is a series of boardwalks that extend onto an island and eventually the views shown above. When I went there, it was an austere scene dominated by the roar of the rapids. It was essentially still winter, with most of the trees still bare.

Pearis Cemetery, Pearisburg VA

The historic Pearis Cemetery is located at the western edge of Pearisburg, in the area sometimes called Bluff City. For years, it was overgrown, neglected and mostly forgotten. But several years ago, the town of Pearisburg (with the help of several other organizations) restored it. The photo on the right shows part of the cemetery. It includes the grave of Captain George Pearis, for whom the town is named. He fought in the Revolutionary War.

The left photo shows the new parking area and trailhead for access to the cemetery. The gravel path behind the sign makes a gradual ascent to the cemetery. Near the top, it crosses the Appalachian Trail.

The trailhead is on the side of Virginia Route 100, near its intersection with US Route 460.

Island Ford Cave, Covington-Low Moor VA

This is the entrance to Island Ford Cave, between Covington and Low Moor, Virginia. You'd never know it was there from driving I-64 (directly behind the photographer). It's on a "frontage road" that may very well have been US 60 at one time. The signboard inside states that the cave extends 550 feet deep. Amazingly, it does not forbid exploring the cave. However, I left my flashlight at home, so I passed on it.

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Virginian Railway Station, Princeton WV

This is the restored station of the old Virginian Railway in Princeton, West Virginia. It contains a railroad museum; however, its hours are irregular and I found it to be closed at times when it was advertised to be open.

The Virginian was a coal-hauling railroad that was merged into the Norfolk and Western RR in 1959, and is now part of the Norfolk Southern system.

It is located at the lower end of the main business district, near an overpass that spans the tracks. I didn't see any signs, so locating it could be tricky.