The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
Free Time Opportunities |
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| Snowshoe, WV |
A General Overview
Snowshoe Mountain Resort, centered around a charming village atmosphere, features an assortment of summer activities including lift rides to Shavers Lake, miniature golf, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, hot tubs, nature trails, horseback or Argo rides into the back country, golf, tennis, and a variety of shopping experiences on-site.
The mountains and valleys surrounding Snowshoe Mountain offer an endless variety of scenic, historic, cultural and recreational attractions for young and old. Take a step back in time and experience the old logging town of Cass. Discover the beautiful meadows and alpine bogs of the Cranberry Glades. Be marveled at with scientific discoveries at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Ascend to the summit of Seneca Rocks, one of the truly spectacular rock formations in all the country. Sit back and relax by the soothing sounds of Blackwater Falls. Or, paddle your way down the Gauley River and New River, two of the most spectacular rivers in the country. Using Snowshoe Mountain as your base camp, you can explore these and other great attractions within West Virginia, all of which are within four hours drive of the resort. For additional information, visit www.snowshoemtn.com
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Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
A trip on the Cass Scenic railroad gives the rider an authentic look at an important part of Pocahontas County's history, plus an excursion into one of the most remote and breathtaking areas in the county. The railroad terminates at a viewing area just below Bald Knob, which at an elevation of 4,842 feet, is one of the highest summits in West Virginia. The railroad is the last remaining segment of the massive lumber railroad network that once covered every valley and mountain of Pocahontas County. Today's trains consist of cars converted from those actually used in logging service and are powered by some of the last Shay and Heisler-type steam logging locomotives in the world. The Cass experience also features an historical showcase and museum reliving the history of this wide-open logging town. If you enjoy shopping, the Cass County Store, established in 1901, is perhaps one of the largest remaining of its kind. The 'Last Run' restaurant also serves a variety of fare in the County Store. The Town of Cass also offers a number of intriguing gift and craft shops located on the Main Street and next to the depot. Reservations are recommended. For tickets or information, call 800-CALL-WVA and ask to be to be tranferred to the park.
•Whittaker Station Trip - 8 mile, 1.5 hour ride - departs daily at 12pm and 2:30pm. $13 midweek / $15 weekend for adults, $8 midweek / $10 weekend for children (ages 5 -12)
•Bald Knob Trip - 22 mile, 4.5 hour ride - departs daily (excluding Monday and Friday) at 10:30am. $17 midweek / $19 weekend for adults, $10 midweek / $12 weekend for children.
•Murder Mystery Train - New this season, on Friday's, enjoy a train ride to Whittaker Station, dinner and entertainment.
•Fiddles and Vittles Train - Each Saturday during the summer, the railroad's extremely popular Evening Dinner Trains features an exciting train ride to Whitaker Station, an outdoor old fashioned barbecue, bluegrass entertainment and lots of fun for the entire family.
For additional information, visit www.cassrailroad.com
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Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad
With over 100 miles of scenic mountain railroad hosting four separate excursion trains, the Railroad is establishing itself as one of the premier tourist rail operators in the East. High bridges, mysterious tunnels, numerous waterfalls and a ghost town are just some of the highlights that you'll witness along the routes of these trains.
• Durbin Rocket - runs Thursday thru Sunday only at 11am and 2pm - $10 for adults, $9 for seniors (60+) and $6 for children (4 - 11)
• Cheat Mountain Salamander - runs Thursday thru Sunday only, 3 hour ride departs Cheat Bridge at 11am, 3 hour round trip ride to Spruce departs at 2:30 - Adults are $18 for 3 hour ride or $32 for combination 6 hour trip, Seniors are $16 for 3 hour ride or $28 for combination 6 hour trip and children are $10 for 3 hour ride or $16 for combination 6 hour trip.
For tickets or more information about other train rides offered by the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad, call 877-686-7245 or 304-456-4935.
For additional information, visit www.mountainrail.com
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National Radio Astronomy Observatory
Silhouetted dramatically against a mountainous backdrop in Green Bank is the largest moving structure on land. It is the Robert C Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the largest fully steerable radio telescope on Earth. It features an innovated design with clear aperture, a collecting area of 2.3 acres and a computer controlled reflecting surface larger than two football fields. Operated by Associated Universities under contract with the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, the NRAO is one of the leading centers for the growing science of radio astronomy in the United States.
A new Science Center opened at the Observatory in 2003. It houses a large exhibition hall with hands-on displays and exhibits and other learning tools, including a functional 8-foot tall model of the Green Bank Telescope. The center also has a gift shop and café. The Science Center is open year-round. From Memorial Day weekend through October, it is open daily from 8:30am t0o 8pm., with guided tours beginning at the top of each hour from 9am to 6pm. For tour information, call (304) 456-2150.
This is a must tour form anyone interest in the sciences.
For additional information, visit www.gb.nrao.edu
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Pocahontas County Convention of Visitors Bureau
Pocahontas County Convention of Visitors Bureau guide to the county where Snowshoe Mountain Resort is located. For additional information, visit pocahontascountywv.com
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Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Droop Mountain - West Virginia's last significant Civil War battle occurred on November 6, 1863. Union troops pinned the Confederates, who had concentrated their army on the ridge crest, in place by attacking from the right, left and rear. This action drove the Confederates from the summit. This 285 acre park include interpretive exhibits, Confederate earthworks, a small museum, look out tower, picnic area, hiking trails and children’s' play area. Droop is considered the oldest state park in West Virginia. Droop is located 1 hour south of Snowshoe on Route 219, and approximately 4 miles south of Hillsboro, WV. For additional information, visit www.droopmountainbattlefield.com
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Beartown State Park
One of the most intriguing scenic areas in the state, Beartown is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain. The park is noted for its unusual rock formations which are comprised of Droop and Pottsville Sandstone for during the Pennsylvanian Age. Faulting and erosion of the sandstone capping the mountain has created a unique system of 'sunken streets' in this town of rocks. A boardwalk permits easy access to a number of observation points for visitors. Interpretive signs provide insight into the fascinating ecology of the area. Beartown State Park is located 1 hour 15 minutes south of Snowshoe on Route 219. Picnic facilities and sightseeing only.
For additional information, visit www.wvparks.com/beartown
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Pearl S. Buck Birthplace and Museum
Pearl won the hearts of Americans with her famous novel, The Good Earth, for which she won the Pulitzer Prize for Literature in 1932. For the high quality of her literary work, she was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1938. Ms. Buck is the only American women to ever receive both of these awards. This historic house, built in 1892, houses a museum where guides in costumes of the period greet visitors. The home contains some of the original furniture and memorabilia of Pearl S. Buck and her family. One June 24, 1983, the Pearl Buck was issued at Hillsboro as a tribute to this great lady. The museum is open 9am to 4:30pm, May through October. Admission is $4 for adults and $1 for students. It is located 45 minutes south of Snowshoe on Route 219 at Hillsboro, WV. For more information, call 304-653-4430.
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Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
This is the largest area of bogs in West Virginia. If flowers and plants are your interest, you will enjoy seeing a variety of rare plants common to the northern tundra growing here in this Appalachian setting. A convenient, half-mile boardwalk will allow you to take a leisurely stroll through two of the bogs. The boardwalk is also wheelchair accessible.
Ever since the discovery of this interesting region, its natural features have attracted the attention of outdoorsmen, botanists, geologists and naturalists. The Visitor Center at Cranberry Mountain offers a variety of exhibits, movies and slide programs to interest and inform visitors to the area. The colorful exhibits give some insight into area ecosystems, wildlife and local history.
Surrounding the Botanical Area is the Cranberry Wilderness Area. Offering over 35,000 acres of forests, mountains and streams, this area includes 60 miles of hiking trails. Cranberry Glades is located 1 hour from Snowshoe, at the end of the Highland Scenic Highway. For more information about Cranberry Glades, contact the Cranberry Glades Nature Center at 304-653-4826.
Access to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is from Route 39/150 just north of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. From Route 150 take Forest Service Road 102 north approximately one mile.
For additional information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/sp/cranberry_glades.html
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Greenbrier Hotel
The Greenbrier is one of the ultimate resort destinations in the world. Throughout the 19th century, The Greenbrier was a popular southern summer resort for an elite clientele. Guests came to use the mineral water, to enjoy the mountain climate and to mingle with the famous of the day, including Robert E. Lee, who made his summer home here after the Civil War. Today many of the original cottages are preserved as guest accommodations, although enlarged and modernized. In 1913, the central Georgian section of The Greenbrier opened on a year-round basis, with golf and tennis as featured attractions. Subsequent additions have refined the hotel's architecture to reflect the Colonial Virginia style. Following use as an army hospital during World War II, the hotel's interior was redecorated by Dorothy Draper.
This grand resort offers complete recreational activities: golf, golf academy, Land Rover driving school, sporting clays, tennis, trap and skeet shooting, croquet, swimming, Spa, mountain biking, falconry, horseback riding, carriage rides and more.
Located at White Sulphur Springs, off I-64 - 250 miles west of Washington, D.C
For additional information, visit www.greenbrier.com
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Greenbrier Hotel Bunker
The Greenbrier Hotel houses the former government relocation facility (bunker) built under the West Virginia Wing as a top secret of the Cold War era. This former government relocation facility had the code name "Project Greek Island," and was designed to house the members of Congress in the event of a national emergency. After decades of secrecy, the existence of this bunker was made public through the Internet. A 112,000 sq. ft. facility, it has been featured on national television, radio, newspapers, various Asian television networks and BBC services throughout Europe. It is now open for tours by the general public. Advance reservations are required. Call 1-800-453-4858.
The Bunker will be temporarily closed for tours after July 28, 2004. Tours are anticipated to resume in Spring 2006.
For additional information, visit www.greenbrier.com
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Greenbrier River Trail
One of West Virginia's most successful rail-to-trail conversions, the Greenbrier River Trail was ranked by Backpacker Magazine as one of the top ten hiking trails in the U.S. Extending 75 miles and traversing 35 bridges and two tunnels, the trail parallels the Greenbrier River, is less than 1% grade and features some of the most spectacular pastoral and woodland scenery in the state.
Novice and intermediate mountain bikers will appreciate the packed gravel surfaces on the majority of the trail. More advance mountain bikers will find greater challenge on the adjoining mountain trails and abandoned logging roads that characterize the national forest bordering the River Trail.
For additional information, visit www.greenbrierrivertrail.com
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Highland Scenic Highway
Over 60% of the parkway is above 4,000 feet, which makes it the highest major roadway in West Virginia. The Highland Scenic Highway starts at the Cranberry Mountain Visitor Center and ends on US 219, north of Marlinton. The parkway is 23 miles long and limited to recreational traffic. There are several outstanding vistas and overlooks for your enjoyment. Picnic areas with restroom facilities are located along the route. Hiking and fishing are popular sports in the surrounding Monongahela Forest.
For additional information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/sp/highland_hwy.html
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Kumbrabow State Forest
Kumbrabow State Forest is located along the western edge of the Allegheny Highlands atop Rich Mountain. The 9,474 acres of forest range from 3,000 to 3,930 feet above sea level, making Kumbrabow the state's highest forest. Acquired in 1934, the forest derives its unusual name from the three prominent families, KUMp-BRAdy-BOWers, who were instrumental in the purchase of the land. The forest is operated by the multiple-use concept which provides recreation and watershed protection, while practicing the principles of forestry and wildlife management. Through good management practices, Kumbrabow is a showcase for stands of black cherry and red spruce. Diverse habitat has made black bear, turkey, deer, grouse, and bobcat sightings common to visitors throughout the year. Mountain laurel and rhododendron are abundant and surround the majority of several pristine streams, creating beautiful scenic views throughout the forest. Kumbrabow State Forest is located off US 219, 24 miles south of Elkins and seven miles south of Huttonsville. US 219 Turn onto Rt 219-16 (Kumbrabow Forest Road) at Elkwater and follow to forest. Coming north on 219, this turn-off is eight miles from Valley Head. Another access to the forest is from WV 15, turning onto a rockbase road at Monterville.
For additional information, visit www.kumbrabow.com
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Monongahela National Forest
With approximately 900,000 acres, the Monongahela Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities - hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, hunting, fishing and general sightseeing.
For additional information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf
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Seneca State Forest
The oldest of West Virginia's state forests derives its name from the tribe of Indians who patrolled the Warriors Road, a vital trail which ran along the Alleghenies from St. Lawrence to Georgia. Visitors to the forest get a glimpse of what life was like in earlier days as rustic cabins still have wood stoves for cooking and gas lights. The old trail once closely guarded by the Seneca Indians is just a few miles to the west along US. Highway 219.
For additional information, visit www.senecastateforest.com
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The Falls of Hills Creek
A three-quarter mile trail leads down a steep gorge to a series of three falls that cascade 20 feet, then 45 feet and finally the third falling an impressive 65 feet making this one of the highest waterfalls in West Virginia. The Falls of Hills Creek is a must see while visiting Pocahontas County. The falls are located 1 hour 15 minutes from Snowshoe, six miles west of Cranberry Mountain Visitors Center.
For additional information, visit www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/sp/falls_hillscrk.html
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Watoga State Park
Watoga State Park, the largest in West Virginia, was once a favored hunting ground of many Indian tribes. Its name derives from the Cherokee word "Watauga" which means the 'river of islands.' The park lands played a role in the lumber boom, as the railroad was laid through its heart, and a sawmill and a kindling wood plant was built there. As the lumber boom faded, more than 10,000 acres were transformed into a state park by the hardscrabble boys of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Their workmanship still shines in the fine buildings, trails, arboretum and lake that make this one of the state's premier parks.
For additional information, visit www.watoga.com
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West Virginia Division of Tourism
Visitor's guide for the State of West Virginia. Guides can be requested by calling 1-800-CALL WVA.
For additional information, visit www.callwva.com
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West Virginia State Parks
A vistor's guide to all state park facilities in West Virginia. Copies may be obtained by calling 1-800-CALL WVA. For additional information, visit www.wvstateparks.com
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