There are many beautiful and fun places to go on exciting adventures of unknown territory in the United States. The New River Gorge in West Virginia is an excellent choice and only a 7 hour drive from Gadsden, AL
We visited a few places our first day, one of our favorites was Water Stone Outdoors. Downstairs they have outdoor gear, apparel and a coffee shop. Upstairs is consignment and climbing gear. The woman at the front desk referred us to American Alpine Club for camping. Upon arrival we set up our tent and went to get supplies. The next morning we visited a local favorite called Tudors Biscuit world. After breakfast we set out for our first adventure of many during this trip. We headed to the local crag and climbed some cool things like Hippie Dreams, Reticent Slab and Menace Alert all overlooking Summerville lake. We swam in the gorgeous clear blue water and jumped off of rocks and just took it all in. While we were there the New River Gorge hosted that years basketball game against Miguels in the Red River Gorge from Kentucky. A few pro climbers including Dru Mack were on the team from the Red. The game was postponed the first night due to rain. After the game was over they had a big bon fire and local vendors set up. Afterwards we set off for the Secret Sandwich society which doubles as a delicious restaurant by day and a fun bar with a live band by night. We ended our night at a place called Maggies recommended to us by all the locals.
The next day was filled with climbing and swimming and on our last night we geared up and strapped on our head lamps and headed out for the Junkyard Boulder Cave with some burly and thuggy problems. After 5 days camping, climbing, swimming and going on excursions through the streets of downtown Fayetteville we were tired and headed back to sweet home Alabama. Crossing the New River Gorge Bridge and taking in the view one last time was bittersweet. We’re counting down the days until we return to this gorgeous crag and fun town.
-Valerie
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