We stopped by the New River Gorge Bridge en route to Charleston. Unfortunately, the clouds thickened and blocked the view. We didn’t really realized we’d driven over it until we saw the sign for the Visitor Center which had closed an hour before. We decided we’d return before leaving in a few days.

Our map took along a windy road, US 16 (Beckwith Road) to scenic route 60 through Gauley Bridge where we passed a waterfall and Glen Ferris. The road hugged the curves of the river was beautiful and we passed several small towns. Then we came upon Kanawa Falls. We turned into the parking lot which seemed to be a big fishing spot, but nothing else, to take a few pictures.

We drove past Charlton Falls, Alloy (which seemed a bit bigger), Boomer and Smithers – even passing a coal train. As we drove along the river, we entered Charleston. Although it only has 61,000 people, it seems like a huge metropolis compared to the small towns we drove through to get there. Two- story houses fronting the river dotted the road. Then, the capital popped up. It looked like there was a prom as students dressed in cocktail attire stood on the front steps. (more…)