In 2022, the U.S. government designated the New River Gorge as a National Park. Since it's within driving distance, I had been eager to visit, and in September this year, my wish was finally fulfilled.
Although it wasn't peak fall foliage season yet, the drive from Maryland to the park still offered glimpses of vibrant colors and beautiful countryside along the way.
In the past, I’ve visited West Virginia a couple of times, primarily for hiking trips. I recall that West Virginia is among the poorest states in America. On my journeys, I saw run-down houses along the road and locals with yellowing teeth. Yet, I what I remember the most is its stunning mountains and scenic hiking trails. These memories made me long to return, this time to explore the newly established National Park.
West Virginia is often referred to as the "Mountain State" because it lies entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range. The state's terrain includes steep hills, dense forests, and scenic rivers.
On the way drive there, Steve took a little detour from the Google map suggested route and we got to experience more of West Virginal Road.
On this route, we took I-68 and passed through Cumberland, Maryland. Along the way, we watched some beautiful puffy white clouds against the blue sky, vibrant fall colors, charming farms, and fields of goldenrod wildflowers. We passed the Savage River State Forest and the historic Penn Alps restaurant. We spotted windmills perched on the mountaintops in the distance.
We drove through winding roads with their ups and downs made for a fun and enjoyable ride.
From I-68, we headed south on Route 219 (detoured from the Google Map), passing through Accident, Maryland, and then made our way to Deep Creek Marina and Deep Creek Lake State Park, where the farmland was just as beautiful.
We passed through Oakland, Maryland.
Along the way, we saw some large Trump/Pence signs along the road.
It was on this ride, I first learned about salt houses built along the roadside. They are used to store salt for road treatment in the winter.
Next, we entered Route 50 West. Through route 50 we drove through from one mountain to another on single winding line where you have to be very careful not to drive off the road. While the speed limit sign says speed limit is 55 mph, you may have kept it 35 mph! One time we saw abandoned house off the road. Steve says he wants buys it and live there, so we had discussion of what to do if he really lives there.
From route 50 we returned back on I-79south, we saw trees with colors, trees on the rocks while driving through many valleys of mountains,
From there our last starch is got on south 19 before we finally arrived at the National Park!
