This situation continued to prevail for several generations. The name of this "gateway" to the Canyon is Cave Mountain Gap and it represents a half mile cut through the high ridge separating the ancient riverbed of the South Branch Potomac River (to the east) from the ancient bed of Briggs Run (to the west). We ended up taking 3 canoes with Wingman Cooler stabilizers. [19], High quality moonshine, however, was a booming cottage industry for Smoke Holers in the 1920s and early '30s. About 3 miles on (mile 20.7), the river debouches from the Canyon. Chelsey and I went first down the river while Ray fished and followed us along the road. A variety of tiger beetle lives in the sandy, cobblestone habitats along the banks of the South Branch. | Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. With most local men of military age away for the duration of the War, the depredations of local Confederate partisans known as the "Rebel Raiders" included a number of ambushes and killings. Map showing recreational areas. Anglins, appreciate the input. Many caves are located on private land. Cart. This likely developed through an intermediate stage during which the South Branch (or its precursor stream here, the lower Briggs Run) traversed the future Smoke Hole region underground. Phasellus cursus rutrum est nec suscipit. Certainly this landscape contains some of the most stunning beauty found in our state, from the 11-mile long Smoke Hole gorge along the South Branch of the Potomac, to the dramatic, 4000+-ft. peaks on North Fork Mountain. White-tail deer were also exterminated from the area, as they were from the entire state, by about 1900. Eons ago through a process known as "river piracy" or stream capture the flow of the river was diverted cataclysmically from its old bed westward into what would eventually become the present Smoke Hole gorge through massive excavation and erosion. National Archives and Records Administration. Photos? But limestone soil is not acidic and tends to be richer in certain nutrients than are other soils, thus supporting a different type of plant life. Don't forget there is a take out right in Petersburg soon as you cross under the bridge on the left, which is 3 miles up river of Eagles nest and Welton Park. Special regulations apply to the area between Eagle Rock and Kimble Cabins (designated with signs and cables across the river). This landscape contains some of the most stunning beauty found in our state, from the 11-mile long Smoke Hole gorge along the South Branch of the Potomac, to the dramatic, 4000+-ft. peaks on North Fork Mountain. ), From the Shreve's Store intersection, CR 2 continues north another two miles along the river (past Old Mines Cave Rocks, mile 4.1 and Old Mines Cave, mile 5.8) to the abandoned town of Ketterman (mile 6.3) also site of an erstwhile post office and then a final mile to Big Bend Campground (mile 7.3) where the motorable roadway ends. [27], On 10 November 2013, a fire started on private land adjacent to USFS land in the Smoke Hole. [37] The Allegheny woodrat, which lives in rocky terrain in the Canyon, has been declining throughout much of its range due to an epidemic of roundworm infestation (acquired from raccoons), among other causes. Help the paddling community! Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "smokeholecanyon" Flickr tag. Then the plains themselves were violently uplifted and broken. Was generally not impressed with the fishing but the scenery is stunning. Post here so everyone can benefit. Other violets along with the buttercups follow. The Civilian Conservation Corps stationed a battalion in Smoke Hole between 1934 and 1936 and constructed a popular recreation area there. Beyond the Big Bend, the Canyon has the character of a remote wilderness; it is one of the most isolated regions of the state and can be traversed only on foot or by boat. long, wide, still, flat pools well over a mile long that take some effort to move through. The entire Smoke Hole river run from US 220 to Petersburg is about 25 miles (40km) long. This run is perfect for an intermediate paddlers first try at a small river/creek experience that includes fairly continuous rapids. The canyon offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with opportunities for panoramic vistas from various overlooks. I *think* you can park at welton park overnight there's a fair amount of parking someone more local might know better. Over 120 rare animals, plants and natural communities have been identified in this area, making it one of the richest concentrations of biological diversity in the East. Hopefully someone local decides to cut it outwhen the water levels drop this summer. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers. Pike Knob Preserve is open to the public and is located on North Fork Mountain. Rare species of butterfly (columbine duskywing, cobweb skipper) live in the open, grassy, limestone habitats of the Canyon. Before running the rapid I took a look from the river left and noticed a NASTY STRAINER that was just below water surface extending right out in the tongue that you need to run. In this article, well take a closer look at what makes this hike so special and why it should be on your bucket list. Directions: Smoke Hole Canyon is located in eastern WV, near Petersburg. Follow this road for 5-10 miles along the river to many put-in alternatives. Class I-II+, Camping (Big Bend), Camping (Jess Judy), Fishing,Whitewater, https://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/3329/, Book A Canoeing and Kayaking Guide to West Virginia. (Other locations rumored to contain the booty include Mercer, Wisconsin[39] and a farm in northeastern Ohio.[40]). connected to the .gov website. In the latter year, their encampment was washed away in a river flood. 25198 Hwy 60, Madawaska, ON; 613-637-5508 . Level Contributor . West Virginia University The caverns are very pretty, you gotta see them for yourself. Kids who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping may also find Smoke Hole Canyon to be an exciting destination. Parking may be limited at many of our preserves. Its not a difficult float. Furthermore, this region provides detailed insight into the lowermost roof-sequence cover above the suspected duplex of Cambrian-Ordovician horse-blocks and blind-thrusts at depth. The Cave Mountain anticline is further structurally bounded to the northeast and southwest by major cross-strike structural discontinuities: the nearly east-west trending Petersburg lineament and an extension of the northwest-southeast trending Parsons lineament, respectively. A remote canyon lined with cliffs and caves, mountain lore, and pioneer haunts, join us as we explore the Smoke Hole Canyon to learn of its history and of it. 21 miles. Tours start every 30 minutes. [8] The parents of Revolutionary War veteran William Eagle (17611848)[9] arrived shortly afterward. Stop at blue rock as it might be the best camping spot in wv. The canyon is a popular destination for fishing, with the South Branch of the Potomac River offering opportunities to catch trout, bass, and other species. Directions: Its caves are therefore protected during critical months. As you can imagine, there was no shortage of help (and helpful advice) in jacking up the car and changing the tire. The oldest explanation appears to be the story that Native Americans used a well-known cave in the gorge (Smoke Hole Cave) for smoking meat; this cave has a room shaped like an inverted funnel with a hole at the apex through which smoke could escape and be seen from some distance. No one is certain where Smoke Hole got its name. From the picnic area bridge to Petersburg is 21 miles, while the trip from Big Bend Campground to Petersburg is 15 miles. The populations of bison, elk and cougar that attracted the earliest settlers to Smoke Hole have long since gone. The marvels even extend underground, into extensive limestone caves. Follow 28/55 from Petersburg, WV, for 8 miles. Bat guano and other organic debris support an array of invertebrates specially adapted to this bizarre ecosystem. We parked at Eagles Nest Outfitters and arranged a shuttle with them. Wind and water wore away the softer layers, wearing down the mountains, and creating a region of rolling plains. he is asked. Enter a search term like, Seneca Rocks, or Coopers Rock State Forest., Adventure WV Popular activities in Smoke Hole Canyon include fishing (rainbow and golden trout; largemouth and smallmouth bass), hunting (squirrel, grouse, turkey, deer, rabbit and bear), hiking, rock climbing, caving, canoeing and camping (Big Bend Campground). Never done overnight, only ever done it in one day. Ut et ultrices nisi. Large and smallmouth bass are also plentiful. We didn't have to get out any but did scrape on one little riffle not too far after Bluerock where we camped. The gauge at Franklin was 264 cfs and 3.00 feet on Sunday at noon. No photos yet. With its rugged terrain, cascading waterfalls, and stunning vistas, this trail is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. The dry, prairie-like areas along the upper knobs and ridges of the Canyon are home to a variety of typically western plants such as prairie flax. [2] Before the river exits the gap it passes through a narrow channel with ferocious rapids locally known as the "Rock Break". virginica) is another rare plant known from the Smoke Hole. This is a classic float/fishing trip in a long beautiful canyon that features massive Smoke Hole is situated in southern Grant and northern Pendleton Counties. Smoke Hole is a biologically diverse area classified as an upland limestone-based ecosystem. As you leave the Smoke Hole Campgrounds, you will enter the most scenic, most historic, and most famous run in West Virginia. Smoke Hole Canyon About 185 million years ago, a seven-mile thick sheet of sedimentary rocks began to buckle and fold. Pricing is economical and we even offer free delivery to some Highway 60 access points such as Canoe Lake and Smoke Lake. Anyone have any experience with water levels and rafts? [35], The prairie-like regions and associated cedar glades around the Smoke Hole Canyon are the largest groupings of such habitats in the Central Appalachians, and a number of unusual disjunct or regionally endemic plant species are known from the Smoke Hole. Many features may not work properly without it. Inbox. He served in the 3rd, 4th, 8th and 12th Virginia Regiments and was present at, Calhoun, H.M. Sr. (13 November 1930), "Tales of Historic Smoke Hole and Seneca Rocks Interestingly Told", from a column in. The excess fabric at the top of the structure is the smoke hole and smoke flaps. I did the upper portion of the canyon to eagle rocks in a traditional kayak in the early/mid 90s in early June. There was one tight place between a couple tall rocks that would have been tight for a raft but I bet it has changed a lot since then. (304) 636-1800, Cheat-Potomac District PO Box 6018 | 2001 Recreation Center Drive | Morgantown, WV 26506 As of 22 November 2013, the 1,611 acre Smoke Hole Fire had been fully contained. Longtime residents of the gorge have insisted that the Indian "smoke house" cave story is the only genuine one and the only explanation that pre-dates the ones on the local state historical highway markers. Discover trails like Potomac Highlands Loop Seneca Rocks and Smoke Hole Canyon West Virginia, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. The canyon is known for its scenic beauty, including rock formations, waterfalls, and a river that runs through it, which could provide a fun and educational experience for children. Marlinton: (304) 799-4334 About 1.3 million visitors come to the Monongahela National Forest each year, and it's no surprise why. I recall him being big into recurves. Smoke Lake to Ragged Lake. (There is also a possible take out about 12 miles below Big Bend, but that increases the shuttle time.) Also from Asia and just recently introduced into the Canyon ecosystem, it has been attacking the stands of eastern hemlock there. The takeout is in Petersburg, WV. I guess he just could'nt hold it!! Just bring your personal items and food and come for a weekend or week full of relaxing or sightseeing in our area to mention, Smoke Hole Canyon where it is stocked by the WVDNR in Jan, Feb, March, April and May and again in the fall Oct. A cave with the largest concentration of wild mammals in the Central Appalachians. Smoke Hole Canyon traditionally called The Smoke Holes [1] and later simply Smoke Hole is a rugged 20 miles (32 km) long gorge carved by the South Branch Potomac River in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, United States. [31], A number of small shelter caves in the Canyon are developed in the Oriskany Sandstone. A third popular story is that the fires of moonshiner's stills during prohibition days (and before) gave the gorge its name. See all. Sunday morning we considered putting in at Big Bend and paddling down to Petersburg through the canyon as a day trip, but that would have involved running at least 3-hours of shuttle and paddling 15 miles from Big Bend to Petersburg. This is truly one of the most beautiful areas in West Virginia. There is also a miniature golf course just outside of the cavern entrance. If parking areas are full, or if you find you cant social distance at any trail or preserve, it may be best to visit the area at another time.

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