Combined EOC/ROC East Coast Camping Trip!

Hi Everyone... I am the newest Mod on the ROC, I have been a Mod over on the EOC for about a year now. I helped T Mac organize the Element Owners Club Big E-vent in July 2005 when we toured the East Liberty Honda Assembly Plant. This year we are going to St Louis for our 2nd Annual Big E-vent. Now, why would I be telling a bunch of Ridgeline owners about a couple of Element Events? Continue reading and you will find out...

We are in the very early planning stages of putting together a combined EOC/ROC Camping Trip for this year. This is why I am posting this thread here. Another thread similar to this is going up over on the EOC on our Campin' Forum.

Now I have some questions to ask of all of you and need some feedback on this.

1. I have someone from the EOC to help in putting this EOC/ROC Camping Trip together and need someone from the ROC Forum to help out as well. This is going to be a completely combined event with equal input from both Communities.

Over on the EOC I have recruited Tamara aka Hiker Chick, she does quite a bit of camping every year and said she will help out with the organization of the event with Tom (T Mac) and me.

We are looking for one ROC Volunteer to help in the planning and organizing of the Event. This person would need to be able to make the plans for the event alone with Tamara, Tom and myself. There is lots of satisfaction and fun involved in planning these events out. So who wants to volunteer to help out the ROC and get a combined Camping Trip setup?

2. We are looking in the Virginia/West Virginia Area. We had to narrow it down to simplify things and chose this geographical area for the 2006 Event. We want to make this an annual Camping Trip for the Sites and for 2007 will take feedback from everyone and move it around.

Our criteria is somewhere that has places for groups to camp, a lake or river so we can canoe and kayak. Rentals would be great as many people don't have their own canoe/kayak and are always interested in learning. Dog friendly is also a must as are showers and cabins for those that don't enjoy sleeping in a tent.

3. Last but not least we are looking to hold this in August before Labor Day Weekend. Figure it would be best to do this before school starts for many families.

So to recap...

Please post some nice parks and links to them in Virginia or West Virginia that you think would make for a good place to hold an EOC/ROC Camping Trip.

Anyone that is interested in helping co-organize this Event please send me an email and let me know. Send me an email here: Larry (larry@elementownersclub.com).


Thanks ahead of time for your input and hope you can make it. :)

I would be happy to help plan if there are no other ROC heads available. :D

Pennsylvania - Ohiopyle State Park

My wife and I went there w/ her family a number of years ago and it has most if not all of what you were talking about in the general area (along w/ a long bike path)

Penn State Parks - Ohiopyle (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ohiopyle.aspx)

-ridgeln

just a thought ..;)

http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/findapark.php?region=East
or
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/pphtml/maps.html

Yes. Anywhere have a stream and bike trial. ;)

Hi Larry and Everyone ~~~

With all due respect to West Virginia, have you all thought about the Smoky Mountain area?

All of the prerequisites that you mention are in that area and it is also easily reachable by many folks. It also has other attractions in the area that appeal to a wide variety of people.

Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Smoky

Hi Larry and Everyone ~~~

With all due respect to West Virginia, have you all thought about the Smoky Mountain area?

All of the prerequisites that you mention are in that area and it is also easily reachable by many folks. It also has other attractions in the area that appeal to a wide variety of people.

Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Smoky
Could not think of a better place. We will be headed to the Smokies next week provided snow is a possibility. If you guys have settled on VA or WV, I remember going to Smith Mountain Lake and Claytor Lake many years ago to the NOA and APBA sanctioned boat races. Beautiful country and I think a state park at each. I really prefer the Smokies.:)

I would love a trip to the Smokies Smoky!! :D

Have been trying to RV in the Smokies for some time have only passed through on my motorcycle. What ever area you may decide on it would be nice to have a few RV sites close to the area. I'm one of those people who things roughing it is running out of ice at the Holiday Inn.

Smoky sounds great….. :)

I may be interested in this. Have an Element owner friend. Need to pass this along to her, and get back to you. :)

fins

I'm one of those people who thing roughing it is running out of ice at the Holiday Inn.

Sounds like my wife... I gave her a choice of Bungalows on the beach or a five-star hotel on the beach, her first question was... do the bungalows have maid service??? She chose the hotel. I'm up for it and with the proper persuasion I could probably convince my wife to go!

TL

Reading about a few good places to go. Can anyone share any web links to information, pics, details? That would be very helpful. Thanks all!

In the NC mountains near the TN border is a huge area for outdoor sports. The Nantahala Outdoor Center features rafting and Kayaking on the river. It is only minutes from Tsali- one of the Premier mountain biking and horseback riding trail systems on the east coast. A few minutes further and you can take a train ride through the mountians- even see the site where they filmed the train wreck in the Harrison Ford movie "The Fugitive." There is an abundance of campgrounds in the area including at Tsali. There is also a boat launch area at Tsali for Lake Fontana. The Appalachian Trail goes right through the NOC as well...

I do not work for NC tourism, but we do go to that area every year in May/June and can't get enough!
The Blue Ridge from Cherokee to Ashville is the best. We go there at least once a year. A stay at the Pishah Inn is a must and there is also a camp ground across the road. A few miles down the road is Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock, very unique. There are many miles of senic byways in East Tennesse and Western North Carolina, My wife and I enjoy them every year. :) :)

Reading about a few good places to go. Can anyone share any web links to information, pics, details? That would be very helpful. Thanks all!

http://www.pisgahinn.com/

Hi Larry and Everyone ~~~

With all due respect to West Virginia, have you all thought about the Smoky Mountain area?

All of the prerequisites that you mention are in that area and it is also easily reachable by many folks. It also has other attractions in the area that appeal to a wide variety of people.

Let me know if I can help in anyway.

Smoky

Hi Smoky:

If you can come up with a few places to check out let me know. If you want to volunteer to help Tamara, Tom and me on this you are more than welcome.

Send me an email (larry@elementownersclub.com) and we can discuss this futher.

Larry

Before everyone begins coming up with their favorite places to camp in a dozen different states, you have to realize when planning events for large groups of people certain things can't always be open to a vote.

We chose VA/WV for simplicity. Yes, we can look at the Smokey Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, etc... It isn't an issue, but lets say we do change it to the Smokey's or Blue Ridge... then someone else will say, then lets make it the White or Adirondeck's... You can go on and on until someone just says, this is where it will be. That's why I said we want to make this an annual Camping Trip and for 2007 we can choose to go to X Mountains, State Park, etc. Then in 2008 go to another mountain range and so on.

I am more than willing to listen to ideas and places to go, but eventually a location and parks need to be chosen to see if we can get reservations so as to get pricing and see who wants to go. We can only make a guess as to the number of EOC/ROC members that will come.

Does this all make sense? I hope I am not coming across as a hard a$$, because I'm not. :)

Makes perfect sense Larry and no..you don't sound like a hard a$$..just someone who trying to make a nice time for all. If TMac trusts you to make the right choices, so do we. Carry on!!
:)

Makes perfect sense Larry and no..you don't sound like a hard a$$..just someone who trying to make a nice time for all. If TMac trusts you to make the right choices, so do we. Carry on!!
:)
Ditto, let's go for it!:)

Reading about a few good places to go. Can anyone share any web links to information, pics, details? That would be very helpful. Thanks all!

Gosh now i really really know that no one reads my posts...look at my first post in this thread for the links ...:D

Before everyone begins coming up with their favorite places to camp in a dozen different states, you have to realize when planning events for large groups of people certain things can't always be open to a vote.

We chose VA/WV for simplicity. Yes, we can look at the Smokey Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, etc... It isn't an issue, but lets say we do change it to the Smokey's or Blue Ridge... then someone else will say, then lets make it the White or Adirondeck's... You can go on and on until someone just says, this is where it will be. That's why I said we want to make this an annual Camping Trip and for 2007 we can choose to go to X Mountains, State Park, etc. Then in 2008 go to another mountain range and so on.

I am more than willing to listen to ideas and places to go, but eventually a location and parks need to be chosen to see if we can get reservations so as to get pricing and see who wants to go. We can only make a guess as to the number of EOC/ROC members that will come.

Does this all make sense? I hope I am not coming across as a hard a$$, because I'm not. :)

We could start a poll ? once we get about 3-5 diffrent places to go

I spend most of my time in Asheville and would love to show up sometime during this event, but, may not be able to stay more than a day.

If the Smoky/Blue Ridge area is out of the question for this year (though I think those are a wonderful place for this type of event), I vote we look for some place in south/southwestern VA please. I haven't done any camping in the US so I can't immediately recommend some ideal location but will try to google to come up with suggestions.

Please put this area on the list for another year though. Asheville is not far from some parts of VA, or from TN or from GA or from SC. We are right on the edge of many states. The furthest of those, for me, is VA but even that state (depending on where you land) can be reached before lunchtime. The rest before breakfast.

How about this place located right beside the Mt. Rogers Recreational Area (in the southwestern VA mountains) http://www.virginia.org/site/description.asp?AttrID=32092&MGrp=4&MCat=19&MItm=0&Rgn=17000&StrtLtr=B and http://www.virginiabackcountry.com (http://www.virginiabackcountry.com/)/.

According to these sites, BACKCOUNTRY @ Damascus is an outpost of white prospector tents outfitted with barn frame beds, log tables, and soft towels. After a day spent hiking, biking, fishing, or just sitting on the hill, guests can enjoy campfire cooking at their site or one of the many restaurants located nearby in Damascus and Abingdon. Visitors who prefer horseback riding can bring their own horses. The 'camp' consists of tents but they also contain real beds (queen, even) and private baths! Great concept, imho.

I've been camping down that way at Harpers Ferry. The Appalachian Trail Club is headquatered down there, beautiful town right on the Potomac River. There's a visitor center where you can register your Ridges and Elements for overnight stays, it has camping sites, hostel's and hotels, regardless of what skill you are. It's right at the borders of MD, VA and WV

Heres their home page:
http://www.nps.gov/hafe/

Heres some pics:
http://www.pbase.com/vpphoto/harpers_ferry_national_historical_park

Greetings, fellow Honda owners and campers! My name is Hiker Chick (well, on the Element Owners Club, anyway) and I'm one of the volunteers to help organize this shindig. :)

The Smokies are spectacular and I've had the pleasure of two trips down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Deals Gap, NC, in a Miata. Destination: the Dragon and its 318 curves in 11 miles.

Since trading the Miata for this box on wheels we call the Element, the Dragon's slalom run has been less alluring. :cool: But the mountains still beckon.

Virginia's best state parks are concentrated in the southwest corner of the state and I'll be looking hard at those. My personal favorite (north of the SW corner) is Douthat State Park a few miles north of I-64, near the WVA border.

There are many excellent campgrounds (in VA and WVA, they are dog-friendly), the daunting challenge is the kayak-canoe component (fun water and rentals).

I'm not a kayaker or canoer so don't have a ready list of great places to do those activities + camp.

Please keep the suggestions coming, as we are on the Element forum (actually, the ROC is ahead of EOC on this score, so far). I'm going to try and get my recommendations narrowed down very soon. Going to the Shenandoahs this weekend, with no Internet access, will slow that effort down a bit, though. In the meantime, several brochures I've requested from whitewater outfitters should be arriving in the mail.

When not hiking this weekend, I'll be reviewing a great resource: "The Best Tent in Camping --West Virginia" and its sister book for VA. I believe author Johnny Malloy has also written a "The Best inTent Camping -- North Carolina." The book titles do not necessarily preclude cabins, as in the case of Douthat.

At the very least, we are going to compile a list of excellent camping destinations.

Cheers! :)

"The Smokies are spectacular and I've had the pleasure of two trips down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Deals Gap, NC, in a Miata. Destination: the Dragon and its 318 curves in 11 miles."

Only 11 miles? It seems like a 111 miles. I love it! Deals Gap is not on the Blue Ridge. it is part of US 129 between Robinsville, NC and Maryville, TN. Quite a roadway that all should experience. Better yet, start your trip in Tellico Plains. TN and go across the Cherohala Skyway then pickup US 129 and go for the Dragon. Enjoy. ;)

"The Smokies are spectacular and I've had the pleasure of two trips down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Deals Gap, NC, in a Miata. Destination: the Dragon and its 318 curves in 11 miles."

Only 11 miles? It seems like a 111 miles. I love it! Deals Gap is not on the Blue Ridge. it is part of US 129 between Robinsville, NC and Maryville, TN. Quite a roadway that all should experience. Better yet, start your trip in Tellico Plains. TN and go across the Cherohala Skyway then pickup US 129 and go for the Dragon. Enjoy. ;)

Yes, I guess I should have clarified. The Cherohala is terrific. And so is Route 28, as I recall.

www.tailofthedragon.com

:p

Ill help out if I can :D

Ill help out if I can :D

Send Hiker Chick a PM and talk with her about this. I know she is heading out camping this weekend, but I think she'll be around tomorrow morning, otherwise she'll get back to you next week.

Thanks for stepping up and wanting to help.

My 2 Cents
You really need to find the geographic point where the most will travel to. What about a poll for areas in the east?
Someting to vote on like:

Vermont-New Hampshire Area
New York- Penn Area
Virginia West Virginia Area
NC- Tenn
Sc- Georgia

Then take the results and go with the place that will get the most attendees.

My 2 Cents
You really need to find the geographic point where the most will travel to. What about a poll for areas in the east?
Someting to vote on like:

Vermont-New Hampshire Area
New York- Penn Area
Virginia West Virginia Area
NC- Tenn
Sc- Georgia

Then take the results and go with the place that will get the most attendees.

There are a number of reason why you can't put together a larger type event in a democratic way. Then everyone gives their input, you leave somewhere out, someone tries to get their "choice" added after the poll has already started, etc. Then you spend weeks/months bickering over where to have the event and then it never gets done.

Doing it by deciding basically where it will be held eliminates all of that. It then allows you to narrow down the location much faster, eliminates more of the bickering, don't bruise egos, etc.

I have been organizing large scale national meets since 2000 for car clubs and have unfortunately hurt a few feelings but there is never any other way to do this. This is why we move these sized events all over the place. The first event always has problems and there is no avoiding that. These events are also the hardest to get volunteers to help organize.

I posted this thread 5 days ago and not a single person has stepped forward and contacted either myself or Tamara to offer to help in the planning of the event. This is another reason why you need to choose a location on your own and not make it a group decision...

As far as the locations you mentioned... No matter how beautiful New England and Upstate NY are, and I have been all over these areas... you can't really hold an event like this that far north. It isn't fair to people living south of the Mason Dixon line. You have to try and keep majoirty of the driving under 12 hours whenever possible. Georgia is also too far south for those of us in the North East and around the Great Lake Area... Keeping things central makes much more sense.

Sorry for sounding "harsh", just trying to explain why these things happen the way they happen.

I have been watching the thread but waited to posted until now....
I personally would like to make the international meet in July ... when?? that date has not been set.
I far as this meet goes it would be nice to be the week before or after... I could include both in one trip. But not to be selfish whenever or whatever I think it is best just to set the date.

Set the date if it is in August and the date is open I may come. Everyone has plans and you can't plan around everyone. Hit a location one year and choose some place different next year, some year it may land close to my door maybe never.

This is why I posted the Destination thread in our camping thread.

:o)

I've been waiting to set the July International Meet date for when Honda announces when Honda Homecoming will occur (Huge influx of Honda Motorcycles arriving in Marysville) - traditionally, the HH has been the last weekend of July. I hope to have a date nailed down within two weeks.

-ridgeln

I'm all for the mid east coast. Let me know if you need a local resident to help with the arrangements. I'd be glad to help.:D

I'm all for the mid east coast. Let me know if you need a local resident to help with the arrangements. I'd be glad to help.:D

Send Hiker Chick a PM, she is in your neck of the woods.

Will do. I sent her a PM and will coordinate by that means.

This trip sounds like a lot of fun. My wife and I are both looking forward to this, assuming we can fit it into our schedules.

Hiker Chick,

Fear not; make your decision and people will come!

East TN, Virginia or North NC would probably be the most central for the East Coast group ..

We've selected the weekend of August 12-13 for the east coast EOC/ROC camping event --centered at Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia, which is adjacent to the Monongahela National Forest. I'll be making reservations this week (or trying to as it appears to require mailing in a form). According to Microsoft Streets & Trips, Blackwater Falls SP is the following distance from:

Washington, D.C. - 195 miles
NYC - 387 miles
Pittsburgh -131 miles
Cleveland - 277 miles
Cincinnatti - 391 miles
Louisville - 423 miles
Raleigh, NC - 407 miles
Knoxville - 440 miles
Los Angeles - 2514 miles
Seattle - 2681 miles
Lake Tahoe - 2556 miles

For those more familiar with WV, the lovely Seneca Rocks (with a campground) is 35 miles away. And the Dolly Sods Wilderness is only a few miles away and within that is another camping opportunity: Red Creek CG (no shower facilities) operated by the US Forest Service. Featured in The Best in Tent Camping - West Virginia, Red Creek CG is described thusly:

This is one of the highest campgrounds in the state -- perched at nearly 4000 feet, atop the same high plateau that houses the Dolly Sods. The flora and fauna are more like Canada than West Virginia... It is a whole different world from the 'lowlands' below. The air cools significantly as you drive up the plateau. Snow is a possibility here eight months of the year.

And on our destination park, Blackwater Falls, this book says: This could be called high livin' in the high country. Take the panoramic Potomac Highlands, with its cold, clear rivers, open fields offering mountain vistas, dense spruce-fir woodlands, and carve a state park out of the best scenery in the state. The campground itself is nothing to shout about from the mountaintops, but the mountaintop landscape will leave you breathless.

As noted before, Blackwater Falls SP also has cabins and a lodge perched on the canyon edge. Unlike the campground, those are not dog-friendly. There are also B&Bs and private rental homes in the area (especially nearby Canaan Valley) for those not keen on camping.

Looks like there are some interesting backroads that could be fun for a caravan. And there is plenty of whitewater and more tame water. I've already spoken to a river outfitter and he said he'll work with us on a group rate when we have a better idea of what size group.

I'm also planning on going to Blackwater Falls at Memorial Weekend so will scout the area more closely then.

While I've got my Tent Camping WV book out, I'll also note that "Seneca Shadows" campground (USFS) merits a writeup (there are hot showers and reservations are accepted): This is one of the Forest Service's newer campgrounds, and they sure picked the right place to put it -- the layout and facilities are perched on a hill with a million-dollar view of Seneca Rocks. This view is reserved for walk-in tent sites only. The rest of the campground has to settle for a high-quality camping area adjacent to many forest activities and other nearby attractions. You're a winner no matter where you stay at Seneca Shadows.

We've selected the weekend of August 12-13 for the east coast EOC/ROC camping event --centered at Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia, which is adjacent to the Monongahela National Forest. I'll be making reservations this week (or trying to as it appears to require mailing in a form). According to Microsoft Streets & Trips, Blackwater Falls SP is the following distance from:

Washington, D.C. - 195 miles
NYC - 387 miles
Pittsburgh -131 miles
Cleveland - 277 miles
Cincinnatti - 391 miles
Louisville - 423 miles
Raleigh, NC - 407 miles
Knoxville - 440 miles
Los Angeles - 2514 miles
Seattle - 2681 miles
Lake Tahoe - 2556 miles

For those more familiar with WV, the lovely Seneca Rocks (with a campground) is 35 miles away. And the Dolly Sods Wilderness is only a few miles away and within that is another camping opportunity: Red Creek CG (no shower facilities) operated by the US Forest Service. Featured in The Best in Tent Camping - West Virginia, Red Creek CG is described thusly:

This is one of the highest campgrounds in the state -- perched at nearly 4000 feet, atop the same high plateau that houses the Dolly Sods. The flora and fauna are more like Canada than West Virginia... It is a whole different world from the 'lowlands' below. The air cools significantly as you drive up the plateau. Snow is a possibility here eight months of the year.

And on our destination park, Blackwater Falls, this book says: This could be called high livin' in the high country. Take the panoramic Potomac Highlands, with its cold, clear rivers, open fields offering mountain vistas, dense spruce-fir woodlands, and carve a state park out of the best scenery in the state. The campground itself is nothing to shout about from the mountaintops, but the mountaintop landscape will leave you breathless.

As noted before, Blackwater Falls SP also has cabins and a lodge perched on the canyon edge. Unlike the campground, those are not dog-friendly. There are also B&Bs and private rental homes in the area (especially nearby Canaan Valley) for those not keen on camping.

Looks like there are some interesting backroads that could be fun for a caravan. And there is plenty of whitewater and more tame water. I've already spoken to a river outfitter and he said he'll work with us on a group rate when we have a better idea of what size group.

I'm also planning on going to Blackwater Falls at Memorial Weekend so will scout the area more closely then.

While I've got my Tent Camping WV book out, I'll also note that "Seneca Shadows" campground (USFS) merits a writeup (there are hot showers and reservations are accepted): This is one of the Forest Service's newer campgrounds, and they sure picked the right place to put it -- the layout and facilities are perched on a hill with a million-dollar view of Seneca Rocks. This view is reserved for walk-in tent sites only. The rest of the campground has to settle for a high-quality camping area adjacent to many forest activities and other nearby attractions. You're a winner no matter where you stay at Seneca Shadows.

Ok, looks like no one is ready to respond. so I will kick it off. I would very much like to attend this event. When I ran the numbers it is a 12 hour drive from southern Tennessee. I cannot get away until 0800 due to having to leave the dog and cat at the vets for boarding. The time change puts me and hour behind to start with. Maybe next year we can meet a little further South. Hope all enjoy, sounds like a nice place for camping and scenery.

Total Est. Time: 13 hours, 38 minutes Total Est. Distance: 796.78 miles

Hopefully looks very Do-Able!! Have off that weekend.. Just need to take vacation a couple days before and after... Hopefully the wife can get off ... and count us in!!

Here are a few links I found ....

http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/

http://www.stateparks.com/blackwater_falls.html

And a few links of pictures of the site...

http://community.webshots.com/album/53728776xGEFVA

http://www.larryman.com/blackwater.htm

:)

Looks like we're going to try this one - it's about 4 1/2 hrs from our place, so an easy morning drive - Looking forward to this!

-ridgeln

just 2 hours for me! I need to convince my Element owner girl to come along, and I'll be there.

Will let you know. This sounds like a lot of fun!

fins

It's probably about a 5 hour trip from here. But, I'm coming. Especially if the campground allows pets. I'll have to check the camp website for allowable dogeys.

Hiker Chick, I would like to attend. I live in Fairfax, so it's not to far to drive. I know little about WVA, but you make it sound awesome. I plan on tent camping (with a large tent, possibly a second screen tent for eating, gas and wood cooking...). Might get a small TT or popup between now and then.

You sign says DC, I don't know what I can do, but let me know about how to help. Email me if you need to.

Joe Carney
FairFax VA.
:)

Tomorrow, February 15, is the first day that reservations for Blackwater Falls State Park -- which must be mailed in at this time of year -- can be postmarked. They start taking telephone reservations in mid-March. The phone number of the campground is 304.259.5216

Weird system. Registration person at the campground told me this morning that the weekend of August 11-12 should not be a problem getting reservations (if done early). I'm planning on arriving August 10 and staying three nights.

http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/accomodations.htm

Thanks, JoJo, for the offer. As we get closer and have a better sense of how many are coming we can work more on logistics. The important thing right now is getting reservations. They apparently keep some spots unreserved for people just to show up but I wouldn't drive that far without knowing I had a spot.

We did a little gear inventory over at EOC. I have two 12x12 screenrooms that I'll be bringing: the Eureka Breezeway and my brand new Eureka Northern Breeze. Priceless shelter in a storm and great for setting up the camp kitchens.

Dktahg -- Blackwater Falls campground is dog-friendly! (my #1 criteria) :) However, the cabins and the lodge are not. I'll be bringing my Samoyed, Gidget.

More info on the area. Davis, WV, is the closest town (and very close) to Blackwater Falls.

West Virginia: Little-known ski town a hidden gem

Wednesday, November 23, 2005; Posted: 3:09 p.m. EST (20:09 GMT)
Getting there: Take Interstate 68 or U.S. 50 from the east, then pick up U.S. 219 south toward Davis, which sits on state Route 32, about 4 hours west of Washington, D.C., and three hours southeast of Pittsburgh. Contact the Tucker County Convention & Visitors Bureau, http://www.canaanvalley.org/ or (800) 782-2775 to help plan your trip.

Skiing:
Canaan Valley Resort: http://www.canaanresort.com/ or (800) 622-4121
Timberline Four Seasons Resort: http://www.timberlineresort.com/ or (800) 766-9464
White Grass Touring Center: http://www.whitegrass.com or (304) 866-4114
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures: http://www.blackwateroutdoors.com/ or (304) 478-3775
Airboarding: In addition to skiing, snowboarding and tubing, snow-lovers can try "airboarding" on steerable sleds at Canaan, one of a half-dozen resorts nationwide to offer the sport.
Accommodations:
Meyer House Bed and Breakfast: Davis, W.Va., http://www.meyerhousebandb.com/ or (304) 259-5451. Rates: $85 and up.
Bright Morning Inn: Davis, W.Va.; http://www.brightmorninginn.com/ or (866) 537-5731. Rates: $65-$109; family suite, $105-$139.
Blackwater Falls State Park lodge: Davis, W.Va.; http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/. Rates: $80 and up.
Ladybug B&B: Thomas, W.Va.; http://www.ladybugbandb.bizland.com/ or (304) 463-3362. Room for two, $100.

Stone Garden Inn B&B: Route 32, Spruce Street, Thomas, W.Va.; http://www.stonegardeninn.com/ or (304) 463-4400. Rates: $119 and up.

DAVIS, West Virginia (AP) -- At the summit of Salamander Slope, Tom Blanzy kills the engine and hops off his six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle into ankle-deep snow. Gray clouds have dimmed the panoramic view from the top of Herz Mountain, elevation 4,268 feet, but the silence is nothing short of astounding.

Starting in December, skiers will come to this spot and pick a path, from a beginner trail like the meandering two-mile Salamander, to the double black-diamond slope, suitably named Off the Wall. Cross-county skiers might venture just beyond the tree line and into the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area.

"You can strap on some skis, follow the upward elevation and just hear your heart beat," says Blanzy, general manager of Timberline Four Seasons Resort.

Timberline and its nearby competitor, Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center, are the main attractions in Davis, a little-known skiing and outdoor sports paradise that the November issue of Men's Journal declares one of the "10 Coolest Mountain Towns" in North America.

"Like redneck in-laws, serious snow is a secret many Southerners would prefer to keep," the magazine says. "But with 150-plus annual inches, Davis is the Dixie darling for skiers who'd rather drive to the Appalachians than fly to the Rockies."

"I'm surprised the word hasn't gotten out sooner," says Laird Knight, owner of Granny Gear Productions, which stages mountain bike races. "I've lived here 23 years and I would have thought by now, the place really would have been discovered.

"It's everything that an urban refugee would look for," he says. "It's everything a city isn't."

Davis is an old lumber and coal mining town, tapped by industrialists in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and named for former U.S. Sen. Henry Gassaway Davis, who paid between $5 and $15 an acre for land.
But it is location, more than history, that makes it special.

Davis sits at the edge of the highest mountain valley east of the Rockies, a 14-by-3-mile trough with an average snowfall of 160 inches. At 3,200 feet, Canaan Valley is drained by the Blackwater River, which occupies anglers and rafters alike. It is ringed by mountains perfect for hiking, biking and skiing, and it is filled with distinctively northern trees like red spruce and balsam fir.

And with fewer than 700 full-time residents, it's a place that Claire Martin says often goes overlooked by Northeasterners in ski season.
"It was on our radar, but we realized it wasn't necessarily on the radar of the rest of the country," says Martin, deputy editor of Men's Journal. "We've all been to Vermont and seen the Green Mountains, and seen the White Mountains of New Hampshire, but not very many outdoor enthusiasts -- even in the know -- have been to West Virginia."

"I tell ya, people in Virginia don't know about West Virginia," says Chip Chase, owner of a cross-country skiing company called White Grass Touring Center.

"We don't reach out to a national audience, but when people in the know do come, they really get off on it," he says. "I've been here 25 years, and I've never had a boring day."

'Antithesis of commercialization'

The ski stats speak for themselves.

Timberline has a vertical drop of 1,000 feet, 37 slopes and trails and 94 percent snowmaking. Canaan has a vertical drop of 850 feet, 37 slopes and 85 percent snowmaking.

"It's not overcommercialized," he says. Then he laughs. "It's not commercial at all. It's the antithesis of commercialization."
When it comes to stores, well ... there aren't many.

"If they're after the Aspen experience, they're not going to get it here," says Roger Lilly, owner of Blackwater Bikes. "If the husband wants to be outdoors and the wife wants to shop, that's going to be a problem."

In Davis, shopping is limited to antiques, a gourmet food store, an herb shop and an art gallery.

"It's not an area if you're looking for frills," Lilly says. "There are some really good small restaurants, but no big fancy dining experiences. And we'd like to keep it that way."

Davis' few eateries include Muttley's steakhouse, the Flying Pigs Cafe, Blackwater Brewing and Sirianni's Cafe, a rustic pizza joint whose tantalizing aromas fill the still, cold air.

Michael Goss manages Sirianni's, where the walls are decked with ski posters, some autographed by extreme skier and occasional visitor Glenn Plake. Plake's decadent "Extreme Garlic Chips" are featured on the menu, essentially a crispy pizza crust smothered with handfuls of fresh chopped garlic and gooey cheese, then cut into small squares.

"Every big city has its little communities, but they don't have the quaint, small-town charm," Goss says.

... " he neighboring town of Thomas, where there are slightly more shops and the MountainMade Artisan Gallery, a showcase of West Virginia workmanship. Thomas also offers some hard-to-find nighttime entertainment, with live music at The Purple Fiddle Coffeehouse.

Susan Moore, owner of the Bright Morning Inn, worked in the advertising business for years and says she always felt she could be honest about places like Davis.

"It is wild and wonderful," she says. "This is the closest real wilderness for lots of people who live in the mid-Atlantic. ... You can really feel totally lost and totally away from everything, and that's harder and harder to find."

Dktahg -- Blackwater Falls campground is dog-friendly! (my #1 criteria) :) However, the cabins and the lodge are not. I'll be bringing my Samoyed, Gidget.

Thanks for the info. That will make the suggestion to my wife a little easier with going with the dogs. Only problem is, everywhere you go, you have to take the dogs. I haven't figured that one out yet other than bring them in the truck everywhere. Is there any way to find out what camping slips people are reserving so that we are together in one area of the park?

Attempted to call today.... the gal taking reservations was out sick today so they did not take reservations today... :confused:

Guess I'll have to call back tomorrow to try again....

Don't need electric so I was going to try to get a site from #'s 31-65...
Anyone else make any reservations??

:)

Reservations are in!! Staying Aug 12 13 & 14...

See you there....

:)

Kind of bitter sweet for me.....my "E" is gone (since 04/13/06) but now have a new RTL S/R:D traded the Element in on it. Anyway, i'm going to try and coordinate my schedule with the wifes. I'm off every weekend but she works shifts all hours of the day (3 days a week) she's a RN. So this just may our first trip with our newest member of our family:) he just turned 6 mo. We'll see........if we can't make it i know we can in 07'

My wife and I, are in.

We will be staying at the Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge, and have reservations beginning on August 11, for three nights.

Staying in site 18.

:D

is this still in the works?

Are all staying in the hotel or cabin?

the thread gets sort of confusing...:o

We will all be at the park....

Where you sleep will be your preference...
Camping ?? Hotel ?? or Cabin ??

Some are camping, some are Hotel'n it...

Just make the reservation to where you like to sleep...
& join the fun

:D

Just a note to say good luck with the planning and have lot's of fun all those who are going.:)

Fox and I will be in the area (Knoxville, TN) for the Honda Hoot -- next year. It's five days round trip for us so we have to plan well ahead. I'm already fantasizing about my side trip on the "Tail of the Dragon"!

No matter. Sooner or later there will be one closer and we'll be there. Side Bar: We are leaving Manitoba this Tuesday for a VROC (Vulcan Owners & Riders Club) rally in the Black Hills area, ND. We will be trailering our Nomad behind the Ridgeline. In the coming years a ROC rally there would be a good thing...yes-no? I would definately get in on the planning for that.

BWF is only about 1.5 hours from me, so if I can talk the wife into it, I plan on being there.

Several years ago, my wife and I used to attend the annual Astronomy Fest at Blackwater, and it was always a great time. There was a restaurant we always liked called The Sawmill, in Davis. Great food, at least it used to be 5+ years ago. Also, there is the Blackwater Brewery (also in Davis) which is certainly worth visiting, if you appreaciate a great micro brew beer.

Also, tentitively, I may be able to bring a few cases of my uncle's wine. He has a Winery in Weston, WV called Lambert's Vintage Wine. (www.lambertsvintagewine.com). I would of couse act as a selling agent for him at $10 per bottle. He has 25 varities, but I will have to choose only a few, of course.

Also, just a note for those close.....the band Little Feat will be playing at Canaan Valley (very close to BWF) on the 22nd of July. I believe tickets are only $28 if anyone is interested.

Anyway, I will certainly look forward to meeting all you folks!

Jim Hines

I was about to cancel this entire trip because Tamara (Hiker Chick) can't make it now because of a last minute work committment that popped up for her. But now that I see there are going to be people at the event from the ROC I'll let it all stand as is.

Have fun everyone.

For those who could not make the National Meet in Ohio, we will be at this event in August. Britimes2 has also expressed interest in meeting us there. This is a great time to meet up with your members on the ROC, and share stories and interest. No I doubt Gary Flint will not be there, but sharing good times with other ROC members is fun, plus you will get to meet Raz!!

I used the phone for reservations instead of sending in for reservations.

http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/accomodations.htm

:)

Just called the campground. All the sites that they take reservations for (20) are booked for the weekend. However, they do have an additional 45 sites that they do not reserve in advance. When I asked about what our chances are to get a campsite arriving Friday around noon, she said so far, the campground had not filled up any weekend except Memorial Day. So, we will try to be there the nights of the 11th and 12th. It is Brian's 40th birthday on Saturday, so we may even stay up a little later that night!:) (Camping last weekend, we crashed pretty early every night.) We are also planning on bringing Tucker and April (the canine members of the family). Hope to see you all there!

I'm curious. Who's planning to attend this event??

it was on my list to work on, but now I can't - something call USN called and I can't go :mad: :rolleyes:

send out pics - looking forward to seeing them!

Countdown 5 Days :eek:

Britimes2 and I will be there....

:)

Countdown 5 Days :eek:

Britimes2 and I will be there....

:)

There we go, Carl; that's better! I knew there's no meeting you without a countdown...

Looks like the weather is going to give us a little break. So far in the forecast, no rain and and temps in the 70s during the day and 50s at night.

Who else is going to join us? In the thread, several members indicated interest a while ago...

My wife, (Cindy) and I (Jerry), will be staying at the lodge. We will be traveling from Louisville KY.

My wife (Liz) and I (Carl) will be looking forward to meeting you Jerry and Cindy!! Your more than welcome to join us in a campfire during the evening... (a campers must) :D & hopefully we will have better luck than in Ohio!!

Drive though the Campsite.. I have a Black RL and Britimes2 has a White RL..

:)

oooppps... missed the ole COUNTDOWN... 4 Days and counting down..

:D

Countdown 3 Days :rolleyes:

Countdown 2 Days :o

:)

My wife (Liz) and I (Carl) will be looking forward to meeting you Jerry and Cindy!! Your more than welcome to join us in a campfire during the evening... (a campers must) :D & hopefully we will have better luck than in Ohio!!

Drive though the Campsite.. I have a Black RL and Britimes2 has a White RL..

:)


Britimes2 has our info. Hope to see you at the ole campfire.

Countdown 1 Day :D

:)