Exploring the Rock Pinnacle at Meadow River

Towering sandstone cliffs, a boulder-lined riverbed, and rolling whitewater rapids–sounds like the New River. But it isn’t. And there’s more. A rock walled grotto, a 30-foot sandstone pinnacle, a little stone chapel, and a couple of waterfalls. Where is this place? I’m referring to the Lower Meadow River. In some respects, it’s like the New River and then some. Indeed, if I had only one day to hike in Southern West Virginia, I’d head for the Meadow River. It offers so much and is so accessible. In my new book “Exploring the Wilds of West Virginia,” I point out a couple of hikes and points of interest along the Meadow River. Let me mention one of those in this blog—the sandstone pinnacle. 

Meadow River

How Do You Get There?

So how do you get to this wild river? It’s surprisingly easy. The best access is at the Kevin Ritchie Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Meadow River on U.S. Highway 19. While driving U.S. 19, I noticed from time to time a few cars parked off the berm just north of the bridge (GPS: Lat. 38.15305, Long. - 80.92434). I made a mental note to check it out some day. And my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner. As it turns out, this is a great spot from which to explore the Meadow River both upstream and downstream. By the way, if you enjoy exploring areas that are off the beaten path, then be watchful for parking spots such as this one. They may lead you to some interesting places.

At any rate, hike down the dirt road that parallels U.S. 19. After passing a waterfall on your left, a few yards further down look for an obvious fork in the road. It’s next to a large rock outcrop with an overhanging ledge. The left fork is the best way to explore the Meadow River upstream. Take this road to its end at the Meadow River and turn left on a road that runs along the north side of the river. 

The First Buttress

Upper Meadow Walls

To explore the upstream cliffs called the “Upper Meadow Walls,” hike the road for about three quarters of a mile. Look for a faint path breaking off to the left toward the cliffs. If you come to a little camp by the river’s edge, you’ve gone too far. Backtrack about 80 paces to find the trail to the cliffs. 

The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle

The trail leads to the base of one of the tallest set of cliffs that I’ve seen in the New River Region. Called the First Buttress, it’s a vertical to slightly overhanging wall of sandstone some 120 to 140 feet high. The wall is orange and brown from weathering and will have you craning your neck to appreciate it. Continue to the right along the base of the cliffs to the Second Buttress, and remember there are surprises around every corner. In this case, you’ll be amazed by a column of sandstone some 30 to 40 feet high. Pinnacles or pillars of stone are fairly rare around here and are exciting to find. This one is mushroom shaped with a tree growing on top. The pinnacle guards the entrance to a deep V-shaped notch in the cliff wall. This secluded cove of stone, called the “Grotto” by rock climbers, has a couple of small caves, some overhanging roofs of stone, and a trickle of water down the back wall. 

The Pinnacle

There’s much more to explore at the Meadow River all of which is covered in my new book “Exploring the Wilds of West Virginia: A Hiker’s Guide to Beauty off the Beaten Path.” 

For more info or to order book online click HERE.

Why I Don’t Worry About Goldenrod Allergies

Last Wednesday (Sept. 7, 2016) in Canaan Valley, Phyllis and I were awed by acres of Goldenrod gracing the slopes of the South Glade Run Crossing trail. We ambled through waist-high fields that glowed in both sun and shadow. And you know what? We didn’t sneeze, sniffle, or scratch our itchy eyes—not one time. We reveled in fields of gold without a hitch. That’s because Goldenrod is not to blame for allergy flare-ups. Ragweed is the real culprit. It’s estimated that 90% of pollen-induced allergies is due to ragweed. 

South Glade Run Crossing Trail

So why does Goldenrod get the blame? Probably because Ragweed and Goldenrod bloom at the same time of year—late summer and early fall. Since Goldenrod is by far the showier of the two plants, people notice Goldenrod and fault it for the allergies. Ragweed, on the other hand, is a small plant with a short stem of green or white blossoms. It’s not nearly as conspicuous. People see the bushy stems of Goldenrod covered with flowers and think pollen! 
 

South Glade Run Crossing Trail

Indeed, when inhaled, pollen from plants can cause allergic reactions. But the pollen from Goldenrod differs greatly from that of Ragweed. Plants employ pollen to reproduce, but rely on different modes of transport from plant to plant for pollination. Ragweed relies on air-borne pollen to reproduce. To be picked up by the air and wafted to another plant perhaps miles away, Ragweed pollen must be small and light-weight. There’s a numbers game, too. To increase the odds of pollination, a single Ragweed plant can produce up to a billion grains of pollen in one season. With the air so full of Ragweed pollen, those susceptible to allergies are bound to suffer.

Monarch Butterfly on Goldenrod

In contrast, the pollen of Goldenrod is much larger than Ragweed. It’s too large to be picked up and carried by the wind for any distance. Instead, Goldenrod relies on butterflies and bees to carry pollen from one plant to another. Being a more direct way of transportation, less pollen is needed. 

South Glade Run Crossing Trail

That’s why I don’t worry about Goldenrod allergies. Instead I enjoy fields of Goldenrod without fear. And so can you. As I mentioned at the start, there’s plenty of Goldenrod on the South Glade Run Crossing trail in Canaan Valley. See my post of September 2nd for more about this trail and how to enjoy it. South Glade Run Crossing Trail Post

For a Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Trail map click this link: CVNWR Trail Map.  

Pipestem Falls: Making a Come-Back

For 20 years, I drove within yards of beautiful Pipestem Falls, yet knew nothing of them. The falls weren’t on road maps or in tourist guides. The Internet provided scant information and very few photos. To add to the mystery, it was obvious that at one time these falls were a roadside attraction. A broad, grassed-over parking area, a weather-beaten picnic table, an overgrown trail, and a worn trailside fence mutely testified that Pipestem Falls was once a popular destination.

Lower Pipestem Falls

But that’s all changed now. The roadside parking has been improved; a road sign marks the falls, and brush obscuring the view of the main falls has been cleared. Pipestem Falls has made a come-back. 

Lower Pipestem Falls

To find Pipestem Falls (GPS: Lat. 37.5478, Long. -80.9596) drive 2.7 miles south of the Pipestem State Park entrance road on State Route 20. Look on the right for a broad, grassy area on the inside portion of a long curve. Parking is easiest at a wide, graveled patch at the downhill end of the parking area. 

Upper Pipestem Falls

Pipestem Falls are really four waterfalls strung together. The first three are about six feet high and form the upper falls. The lower or main falls is about 30 feet high. To view the upper three falls, take the trail leaving the uphill portion of the parking area. Here Pipestem Creek runs over several shale riffles and sandstone steps in a somewhat open bedrock basin, before taking the main plunge below. The main plunge cannot be seen from this trail, but a view from the parking area has been cleared. 

Upper Pipestem Falls

If you’re willing to do a little bushwhacking, the main falls can be seen by descending a short, indistinct trail down to the creek bottom that begins at the lower end of the parking area. A rocky scramble upstream will reward the avid waterfall hunter with a close-up view of these lovely falls. Once neglected it’s great to see these waterfalls make a come-back.