Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Beauty Mountain in the New River Gorge


The most beautiful mountain in the New River Gorge is appropriately named Beauty Mountain. I realize that of all the lovely mountains that grace our fair state picking one above the others is quite impossible. But to me Beauty Mountain is the fairest of them all. When folks from out of state visit me and are looking for the best scenery that the New River has to offer, I take them to Beauty Mountain first. 
Beauty Mountain Looking Toward Diamond Point
Why? It showcases the New River Gorge like no other place. Beauty Mountain isn’t really a mountain in the sense that it rises as a peak above the surrounding hills. Instead, Beauty Mountain is an unbroken stretch of sandstone cliffs running along the rim of the New River Gorge from Short Creek near Edmond, WV, to Keeney Creek. Nevertheless, the cliffs of Beauty Mountain tower more than 1000 feet above the New River. These lofty cliffs offer the best and most numerous overlooks of the New River Gorge of any place I’ve seen. What’s more they are easily accessed along a bushwhacked trail some two-thirds of a mile long.
Beauty Mountain Looking Toward Keeney Creek
To get to the trailhead take the Edmond-Lansing Road off of U.S. 19 just north of the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. Drive 3 miles and turn right at the town of Edmond. After a half a mile turn right again at the Edmond Post Office. Stay on the paved road for 1.4 miles until you come to a “T” junction. This is the parking area for the trail (GPS: Lat. 38.045916, Long. -81.024442). 
Beauty Mountain
From the parking area follow the path a short distance to the cliffs where you will find numerous vistas of the New River Gorge. This is one reason why I like Beauty Mountain—the cliff side overlooks are plentiful and the access is easy. The trail is relatively flat with just a few ups and downs. 
Beauty Mountain
To see more of Beauty Mountain and savor more overlooks of the Gorge just follow the bushwhacked trails along the cliff side. There isn’t one trail, but many that separate and rejoin. My advice is have fun and explore the various trails, especially those that lead to the cliff side. After about two-thirds of a mile the trail fades out, but not before leading you to a host of breath-taking vistas of the New River Gorge.   

  Beauty Mountain

12 comments:

  1. Your comments and feedback are appreciated!!

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  2. Beautiful picture and so peaceful. Like the clouds.

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  3. Beautiful picture and so peaceful. Like the clouds.

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  4. My home away from home. Grandma and Grandpa lived on Beauty Mountain in Edmond. Love listening to my dad tell stories about playing on the cliff's and in the river

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  5. Is this the road before Beauty Mountain church ? My aunt used to live in the house across the road many years ago.

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  6. First discovered Beauty Mtn as a guide for Mtn River Tours in 1978!My friend & I "Johnny Cline" went on color tours as he called them! we came off rt 60 at lookout! Many great memories! RIP JD!

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  7. This is a wonderful article, Given so much info in it, These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website, and keep on sharing more. CBD Serum

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  8. Is any of this trail on private property? Just checking :)

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  9. Beauty Mountain is a great day hike with awesome views. It's been years since I've been there, but it is a nice leisurely stroll. If I remember correctly there's some pretty steep drop-offs so be careful on the edges. The cool thing is the birds are flying at your eye level scanning the ground below for food. If you are in Fayette County this place is definitely worth checking out. Here is a cool shirt design that may be of interest if you want a Beauty Mountain or New River Gorge souvenir. https://www.uscustomtees.com/product/beauty-mountain-west-virginia-t-shirt/

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  10. Please watch your kids This is the most beautiful place on earth but it is dangerous. Enjoy it's free. Tim w

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