Kanawha Trail Club

Spring Outing-Natural Bridge Ky-April 20-22, 2012

This Kentucky outing proved to be a real success despite forecasts of rain. Saturday Lois and Yvonne led hikes in the beautiful Red River Gorge where we had spectacular views of double arches, sandstone cliffs, and exposed sandstone faces. Wildflowers were at their peak as evidenced by us counting over 100 lady slippers on a 6.5 mile loop. That is a record count for the club.  Some members also enjoyed a trip to the local cultural center. On Sunday we traveled on foot or by sky lift to the large sandstone bridge in the park.   Thanks to Lois and Yvonne for a great 70th year outing.

Charlie Carlson Memorial Hike and Spring Tea-March 25, 2012

The club is celebrating our 70th year as a hiking club.  As part of our celebration we are honoring hikers from our past who made an impact on the development of the club.  Roger led the group on the Crabapple Trail which is an old trail Charlie would have hiked.  Charlie was a charter member of the club and president for 10 separate years beginning in 1945 and ending in 1974.  He was an avid hiker and self taught naturalist.  The hike was followed by a spring Tea at the lodge.  Thanks to Sharon and Roger.

Mountwood Park Hike-March 10, 2012

Lois was the leader for this new hike in Mountwood Park near Parkersburg.  This county park sits on what was once the oil and gas boom town of Volcano.  The entire town burned in the late 1800′s leaving only remnants of interesting oil pumps, rusted wheels and cables.  There are many looped trails in the park so if you missed the hike we plan to return.

New River Gorge Winter Hike- Feb 12, 2012

This was the first time we had a chance to hike in snow this season. The hike included trails off Long Point Trail and were a first for the club. The weather was superb as seen from the photos. And although the trails were hard to find at times and we had to climb over snow laden branches and trees we were glad we made the trek.

Soup Hike-Kanawha State Forest-January 29, 2012

Hikers were greeted with unusually warm weather for this January.  That did not stop us though from enjoying nine different hot soups after finishing our hike.

Wild Rock-New River Gorge-Nov. 13,2011

Club members  always welcome new hikes in the New River Gorge.  This hike is one we will do again as it is a moderately easy loop that offers spectacular ridge top views not only of the river and bridge but the Hawks Nest Dam as well.

Fall Outing-Twin Falls Oct. 28-30, 2011

Predictions of an early snow did not stop these hikers from enjoying the fall foliage at this mountaintop park in Wyoming County.  Weekend hikes included everything from a nocturnal walk along a path to the raging waters of Marsh Fork Falls to a peaceful glimpse of Pioneer life in the 19th Century.

Roger and Sharon hosted a Halloween party complete with ghost stories, poems, costumes and of course, food.

32nd Annual Bridge Day-Oct 15, 2011

More than 400 jumped, many rappeled or zipped down into the gorge but eighteen members of the trail club opted to walk to the bottom of the gorge where we watched the days activities.  This proved to be a great way to see jumpers from different vantage points.  Thanks to Bev and Chuck for the great hike and  Linda for the great photos.

Annual Picnic-Sep. 11, 2011

It was a beautiful day to enjoy the company of fellow hikers and to say thanks to Dave Leake for his many years of service to the trail club.

Kanawha Trace-Aug-28, 2011

Lois led the group along one section of Kanawha Trace in Putnam County.  The hike includes the lighted tunnel under route 35.  Christy provided the interesting photos.