America's Best Idea

New River Gorge National Park

In the spring of '08, Tim and I eagerly packed our car with our gear, all set for a spring break road trip to West Virginia. Our destination? The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, which had recently earned the prestigious title of America's 63rd national park in 2020. Nestled in the heart of West Virginia, the park is home to the mighty New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America, carving its way through the Appalachian Mountains. Its rugged terrain and vibrant surroundings make it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. With the excitement of rock climbing and the thrill of white-water rafting on our horizon, we anticipated an adventure like no other.

Before we hit the road, we planned our climbing adventures meticulously, exploring guidebooks filled with exciting options. To add a grand finale, we booked a white-water rafting trip with The River Men on the New River Gorge. I thought it'd be a blast to wrap up our adventure beneath the famous bridge, where courageous individuals take the leap during Bridge Day, a huge West Virginia festival held every third Saturday in October on the New River Gorge Bridge.

As Tim and I were eagerly scoping out the climbing area, we decided to explore one of the trails mentioned in the guidebook. While hiking, Tim pointed out the part where the trail was supposed to branch off. True to my Amy-style, I caught myself studying the ground, squinting at the twigs and branches scattered around.

I chuckled and said, "Sweetheart, there are a lot of branches on the ground. I'm not sure which way we should go." Tim's eyebrows shot up in amusement, and he couldn't help but grin. He then kindly explained that when the trail "branches off," it was more of a figurative term, referring to a different path diverging from the main trail, not the literal twigs underfoot.

We both had a good laugh at my rather literal interpretation. It was just one of those funny moments that added a touch of humor to our adventurous journey.

The following day, with clear skies and the rock faces drying out, after a crazy rain/hail storm from the day before, we ventured into the gorge. The climbing was nothing short of spectacular, with breathtaking scenery surrounding us. The routes were both challenging and rewarding. As the sun set, we indulged in hearty meals and cold beers at the local Pies and Pints restaurant. For breakfast, we couldn't resist a visit to Tudor's Biscuit World. Admittedly, not the healthiest dining choices, but in retrospect, they were absolutely scrumptious.

After an exhilarating week of rock climbing, the day of our rafting adventure finally arrived. While I had the rock climbing decimal grading system down pat, rafting was a different story. Our guide informed us that we were about to tackle Class V rapids. Once we squeezed into our wetsuits and secured our life preservers, somehow, we found ourselves in the front seats. Initially, it felt like an exciting privilege, much like sitting in the front row of a roller coaster. Little did I realize, we were about to face violent rapids, a world away from the calm waters of the Delaware Water Gap.

The rapids were intense, heart-pounding, and genuinely terrifying. I had experience hanging from climbing clips all week, but nothing could prepare me for the raw power of these rapids. It was a white-knuckle experience that I'd never forget. The thought of being thrown out of the raft and trapped under the turbulent waters was a nightmare scenario we desperately wanted to avoid.

Despite the fear, we made it through, our hearts pounding, and our bodies soaked. The river journey ended under the colossal bridge, where we had the chance to reflect on an unforgettable week. It had been a trip filled with wall-climbing triumphs, pushing our limits, and facing our fears against the roaring rapids of the New River Gorge. This spring break escape had become an unforgettable adventure.