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Family trip to West Virginia


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#1 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
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  • Ohio

Posted 09 August 2015 - 05:06 PM

Going to be rafting, hiking, angling, mountain biking, netting and snorkeling. If anyone familiar with the state has some particularly good sites, I would love the help. We won't be keeping any fish, just giving snorkeling a chance, and some catch photo release netting. We are going to tour the state for two weeks, so anywhere in the state is good. Think about it, and if anyone has some sites with high diversity, and or generally good water clarity, I would really appreciate some help. If you do not feel comfortable posting sites in the open, send me a PM. Thanks Matt


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#2 osburni

osburni
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  • Greenbrier Valley, West Virginia

Posted 09 August 2015 - 09:56 PM

Check out the Greenbrier River. The water is crystal clear right now in the river and tributaries such as East Fork, Deer Creek, Knapp Creek and Anthony Creek.  The Greenbrier River Trail parallels the river for 78 miles for biking, hiking, fishing etc.  I don't know if the diversity would be considered high or not but candy darters are a possibility.  Anthony Creek from the Greenbrier River to Blue Bend Campground has some prime snorkeling sites, clear but chilly water and is entirely in National Forest land so access is no problem.



#3 Matt DeLaVega

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Posted 10 August 2015 - 01:09 PM

Awesome. Thanks for that, we will be right in that area at some point.


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#4 Moontanman

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Posted 10 August 2015 - 07:01 PM

Poca River accessed off the Sissonville I-77 exit and take Poca River Road, all along this road are nice places, not a big river but it has lots of smooth stretches divided by shoals or riffles. I used to live there and I'm told the river has recovered well from over fishing and pollution back in the middle 20th century. This is just outside Charleston the state capital and the capital has some nice museum displays as well... 


Michael

Life is the poetry of the universe
Love is the poetry of life

#5 Matt DeLaVega

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Posted 10 August 2015 - 08:25 PM

Thanks Michael. We will be near there as well. Will check it out.


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#6 Isaac Szabo

Isaac Szabo
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  • Marble Falls, AR

Posted 11 August 2015 - 08:10 PM

I've never been to WV, so I can't help much. But from doing a little internet searching, the Cranberry River seems to be quite clear. This link has directions to a few spots. I think it's a trout stream though, so it's probably pretty chilly.
 
Your trip sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you guys have a great time!

#7 Michael Wolfe

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Posted 11 August 2015 - 08:24 PM

Chilly doesn't scare Seth, he has proved his snorkel-ability...


Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. - Benjamin Franklin

#8 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
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Posted 11 August 2015 - 08:27 PM

We are bicycling the 18 miles of old railroad grade that follows the Cranberry Isaac. We will probably only be angling. Our day packs will only provide so much room. I can't pass up good trout water even if they are non native. Thanks for checking into it for us!


The member formerly known as Skipjack


#9 Matt DeLaVega

Matt DeLaVega
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Posted 11 August 2015 - 08:30 PM

Like button Michael. Not much body fat to insulate him though at this age.


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#10 Matt DeLaVega

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Posted 11 August 2015 - 08:31 PM

He will be teaching his mom and dad how to snorkel on this trip I suppose.


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#11 mattknepley

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  • Smack-dab between the Savannah and the Saluda.

Posted 12 August 2015 - 06:23 AM

Caveat: it has been waaaay too long since I have been back to West Virginia, so my intel may be outdated/obsolete.


Fayette County

I assume if you're rafting this time of year that you'll be on the New. Very enjoyable, that's where my love of WV began.

Pocahontas County

Probably my favorite area of the whole state. Will second the Greenbrier River as a good spot to try. Especially if you start out in Cass. Plenty of parking at the scenic railroad, which is much more appealing than this picture makes it look. http://www.cassrailroad.com/The best cinnamon rolls you could ever dare dream for are at a little Mennonite bakery on 66 between Cass and Green Bank. Deer Creek is nice, too. Did a lot of crick stomping in those two streams. Hopefully they're still be as enjoyable as ever. The National Radio Telescope Observatory in Green Bank is worth a visit, too. Just forget about using your cell phones. National Radio Observatory = no cell service.

Pendleton County

Just south of Seneca Rocks on US 33/WV 28 is a good stretch of the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River that is popular as a swimming area for the locals. https://www.google.c...d8f1c5e648105d2Never tried it personally, but was very tempted a couple times.

When do you leave? A vindictive cat shredded and otherwise desecrated my WV DeLorme a while back. There is so much there, but it has been so long since I've been there that much of it is stuff I could probably "seat of my pants" navigate to, but couldn't ever begin to give directions to, or even give you the proper names for, without that map. But I could probably reconstruct a couple of 'em with a little time. I love that state, would be glad to help you and yours love it, too.
Matt Knepley
"No thanks, a third of a gopher would merely arouse my appetite..."

#12 Matt DeLaVega

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Posted 12 August 2015 - 08:25 AM

Leaving this Saturday. Don't rob my house Matt. I have a house sitter, two gnarly American Bulldogs and nothing worth taking. Dogs are the most valuable things in the house. :biggrin:


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#13 Chasmodes

Chasmodes
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Posted 12 August 2015 - 10:41 AM

And if you head further toward the Potomac, there is also the Cacapon.  Keep a sharp eye out for trilobite fossil rocks if you go there...could be a cool addition to your tank decor.  Pendleton County has their share of fossils too.

 

Just what you need, right?  Putting rocks in your back pack for long hikes  :biggrin:  :-k  ](*,)


Kevin Wilson


#14 Matt DeLaVega

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Posted 12 August 2015 - 12:43 PM

I am a fossil guy. I have quite a collection of both flat and rolled trilobites. The pride of my collection is my not so perfect  crinoid head, the only one I ever found and my perfect rolled trilobite that is roughly the size of a BB. If only my eyes were still that good.


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