Mountain Times ~ Supplement to the Pocahontas Times ~ SnowShoe, Slatyfork, Green Bank, Cass

Focusing on the resort and tourist
community of Slaty Fork, Snowshoe Mountain, Cass and
Green Bank

Vol. 1 No. 6
July 8, 2002

Serving SnowShoe Mountain, Slaty Fork, Green Bank and Cass
"News you can resort to"

Second Section of
The Pocahontas Times
Post Office No. 436-640
ISSN No. 07388373

History-rich river trail offers a recreational experience
for everyone to enjoy.
by Mark Barnes
Contributing Writer
Photos courtsey of Pocahontas County Convention and Vistors Bureau and Pocahontas Times files.

The Bridge at Sharp's Tunnel
is one of the most recognizable
Photo-ops along the 77 mile Rail Trail

Enjoy a relaxed pace along the Greenbrier River

There are tunnels and river crossings,
picnic and camping areas and restrooms
all along the length of the trail.

The Greenbrier River Trail is gaining recognition as a great horseback riding destination

The Greenbrier River Trail offers much to many
including cyclists, hikers and horseback riders.

     Once a busy stretch of railroad, the Greenbrier River Trail is one of the most beautiful and popular rail trails in the country.
     Currently an estimated 18,000 visitors per year use the trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. A record 56,000 trail users were estimated in 18 months following the completion of damage after the 1985 flood.
     Today’s river trail is a recreational by-product born of the desire to obtain the abundant timber resources in the upper Greenbrier River Valley. Before the railroad existed, logging was limited to the lower river valley and timber was transported by the river only during winter months.
     The West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company instigated the building of the railroad. The company planned to build a paper mill at Covington, Virginia, and had purchased a large amount of land on Cheat Mountain for timber cutting, providing a steady customer for the C&O Railway. Construction of a branch line began in 1899.
     Near the end of 1900 The Greenbrier Division of the C&O Railway was completed to the town of Cass. In the next 20 years a huge amount of timber was carried by the railway Towns sprang up along the route, many of which don’t exist today. Passenger trains also provided transportation during those busy early days of the railroad line.
     As the forest production declined, transportation of freight from city to city took over as the main use of the railway. The branch line was in a steady decline after the 1920’s. Other forms of transportation replaced the passenger train. Gradually the saw-mills and the towns disappeared. The last passenger train ran in 1958 and the Cass sawmill closed in 1960. The final train ran on what is now the Greenbrier River Trail in December, 1978. Right of way was donated to the State of West Virginia by the C&O railroad, and the 76 mile stretch between North Caldwell and Cass later became the Greenbrier River Trail.
     In the year 2000 the trail was named the Millennium Legacy Trail for WV in a ceremony hosted by Hillary Clinton. It was selected by the White House Millennium Council as a trail best able to “honor the best and imagine the future.”
     The new Superintendent of The Greenbrier River State Park is Jody Spencer. His office has received several grants from the C.V.B And the Rail Trails Association. The money will be used for new information signs and kiosks at certain trailheads.
     They intend to place station signs at all the old whistlestops where currently no signs exist. Work will also begin this summer resurfacing northern sections of the trail where the gravel is loose. This is a “first priority” according to Spencer who is waiting for a heavy equipment grant.
     “They will get the work done one way or another even if they have to use farm equipment,” said Spencer.
     Today, users of The Greenbrier River Trail have the opportunity to follow the meanderings of a beautiful river valley, while keeping in mind the rich history that made the trail what it is today.

Easy Riding

Equines offer alternative trail ride experience

Sunny Given
Staff (rider) Writer
Photos by Sunny Given
      Warm weather is finally here, and the ski racks on vehicles have been replaced by bike racks, and the throaty purr of motorcycles echo through the mountains.
      There is, however, another option of travel that predates pedal-driven and internal combustion: the horse.
      Pocahontas County is a horse haven. Not only do horse farms abound, four primary outfitters scattered around the county provide vacationers ample opportunity to take to the trails.
      I am newly arrived to the world of horses and horse-ownership. And while I don’t know everything, I’ve picked up enough in the past year to be able to say that all four stables are well-maintained and take good care of their animals. All of the horses and mules used for trail riding are in good shape, well fed, and didn’t mind me messing with them. All of the stables offered me rides but one, and if I hadn’t shown up after normal business hours for the interview, I’d have gotten one there as well.
      Here’s a run down of what the county offers:

Snowshoe Stables lies between mountaintop
and lake, close to Silver Creek Resort

Snowshoe Stables
      Snowshoe just recently moved the stable from Top of the World to the Silver Creek area, and the facility is nearly new. It has several paddocks, and an outdoor ring. Operated by Gayle Marcum and Olen Dalton, the horses are owned by Jim Davis, a Virginia horse and cattle farmer. They have 15 horses available, and two mules they can use as guides. Their stock includes two American Spotted Draft horses which are also used in the winter for sleigh rides.
      Snowshoe Stables allows you to get away from it all pretty quickly. Snowshoe Resort owns about 11,000 acres on the mountain, and within five minutes of mounting up, you can believe you’re in the middle of nowhere, far away from the hustle and bustle of a four-season resort. There is an abundance of trails to choose from depending on the length of ride you choose, and they can take you all the way to Bald Knob in the national forest.
      In addition to the standard 1- and 2-hour rides, the stable offers 1 hour private carriage rides and hay wagon rides for up to eight people (call for availability). Overnight trips, which include all camping and cooking equipment, are also available.
      Children over age 8 can ride alone, and under 8 can ride behind a parent on special saddles. Those under 15 are required to wear safety helmets.
      Snowshoe Stables is located close to Silver Creek Resort. Turn right just as you enter the resort’s parking area on to a graveled road, and go about a half mile to a construction trailer storage area and turn right again. The stable is located adjacent to the smaller of Snowshoe’s two lakes. Open Wednesday - Monday, 9 am - 8 pm. All rides need to be booked through Snowshoe Outdoor Adventure at (304)572-5477. Website: www.snowshoemtn.com

Two of Allegheny Outfitters’ trail horses
check out the grass in a paddock.

Allegheny Outfitters
      Allegheny Outfitters is owned and operated by Steve Grogg. His 90 acres border the Monongahela National Forest and he has eight mounts of assorted breeds. He offers one- and two-hour rides, as well as specialized and weekend trips. Grogg says he stays busy most of the year. He’ll take you on fishing trips on the Greenbrier River or camping and hunting expeditions. One of his featured day trips will take you to the top of Allegheny Mountain in the national forest. Immediate access to the forest allows hundreds of miles of trails to choose from. Within minutes of leaving the barn, you’ll feel like you’ve left civilization as you know it. Don’t be surprised to see an assortment of wildlife on your ride.
      Grogg keeps his horses pastured year-round, and confesses he’s got more pasture than his horses can handle, which is why they’re so well-fed. He also offers boarding services. Grogg also has another job, so call ahead for reservations to avoid disappointment.
      Allegheny Outfitters is located in Arbovale off Rt. 28. Heading north, turn right on Pine Grove Road to Lambs Run, turn left, then about 500 yards to the stable. Phone (304)456-4061.

Cindy Horner, of Watoga Stables,
and her favorite two-year-old.

Jadalee Stables, Watoga State Park.
      Watoga State Park, one of the many state parks created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 30’s, encompasses more than 10,000 acres, much of which is accessible by horseback on trails and service roads. The stable at Watoga has been in existence as long as any of the locals can remember, and operated by different families throughout the years. In its current incarnation as Jadalee, the stable is operated by Cindy Horner and Stephanie Harrah. The Horner family has worked the stable since 1982, and Cindy and Stephanie have been in charge nearly five years. Jadalee has 10 working horses, all owned by Horner or Harrah. Two guides are available, and they also welcome folks who travel with their own horses to board and/or ride with them. Horner guesstimates there are 100 - 200 miles of trails to choose from. They have a variety of horses, and ponies for kids to ride. The stable accommodates most of the horses, and they have pasture to turn them into in the evenings. Standard rides are 30 minutes, one, and two hours, but they offer a lot of alternatives, available by reservation only, such as longer rides, a picnic ride to Lake Killbuck [in the park], a day trip to the Ann Bailey Fire Tower, as well as a variety of overnight camping options.
      Horner is proud that Jadalee was host to a “Make-A-Wish” child last year who wanted to ride. They’ve also worked with other special needs kids.
      Jadalee Stables is located about two miles past the park office heading north towards Beaver Creek Road. Open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day from 9 am. to at least 5 p.m (usually until dusk) Phone (304) 799-2324. Email: Jadaleewv@yahoo.com. Website: Watoga@neumedia.net

The three-story barn at EJ’s Cottages & Stables
is scant yards from the river and trail.

EJ’s Cottages & Stables
      It’s all about location, location, location. EJ’s is right on the Greenbrier River Trail and river, and they’re three miles by the trail from Cass. They have about 50 trails they normally ride. Additionally, they cover Cheat Mountain, state and national forests, Cranberry Glades and cater to hunters and fishermen when they’re not leading a nice easy ride down the trail.
      Ed Jones takes care of business when EJ’s away. They have the first three-story barn I’ve seen with horses on the bottom two floors. Ej’s has 13 horses in a variety of breeds, a couple of mules, two ponies for the kids, and two pulling teams. You can book rides lasting from an hour to six days, and trails are available to suit everyone from beginner to experienced rider. They do have size requirements on child riders. Call for details.
      EJ’s also boards and welcomes folks who bring their own horses. They’re happy to guide you around.
      Specialties include fishing trips by wagon, camping trips, carriage rides, sleigh rides and train robberies (I didn’t ask about that one).
      EJ’s Cottages & Stables is near Dunmore. Going north on Rt. 28/92 turn left on Sitlington Road, and just keep going until you get to the river - about 5 miles. The stable is just across the bridge. Phone: 304-456-4319 or toll free out of state 1-800-317-9120. Email: info@ejtrails.com. Website www. ejtrails.com.

      To sum it up, anyone wanting to ride can hardly go wrong with any of these outfitters. Prices vary from $15 to $25 for an hour trail ride, plus tax. Two-hour rides range from $30 to $40. If you’re interested in the specialties or restrictions or minimum requirements of individual outfitters, call ahead to avoid any confusion. All will make you sign a standard release form if you’re riding their animals. All the stables have rules designed to keep you and your horse safe and make your ride enjoyable.

      Tips for your ride:    Wear comfortable clothing. Long pants prevent chafing - and if you start chafing, an hour can be a very long time. Shoes that cover your whole foot are a good idea. It’s not fun to have to keep stopping and picking up those strappy sandals you thought were so hot for vacation. Hats are good for protection from sun and things that drop out of trees - leaves, twigs, ticks, spiders and such. Sun screen is a must, especially on those fishing trips. Two more words: insect repellent.
      And remember - if you’re riding bicycles or walking on trails that are accessed by horse and riders, use caution and common sense when you encounter horses on the trail. Even the most laid back trail horse can be spooked by an inconsiderate cyclist or walker. Bikers are best off stopping on the side while the riders pass, or dismounting and walking the bike by the horses if you’re in a tight situation.
      The trails are for everyone to enjoy, whether man or beast.
(return to top)
Building Supplies
Gas 'n Groceries
Gifts is sponsored by the advertisers
you see on our pages. Please take time
to patronize their businesses!
Outfitters
Restaurants
Realestate

Burton ~ Salomon ~ Nitro ~ New and Used Demos Come talk to the resort's most
experienced snowboard outfitters.
Store Sale 20 - 50% OFF
Ski and Snowboard Rentals and Sales
1 mike south of WV 66 ~ 304 572-4173

Open Daily 7:30 am - 11 pm, Later on Friday

Largest Ski and Snowboard Rental Co. in the Southeast 304 572-1234
Located at the corner of Rt. 219 and Rt. 66
LOWER RATES ~ FRIENDLY SERVICE
All Ski & Snowboard Clothing and Equipment
ON SALE!!!
Entire 2nd Floor DISCOUNTED

SNOWBOARD & SKI RENTALS
Great Quality, Great Prices
Daily 7:30 am - 11 pm
Friday 7:30 am - 2 am    304 572-1200
route66@neumedia.net

Restaurant
at the Inn at SnowShoe ~ EVERY WEEKEND ~
SHOW COOKERY & BUFFET STATION
Room service available 6:30 am- 1 am
Lounge hours
Mon. - Fri. 4:30 pm - 1 am
Sat. amd Sun. 1 pm to 1 am
Menu Items available daily 'til 1 am
~ 304 572-1000 ~

Open 7 AM until 9 PM
Home of the $4 breakfast!
Located on the corner of
Rt. 219 and Rt. 66

An intimate off-mountain dining experience
Featuring an International Buffet with
live local music each Thursday nite.
5 miles south of WV 66 on US 219
Open Thursday thru Monday evenings
For reservations call:     304 572-3771
Privately owned and operated Since 1982

Douglass S. Keith, Broker
Beverly Figg, GRI ~ Matt Matthews
Raymond Godwin     304 572-5687
P.O. Box 364 Snowshoe, WV 26209
Visit our Office in Shaver's Centre, Snowshoe Mountain

Presenting the Height of Luxury
Allegheny Springs at Snowshoe Mountain
Yours to own 1-800-489-1943

Mountain Country Properties
304 572-4663      mcpinfo@neumedia.net
David Curtis, Broker ~ Christine Butler, Associate Broker
Sales Associates: Debbie Goodwin, Cathy McGee, Bet Curtis P.O. Box 7
Slaty Fork, WV 26291
Rt. 66, ¼ mile from
Snowshoe Entrance

Glades Building Supply Inc.

Your Complete
Building Center
(304) 799-4912

Calhoun & Kipp
Unique Items from around the world.
Mon. thru Sat. 10 am 'til 9 pm
Sunday 9 am 'til 8 pm
304 572-5250

advertising@pocahontastimes.com

Eight Rivers Web Designs Last update July 20, 2002
by Michael Condon omb00875@mail.wvnet.edu

	Douglass S. Keith, Broker Beverly Figg, GRI ~ Matt Matthews Raymond Godwin 304 572-5687 P.O. Box 364 Snowshoe, WV 26209
Visit our Office in Shaver's Centre, Snowshoe Mountain

Equines offer alternative trail ride experience

Snowshoe Stables lies between mountaintop and lake, close to Silver Creek Resort Snowshoe Stables

Two of Allegheny Outfitters’ trail horsescheck out the grass in a paddock. Allegheny Outfitters

Cindy Horner, of Watoga Stables,and her favorite two-year-old. Jadalee Stables, Watoga State Park.

The three-story barn at EJ’s Cottages & Stables is scant yards from the river and trail. EJ’s Cottages & Stables

Snowshoe Stables lies between mountaintop
and lake, close to Silver Creek Resort

Snowshoe Stables

Two of Allegheny Outfitters’ trail horses
check out the grass in a paddock.

Allegheny Outfitters

Cindy Horner, of Watoga Stables,
and her favorite two-year-old.

Jadalee Stables, Watoga State Park.

The three-story barn at EJ’s Cottages & Stables
is scant yards from the river and trail.

EJ’s Cottages & Stables