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

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

Vol. 3 No. 6
June 2004

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

Upcoming Events Around the Mountain Resort

June
AROUND THE COUNTY
Star Lab € Every Thursday at 2:00 p.m., NRAO , Green Bank 456-2150 Limited space: 15 participants/program. Who cares if it's cloudy! Guests will gather inside a portable planetarium for a fascinating look at the sky above.
Public Tours € NRAO , Green Bank. 456-2150. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, Open Daily. Free tours begin at the top of the hour: 9 AM - 6 PM. Group Tours: Motor Coach Groups, School Groups and Youth Groups, Civic Clubs, Amateur Astronomers are welcome! Please contact us for reservations. Call 304-456-2164 or email gbt-tours@nrao.edu.
Solar Viewing € NRAO , Green Bank. 456-2150. Offered every sunny day at 2:45 PM at the science center. Get a SAFE peek at the Sun through an optical telescope... and observe the sun with a radio telescope!! Free, no reservations required!
June 4 € Science Film Fest € NRAO, Green Bank. 456-2150. The show starts at 6:30, and will be science or sci-fi based. FREE to the public. Call for movie title.
June 9, 23 € High Tech Wednesdays € NRAO, Green Bank. 456-2150. 3:30 PM. $3.00/person Limited space: 15 participants/program. Participants will be guided through areas of NRAO normally off limits to visitors, like labs where sensitive receivers are designed and built.
June 12 € Star Party € NRAO. 456-2150. All star parties begin 30 minutes before dark. FREE! NRAO staff will orient guests to starry sky. Bring optical telescopes and binoculars. Cloudy weather will cancel this program. Orientation at the tour center.
Greenbrier River Inn to Inn € May 31 - June 3, June 13 -16, June 27 - 30. Elk River Touring Center, 800-572-3771. Experience the off road countryside of Pocahontas County at your leisure. Beginner to intermediate riding, a great trip for families and couples.
Greenbrier Trail Bike Trek € June 4 - 6. Greenbrier River Trail, 800-LUNG-USA. An exciting three-day, 100-mile mountain bike excursion on the Greenbrier River Trail in Pocahontas and Greenbrier Counties. A fundraising event for the American Lung Association of West Virginia. For further information, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (in WV) or (304) 342-6600 (outside WV), or visit www.alawv.org.
Moonlight Fire on the Greenbrier Rail Excursion € June 4 - 5. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, 877-686-7245. Offered on full moon nights during the season, this late evening excursion begins with a buffet dinner at the Durbin Depot followed by a trip along the beautiful, moonlit
Greenbrier River. Train departs the depot at 8 p.m. Civilian Conservation Corps Reunion € June 12. Watoga State Park, 304-799-4087. This is the time for all ex-C.C.C.'ers, family and friends of Watoga State Park, to come together and reminisce, renew old friendships, and make some new ones.
Fishing Weekend € June 18 - 20. Elk River Touring Center, 800-572-3771. For those new to the sport, we offer weekend and four-day midweek fly fishing schools including lodging, meals, equipment, flies, and instruction. Our fly fishing schools are geared toward beginner to intermediate anglers who want to hone their technique.
Fiddles & Vittles Special Train € June 19, 26; July 3. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 1-800-CALL WVA. A new feature this year! Take a train ride to Whittaker Station and enjoy dinner and live bluegrass music along the way.
Little Levels Heritage Fair € June 25 - 27. Hillsboro, 800-336-7009. A three day event filled with old time music and fun! Events include horse show, parade, arts & crafts show, quilt show, mini-log race, Heritage youth games, live local music, muzzle loader shooting contest, and lots of great homemade food to eat.
Cass Homecoming € June 25 - 27. Cass, 800-336-7009. Join the community in celebrating this historic train and logging town. Enjoy games, live music and good company!
Murder Mystery Train € June 25. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, 800-CALL-WVA. Come enjoy this who-done-it train ride to Whittaker; includes dinner and entertainment. Train departs at 5 p.m. Make your reservations early; you won't want to miss this one!
Pearl S. Buck Birthday Celebration € June 26. Pearl Buck Birthplace Museum, Hillsboro, 800-336-7009. A celebration to honor the Nobel and Pulitzer Prize-winning author who was born in Hillsboro. The Third Annual Pearl S. Buck Writers' Fair and birthday celebration will begin at 2 p.m. Karen Vauranch will perform a living history of Pearl S. Buck. Join them for birthday cake at the log house at the birthplace. Held at the Sydenstricker House next to the Pearl Buck Birthplace Museum.
Slaty Fork Singletrack Weekend € Jun 11 - 20. Elk River Touring Center. For more information call 866-572-3771

On The Mountain
For more info about any events at Snowshoe, call 877-441-4FUN.

NORBA National Championship Mountain Bike Series Race € June 10 -13. Gear down and get ready to see the top mountain bikers compete in four separate hair-raising races: cross country, mountain cross, short track and downhill.
The Allegheny Echoes Summer Workshops € June 20 - 25. A group of West Virginia musicians and writers who wish to promote, support, preserve, and teach their own art without distracting influences. There is a strong emphasis placed on West Virginia tradition with an overall look toward the embracing Appalachian culture. The summer workshops offer something for students of all ages.
24 Hours of Snowshoe € Jun 26 - 27. The country's largest 24-hour mountain bike race attracts numerous spectators and racers to witness one of the world's most grueling, yet fun, 24-hour relay events.

Shimmering waterfalls and a slice of the Canadian wilds:

Exploring the Falls of Hills Creek and the Cranberry Glades

The middle falls, cascading over a 45-foot sandstone break, as viewed from the lower of two observation decks.
Photo by Drew Tanner

Drew Tanner
Staff Writer
      Just off of the Highland Scenic Highway on State Route 39/55 and down the road from the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, the Falls of Hills Creek lie nestled in the narrow Hills Creek gorge.
      Three waterfalls of increasing height and breath-taking beauty are found along a 3/4 mile trail that makes the steep descent into the gorge.
      The geology of the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area consists of exposed layers of hard sandstone over much softer layers of red shale. As water ran down these alternating hard and soft layers, it began to rapidly cut away the soft shale. As a result, the shale was eroded from underneath the sandstone, causing blocks of stone to break away when there was no shale left to support them. And as the stream coursed over one of these breaks, a waterfall was born.
      The trail leads visitors to vistas of each of the three falls in the 114-acre scenic area. The first 1700 feet of the trail is handicap accessible, with a paved surface and gentle grade leading to an overlook with a gorgeous view of the upper falls. Here, one can sit and enjoy the sight and sound of Hills Creek's first 25-foot high cascade.

Get ready for a workout. The steep descent into Hills Creek gorge to the middle and lower falls can really get the heart going.
Photo by Drew Tanner

      The U.S. Forest Service brochure and the sign at the trailhead warn "the remainder of the trail is more strenuous." Indeed, Hills Creek makes a descent of 220 feet between the upper and lower falls. The trail between is made up of a series of boardwalks and stairs that can get the heart pumping if you get in a hurry.
      The best views are had when the trail is taken slowly. Between the upper and lower falls there is much to be seen the scenic beauty of the gorge and creek, as well as an abundance of wildflowers. In fact, over 40 different species of wildflowers have been recorded in the area.
      After crossing Hills Creek over a footbridge, the trail leads to two overlook decks with views of the middle falls, which measure in at 45 feet and are the widest of the three falls.
      Then, the trail makes its final descent to the lower falls. Plummeting 63 feet over a sandstone break, the lower falls are the second-highest in the state.
      Spring, summer or fall, the falls are a spectacular sight. During warmer, drier months, the falls quietly trickle over the sandstone breaks. Then, when Hills Creek is swollen with spring rains, the falls are transformed into thundering torrents, filling the gorge with the sound of their roar.
      In the winter, the gorge is blanketed in snow, and as the falls freeze, they take on an other-worldly beauty as they are turned into unusual ice formations. In the case of the lower falls, the ice formations are particularly awe-inspiring.
      As the seasons change, The Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area is a place worth visiting again and again. With plenty of benches along the way many situated in the comfortable shade of hemlocks visitors can take their time, enjoy the mid-day sunlight that fills the gorge and absorb the sights and sounds of the falls.

Marsh marigold is one of the first plants to appear in the Cranberry Glades during the Spring. Swamp violets and rare orchids take the stage in the summer.
Photo by Drew Tanner

      Just up the road from the Falls of Hills Creek Scenic Area lies another unique and beautiful part of the Monongahela National Forest. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area encompasses the largest area of bogs in West Virginia.
      The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is comprised of four bogs contained within a 750-acre protected area, situated at an elevation of 3,375 feet and surrounded by mountains that range from 4,000 to 4,500 feet. The amphitheater-like valley is also home to the headwaters of the Cranberry River.
      Visitors to the Glades can enjoy a half-mile trail that passes through two of the four bogs--Flag Glade and Round Glade.
      Bogs, or glades, are acidic wetlands more typically found 500 miles farther north in the northern United States and in Canada. The ground in a bog is spongy, consisting mostly of partially-decayed plant matter known as peat. Because of the unique conditions found in bogs, some unusual plants grow in the Cranberry Glades, including carnivorous, insect-eating plants like the sundew. The rare purple-fringed, grass-pink and snake-mouthed orchids also make their home here. As the largest and best example of cranberry glades in West Virginia, the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974.

The half-mile boardwalk in the Cranberry Galdes Botanical Area snakes through the 8-acre Flag Glade. The carniverous sundew can be found here.
Photo by Drew Tanner

      Many of the unique plant species found here are descendants of plants that were forced south by the ice sheets that covered Canada and the northern United States approximately 10,000 years ago. Several plant species ended their migration here and the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is now the southernmost point in North America where some of these plants can be found. In this respect, the Glades are considered biologically unique. The conditions found in the Glades provide an ideal setting for three major vegetation types: bog forest, shrub thickets and open glade areas. The presence of carnivorous plants, such as sundew and horned bladderwort, and the several species of bog orchids attract the attention of professional botanists and hobbyists alike.

An interpretive sign along the boardwalk asks, "where is Yew going?" Yew Creek meanders through a portion of bog forest in the Glades, crossing under the boardwalk four times.
Photo by Drew Tanner

      While the glades themselves offer a unique habitat, the alder thickets and bog forests of shallow-rooted hemlock and red spruce bordering the Glades provide habitat for several northern bird species, including the purple finch, alder flycatcher and northern water thrush.
      Jo Santiago, director of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, tells visitors, "it's like a theater where the curtain never goes down." She describes a constant, unfolding drama and changes of cast as the seasons change and varieties of plants come and go. In spring and summer, visitors will find a cornucopia of wildflowers, including yellow lady slippers and skunk cabbage. Clumps of cinnamon, or "fiddle head" fern dot the landscape. On foggy mornings, every piece of vegetation glistens with dew-laden spider webs. In the fall, acres of creamy white tufted cotton grass wave in the wind while the surrounding mountains are splashed with red, yellow and orange.
      Access to the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area is from Route 39/150, just west of the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. From Route 39/150 take Forest Service Road 102 north approximately one mile. During the summer months guided tours are conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday or can be specially arranged by contacting the Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. ‡

Journey to the Elephant Rocks

Visitors to the Elephant Rocks will find a unique variety of formations. The rocks are only about two miles off of the Highland Scenic Highway, in the Cranberry Wilderness area.
photo by Curtis Curry

Curtis Curry
Contributing Writer
      I was born in Pocahontas County and spent most of my younger years in the county. It was not until I returned home some 50 years later, however, that I first heard about the "Elephant Rocks." It was during a conversation with my cousin, an avid hunter and fisherman, that he mentioned a hunting expedition near the Elephant Rocks. I was immediately intrigued by their mention and proceeded to ask questions about them.
      My cousin went on to explain that these rock formations, named for their size, are located off the Highland Scenic Highway in the Cranberry Wilderness Area. He gave me some general directions and I decided I must see the Elephant Rocks. I began searching my Forest Service geological maps and found that the Forks of Cranberry Trail would apparently lead me closest to the rock formations. The distance to them had been estimated as "several miles" but I desired a more definitive estimate. Another friend estimated the distance to be about three miles and a third suggested it might be four miles. I stopped asking questions and hoped the four miles would be the maximum distance. My endurance would probably not last more than four miles!
      My wife and I set out on our first journey to the Elephant Rocks on a warm summer day. We were not very well prepared and our first attempt lasted only about a mile. The next year we were better prepared, but still not prepared for what happened. Our small dog, Rowdy, accompanied us and we were nearly two miles along the trail when we heard bear dogs in a chase on the ridge in front of us. I was so concerned that the dogs might attack our small, black dog that I insisted that we return to our vehicle.
      This year was to be the year we completed our journey. Age and various ailments might make future tries unlikely. We were prepared and determined to complete a hike that could be as long as eight miles. We planned our trip as early in the spring as weather would allow. We hoped it would be before the foliage opened and obscured our view of the rocks. We set out on a late April morning. It was 54 degrees, sunny, and with no wind. My backpack was filled with compass, first aid kit, binoculars, a whistle, extra socks, and our lunch of water, beef jerky, apples, and peanut butter crackers. At 9:20 a.m. we reached the trailhead on the Highland Scenic Highway at an elevation of 4,505 feet. We were finally off again, minus Rowdy, on our way to the Elephant Rocks.
      The first 100 yards of the trail leads uphill to a small field. It then turns sharply to the right and rises steeply for about 30 yards. We were about to encounter the most difficult half-mile of the journey. We were entering "the burn."
      During the late 1930's, forest fires burned throughout this area fueled by slash left from logging operations. They were very severe and burned for months. It left large areas of exposed rock scattered over The next 100 yards is a rocky path through laurel thickets. On exiting the laurel thicket, there is a rocky landscape spread out before us. The rocks are loose and we had to be careful not to twist an ankle or stub a toe! Some laurel bushes and small shrubs dot the area but there are few large trees. Very little soil is evident. The sun quickly warms the rocks, and on a windless day, the increase in the air temperature is noticeable.
      We had crossed the burn, were entering the forest, and the trail turned left down the ridge between the North and South Forks of the Cranberry River. The walking became much easier and our pace quickened. We were greeted by wild flowers spreading a green blanket with small yellow and white flowers on both sides of the trail. It was a very pretty sight.
      We heard only the occasional song of a bird and the rustle of our feet in the leaves. It was much different than the sound of the constant traffic in front of our house. The solitude was wonderful and we were enjoying it! By mid-morning we had traveled 1.95 miles, surpassing our prior attempt.
      "Only two more miles," I thought. "We are going to make it!" Later we began a steep climb up the ridge. The climb was beginning to take its toll when we found ourselves among a scattering of large boulders. This was promising. Could we already be at our destination? It had been only 2.17 miles.

Looking more like the head of a large snapping turtle than an elephant, this formation peeks between trees as you approach.
photo by Curtis Curry

      Suddenly, there they were. At the left of the trail, huge rocks could be seen rising toward the sky. We were quite excited. I walked toward them to explore the pathway before Evelene left the trail. I found blocks of rock, overhanging ledges, a maze of crevices running through them, and dark holes leading down beneath them.
      I wandered through the boulders and back to the trail. It led to the top of the hill where we could walk across the top of the Elephant Rocks. Wind and rain had worn them smooth but also created numerous potholes.
      The view was great! We could even see Snowshoe Resort across a low place in the forward mountains. The view down was also spectacular. We found some of the crevices led completely through the rocks to the other side of the ridge. My map showed the elevation to be about 4,400 feet. With all the ups and downs of the trail, the elevation difference between the trailhead and the rocks was only about 100 feet.
      We decided to have lunch on top of the formations and spent a leisurely 45 minutes consuming our food. The fresh air, view, and food went well together.
      We were elated with the success of our journey and this gave us a spurt of energy. Unfortunately, this soon gave way to the reality of the climb and fatigue set in. We moved more slowly and rested more frequently. getting to our vehicle by early afternoon. The journey had taken four hours, 40 minutes and we had traveled 4.63 miles. The temperature was now a comfortable 64 degrees.
      It was a great day and worth the effort. We may never again make this journey but the Elephant Rocks will remain there for everyone to see or at least those willing to make the journey. They are truly spectacular! ‡

Creme Broulee tops off a scrumptious meal at the Village Bistro.
Photo by Pam Pritt

ADVENTURES IN GOOD EATING

The bistro of culinary delights
Pamela Pritt
Managing Editor
      Hungry travelers may want to make a special trip to the Village at Snowshoe for either lunch or dinner at the newest addition there, the Village Bistro.
      With everything from appetizers, soups and salads to the must-have dessert, the Village Bistro's menu reads like a chapter from a connoisseur's diary of tasty delights.
      Salad dressings are all made in-house to top the mixed green salads, which include Thai Chicken (ginger-peanut dressing), Bistro and Select Oyster (choice of Balsamic-Herb Vinaigrette, Buttermilk-Chive, Thousand Island and Bleu Cheese) or Classical Caesar (guess).

The dining area is tastefully done at the Village Bistro.
Photo by Pam Pritt

      Appetizers are often overlooked for want of the main course, but the Village Bistro's are nearly a meal unto themselves. The sauteed blue crab cakes with wild organic greens and spicy remoulade are a pleasant start. The crab is light and tasty and the remoulade a spicy accompaniment. The cultivated mussels steamed in coconut milk, lemon grass, basil and garlic, are a good choice, also, with the mussels tender and juicy, without that "grit"that sometimes is associated with those shellfish.
      For lunch, the Warm Brie and Roast Beef with grilled onions on a butter croissant is a great choice. The beef is tender and thinly sliced and the warm brie gives the sandwich just the right "bite." The sides include Tuscan Pasta or red potato salad (almost as good as your mama's) or Chesapeake Bay Chips. But there's more on the menu that will make your mouth water. Try out the Sliced Roast Turkey on an Everything Bagel with bacon-scallion cream cheese, sprouts and tomatoes or the Grilled Half-Pound Angus Burger on a Kaiser Roll with leaf lettuce, tomatoes and shaved onions on a Kaiser Roll. Also on the table: Grilled Chicken Breast with Swiss Cheese and Applewood Smoked Bacon on a Kaiser Roll with leaf lettuce, tomatoes and honey mustard sauce or Hot Corned Beef and Kraut with Swiss Cheese and Honey Mustard Sauce on Grilled Rye Bread.

The bar area offers a view of the stone fireplace near the entrance of the restaurant.
Photo by Pam Pritt

      The Village Bistro offers daily specials like grilled pork chops, meatloaf, country style steak, chicken and dumplings, beer battered cod, pot roast and turkey and dressing, each served with two vegetables, a biscuit (the size is amazing), and iced tea or soda.
      For dinner, that is, after 5 p.m., the menu is an incredible mixture under the heading "Land, Sea, and Sky."
      On land, steaks, chicken, pork and a vegetarian ravioli top the menu. The steaks are hand-carved Angus beef and are "presented with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and baby green beans." Sizes range from the 10-ounce Bourbon Street Filet to the 14-ounce "Hawaiian Style" and the 14-ounce center cut New York Strip and onto the 21-ounce Porter House. The steaks are indescribably tender, according to one diner, and cooked to perfection, however perfect is for you.
      Mustard Rubbed Pan Roasted Pork Loin with Scalloped Potatoes and Baby Green Beans is yet another choice for red meat lovers. The mustard rub is smooth and delicate, quite a complement to the pork. Vegetarians will love the Wild Mushroom Ravioli with Shiitakes, Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil Pesto Creme.
      If possible, save room for dessert, because it is sumptuous. The Creme Broulee is served on a chilled plate adorned with real whipped cream, a strawberry, a sprig of mint and an edible blossom. The custard is sweet and creamy and the brown sugar glaze is flawlessly burnt to break like fragile glass when the spoon sinks into it.
      The Village Bistro is worth the trip to the top of the mountain for a taste of culinary delight!

return to the Pocahontas Times
In celebration of Mountain Times 3rd year online,
we thought you'd like to review the earlier postings.
Feb. 2002 | March 2002 | Apr. 2002 | May 2002 | June 2002
July 2002 | Aug. 2002 | Sept. 2002 | Oct. 2002 | Nov. 2002
Jan. 2003 | Feb. 2003 | March 2003 | Apr. 2003 | May 2003 | June 2003
July 2003 | Aug. 2003 | Sept. 2003 | Oct. 2003 | Nov. 2003 | Dec. 2003
Jan. 2004 | Feb. 2004 | March 2004 | April 2004 | May 2004
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Building Supplies
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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

Douglas S. Keith, Broker
Christine Butler, Assoc. 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@sunlitsurf.com
David Curtis, Broker
Sales Associates: Jeanette Canada, Bet Curtis P.O. Box 7
Slaty Fork, WV 26291
on Rt. 219, about 1 mile south
of Rt. 66 intersection.

Glades Hardware

Marlinton WV
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

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Eight Rivers Web Designs Last update June 5, 2004
by Michael Condon omb00875@mail.wvnet.edu

	Douglas S. Keith, Broker Christine Butler, Assoc. 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