New River Gorge info?

Post by **Jay** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 3:55 pm

It looks like I'm headed down to the New for a weekend jaunt this weekend, but I haven't been there before, and I could use some info:

Can someone recommend a few crags on the moderate end of the scale with dog-friendly access that won't be completely overrun, a nice, quiet-ish campground that allows pooches, and the best place in town for a pizza and pitcher of beer?

(The pooch definitely has to come along, as I don't have any options for a doggie-sitter...)

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Jay

Post by **gripster** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 4:07 pm

Alright, If you can carry your dog down a relatively short wooden ladder, I would recommend Summersville Lake due to the wide variety of climbing grades, and a great place to take a swim in the sweltering August heat. Also, Bubba city might be a good choice because you can hike most of the way in without any ladders (at least to the Sandstonia area). You can also try beauty mountain and the super mario boulder, both easy approaches.

If your into trad (which is rad) there are some great cracks at the Bridge buttress with an easy approach, but in this humidity, they may all feel like the inside of a greasy pizza box.

I would stay away from the Endless wall area (long downclimbs or rappels required).

There are two campgrounds I know of, Rogers will allow your doggie to stay, and so will the other campground, although I can't remember the name of it? It was a little more expensive but offers more privacy and less lound and obnoxious late night activity.

For a pizza and a beer, definately check out Pies and Pints, it's the best around.

Post by **herbalist** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:16 pm

camping-chestnut creek,pizza- pies and pint the best pizza of any climbing area i've been too.coffee/breakfest the cathedral.

Post by **Wes** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:12 pm

Beauty Mtn, Junkyard, and the crags on the other side of the river behind rogers all have pretty straight forward approaches, but not a whole lot of sport climbing under 5.10. Junkyard you can set up tr's on most of the trad lines pretty easy. There is limited parking for beauty, so if you get there early enough to get a spot, it shouldn't be as crowded as some of the other areas.

Wouldn't stay at rogers unless you are sleeping in a van/truck/etc. Chestnut is good for camping, though not if you are going to be a bit loud.

Pies and Pints is good, and I also love the food at the sedona grill. Some pretty good mexican down the road from fayetteville.

Post by **TankAzz** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 9:15 am

not pizza, but i am a big fan of dirty ernie's too... love me some bbq!

Post by **ditzywonder** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:27 am

he also lied....he found a dog sitter

looks like we are hitting up bubba city on saturday, any suggestions for totally awesome routes that we shouldnt miss?

Post by **Crankmas** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:55 am

everything at bubba titty is good

Post by **Josephine** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:07 am

geshia girl and the 5.8+ to the right of it. (60 meter rope required) there's a really fun 5.6 stemming route to the right. it's one of my all time favs even if it is a beginner route.

summersville lake has some fun stuff too but i don't know the name of the routes. lotsa fun to climb then swim for sure!

if you can make it an extended weekend Class VI offers fun rafting and quality food.

Post by **ditzywonder** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:46 am

thanks josie

maybe i can convince the boys to let me play on some fun stuff, haha...... I am sure if i tell them we are going to the lake on day #2 they will let me have my fun

Post by **Shamis** » Fri Aug 01, 2008 1:11 pm

I can't remember the name of it, but the one that you have to climb down several large ladders to get to the base of is awesome.

Beauty mountain is also awesome.

Summersville lake is good, and the swimming is good. Let me know if you see anybody deep water solo'ing, I'm curious about how strictly they are enforcing the no cliff jumping thing up there.