This fantastic tunnel carries Interstate 77 (which runs from Columbia SC through Charlotte NC to…read moreCleveland OH) and was completed in 1972 after five years of construction. At the time, the $50m cost was the most expensive project in Virginia's highway history. The tunnel is 4,229 feet long and takes about two minutes to drive if you're going to speed limit and there are no slowdowns. There is no toll to pass through the tunnel and there is no stopping. I can't imagine what it might have been like to try driving over/around these mountains before the tunnel - it apparently saved a 30 minute detour. Five stars, I'm a fan. [Review 20386 overall - 1445 in Virginia - 1364 of 2023.]

The Big Walker Mountain Tunnel is on Interstate 77 in Bland County, Virginia. It is a LONG tunnel…read morethrough the Appalachian Mountians. This two lane, fast moving, tunnel is 4,229 feet long or 1.289 miles long. Driving through it the length was noticeable and that is why I snapped a photo of the light at the end of the tunnel. It wasn't until I went to write this review that I thought what would happen if there was an accident inside the tunnel. I'm not claustrophobic but in reading of the number of closures because of massive pileups mid-tunnel I'm going to have to put the possibilities of accidents out of my mind before we travel through this tunnel next year. Overall for a tunnel that was built in 1972 it appears in good shape. I know we will continue to travel through this tunnel annually as the alternate route is far worse. Three stars for being a good route from North Carolina to Kentucky. I can't help but deduct a couple of stars for the tunnel being two lanes and in possible need of extended closure if an accident occurs.

The bridge was looking a little wind damaged at rickety this morning so we opted not to make the…read moreclimb. However, the view from the ground here is still fantastic looking out at the mountains of Virginia. On a clear day, you can see quite some distance. There is a small gift shop here if you're looking for snacks or mementoes. A shaded picnic area is also nearby. The view is free. The climb up the 100 foot tower is not. It was built in 1947 and is still looking good. [Review 530 of 2025 - 1470 in Virginia - 24091 overall]

This place is the perfect example of how important location is in a business. The Big Walker…read moreLookout is located away from everything else in a gorgeous spot on the side of a mountain. The views are fantastic. I stopped for a drink and a snack before an off-roading trip. The inside of the store is full of souvenirs, knick-knacks, etc. I was able to pickup a drink and a snack and move on. The cashier was friendly. The outside is kind of run-down. There is a bridge from the tower over the parking lot that ends in broken boards and potential serious injury. I wouldn't walk on it. Overall, meh. It's in a great spot, but they could invest in their business a little more.

I was debating about whether or not to visit, as I was afraid it might be a simulation experience…read more Boy, was I wrong! This turned out to be the highlight of my roadtrip. I enjoyed going underground, and our tour guide, Gerald, was great. He was able to answer all the questions he was asked. I also went to some of the outbuildings. I was surprised and pleased to see that there were docents in the Supervisor's house & the school. Both of those women came from coal mining families, and I was lucky to be able to spend some time talking to each of them about their experiences. What a hard -- and kind of sad -- life. I actually felt a little guilty that mine is so much different. I also went into the gift shop, where all of the women were just hilariously funny! They almost made me wish that I lived in the area & wanted a job; I would love to work with them! I encourage everyone to visit the Beckley Coal Mine. It was very informative and eye-opening.

We had a great experience on the mining tour in Beckley! I was born and raised in West Virginia, so…read morecoal has always been part of our history--but I had never actually been inside a mine before. This was such a unique way to experience it firsthand. Our tour guide, Tony, really made the tour. He was incredibly knowledgeable and added a lot of humor, which kept things interesting the entire time. You ride through the mine on a cart that's pulled along, and while you don't get off during the tour, he stops a few times to share stories and information. If you're extremely claustrophobic, it might not be for you--but personally, I didn't find it too bad at all. The whole facility is really well done. There's a gift shop, drinks, restrooms, and a museum inside the depot. Outside, there are several historic buildings and houses you can walk through, and they're all accessible with ramps. Parking is easy and right on site. Overall, it's a really neat experience and a great way to learn more about an important part of West Virginia's history. Definitely worth a visit!

The New River is apparently quite long, because this is nowhere near the more reputed New River…read moreGorge National Park. However, even in Virginia it is quite majestic. The main park office lies in a historic hamlet surrounded by farms. A parking charge applied, and if you parked somewhere else along the extensive trail perhaps you could get by without it, but the sights were certainly well worth seeing. I made it maybe a mile down the trail to a riverbend overlooked by a bluff ideally suited for sunsets, but there was a lot more to explore. Some boating was available, and a horse seemed interested to meet me as I departed.

See my Review for Shot Tower. It's the same. I wish I was a cyclist. But I am a hiker and I can't…read morehike a gravel road for miles. All good. Beautiful area!! River is so nice.

Another stop Sunday after leaving cousin Wanda's. We stopped in small town of Talcott, WV where…read morethere is the Historical John Henry Park and the Great Bend Tunnel. The park is free to enjoy! There is a bathroom, plenty of signage and even a voice recording talking about John Henry!! There is a small Visitors Center, a stage for programs and a Picnic shelter. This is a really nice park!!

When I was a little girl we would always visit the John Henry statue every summer during my papaws…read morefamily reunion weekend. It's nice to see they have moved it and made the little park! I went this summer to see it with a friend and our kiddos. We really enjoyed it. The talking history board was a great source of information as I was trying to tell my friend who hadn't heard of the John Henry lore, who he was. The entry to the tunnel was eerie with the hot and cold pockets. The kids were all about that! We enjoyed walking around and stretching our legs before we both ventured home...

I really enjoyed the view. WV is beautiful I never knew about this place. I've been to the Grand…read moreCanyon it is awesome but wv has so much to offer as well. It's a must see along with the new river gorge bridge.

Today, Kayla Beth Fields , Deacon and I were on our way to a Labor Day Cookout at my cousin, Wanda…read moreBlackwell home. We stopped at Grandview State Park to use restrooms, enjoy the Beautiful Famous Horseshoe Bend Vista and play on the playground. We had a nice little 20 minute break from the road. Deacon enjoyed himself.

The friendly staff and tour ways perfect for all ages. The info signs along the way helped. We…read moreenjoyed the gift shop and did the gem mining before leaving.

I am a big fan of caves/caverns so when I see one when I am traveling I try to stop if I can…read more While in West Virginia we were fairly close to Lost Word so we made the stop. The grounds are nice and have places to picnic and there are llamas. There is a gift shop and that is where you enter and exit and get your tickets. The caverns are pretty neat. Not super large or difficult to walk. Just be warned that there can be large school groups that could impact your visit.

If you're just looking to check out the shot tower, this is a quick in and out. There is an honor…read morebox for parking, so be sure to respect that. The tower stands 75 feet tall and includes a 75-foot vertical shaft beneath which is what's needed to achieve a perfect 150 foot drop. Completed in 1807 by English immigrant Thomas Jackson, who brought with him the secret of the "drop shot" method where one melts lead and drops it from a height through sieves to form perfectly round pellets for use in firearms. Production ceased in 1839. There are markers that give the story. It's interesting and once you've seen that, there is a full park for walking and enjoying nature. [Review 525 of 2025 - 1465 in Virginia - 24086 overall]

My 28th Va State Park. My 3 star review is selfish. Here's why. I don't bike. It hurts my bottom…read more I've tried it. Then, my tire goes flat. What a giant pain. So, I don't bike, and that what this place is for. Sure you can hike it, but it's a 57 mile path. Similar to tje va Creeper trail at 34 miles and the W & OD trail that's 45 miles. Also, the Potomac Heritage National Scenic trail at 900 miles!!! Plus the C & O Canal trail at and amazing 184.5 miles!!! I truly wish I could bike it but I could never hike it. So.. no go for me here. *also note The New River Va State Park is similar. So much so, they don't allow a Trail Guide check in here. Your Trail Guide check in at The New River State Park counts for for New River and Shot tower. There are numerous entrances. This one is at Austinville.

Friendly dogs and people usually frequent this park. Seems fairly clean as far as pet waste (which…read moremostly comes back to irresponsible pet owners) over all good place to visit. I do wish they had more permanent fixtures on site for dogs (agility, climbing tunnels, etc) I frequent this park often with my two dogs.

This park is great. Wish there were more dogs that came to the park though. From time to time there…read moreare some kind hearted people in the community that will bring new tennis balls and toys for the companions to play with. There is also a concrete trail within the park in which you can walk on when playing with your dog, so you don't have to stay on your toes at all times wondering if you are going to step in any dog poo. Overall, it's a great park to bring your dog if they don't get along to well with others too well, or if this is your new companions first time at a dog park.

Close to a college town, this rail to trail is long, relatively unimpeded, and offers river views…read more There were multiple parking lots at what is currently the south end of the trail, as well as signage indicating that some of the railway had been sold to buyers who were not part of the trail, so it kind of starts midway along the rail line. Regardless, it is a longer trail than I had time for and the part I completed was easily worthwhile.

Southern end -…read more Good surface. RR wide. Some restrooms Only problem is trail maps are mis-leading. Caldwell is beginning but is MP 3, not 1 Easy access - well signed Few road crossings