New River Gorge in Beckley, West Virginia

I have grown up throughout the Southeast United States, but currently live near Charlotte, North Carolina. Especially in the Charlotte area, jokes seem to be quite abundant when referring to people from West Virginia. I guess I should be used to hearing these jokes, as I previously lived in Alabama...and yes, most Alabamians do wear shoes! After hearing all the jokes (Such as, how do you know the toothbrush was invented in West Virginia? Because if it were invented anywhere else, it would be a "teeth" brush.), I finally ventured up I-77 and visited the beautiful state. I have family in Beckley, and it was definitely time to go see them. A breathtaking drive through the mountains, complete with views of valleys that last for miles (which I can't wait to see in the fall with the trees changing colors), tunnels, and toll roads brought me straight to my aunt and uncle's house. Note to the traveler, however: be prepared with $1.25 in cash to get through the toll road.

A taste of West Virginia life left me longing to return and sightsee. My family had a full day of tourist activity ready and waiting on me, including a visit to the New River Gorge. Have you ever seen the back of a West Virginia quarter? I saw the bridge first hand. From what I understand, it's the second longest arched bridge in the western hemisphere. The bridge stands over eight hundred feet above the river gorge below, making it also the second highest bridge in the United States. The bridge is over 3,000 feet in length. On the third Saturday in October, my aunt informs me that you can see many a daredevil parachute off of the bridge into the gorge below. Evidently this makes for quite the exciting afternoon for all the locals! (I'm definitely not that adventurous!)

The views at the visitor center of the gorge (which is part of their national park system) are incredible. You can stand on an overlook and watch white water rafting parties and kayaks below, navigating the river rapids. From the visitor center, which also gives a history of the area, you can walk a trail (which does include what seems to be hundreds of steps, so the physically disabled may not be able to participate in this adventure) down the mountain slope for a closer view of the river and the bridge.

The sight was awe-inspiring. I've lived in several states, and have seen many amazing views in this world, but it was quite the revelation to me to see first-hand the wonders that nature affords this close to home...even in a state that tends to have such an interesting stereotype.