Explore the journey — one trail, museum, meal, and memory at a time.
Spruce Knob & Seneca Rocks
I woke to fog and rain in the Monongahela National Forest and set out for Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia. After exploring the summit’s alpine forest, I continued to Seneca Rocks for a steep hike, sweeping mountain views, and unexpected conversations about shutdowns, miners, and the strength of small mountain towns.
Cass Railroad and Green Bank Observatory
A cold start in the forest turned into a day of discovery. After a stop at a roadside bakery, I explored Cass Scenic Railroad, where the legacy of logging still echoes through the hills, then continued to Green Bank Observatory, where massive radio telescopes listen to the stars in one of the quietest places on Earth.
Falls of Hills Creek & Cranberry Glades Botanical Area
From steep trails and roaring waterfalls to quiet bogs preserved since the Ice Age, this stretch of the Monongahela National Forest reveals a wilder side of West Virginia. I hiked the three falls at Hills Creek, wandered the boardwalk through Cranberry Glades, met a few unusual characters, and ended the day camped high on Route 150 under a glowing fall sky.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
I began the morning at Twin Falls Resort State Park, then toured the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine with a retired mine inspector. He spoke about the work, the dangers, and even the rats that warned miners of bad air. From Beckley to Helen and Itmann, the Coal Heritage Trail traces stories of coal, community, and endurance—ending with quiet reflection in an abandoned company store.
Twin Falls State Park & Mullens
A quiet morning in Beckley turned into a full day of mountain roads and waterfalls. After finding the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine closed for the season, I explored the hills near Mullens and ended the day at Twin Falls Resort State Park. The trails to Marsh Fork and Black Fork Falls were damp but peaceful, and by nightfall I was camped beneath a clear sky.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
The day started at the open Canyon Rim Visitor Center in New River Gorge, followed Fayette Station Road under the bridge, stopped at Babcock’s grist mill, and paused at Hawks Nest to confront the tunnel disaster. I grabbed ice cream in Ansted, explored historic Fayetteville, and ended the day at South Side Junction Tap House.
Charleston, WV
The drive into Charleston wound through tight turns and across the bridge to the Capitol Complex. I spent the morning at the West Virginia State Museum, a well-designed walk through time that tells the story of how the state came to be. Outside, I stopped at the Veterans Memorial and the Lincoln statue before exploring the Capitol. Inside, a long talk with a former police chief led to the story behind the Robert C. Byrd statue and its controversy. As the day ended, I photographed Kanawha Falls from the roadside, the light fading fast over the water.
Jenny’s Creek Bike Ride
I started my ride on the Dawkins Line Rail Trail from the Jenny’s Creek Trailhead, a quiet stretch of eastern Kentucky where forested hills meet farmland. The trail once carried coal and timber by rail; now it carries cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders through 36 miles of Appalachian history (I rode 15 miles), including the forgotten Civil War skirmish at Jenny’s Creek.
Morehead, KY
Morehead, Kentucky, sits in the foothills of the Appalachians, a quiet university town surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. I spent the day exploring the Morehead State University campus, the Rowan County Arts Center, and a small exhibit of local watercolors. On campus, I found a covered display protecting a rare petrified fern root—an unexpected link to the region’s ancient past.
Red River Valley
I camped at Koomer Ridge in the Daniel Boone National Forest, one of the few out in the cool, rainy weather. The day took me from a steep climb to Kentucky’s largest natural bridge to a kayak tour through the flooded tunnels of an old limestone mine. I ended the loop drive near Morehead after passing through narrow mountain roads and a one-lane tunnel cut through stone.
Blue Heron Mine / Trail
I stayed a few days at Bear Creek Horse Camp in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area, then hiked the Blue Heron Loop Trail. The 6.5-mile path winds past sandstone cliffs, coal seams, and the re-created mining camp of Blue Heron. It was a day of quiet forest, unexpected encounters, and a glimpse into Kentucky’s coal-mining past.
Cumberland and Yahoo Falls
A day exploring two of Kentucky’s most striking waterfalls—Cumberland Falls and Yahoo Falls—each surrounded by sandstone cliffs, quiet trails, and rich history. From the roar of the Cumberland River to the echoing amphitheater of Yahoo Falls, it was a day of light, water, and reflection.
Berea, KY
Berea, Kentucky, is built around its arts community and the spirit of Berea College. I spent the day exploring the artisan shops, learning about the town’s history, and hiking the East Pinnacles Trail. The views were worth every step, even if the rest of the day didn’t quite match the hype.
Lexington, KY
A windy morning bike ride along Lexington’s Legacy Trail led past historic farms, rolling hills, and university research fields. Later, I photographed Henry Clay’s law office, photographed the old Carnegie Library, and wandered downtown at sunset. An unexpected stop at LexArts gallery rounded out a full, laid-back day in Kentucky’s capital of the Bluegrass.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
I spent a full day exploring the Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. The tour gave me a glimpse into Shaker life—their faith, craftsmanship, and belief in simplicity. I wandered the Meeting House, joined a Civil War program, and later hiked to Fulling Mill Falls. Even after sunset, the day’s calm stayed with me—peace, history, and honest design all in one place.
Frankfort, KY - Capitol City
A day in Kentucky’s small but fascinating capital—starting with espresso at Engine House Coffee in a restored 19th-century fire station, wandering from the Old Capitol to Rebecca Ruth Chocolates, and tracing the stories that tie Dolley Madison’s family, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the War of 1812 to the streets of Frankfort.
Louisville Slugger, Church Hill Downs, NULU
I spent the day exploring Louisville’s past and present—touring Churchill Downs and its exhibits on Secretariat, visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum to see how the iconic bats are made, and ending in the NULU district surrounded by food, coffee, and creativity. It was the perfect mix of Kentucky tradition and modern energy.
Bardstown, KY
I arrived in Bardstown late in the day after winding my way through Mammoth Cave and Lincoln’s birthplace. The town’s old stone buildings, bourbon-scented air, and deep musical roots made it an unexpected highlight of my Kentucky travels. From the Stephen Foster House to the Old Talbott Tavern, Bardstown feels like the kind of place where history and hospitality still live side by side.
Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail Ride to Park CityI
A full day at Mammoth Cave National Park—chores at Land Between the Lakes, a quiet drive north, and an afternoon cycling the Mammoth Cave Railroad Trail through fall color, history, and small-town charm in Park City, Kentucky.
Land Between Lakes: Bike Ride
I woke rested after ten solid hours of sleep and decided to take a slow day. A short bike ride through rough old trails turned into an unexpected tour of Halloween decorations and friendly campers who seemed to have settled in for the season. The easy pace brought back memories of camping trips from my childhood.