PINEY CREEK, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Throughout its history, West Virginia has garnered attention far and wide for the stunning mountainscapes from which its nickname is derived, but one would be remiss to overlook one of the state’s most awe-inspiring amenities – its waterfalls.
Many of these natural wonders can be tracked down through a simple online search, but some remain nestled away in the wild and wonderful West Virginia hills.
One such wonder is well on its way to a high-profile rollout courtesy of the Raleigh County Parks & Recreation Department, which will endear its natural beauty to local residents on a broader scale.
According to Raleigh County Parks & Recreation Director Leslie Baker, results of an Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Grant – which are expected in September – could see the Piney Creek Park and Preserve refreshed and presented locally as a full-blown attraction.
Plans also include renovations to make the area fully accessible to disabled guests, as well as a soft-opening event in November.
But for those who are simply unable to wait for such plans to come to fruition, the area is still very much accessible to those who wish to make the trek. For those who are curious but uncertain of making the venture, LOOTPRESS has taken the liberty of doing so on your behalf.
Off Route 41 lies the nearly-concealed backroad, Stanaford Mine Road.
Baker indicated plans for the WV Department of Highways to conduct work on the road, though it is currently accessible by foot and vehicle. Eager explorers would do well to exercise caution when traveling by car, however, as the terrain does not yet lend itself to high speed travel at this juncture.
This road is to be followed for a few minutes until the travel area expands to include a small parking area. The Piney Creek Bridge is clearly visible here.
To the right, one will see a trail established through the tall grass running parallel to the creek itself. A brief trek along this trail leads through an enveloping tunnel-esque assortment of natural, West Virginia plantlife.
Alternating shaded and sun-soaked sections provide an optical rhythm of sorts which compliments the dazzling display of browns and greens adorning the pathway.
After just a few minutes, the trail will deliver adventurers to a cascading waterfall, rewarding and captivating those who take the time to discover its wonder.
Remarkably, this is just one of many points of interest within the confines of the Piney Creek Park and Reserve location, as several other marvels – including several waterfalls – lie throughout the area.
Whether new or familiar, visiting or local, the Mountain State offers an endless array of activities and attractions which will appeal to those of all ages.
But the heart of West Virginia resides not in towering structures erected by man, but in its vast, intoxicating wilderness. Imparted by way of its ground, trees, and waters is a centuries-old wisdom which evades articulation through the utility of mere language.
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage of West Virginia parks and natural wonders can be found here, and more information on West Virginia parks can be found here.
Discover West Virginia Waterfalls: Piney Creek Park and Preserve
