Enjoy The Drive - Scenic Drives at New River Gorge

Publishers Note: Twenty-two years ago when we first published the on-line version of The Auto Channel, there was no talk or even a thought (except for Jetson Fans) of ever having to consider giving up our freedom of mobility and the many pleasures of driving, in exchange for a robotic ride controlled by a bundle of (made in China) silicon valley invented chips and a fear of the implementation of a government run "Central Traffic Control Administration" who will have the political power and technical ability to “make us safer” by eliminating our hard earned freedom of mobility.

Those of you who are regular readers of The Auto Channel know that for the past few years the children from the digital world, along with a push from China; the backing of investment bankers; and misplaced enthusiasm of dumb politicians; have been pushing the adoption of "Autonomous Vehicles"...transportation appliances meant to eliminate personal vehicle ownership and replace Driving with Riding.

In the hope to counter the overwhelming autonomous and EV propaganda, The Auto Channel management has decided to feature "The Auto Channel; Enjoy The Drive" editorial philosophy and spotlight Great Drives in Great Car articles with which to rekindle and stimulate the daydreams of experienced drivers and awaken the appetites of those modern youngsters who have never experienced just how exhilarating and fulfilling the freedom of a Great Drive in a Great Vehicle on an open road can be... enjoy!

Visiting New River Gorge National River by vehicle is an up-and-down experience. While some roads travel along the rim and some along the river, others wind up-and-down between the two. Vistas along the rim offer views of the sandstone walls of the gorge and the river below. At the bottom of the gorge along the river there is relatively little flat land, but it provides an opportunity to view the New River and its plants and animals.

Life is diverse and abundant within the park. Vultures soar over the gorge, salamanders hide in the damp forest, great blue herons stand at the river's edge, and deer browse the slopes. Spring with its wildflowers and fall with its tapestry of colored leaves are special times for a gorge visit.

Hidden by the forest, but equally abundant are traces of the past…foundations, ruins, abandoned roads, coke ovens, and cemeteries. The gorge once held dozens of towns whose inhabitants built railroads, logged trees, and mined coal.

The roads that parallel and cross the gorge afford glimpses of the past and an appreciation of the present.