Category Archives: New River/Greenbrier Valley

Oct 7

Mountain State Monday: Nuttallburg

I apologize that most of my posts reference the Summersville/Fayetteville/Pocahontas areas but I can’t help myself — those counties are my favorite and if I had the resources to pack up and move to one of them, I would do it in a heartbeat.  However, I do try to visit them and share with you their treasures as often as possible.  Like today, for example, as I share with you the long-forgotten mining town of Nuttallburg.

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The restored tipple at Nuttallburg

Located along the banks of the New River lies what is left of the once thriving mining town of Nuttallburg.  In recent years, the National Parks Service undertook a massive project restoring the tipple and conveyor belt as well as installing interpretive signs for the public.  The road to Nuttallburg is a curvy, narrow gravel road that is accessible via Route 60 through the small town of Winona (brown National Parks Service signs will guide you).  Once there, you may explore the tipple or take one of the many trails to see the former company store, coke ovens, or even ascend to the top of the mountain to the mine opening.  If you’re a geocacher, there is also a Nuttallburg Earth Cache that makes the trip extra worth it.  Actually, the way I discovered Nuttallburg in 2012 was because of the Earth Cache; Jon and I were planning a geocaching trip in the area right after the cache was posted and we were some of the first geocachers to visit.  Talk about a new experience!

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The conveyor belt at Nuttallburg ascends up the steep mountain to the mine opening. A switchback trail will take you to the top.

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There are many coke ovens in the area, some in tact and some crumbled. Many have the entrances grown up, like this one.

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A view of the Company Store foundation at the end of the coke oven trail.

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Near the Company Store at the end of the trail is a large oven with its dome still intact. While it is tall enough for adults to enter, please be careful as it could fall at any moment.

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There are many interpretive signs in the area, like this one that shows the layout and trails. When you’re driving down to Nuttallburg, just remember to keep driving — I promise that you will get there, eventually.

 Becuase of the current government shutdown, the NPS website for Nuttallburg is not accessible at this time.  However, the links below provide an excellent history and overview on the town.  Please be advised that there is limited to no cell service in the area; use caution when driving to and from Nuttallburg, as the road is narrow is and not always wide enough for two vehicles.  Otherwise, enjoy your visit Nuttallburg! 🙂
My WV Home: Old photographs of Nuttallburg
Coal Camp USA: Pictorial History
New River WV: Guide to Nuttallburg hiking trails

Until next time,
Sara (WV Travel Queen)

Oct 2

Haunted October: Lake Shawnee

Aside from Camden Park in Huntington, there are no other amusement parks in West Virginia… or are there?  It’s true that there are no longer any operating theme parks aside from Camden Park, however, there is one that still draws a crowd even after its heyday is over: Lake Shawnee.

Located just outside of Princeton in the drive-by town of Kegley is a patch of land that houses a small fishing pond, an old pavilion, and if you look carefully through the leaves, an old Ferris wheel and carnival swings.  These are the only remnants left of what used to be Lake Shawnee Amusement Park that operated from 1926 until 1966 and again from 1985 until 1988.

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Barely visible through the trees are the old carnival swings and in the background, the Ferris wheel

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A brick marker tells the tale of the Mitchell Clay Family Massacre while the carnival swings and Ferris wheel blend into the background

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A view of the pond from the road. The pond is still used for fishing tournaments throughout the year.

All sorts of ghost stories surround Lake Shawnee, often stemming from the fact that the park sits on the location of the Mitchell Clay Family Massacre that occurred around 1781.  Other stories have emerged including the death of a young girl in the 1950s who died in an accident on the carnival swings, a young boy who drowned in the pond, and a man who fell to his death from atop the Ferris wheel.  Many ghost seekers and adventurers visit the area in hopes of connecting with spirits and solving the mysteries surrounding Lake Shawnee.

In 2005, Lake Shawnee area was featured on an episode of “Scariest Places on Earth,” which led to an influx of people in the area.    Today, the property is PRIVATELY OWNED by the White family but scheduled tours are welcome (please do not venture onto the property without prior permission).  The property is also host to many fishing tournaments throughout the year.  For more information or to schedule a tour, visit Lake Shawnee’s Facebook page for up-to-date information.

Still want more?  Check out these links for all the ghostly happenings regarding Lake Shawnee:
WV Gazette Article
Theresa’s Haunted History of the Tri-State
Visit WV Official Tourism Page

Happy Haunting!
Sara (WV Travel Queen)