West Virginia: Take Me Home

Scott’s Nammy hailed from West Virginia, a true coal miner’s daughter, and we were thrilled to dig into those roots with his dad, Pop. As soon as we arrived, the Appalachian beauty took our breath away—West Virginia has a unique feel that’s unlike any other state. 

New River Gorge from Grandview Overlook

Join us as we explore what made our time here so special and discover the charm hidden in these mountains.

Little Beaver State Park

I forgot to write down our site number

We were blessed with a spacious campsite, clean restrooms just across the street, hiking trails right behind us, and a serene lake stretching below. And then there was the rain—every single day. But hey, maybe that’s why it’s so breathtaking!

I spotted lots of deer on Deer Trail

Exhibition Coal Mine 

Make sure to check out the homes, schoolhouse, and church!

The Exhibition Coal Mine Underground Tour in Beckley West Virginia offers a sobering glimpse into the lives of Appalachian miners, whose grueling work was marked by low pay, extreme risks, and long hours.

Our ride down into the mine

 

Former miners lead the tour, sharing stories of how addiction often took root in these communities. As a different form of oppression, miners were exploited and trapped in cycles of debt and dependency. 

During the late 1800's coal miners were expected to haul 1-4 tons a day

Miners were paid in “scrip” usable only at company stores, they remained bound to the company, while many turned to alcohol or drugs to cope with the intense physical pain and emotional toll of their work. 

A miners family home on camp

Despite these hardships, miners and their families forged strong, resilient communities that continue to symbolize the enduring spirit of Appalachia.

One of the deadliest mining accidents in recent history

Brad Paisley filmed a music video in this same mine for the song "The Medicine Will", which powerfully addresses the opioid epidemic in West Virginia. I encourage everyone to watch it—not to mention, our tour guide appeared in the video!

Montcoal

After the mine tour, we hit up KFC in honor of Scott’s Nammy—a little family tradition that seems to pop up often on both sides (if you caught my last post, you’ll know why!). We ate on the road, heading to Montcoal to see if there was anything left of the town where his Nammy once lived. 

yum!

To our surprise, we found a handful of houses and an old church, now half-claimed by nature. A few residents still have permission to live there, clinging to the land. Montcoal was hauntingly beautiful, with an eerie charm that left us captivated.

The old church still stands

Eskdale

We set out for Eskdale to locate the grave of Scott's great-great-grandpa, Cleave Woodrum, and it truly felt like a treasure hunt! With the help of some incredibly friendly locals, we finally stumbled upon it after quite the search. What a relief!

He would be the kids great-great-great grandpa

Cleave Woodrum, a West Virginia coal miner, became a symbol of the labor struggle when a hitman silenced him for advocating unionization in the early 20th century. Seeking better pay and safer working conditions, he faced fierce opposition from coal companies, which often resorted to violence against union efforts. 

Woodrum’s tragic death reveals the risks miners took for their rights and emphasizes the sacrifices that led to crucial labor reforms in Appalachia.

New River Gorge- One Day Scenic Drive

Taking an iconic shot

We kicked off our day at Grandview, the main overlook, and wow—what a breathtaking horseshoe view! We even spotted whitewater rafters on the river below, which is something I can’t wait to try someday.

A beautiful boardwalk with multiple falls

Next, we ventured down some winding backcountry roads to Sandstone Falls, and it was absolutely stunning. 

The mill is a symbol of Appalachian heritage, representing the self-sufficiency of early settlers 

After that, we headed to Glade Creek Grist Mill, a picturesque spot that I love so much I have a framed picture of it hanging on our wall!

Have you ever seen such a thing? The Rangers were not happy to see the deer taken as pets.

Our journey took us to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, where we encountered the friendliest deer. I initially thought it was a mascot, but it turned out to be someone’s pet! 

Be sure to take the trail from here for an overlook of the bridge.

The visitor center offers fantastic information and a beautiful overlook of the gorge.

A must do!

We wrapped up our adventure by driving along Fayette Station Scenic Drive. After treating ourselves to ice cream and coffee, we enjoyed the variety of stunning views of the bridge and charming hiking trails along the way.

Overall Experience

Family picture in Montcoal

Learning about the oppression coal miners faced—their exploitation and the resilience needed to survive—has given me a newfound appreciation for the people here. Despite the stereotypes I've heard about “hill people,” the majority of those we met were educated, kind, and incredibly strong.

Two powerful quotes from locals in Brad Paisley’s music video stand out:

1. “These are not bad people. These are people that deserve our help.” – Police officer
2. “The best way I found to treat it is to try and be involved in helping other people.” – Addict

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Reflection

• We are not meant to face life's challenges alone. God designed us for community, and our struggles serve a dual purpose: they foster our growth in faith and empower us to uplift others who face similar trials. Each obstacle we encounter builds our resilience and equips us with the compassion to support those who are suffering.

• As we share our experiences, we build a community rooted in love and understanding, reminding each other that we are never truly alone. Through Christ, we find strength and hope, transforming our pain into purpose.

• I believe the church must lead with humility born from brokenness rather than self-righteousness. By doing so, we can genuinely walk alongside the broken and reveal the strength and redeeming power of Jesus.

“The wounded healer. The greatest gift we can offer to others is our own wounds. It is in our brokenness that we can connect with the brokenness of others.”-Henri Nouwen

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your grace that meets us in our brokenness. Help us to lead with humility and compassion, reflecting the love of Jesus to those who are hurting. May we be vessels of Your healing and strength, showing others the redeeming power of Your presence.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, feel free to leave a comment below.

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