Kirkner Lake Cabin is a must-see at the New River Retreat, Draper in Virginia. Kirkner Cabin is a log house built in the 1840s. It will take you back to America’s vibrant past. This nostalgic log cabin is a testimony to the passing time and a memory of simpler times. The sturdy chestnut wood logs were colored and stacked in the traditional manner. You can see an opening in the wall next to the fireplace, which shows how the cracks have been carefully filled with mud chink. Since over 160 years, families have gathered around the stone fireplace. The warmth of the fireplace has been used to tell many stories and comfort families. Kirkner cabin was moved in the 1970s and reassembled along Claytor Lake. Before the logs could be reassembled, Mrs. Kirkner had washed them in the river. This created the brilliant golden colors that are still visible today. This historical log cabin is a trip through time. It overlooks America’s oldest River.
New River Valley has many outdoor activities that will satisfy the thrill of adventure. New River Retreat offers a variety of activities to satisfy your adventurous spirit. You can kayak down the river, ride a bike to explore the trails, learn how climb trees, or even take a winery tour. These are just a few of the activities you can enjoy during your stay.
Claytor Lake State Park. Claytor Lake offers a variety of activities, including camping, hiking and picnicking. It is also known for sport fishing. The park offers a full-service Marina with fuel, boat rentals and supplies, docking slips. Water’s Edge Meeting Facility can be used for weddings, reunions and receptions. Wedding packages are also available. Three lodges, 15 cabins and a 4,500-acre lake offer visitors a scenic getaway. The Howe House, a historic building, has interactive exhibits that describe the ecology of the lake. Guests can rent bikes, enjoy a picnic shelter, a season snack bar, and a playground. There are two gift shops.
George Washington National Forests and Jefferson National Forests. Over 1.8 million acres in Virginia West Virginia and Kentucky contain Appalachian forest. From lush forests to cold mountain streams and unique mountaintop flats, you can explore them all. The Appalachian Trail (also known as the A.T.) is America’s footpath, and the first National Scenic Trail. The trail is marked by two-inch-by-six-inch vertical white paint blazes. It crosses 14 states. Virginia has more A.T. mile than any other state, with 325 of 2,190 total miles located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. The Virginia section of A.T. passes a variety ecosystems including the high country in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and the ridge and Valley area of Eastern Divide Ranger District. It also passes atop the Blue Ridge in the Glenwood-Pedlar District. The elevation varies from 265 feet on the James River Footbridge, to 5500 feet on Pine Mountain.
