Grindstone Knob Field and Forest is a 219-acre classic multiple-use parcel located in Pocahontas County WV, recognized as “The Alaska of the East”. This forever wild property adjoins the Monongahela National Forest, has 75 acres of meadows and 177 acres of rolling woodland. Grindstone is a “Dark Sky” candidate with little or no light pollution. Notably, Grindstone is located in the “Quite Zone” surrounding the Greenbank Observatory, home to the world’s premiere single-dish radio telescope.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 219 acre+/- classic multiple-use parcel located in Pocahontas County WV, the “Birthplace of Five Rivers”
- Adjoins the Monongahela National Forest for about one quarter mile
- Just 35 minutes to Snowshoe Ski Resort
- Located in West Virginia’s “Radio Quite Zone”. This area offers substantial relief to those suffering from magnetic sensitivity.
- Water resources include 3000 +/- feet of blue line streams, several ephemeral and intermittent streams, and a quarter acre farm pond
- 144 acres +/- of Appalachian hardwoods and Eastern white pine timber was recently selectively harvested.
- 75 acres +/- open pasture which would make a nice grazing boundary but currently is being used for soft recreational pursuits
- The whole original property was surveyed in October 1997
- Property has been closed to the public for many years thus creating a nature sanctuary
- Conveying with all timber, surface rights, and mineral rights in title
- Long-term wildlife management with experienced forest stewardship
- An abundant and diverse wildlife population
- Some rock outcrops, moss & lichen covered field stone
- Accessed by state-maintained roads
- Networked interior trails provide access to nearly every corner of the property
- Nearby Greenbrier River is perfect for anglers and water recreation enthusiasts
- Long-range views approaching 20 miles
- Commercially – operable ground supporting farming, forestry, recreation and future cabin sites
- 30 minutes to Snowshoe Ski Resort, Cass Scenic Railroad and Seneca State Forest
- Varied topography with seasonal streams interspersed with flats and hillsides
- Elevations range from 2,574’ to over 3,100’
- Electric service roadside
- Low taxes, low population density, little or no light pollution
- Perfect area for watersports, hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding skiing, motorcross
- Dark Skies offer Stargazing-Planet Observation,AstrophotographyandStar Walking
- Birding: The property is an excellent site for birdwatching. Several square miles of forests and fields surround the farm providing a habitat for wood warblers, vireos, thrushes, chats, cuckoos, ovenbirds, and many other forest dwelling birds. The farm pond is attractive to waterfowl.
- 219 acres +/- sequesters tons of Carbon Dioxide and produces tons of Oxygen
- Shopping and city/town amenities, hospitals available in Marlinton 25 minutes, Lewisburg one-hour, White Sulphur Springs 50 minutes and Elkins 90 minutes
LOCATION
Google Coordinates: 38.220038°(N), -79.945825°(W)
Address: Sunset Road, Marlinton, WV 24954. A 911 address is not assigned to a property without structures.
Elevation Range: 2574 ft. to 3166 ft. +/-
Driving Times
Towns
Elkins: 1 hour 35 minutes
Lewisburg: 1 hour 5 minutes
Marlinton: 25 minutes
White Sulphur Springs: 50 minutes
Snowshoe 40 minutes
Airport
Greenbrier Valley Airport, Lewisburg: 1 hour 5 minutes
Recreation
Snowshoe Ski Resort 40 minutes
Beartown State Park: 50 minutes
Calvin Price State Forest: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass: 35 minutes
Cranberry Glades Botanical Area: 50 minutes
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center: 45 minutes
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park: 45 minutes
Greenbank National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Greenbank: 35 minutes
Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs: 50 minutes
Homestead Resort, Hot Springs: 55 minutes
Lake Moomaw: 40 minutes
Seneca State Forest: 40 minutes
Seneca Lake: 25 minutes
Snowshoe Ski Resort: 50 minutes
Watoga State Park: 30 minutes
DIRECTIONS
Near Minnehaha Springs, Pocahontas County, WV
Driving Destination Google Coordinates: 38.220038°(N); -79.945825°(W)
From Marlinton, WV: 14.4 Miles +/- (25 Minutes +/-)
From the bridge over the river in Marlinton, travel RT 39 East (passing through Huntersville) for 8.9 miles to Minnehaha Springs; turn left onto Route 92 North; travel 3.9 miles; turn left onto Sunset Road; travel 1.7 miles; the property road is on the right.
FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES
The Grindstone Knob’s 177-acre timber resource is composed of Appalachian hardwoods and Eastern White Pine. The forest has been well managed over many decades. Sections of the forest have been selectively harvested as prudent professional forest management guidelines called for. The last selective harvest was made in the year 2020.
Timber Value of the timber and pulpwood has not been determined.
The forest’s predominately well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by hardwood and pine species. Overall, the species composition is desirable and favors Appalachian hardwood types.
The Grindstone Forest is a mixture of residual post-harvest timber stands intertwined with some older stands and farm fields.
The timber stands contain white oak, red oak, hickory, maple, chestnut oak, white pine, and yellow poplar trees.
Some of trees scattered about the property could be considered “Legacy Trees”, those trees that were here when the mountaineers settled the area in the late 1800’s. These ancient trees, some estimated to be 100 – 150 years old, have withstood the test of time weathering insects, ice, wind, lightning strikes and fire.
Each year, the forest produces thousands of tons of Oxygen while taking in thousands of tons of Carbon Dioxide, helping to lessen mankind’s Carbon Footprint. This is an important long-term value so often overlooked when thinking about the forest. The leasing of Carbon Credits is another long term value that might be considered.
The property’s forest produces lots of acorns, hickory nuts, walnuts, wild grapes, blackberries, beechnuts, poplar and maple seeds. Because there is such an amazing food source, there is an abundance of wildlife, including wild turkey, white tail deer, raccoons, opossums, squirrels and chipmunks. The forest is home to a variety of songbirds, owls, ravens, buzzards, woodpeckers and hawks. Many of these birds’ nest in the “den trees”, which are full of holes and cavities. The birds feed on a variety of insects, including caterpillars and grasshoppers.
The forest is healthy and presently there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Emerald Ash Borer and Hemlock Wooly adelgid are present and it is anticipated that the mature & pole size Ash component will continue to decline until no mature ash can be found in the forest. There have been no forest fires in recent memory.
The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses. One could spend a lifetime getting to know this inviting environment.
AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES
Grindstone has been part of a working farm since the late 1800’s. Piles of field stone was laboriously hand picked out of the fields and piled around the edges of the field.
There are approximately 75 acres of open land that would be suitable for row crops such as corn, oats, wheat, pumpkins and all kinds of vegetables. The land would also be suitable for grazing or for making hay. A fruit orchard, blueberries, blackberries, and grape vines would flourish here. Remnants of fruit trees from the old homesteading days can be found including apple trees (maybe pears and peaches too) can be found scattered about.
The land could be used to raise livestock of all kinds (chickens, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits etc.) and could be farmed with horse drawn equipment. If so inclined, Beehives could provide honey and beeswax for candles.
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The property has not been open to the public for many years. The game thrives on the property because it is free of outside hunting or chasing pressures.
The property has a network of private interior trails that provides access to nearly every corner. The property has a mixture of mature hardwood species. The diverse tree species, coupled with the abundant water supply from the nearby pond and creeks, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The miles of “edge effect” created between cleared areas and timber lines, creeks, hollows, ridges, and rock outcrops benefit all the local wildlife. White tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, owls and raptors make up the resident wildlife population.
The hardwood forest provides the essential nutrient source and produces hard mast including acorns, hickory nuts, and beech nuts. Soft mast includes stag horn sumac, black cherry, tulip poplar seeds, maple seeds, multiflora rose and autumn olive berries, and blackberries.
An abundance of water is a major contributor to the local ecosystem’s richness and diversity for both plants and animals. A quarter acre wildlife watering pond, 3,000 feet of blue line streams and additional ephemeral streams support the surrounding aquatic plant life and create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the margins of the property are fringed by lowlands, and these lowlands support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the shore of the streams. The plant life associated with the wetland includes rushes, sedges, cattails, duckweed and algae.
There are many animals, including raccoons, opossums, wood ducks, minnows, native fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrats, bull frogs, eagles, hawks and redwing blackbirds associated with the creeks riparian area. There is the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, pond skaters, water beetles, damselflies, tadpoles and various insect larvae.
WATER
The beginning of a blue line stream lies on the property for over ½ mile. The beginning section of another blue line stream lies on the property for about 1/10 mile. These headwaters should have water flow during rain events and periods of snow melt. Several ephemeral and one intermittent streams can also be found.
There is also a quarter acre wildlife watering pond.
MINERAL RESOURCES
West Virginia is one of the states in the US that has two ownership titles, those being SURFACE RIGHTS and MINERAL RIGHTS. A title search for mineral rights ownership has not been conducted. All rights the owner has will convey with the property. A mineral title search could be conducted by a title attorney at the same time when the surface title search is being conducted.
BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY
The whole original property was surveyed in October 1997. The 2.7-acres out sale was surveyed in September 1997 and November 1998. Some boundaries are evidenced by fences. The property borders the US Forest Service property for 4/10 mile, and fronts on Sunset Road for almost ¼ mile. The property is being conveyed by the boundary and not by the acre.
UTILITIES
Water: a water well could be drilled
Sewer: a private septic system could be installed
Electricity: at roadside
Telephone: unknown
Internet: maybe possible through Starlink or Dish
Cellphone Coverage: none
ACCESS/FRONTAGE
The property fronts on Sunset Road Route 11/3 for almost ¼ mile. The property’s road/trail entrance connects directly to Sunset Road. There are several farm trails of various condition that reach many areas of the property.
ZONING
Pocahontas County currently has no zoning outside of corporations and flood zone areas. However, all prospective buyers should consult the County Government and also the Health Department for any changes and details regarding zoning, building codes, and installation of water wells and septic systems.
PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY
There is a continuous field containing about 75 acres. The forestland contains about 144 acres.
(This summary is an estimation of current property use as determined from aerial photography. It is made subject to the estimation of property boundaries and any errors in the interpretation of land use type from the aerial photography utilized.)
DEED and TAX INFORMATION
Deed Information: DB 391 Pg. 216
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Acreage: 219.4 acres +/-
Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:
Pocahontas County (38), West Virginia
Huntersville District (6)
Tax Map 40 Parcel 2; Class
2023 Real Estate Taxes:$157.56
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Pocahontas County School District
Public Elementary School:
Marlinton Elementary School
Public Middle School:
Marlinton Middle School
Public High School:
Pocahontas County High School
RECREATION AT GRINDSTONE
Grindstone offers many recreational opportunities. Numerous soft recreational activities are possible within the boundaries of the vast 219 acres +/-.
Nature viewingis first in line of recreational activities. Attentive wildlife management has been geared not to just game animals. Equal consideration has been extended to increasing the numbers and diversity of species including neo-tropical songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, dragonflies, owls, hawks.
- The property has not been open to the public for many years.
- Birding. The property is an excellent site for birdwatching. Thousands of square miles of Appalachian hardwood trees, fields, and mixed brushy habitat surround the farm providing a habitat for wood warblers, vireos, thrushes, chats, cuckoos, ovenbirds, and many other forest dwelling birds. There is an abundance of wetlands that is attractive to waterfowl.
- The wildlife thrives throughout the property owing to the freedom from public hunting or chasing pressures.
Stargazing-Planet Observation.Complete darkness can be found on most of the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view and photograph the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.AstrophotographyandStar Walkingare top-shelf pastimes.
Water-sportsenthusiasts will find the Greenbrier River ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and windsurfing.
Shooting-sportsdevotees find all the land and privacy needed to enjoy:
- Paintball-Airsoft-Laser tag-Archery tag
- Shotgun sport shooting including Skeet, Trap, Double Trap and Sporting Clays
- Rifle & Handgun shooting: bullseye, silhouette, western, bench rest, long-range, fast draw
- Archery and Crossbow competition shooting
- Plain ole’ plinking: Grandpa’s old 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day
All Terrain Motorsports.The property has several forest trails that are perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. These exciting machines handle the wide variety of the forest’s terrain. Dirt bikes can also be a lot of fun and they come in all sizes and horsepower to fit anyone who enjoys being on two wheels.
Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and Hiking. The property’s excellent network of trails may be used for conventional and mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding.
Rock Crawling & Rock Bouncing.A few areas of the property afford a topographic opportunity for the Extreme Off-Road adventurist to enjoy the increasingly popular Motorsport of Rock Crawling and Rock Bouncing.
Huntingcan be a first-class experience. Trophy white tail deer & black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, squirrel, raccoon, fox and rabbit make up the resident wildlife population. This property has an unbelievable assortment of wildlife.
- The property has not been open to public for several years. The wildlife thrives throughout the property owing to the historic freedom from outside hunting pressures.
- Property has a network of private interior trails that are closed to the public. These trails are accessible.
- The property is locally noted as a “trophy producing” wildlife habitat
CARBON SEQUESTRATION & OXYGEN RELEASE
The 219 +/- acres is a tremendous producer of Oxygen and sequester of Carbon Dioxide. Carbon Sequestration is the act of processing carbon dioxide through sinks and stores and releasing them into the atmosphere as oxygen. The vigorously growing forest and pasture grasses are sequestering thousands of tons of Carbon Dioxide each per year and producing tons and tons of life-giving Oxygen.
This natural process allows the owner (and family/friends) the opportunity to potentially enjoy a carbon neutral footprint.
The leasing of “Carbon Credits” to environmental mitigation companies is a rapidly emerging financial opportunity for the property owner to receive income without placing any burden on the land. The leases can be for as little as one year.
FOREST FARMING
The most common crops are medicinal herbs and mushrooms. Other crops that can be produced include shade-loving native ornamentals, moss, fruit, nuts, other food crops, and decorative materials for crafts. These crops are often referred to as special forest products. Here are some specific examples of crops:
- Medicinal herbs: Ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot, passionflower, and mayapple
- Mushrooms: Shiitake and oyster mushrooms • Native ornamentals: Rhododendrons and dogwood
- Moss: Log or sheet moss
- Fruit: Pawpaws, currants, elderberries, and lowbush blueberries
- Nuts: Black walnuts, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, and beechnuts
- Other food crops: Ramps (wild leeks), maple syrup, and honey
- Plants used for decorative purposes, dyes, and crafts: Galax, princess pine, white oak, puss* willow branches in the spring, holly, bittersweet, and bloodroot and ground pine (Lycopodium)
SELF-SUSTAINING LIFE OFF THE GRID
Just like 175 years ago, when the first mountaineers settled the area, the property would be self-sustaining in times of necessity – even without electricity.
- Fresh water for drinking and cooking would come from springs or a drilled well
- The forest would provide fresh food (deer, squirrel and turkey)
- More land could be cleared, and the land would be used to raise livestock, vegetable gardens, berry patches, fruit orchards, and row crops of corn, oats and barley
- Beehives would provide honey and beeswax for candles
- The forest would provide firewood for heating and cooking, lumber for building, maple syrup and pounds of nuts (beechnuts and hickory nuts)
ABOUT THE REGION
Grindstone Knob Field and Forest is located in north central Pocahontas County in the mountains of southeastern West Virginia. The Pocahontas County region is renowned for its highland forests—woodlands that ascend to windswept summits more than 4,000 feet above sea level. Its highest peaks are among the highest in the Allegheny range of the Appalachian Mountain.
Though home to fewer than 9,000 residents, the county is among the largest in West Virginia at 942 square miles and includes vast areas of forest, much of which is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Monongahela National Forest.
Much of the county lies within the National Radio Quiet Zone, an area of 110 square miles in Virginia and West Virginia in which radio transmissions are heavily restricted to facilitate scientific research at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank in northern Pocahontas County.
Heavy snows in the higher elevations may render forest roads impassable through much of the winter, though the valleys along the Greenbrier enjoy moderate winter weather. Heavy snows in December, January, and February help sustain tourism when more than 400,000 skiers and winter-sports enthusiasts visit Snowshoe Mountain, Silver Creek Resort, and the Elk River Touring Center.
THE SURROUNDING AREA
Cass Scenic Railroad
POCAHONTAS COUNTY
Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is set deep in the Allegheny Mountains, separating West Virginia from Virginia, and called “the birthplace of rivers”. The Greenbrier, Gauley, Elk, Cherry, Cranberry, Tygart Valley, Williams, and Shavers Fork of the Cheat rivers all begin in these pristine mountains. The area is rooted in its crystal-clear streams, native brook trout, roaring waterfalls, and unique history.
Boardwalk at Cranberry Glades
Pocahontas County is the “Alaska of the East”. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound from Hunting on private lands and the Monongahela National Forest, and Fishing in the Greenbrier River, Shavers Fork, Buffalo Lake and the countless native trout streams, Snow Skiing at Snowshoe, and Mountain Biking at Seneca State Forest and the Greenbrier River Trail.
In historic Durbin, WV, you have the opportunity to ride & experience the sights and sounds of one of the rarest steam locomotives in existence. The DURBIN FLYER Excursion Train is powered by a rare steam locomotive; Old #3 is one of only three operating Climax geared logging locomotives on earth!
For the water enthusiast, the property fronts the Greenbrier River for about 1500 feet. The Greenbrier is the last un-dammed river east of the Mississippi and offers a great float/canoe/kayak experience. The fishing for small mouth bass is considered excellent.
The Greenbrier River Trail is an 86-mile rails to trails system and offers exceptional hiking and biking opportunities along the scenic Greenbrier River.
Within a short drive are located some of the finest recreational facilities in West Virginia. Snowshoe Ski Resort, whitewater rafting / fishing on the Greenbrier, Tygart, New River and Gauley Rivers, the 48,000-acre Cranberry Wilderness, the 80,000 acre New River National Gorge National Park, and whitewater rafting / fishing on the New River and Gauley Rivers. Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding and rock climbing opportunities. Snowshoe Ski Resort is a 35-minute drive through some of the most scenic country on the East Coast. The world-renowned Greenbrier Resort, home of the PGA tour, is just a 50-minute drive. Several other area golf courses are available in the area. Five other area state parks and state forests offer unlimited hiking, horseback riding, ATV riding, and rock climbing opportunities.
Spruce Knob, Seneca Rocks, The Cass Scenic Railroad in Cass and the National Radio Observatory in Green Bank are other area attractions that make this region of the state one of the most sought after to live and play.
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN
This relaxed ski resort sits on 251 acres of skiable terrain and 11,000 acres of wilderness nestled amid the Allegheny Mountains, which are part of the vast Appalachian Mountain Range. It is positioned in the bowl-shaped convergence of Cheat and Back Allegheny mountains, at the head of the Shavers Fork and Cheat River.
Snowshoe is home to the second highest point in the state and the peak elevation for Cheat Mountain, at Thorny Flat, which reaches 4,848 feet above sea level. More than 5,000 guests enjoy Snowshoe’s slopes each season. In addition to Snowshoe’s remarkable ski and winter activities, it offers exciting summer activities such as extensive mountain biking trails, hiking trails, guided tours, horseback riding, ATV riding, a popular golf course designed by Gary Player, wedding and convention areas, and various other summer outdoor activities for all ages.
THE MONONGAHELA NATIONAL FOREST
The Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920 and is encompasses about one million acres. Located in the north central highlands of West Virginia, the Monongahela straddles the highest ridges in the State. Elevation ranges from just under 1000′ to 4863′ above sea level. Variations in terrain and precipitation have created one of the most ecologically diverse National Forests in the country.
Visitors to this beautiful forest enjoy breathtaking vistas, peaceful country roads, gently flowing streams, and glimpses of the many species of plants and animals that inhabit the Forest. You will also see a ‘working’ forest, which produces timber, water, grazing, minerals and recreational opportunities for the region and nation.
The landscape goals for management of the Monongahela are for a largely natural appearing and diverse forest, which provides outstanding dispersed recreation opportunities and supporting developed facilities. Dispersed recreation opportunities abound for hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and so on. Developed sites provide the tourism destination facilities and base camps so important to the efforts of local Convention and Visitor Bureaus, local communities, and other non-government agencies. Forest Plan Management Prescriptions favor non-motorized recreation for ecological reasons.
The forest is noted for its rugged landscape with spectacular views, blueberry thickets, highland bogs and “sods”, and open areas with exposed rocks. In addition to the second-growth forest trees, the wide range of botanical species found includes rhododendron, laurel on the moist west side of the Allegheny Front, and cactus and endemic shale barren species on the drier eastern slopes.
There are 230 known species of birds inhabiting the MNF: 159 are known to breed there, 89 are Neotropical migrants; 71 transit the forest during migration, but do not breed there, and 17 non-breeding species are Neotropical. The Brooks Bird Club (BBC) conducts an annual bird banding and survey project in the vicinity of Dolly Sods Scenic Area during migration (August – September). The forest provides habitat for 9 federally listed endangered or threatened species: 2 bird species, 2 bat species, 1 subspecies of flying squirrel, 1 salamander species, and 3 plant species. Fifty other species of rare/sensitive plants and animals also occur in the forest.
Larger animals and game species found in the forest include black bear, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, gray and fox squirrels, rabbits, snowshoe hare, woodco*ck, and grouse. Limited waterfowl habitat exists in certain places. Furbearers include beaver, red and gray fox, bobcat, fisher, river otter, raccoon and mink. Other hunted species include coyotes, skunks, opossums, woodchucks, crows, and weasels. There are 12 species of game (pan) fish and 60 species of non-game or forage fish. Some 90% of the trout waters of West Virginia are within the forest.
THE GREENBRIER RIVER
The upper Greenbrier River possesses the excitement of life on one of the nation’s great wild rivers. The focus of a vast outdoor-recreation destination, it flows untamed out of the lofty Alleghenies, attracting anglers, paddlers, and naturalists from across the globe.
At 162 miles long, the Greenbrier is the longest undammed river left in the Eastern United States. It is primarily used for recreational pursuits and well known for its fishing, canoeing, kayaking and floating opportunities. Its upper reaches flow through the Monongahela National Forest, and it is paralleled for 77 miles by the Greenbrier River Trail, a rail trail which runs between the communities of Cass and North Caldwell.
It has always been a valuable water route, with the majority of the important cities in the watershed being established river ports. The river gives the receiving waters of the New River an estimated 30% of its water volume. Over three-fourths of the watershed is an extensive karstic (cavern system), which supports fine trout fishing, cave exploration and recreation. Many important festivals and public events are held along the river throughout the watershed.
The Greenbrier is formed at Durbin in northern Pocahontas County by the confluence of the East Fork Greenbrier River and the West Fork Greenbrier River, both of which are short streams rising at elevations exceeding 3,300 feet and flowing for their entire lengths in northern Pocahontas County. From Durbin the Greenbrier flows generally south-southwest through Pocahontas, Greenbrier and Summers Counties, past several communities including Cass, Marlinton, Hillsboro, Ronceverte, Fort Spring, Alderson, and Hinton, where it flows into the New River.
Along most of its course, the Greenbrier accommodated the celebrated Indian warpath known as the Seneca Trail (Great Indian Warpath). From the vicinity of present-day White Sulphur Springs the Trail followed Anthony’s Creek down to the Greenbrier near the present Pocahontas-Greenbrier County line. It then ascended the River to the vicinity of Hillsboro and Droop Mountain and made its way through present Pocahontas County by way of future Marlinton, Indian Draft Run, and Edray.
NEARBY HISTORIC GREENBRIER COUNTY
Lewisburg, which is the Greenbrier County seat, was voted the Coolest Small Town in America in 2011, combining the warmth of a close community with the sophistication of more urban locations. The thriving downtown historic district offers year-round live productions presented at the State Professional Theatre of WV, Carnegie Hall, distinctive dining venues, antique shops, award-winning galleries/boutiques, and two summer-season farmer’s markets. Greenbrier Valley Medical Center is a modern hospital and all attendant medical facilities, along with the many big box stores.
Lewisburg is home to the WV Osteopathic Medical School (600 students) and the New River Community and Technical College. The area is a strong economic generator with a solid workforce employed in county/state government, tourism, hospitality, medical, education, retail, construction, wood products, mining and agriculture.
The world-renowned Greenbrier Resort, with 800 rooms and 1600 employees, is located less than an hour’s drive in the sleepy little town of White Sulphur Springs. The 4-Star resort has a subterranean casino and is home to the PGA tour, the “Greenbrier Classic.” Several other area golf courses are available in the area – including Oakhurst Links, America’s first golf course, where guests play using old style hickory-handled clubs and ground-burrowing golf balls!
The Greenbrier County Airport with WV’s longest runway provides daily flights to Atlanta and Washington DC. A picturesque train ride from White Sulphur Springs connects the area to DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, and many other locations. By car, DC is 4 hours away and Charlotte is only 4.
GREEN BANK OBSRVATORY – “A NATIONAL RADIO QUITE ZONE”
The Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, or GBT, is the world’s premiere single-dish radio telescope operating at meter to millimeter wavelengths. Its enormous 100-meter diameter collecting area, its unblocked aperture, and its excellent surface accuracy provide unprecedented sensitivity across the telescope’s full 0.1 – 116 GHz (3.0m – 2.6mm) operating range.
The single focal plane is ideal for rapid, wide-field imaging systems – cameras. Because the GBT has access to 85% of the celestial sphere, it serves as the wide-field imaging complement to ALMA and the EVLA. Its operation is highly efficient, and it is used for observations about 6500 hours every year, with 2000-3000 hours per year available to high frequency science.
Part of the scientific strength of the GBT is its flexibility and ease of use, allowing for rapid response to new scientific ideas. It is scheduled dynamically to match project needs to the available weather. The GBT is also readily reconfigured with new and experimental hardware, adopting the best technology for any scientific pursuit. Facilities of the Green Bank Observatory are also used for other scientific research, for many programs in education and public outreach, and for training students and teachers.
Quick Facts about the GBT:
- The GBT is running observations roughly 6,500 hours each year, more than any other observatory
- For each hour of time available for science on the GBT, roughly 3-4 hours are requested
- More than 600 individual scientists and students proposed to use the GBT within the past year
- More than $25,000,000 has been invested in the GBT in the past five years by colleges, universities, the NSF, and the state of West Virginia
- The surface of the GBT is perfectly smooth to a noise level of 260 microns (5 human hairs)
- The pointing accuracy of the GBT is 2 arc seconds, able to resolve a quarter at 3 miles
- The GBT weighs almost 17 million pounds and stands over 485 feet above ground level. The GBT’s collecting area is 2.34 acres and its diameter is 300 feet
- The GBT operates 24 hours/day, 362 days/year
- The operational funding provided by the NSF is approximately 0.1% of the NSF astronomy budget
