“THE BIG MEADOWS” is an exceptional 185 acre +/- multi-use property including agriculture, commercial, wetlands, recreation, residential and forest located in Greenbrier County.

HIGHLIGHTS

• 185 acres +/-
• Borders the 3,000 acre Meadow River Wildlife Management Area managed by the WV Division of Natural Resources
• 5 minutes to I-64 interchange at Sam Black
• Public water, three phase electric service, internet and landline phone  available roadside
• 4 ½ acre +/- developed commercial or residential site, perimeter fenced with high chain link – Accessible by tractor trailer
• ½ mile frontage on the 53-mile-long Meadow River
• ½ mile Clear Creek, a blue line stream, boarders the property
• ½ mile of dashed blue line stream flows through the property
• 135 acres +/- of level agricultural land utilized for hay production
•  There may be an opportunity to convert the agricultural land to wetlands.
• 45 acres +/- mixture of upland timberland and bio-diverse wetland forest
• FedEx, UPS and USPS delivery
• City amenities 20 minutes to Lewisburg & Rainelle, Beckley 30 min, Charleston 90 min
• 20 min to jet airport with daily service to Chicago and Dulles
• 5 min to the I-64 Dawson Interchange & the Sam Black Interchange on I-64
• Forest is comprised of Red Oak, White Oak, Pin Oak, Swamp White Oak, Hickory, Poplar and Maple
• Modern schools nearby with county school bus service
• A river and creeks to canoe or kayak with forest trails to hike, bike & ATV
• Perfect for all water sport activities supported by the nearby Meadow River, Greenbrier River, New River, 5000 acre Summersville Lake and the 2000-acre Bluestone Lake
• 80,000 acre New River Gorge National River Park nearby
• 90 minutes to Charleston, the State Capitol and WV’s largest metro area
• Amazing resident wildlife population rich in diversity and ever changing
• Fur bearing – deer, black bear, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox, chipmunk, opossum, coyote, beaver, mink, muskrat
• Area winged wildlife includes Bald Eagles, Neotropical songbirds, turkey, grouse, herons, hawks, woodcock, owls, ravens, king fishers, woodpeckers, ravens, crows, ground nesters, and hummingbirds and many types of waterfowl
• Dynamic forest with some old growth trees estimated to be 150-200 years old
• A rewarding off-grid permaculture lifestyle can be easily developed
• Cell phone coverage is good with 5G service
• Dark skies with little or no light pollution for star gazing and planet observation
• Multi-purpose use property offers agriculture, ATV riding, hiking, camping, hunting and nature viewing
• An easy drive to higher population areas of Charleston, Blacksburg, Roanoke, Beckley, Princeton and Lewisburg, jet airports and 4 major interstates
• Surrounded by WVDNR lands, timber tracts & cattle farms in a nice rural neighborhood.
• Boone and Crocket country
• All mineral rights in title will convey
• Elevations run from 2401’ to 2422’
• Low taxes, low population density

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 37.946162°(N), -80.656489°(W)
Address: Midland Trail, Crawley, WV 24931.  No 911 address is assigned to property without structures.
Elevation Range: 2401 ft. to 2422 ft. +/-

5 minutes to I-64
20 minutes to Lewisburg
25 minutes to Greenbrier Valley Airport
30 minutes to Beckley and Airport
30 minutes to The Greenbrier Resort and White Sulphur Springs
35 minutes to Hinton and Bluestone Lake
50 minutes to Fayetteville, The New River Gorge Bridge, and New River Gorge National Park
60 minutes to Summersville and Summersville Lake
90 minutes to Charleston, the State Capitol of WV

UTILITIES

Electric: Appalachian Power – Three Phase service is available
Water: Public Water is available roadside, a well could be drilled, or springs developed
Sewer:  A private residential septic system could be installed.
Telephone: Frontier Communications
Cell phone Coverage: Excellent with 5G
Internet: Available through cable or HughesNet
LP Gas: Available locally
Television: Cable is available or Direct TV or Dish

WATER

• Meadow River flows along a section of the southern property boundary for about ½ mile.
• Little Clear Creek, a large blue line stream, flows along a section of the northern border of the property for almost ½ mile.
• A dashed blue line branch of Little Clear Creek flows along a portion of the eastern boundary, and, then, through the property for a total distance of about a mile.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The property is composed of several tracts, some of which are residues after conveyances. Some boundaries are described by bearings and distances while other sections of boundaries run with a creek or the river. Some survey plats are available for various sections of the property.  The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

MINERAL RESOURCES

All rights the owner has in title 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.

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has deeded separate 12-feet-wide and 30-feet-wide access rights-of-way originating on the Midland Trail – US Route 60.

ZONING

Greenbrier County is subject to some zoning and subdivision regulations. All prospective buyers should consult the County Commission and also the Health Department for details regarding zoning, building codes and installation of septic systems.

Information can be found at the county website: http://greenbriercounty.net/ordinances.

PROPERTY TYPE/USE SUMMARY – 185 acres +/-

The property is composed of about 135 acres in hay fields/ open areas. Two separate areas of forestland total together for about 45 acres. A large area that was constructed for temporary storage uses contains about 4.5 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: A portion of the property in DB 518 Pg. 866
Greenbrier County, West Virginia

Acreage: 185 acres +/- by calculation
Real Estate Tax ID/Acreage/Taxes:

Greenbrier County (13), West Virginia
Meadow Bluff District (11)
Tax Map 63 Parcel 67, farmland, Class 2; Full Year Real Estate Taxes $187
Tax Map 63 Parcel 67, lay down yard, Class 3; Full Year Real Estate Taxes $171
Tax Map 76 a portion of Parcel 11; Class 2; Full Year Real Estate Taxes on the whole large tax parcel $371.28

2021 Real Estate Taxes: a portion of $729.28

SCHOOLS

Greenbrier County School District

Public Elementary School:
Rupert Elementary School

Public Middle School:
Western Greenbrier Middle School

Public High School:
Greenbrier West High School

Colleges:
New River Community and Technical College (Lewisburg campus)
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

Private Schools:
Greenbrier Community School (PK-8)
Greenbrier Valley Academy (2-8)
Lewisburg Baptist Academy (PK-12)
Renick Christian School (2-7)
Seneca Trail Christian Academy (PK-12)

DIRECTIONS

From Lewisburg, West Virginia:  16.8 miles +/- (approximately 20 minutes)

From US 219 North of downtown Lewisburg, travel I-64 West for 12.7 miles; take the Sam Black Church Exit 156; at the end of the exit ramp, turn right onto US 60 West (Midland Trail); travel US 60 West for 3.4 miles; the entrance to the gated property road is on the left.

From Rupert, West Virginia:  2.5 miles +/- (approximately 5 minutes)

From the Post Office in Rupert, travel US 60 East (Midland Trail) for 2.5 miles; the entrance to the gated property road is on the right.

5 minutes to I-64 interchange @ Sam Black
20 minutes to Lewisburg
25 minutes to Greenbrier Valley Airport
30 minutes to The Greenbrier Resort and White Sulphur Springs
35 minutes to Hinton and Bluestone Lake
40 minutes to Babcock State Park
50 minutes to Fayetteville, The New River Gorge Bridge, and New River Gorge National Park
60 minutes to Summersville and Summersville Lake

MEADOW RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (our FOREVER NEIGHBOR)

In the upper vale of the Meadow River, the 3,000-acre Meadow River Wildlife Management Area (WMA) adjoins the property and ranges across wetlands and bottoms along the river and its tributaries and climbs gentle slopes into the surrounding Allegheny foothills.

The WMA, is owned by WVDNR and WVDOH and managed by WV Division of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Section. It was formerly known as the Meadow River Public Hunting & Fishing Area.

Game traditionally associated with the management area includes deer, grouse, squirrel, raccoon, turkey, woodcock, and waterfowl. Other wildlife residents include Bobcat, Coyote, Red Fox, Beaver, Mink, Muskrat, Opossum, Fox

The Meadow River Wildlife Management area is located in western Greenbrier County five miles south of Rupert and 15 miles northwest of Lewisburg. The area is accessible from exits on expressway I-64 at Dawson, WV, or Sam Black Church, WV. Larger tracts are accessible off highway US-60 on Tommy Hall Road (CR-60/18) near Rupert.

THE MEADOW RIVER WETLANDS — AKA “THE BIG MEADOWS”

The 185 acre +/- “Big Meadows” property is located in one of the most ecologically significant areas in West Virginia—the scenic Meadow River Wetlands. Covering more than 3,000 acres, the wetlands include areas of high and outstanding biodiversity and is second in size only to the wetlands in the Canaan Valley in northern West Virginia, home of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge.

The area notably includes a rare plant community known to biologists as the “Meadow River Oak Swamp,” a refuge for several species that rely on floodplain and small stream habitats. In West Virginia, more than 80 percent of this rare oak swamp community is found in the Meadow River wetlands.

Visitors to the property may note the dominance of pin oak in the surrounding wetlands. Now a favorite landscaping tree transplanted nationwide, the pin oak is native to the eastern swamps. Its scientific name, Quercus palustris, includes the epithet palustris, meaning “of marshland” or “of swamps.” Its common name may derive from its small slender branches or its historical use for pins in wooden building construction.

Other important plants native to the wetlands include Swamp White Oak, Black Ash, Holy Grass, Virginia Spiraea, Brown Beaksedge, Elliptic Spikerush, Lowland Loosestrife, Tuckerman’s Sedge, Greenish-white Sedge, Skunk Cabbage, and Cross-leaved Milkwort.

The area is also renowned for its animal wildlife. Deer, bear, fox, turkey, squirrel, grouse, mink, muskrat, raccoon, bobcat, opossum, and a variety of waterfowl are plentiful. Beaver are among the most conspicuous animals in the region, not because of their visibility but because of their importance. The conspicuously level meadows for which the river is named were created over millions of years by beaver, which had dammed the region’s uplands into the swamps and meadows for which the Meadow River is named.

The area is also celebrated for its avian species, including the American Bald Eagle, American Woodcock, Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, and Rusty Blackbird. An eagle’s nest in the treetops adjoining the property is a favorite sight for wildlife viewers visiting the area. Eagles have only recently come to reside in the region, thanks to the restoration of water quality and habitat. Other important avian species include the Wood Thrush, Chimney Swift, Field Sparrow, Cerulean Warbler, Eastern Meadowlark, Golden-winged Warbler, and the Eastern Whip-poor-will.

Other important riparian species in the wetlands include the Black Bullhead Fish, the Upland Chorus Frog, and the Meadow River Mudbug, a rare crayfish named for its habitation here.

The more than 3,000 acres, including the wetlands adjoining the property, are managed by state biologists as part of the Meadow River Wildlife Management Area. While serving as a conservation mechanism for such a biologically rich region, the management area also attracts outdoor sports enthusiasts, and hunting, trapping, fishing, and wildlife viewing are all popular in the management area.

THE VALUE OF WETLANDS

Once regarded as impediments to economic growth, wetlands like those of the upper Meadow were drained and filled to make way for farmland and development. Now, however, they’re prized for their recreational and environmental value. As one of the state’s largest wetlands, these “swamp forests,” as such areas were once called, are attracting increased attention. While scientists celebrate the ecological benefits, outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, hunters, and paddlers, are visiting them in ever-increasing numbers. Kayakers can now be found paddling the meandering waterways with cameras and binoculars in hand. Several wildlife-observation areas have been opened, and local travel bureaus are approaching the Big Meadows as a tourist destination.

Wetlands are now recognized as being among the world’s most productive ecosystems, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. The combination of shallow water and high levels of nutrients is ideal for organisms that form the base of the food web and feed many species of bird, fish, insects, amphibians, which explains the enormous population of wildlife that visits and inhabits the area permanently and seasonally.

Scientists now understand that wetlands store carbon within their soil and plant communities instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Thus, wetlands help moderate global climate. They also function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, and snowmelt, slowing the speed of flood waters and distributing them more slowly over the floodplain, preventing flooding in urban areas downstream.

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL OPPORTUNITY AREA

• 4 ½ acre +/- developed commercial or residential site
• Public water, three phase electric service, internet and landline phone service available roadside. Cell phone coverage is good with 5G service
• Minimal zoning allowing for commercial or residential development
• Perimeter is bounded with high chain link fencing
• Excellent access and easily accessible by tractor trailer
• 5 minutes to I-64 interchange at Sam Black
• FedEx, UPS and USPS delivery
• City amenities 20 minutes to Lewisburg & Rainelle, Beckley 30 min, Charleston 90 min
• 20 min to jet airport with daily service to Chicago and Dulles
• Modern schools nearby with county school bus service available
• 90 minutes to Charleston, the State Capitol and WV’s largest metro area
• A rewarding off-grid permaculture lifestyle can be easily developed
• Dark skies with little light pollution for star gazing and planet observation
• An easy drive to higher population areas of Charleston, Blacksburg, Roanoke, Beckley, Princeton and Lewisburg, several jet airports and 4 major interstates
• Surrounded by WVDNR lands, timber tracts & cattle farms in a nice rural neighborhood.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

There are approximately 135 acres of open ground area comprised of excellent grassland suitable for grazing or for making hay. There may be an opportunity to convert the agricultural land to wetlands.

RECREATION

The property offers unparalleled recreational opportunities. Numerous soft recreational activities are anchored by the adjoining Meadow River and nearby Greenbrier River, New River, New River Gorge National River Park and the 2000-acre Bluestone Lake.

Water-sports enthusiasts will find the adjoining Meadow River and nearby Greenbrier River, New River and Bluestone Lake ideal for swimming, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, tubing, snorkeling, paddle boarding and windsurfing. Great fishing is found for small and large mouth bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, walleye, pike and bluegill.

Nature viewing is next in line of recreational activities. Wildlife viewing is not just for larger animals. Equal consideration is given to a diversity of species including neo-tropical songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, dragonflies, owls, eagles and hawks. White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, geese, squirrel, raccoon, fox and rabbit make up the resident wildlife population.

Stargazing-Planet Observation
Near total darkness can be still be found on the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.

Shooting-sports devotees 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
• 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day

All Terrain Motorsports
The property is perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. Riders are welcome to ride all public roads that do not have a painted dividing line and there are miles and miles of open roads in the area. 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 land may be used for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding and the area offers several state and national parks geared for these activities.

Rock Climbing on the Meadow River is awesome with183 routes with opportunities for easier traditional routes as well as hard sport routes and some mixed routes as well.

WILDLIFE

The adjoining Meadow River and nearby New River, Greenbrier River, and Bluestone Lake are major contributors to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. There are many animals that live year round and at other times in the water and around the edges of the rivers/lake, including beavers, otters, minks, raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, king fishers, minnows, native fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrats, bull frogs, eagles, owls, hawks and redwing blackbirds.

The miles of “edge effect” benefit all the resident wildlife. In addition to those listed above, white tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, fox, chipmunk, make up the resident wildlife population.

A number of Bald Eagles have been spotted up and down the Meadow River and are a thrill to see with wingspans of 6-7 feet. Currently there is nesting pair of Bald Eagles on the boundary line between the property and the Meadow River Wildlife Management Area.

Area winged wildlife includes Neotropical songbirds, turkey, grouse, eagles, herons, hawks, woodcock, owls, ravens, king fishers, ravens, crows, ground nesters, and hummingbirds and many types of waterfowl

Of equal importance, there is the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, water skaters, water beetles, damselflies, hellgrammites, tadpoles and various insect larvae.

Great fishing is found in the Meadow River, Greenbrier River New River and Bluestone Lake with small and large mouth bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, walleye, pike and bluegill present in good numbers.

The rivers, lake, and creeks, and their surrounding aquatic plant life, create a water a water-supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Much of their margins are fringed by wetlands, and these wetlands support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize their shores. The plant life associated with the wetland includes rushes, sedges, cattails, duckweed, bee balm and algae.

The hardwood forest of the surrounding mountains provides the essential nutrient source and produces tons of hard mast including acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts and black walnuts. Soft mast includes stag horn sumac, black cherry, tulip poplar seeds, maple seeds, autumn olive berries and blackberries.

SELF-SUSTAINING LIFE OFF THE GRID

Just like 200 years ago, when the first mountaineers settled the area, the property can be self-sustaining in times of necessity – even without on-grid electricity.

• Solar or wind power could provide an endless supply of off grid electricity
• Fresh water for drinking and cooking would come from the drilled water well (hand drawing water from the well using a cylinder well bucket)
• Deer and turkey can supply fresh meat
• Raise chickens, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits etc.) and could be farmed with horse drawn equipment. The land would support 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 and pounds of walnuts

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 possible 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, pussy willow branches in the spring, holly, bittersweet, and bloodroot and ground pine (Lycopodium)

THE AREA

“The Big Meadows” is an easy drive of higher population areas of Charleston, Roanoke, Blacksburg, Beckley, Princeton and Lewisburg.

Nearby Beckley & Lewisburg offer grocery stores, restaurants, banks, auto parts stores, hardware, hospitals, dentists and most other city amenities. Beckley is the Raleigh County Seat and Lewisburg is the Greenbrier County seat and they are the economic and governmental hub of those counties.

Charleston is West Virginia’s state capitol (90 min). Charleston is West Virginia’s largest city with a population of some 50,000 and a metro area of 225,000. It is the center of government, commerce, culture and industry. There is a commercial airport with daily flights to most major hubs.

Beckley (30 min), has a population of 34,000, and is the county seat of Raleigh County. All city amenities are available in Beckley. Beckley is located at the intersection of I-77, I-64 and US 19 so easy access to Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Charleston and Cincinnati is just around the corner.

The surrounding area offers unlimited recreational activities including white water rafting, golfing, fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching and rock climbing and snow skiing.

Highlights:

• 30-60 min to Beckley, Princeton, Lewisburg, 80,000 acre New River Gorge National Park, 2,000 acre Bluestone Lake, Pipestem Resort and Bluestone State Park, Sandstone Falls, Winterplace Ski Resort and the 4-Star Greenbrier Resort, 3000 acre Summersville Lake
• A picturesque Amtrak train ride from Hinton or White Sulphur Springs connects the area to DC, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, and many other locations
• Washington, DC is 5 hours and Charlotte 3 hours
• Charleston, Beckley, Lewisburg airports offer jet service to main hubs
• Charleston, the state capitol, is 1.5 hours’ drive and offers all large city amenities
• Easy access to I-64, I-77, I-79, US 460, US 19
• The Bechtel Summit Reserve, the12,000 acre Boy Scouts of America’s high adventure camp (60 min)
• The 14,000 acre Bluestone Wildlife Management Area is just down river at Bull Falls

SIX RIVERS AND TWO LAKES

The 185 acre +/-  “Big Meadows” is located in the heart of a biological, historic, and recreational mecca.

The New River Gorge was a vast and largely unsettled wilderness until the C&O railroad was built on the eastern side of the river in the 1880’s. The railroad opened up the rich coalfields and virgin timber stands of the region. Early “mountaineers” settled the area and soon were carving out mountain farms and raising families.

All rivers and lakes are within an easy one hour’s drive from the property: area encompassing the New River, Greenbrier River, Gauley River, Cherry River, Meadow River and Bluestone River. Within this vast watershed lies the 2000-acre Bluestone Lake and 3000-acre Summersville Lake.

The adjoining Meadow River, and nearby New River, Greenbrier River, Summersville Lake, and Bluestone Lake are major contributors to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. There are many animals that live year round and at other times in the water and around the edges of the rivers/lake, including beavers, otters, minks, raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, king fishers, minnows, native fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrats, bull frogs, eagles, owls, hawks and redwing blackbirds.

Great fishing is found in the Greenbrier River, New River, and both Lakes with small and large mouth bass, crappie, catfish, muskie, walleye, pike and bluegill present in good numbers.

The New River is the second oldest river in the world, preceded only by the Nile; it is the oldest river in North America. The New River is unique because it begins in Blowing Rock, N.C. and flows north through Virginia into West Virginia. The Nile and Amazon are the only other major rivers that also flow north. Year after year, it produces more citation fish than any other warm water river in WV. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, sunfish, hybrid striped bass, and muskie are all common species of fish found in the New River and Bluestone Lake.

Bluestone Lake is over 2000 acres at summer pool and is the state’s third largest body of water. Great hunting and fishing opportunities abound at the 17,632-acre Bluestone Wildlife Area adjacent to the park and nearby Camp Creek State Forest. Summersville Lake is over 3000 acres at summer pool and is the state’s largest body of water.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

“The Big Meadows” is a tremendous producer of Oxygen and Carbon Sequester. Carbon Sequestration is the act of processing carbon dioxide through sinks and stores and releasing them into the atmosphere as oxygen. With 185 acres, the vigorously growing wetlands, forest and grasslands is sequestering tons of Carbon Dioxide and producing tons of Oxygen each per year.

THE MEADOW RIVER

The Meadow River takes its name from the Big Meadows of western Greenbrier County, the region of glades and pastureland in southeastern West Virginia (WV) in which it sources. The Meadow River is a principal tributary of the Gauley River. Along part of its length, it forms the boundary between northern Fayette County and southern Nicholas County.

Formed at the confluence of Eagle Branch and Callahan Branch, and flowing generally southeast to northwest, it passes Rupert, Charmco, and Rainelle. Major tributaries include Methodist Branch, Otter Creek, Little Clear Creek, Big Clear Creek, Mill Creek, Laurel Creek, Meadow Creek, Brackens Creek, Young’s Creek, Glade Creek, Hendricks Creek and Dogwood Creek, before reaching its mouth at the Gauley River at Carnifex Ferry, West Virginia.

The river flows a total of 53 miles, mostly within the Meadow River Wildlife Management Area. The lower 5 miles is within the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The river drains 365 square miles.  Via the Gauley, New, Kanawha and Ohio Rivers, it becomes a part of the Mississippi River watershed.

The Meadow River Wildlife Management Area protects much of the ecosystem of the upper river among its meadows. Its lower 12 miles are part of the Gauley River National Recreation Area. The lower river is a popular kayaking stream, and its cliff-lined canyon along its lower course is a popular destination for rock climbing.

Boulders in the canyon of the Meadow River prevented the success of a logging industry before the development of railroads, after which the Meadow River Lumber Company established one of the most productive lumber operations in the world at Rainelle, WV, until 1970. During the Civil War, the Battle of Carnifex Ferry was fought between Union and Confederate forces above the mouth of the river. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park protects the site.

From source to mouth, the following select towns and villages are located on or near the Meadow River. Grassy Meadows, Dawson, Meadow Bluff, Rupert, Hines, Charmco, Rainelle, Russellville, and Nallen, WV.

FISHING ON THE MEADOW RIVER

Cutting a 50-mile path through the Appalachian Mountains, the Meadow River provides ample opportunities for fishing, canoeing and whitewater rafting. The Meadow River is a tributary of the Gauley River, which in turn feeds the New River, one of the best bass fishing rivers in the United States. And while the Meadow River tends to get overshadowed by its neighbors when it comes to fishing, its clear waters harbor abundant populations of bass and other game fish.

Smallmouth bass are one of the most common game fish species in the Meadow River — and also one of the most sought-after by anglers. These hard-fighting fish can exceed 5 pounds, though 2-pounders are much more common, and the Meadow River’s deep pools and abundant rocky cover provide a perfect habitat for smallmouths. Deep areas of the Meadow River also support muskellunge, rare giants that grow to 40 inches, and can test even the most seasoned angler. Walleye also swim in the Meadow River, along with panfish, trout and a few giant catfish.

Excellent fishing exists from spring through fall on the Meadow River. Fish feed voraciously before and after the spring spawning season, but high water levels can sometimes make fishing a challenge during spring. The relatively low flow of summer makes the river easier to navigate by canoe or kayak, and many areas are even suitable for wading. Fall is also a great time to fish, especially for bass, as cooling temperatures invite fish to feed heavily before winter sets in. For bass fishing, focus on rocky areas, especially immediately downstream of riffles or rapids. Lures that imitate their natural forage — minnows and crayfish — are usually effective. If muskellunge are your target, cast large minnow-imitating baits around rocks, weed beds and fallen trees in deep water.

The lower portion of the Meadow River is rocky and prone to dangerous rapids, making it less than ideal for fishing. The upstream portion of the river, particularly the section that flows through Greenbrier county, is better suited to fishing, both from shore and by canoe or kayak. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources provides public access and launch facilities for small boats in the communities of Hines and Charmco, and at the confluence of the Meadow River and Big Clear Creek near Rupert. Portions of the Meadow River are also accessible through Meadow River State Wildlife Management Area and Gauley River National Recreation Area.

THE DYNAMIC WETLAND FOREST RECAP

In earlier times, before the environmental and societal value of wetlands was discovered, Meadow River’s 3000 plus acres wetland forest was commonly called a “swamp forest”. Of enchanting woodland is biologically rich and wildlife diverse, being akin to the world’s largest swamp forests found in the Amazon. This mighty forest works to provide “ecosystem services”—non-monetary benefits like clean water, clean air, carbon sequestration, hunting, and yes—recreation for children.

The forest is the best of both worlds. You can visit during a dry season to walk beside the 100+ year old trees and watch for beaver, deer, squirrels raccoon, and turkey; or explore during the wet season and search for butterflies, turtles, frogs, crawdads, song birds, salamanders, newts, and a host of other aquatic invertebrates, migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

The forest is incredibly beautiful. The majestic Pin Oak and Swamp White Oak provide the forest’s foundation, while Red Maple, Hickory, American Elm, Ash, Ironwood and Hop Hornbeam (Muscle Wood) fill in between. The Pin Oak and Swamp White Oak are especially adapted to the wetland growing conditions found in the forest. The Pin Oak bark was used by some Native American tribes to make a drink for treatment of intestinal pain. The name “pin oak” is possibly due to the many small, slender twigs, but may also be from the historical use of the hard wood for pins in wooden building construction.

A few “Heritage Trees” are scattered throughout the forest and field edges. These ancient trees, have withstood the test of time, weathering ice, wind, lightning strikes and fire.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. The Emerald Ash Borer is present, and it is anticipated that all the Ash east of the Mississippi will succumb to the borer over the coming decade. There have been no forest fires in the recent memory.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, ferns and cool green mosses.

Meadow River’s very special plant – “Skunk Cabbage”

In the spring, the “The Big Meadows”’s Forest floor is covered with the green, low growing plant, commonly known as skunk cabbage (also swamp cabbage, clumpfoot cabbage, meadow cabbage, or polecat weed). Breaking or tearing a leaf produces a pungent but not harmful odor, the source of the plant’s common name; it is also foul smelling when it blooms. The plant is not poisonous to the touch. The foul odor attracts its pollinators, scavenging flies, stoneflies, and bees. The odor in the leaves may also serve to discourage large animals (and humans) from disturbing or damaging this plant which grows in soft wetland soils.

Eastern skunk cabbage is notable for its ability to generate temperatures of up to 27–63 °F above air temperature by cyanide resistant cellular respiration in order to melt its way through frozen ground, placing it among a small group of thermogenic plants. Even though it flowers while there is still snow and ice on the ground, it is successfully pollinated by early insects that also emerge at this time. Some studies suggest that beyond allowing the plant to grow in icy soil, the heat it produces may help to spread its odor in the air. Carrion-feeding insects that are attracted by the scent may be doubly encouraged to enter the spathe because it is warmer than the surrounding air, fueling pollination.

Eastern skunk cabbage has contractile roots which contract after growing into the earth. This pulls the stem of the plant deeper into the mud, so that the plant in effect grows downward, not upward. Each year, the plant grows deeper into the earth, so that older plants are practically impossible to dig up. They reproduce by hard, pea-sized seeds which fall in the mud and are carried away by animals or by floods.

In the 1800’s U.S. Pharmacopoeia listed eastern skunk cabbage as the drug “dracontium”. It was used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, nervous disorders, rheumatism, and dropsy. Skunk cabbage was used extensively as a medicinal plant, seasoning, and magical talisman by various tribes of Native Americans. While not considered edible raw, because the roots are toxic and the leaves can burn the mouth, the leaves may be dried and used in soups and stews.