Gassaway lies in Braxton County, West Virginia. The town was named for James Gassaway, an early landowner. It was originally settled by a small group of pioneers in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Officially incorporated in 1891, the town quickly grew into a thriving community due to its proximity to the Little Kanawha River, which provided a reliable source of water power for sawmills and gristmills. The railroad's arrival in the 1890s boosted the town's economy and population. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railway built a large rail yard and repair facility in Gassaway, which brought jobs and prosperity. In the early 20th century, Gassaway was a major center for the timber industry, with several large sawmills and lumber companies operating in the area. The town was also home to several coal mines, which employed many residents.
Gassaway experienced a decline in population and economic activity during the mid to late 20th century as the timber and coal industries declined. The C&O rail yard and repair facility closed in the 1960s, further diminishing the town's economy. Today, Gassaway is a small community with around 1,200 people. Despite its small size, Gassaway has managed to maintain a sense of community and has several local businesses, including a grocery store, a pharmacy, and multiple restaurants.
The area around Gassaway is home to state parks and other natural attractions, including Burnsville Lake, Audra State Park, and the Little Kanawha River. These recreation areas offer a wide range of activities, such as hiking, fishing, boating, and camping. In addition, Gassaway has a rich history and culture deeply tied to the land and the people who have lived there for generations. Visitors can learn about the town's past by visiting local museums and historical sites, such as the Gassaway Heritage Center.
Gassaway hosts several annual festivals and events for entertainment lovers, such as the Gassaway Days Festival, which celebrates the town's history and heritage. These events provide an opportunity to meet residents, sample regional cuisine, and take in live music and other performances. Gassaway also offers many opportunities for scenic drives, like the nearby Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, which offers picturesque views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers.
Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse has stunning lake views and a peaceful atmosphere. It boasts 32 RV campsites with full hookups for your convenience. During your stay, you can take a nocturnal sightseeing tour or experience fireworks from the lighthouse pinnacle for an extraordinary view! This campground also offers several opportunities to enjoy the water by pontoon boat, paddleboard, kayak, or canoe.
Its small and cozy size makes Pegasus Farm Campground in Elkins, West Virginia all the more charming. The park offers unique facilities to enhance your stay, such as a green maze and a vegetable garden. You'll appreciate full hookup camping sites, wireless internet access, a convenience store, and a laundry room at Pegasus Farm.
There are beautiful campsites in Chestnut Ridge Park, which encompasses 16,000 acres of outdoor recreation. Still, the local area offers even more - the WVU Challenge Course and Zip Canopy Tours for adventurous travelers, Coopers Rock State Forest for climbing and rappelling tours, or kayaking and canoeing trips on the water for relaxation. There is also a trampoline park nearby to keep energetic children busy!
Cedar Creek State Park is a 2,588-acre natural escape located in Gilmer County. The park is named for the creek that runs through it and features a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park is also home to a 63-acre lake, which offers swimming and boating opportunities. In addition, the park has a campground with 60 sites, as well as several rental cabins. Cedar Creek State Park is a favorite place for birdwatchers, as the park is home to warblers, vireos, and flycatchers.
Stonewall Jackson State Park consists of 1,736 acres and is located along the West Fork River. It is a popular destination for boating and fishing, as the park is home to a 40-acre lake. The park also features a campground with 30 sites and several rental cabins. In addition, the park offers hiking and picnicking opportunities for day- and overnight-use visitors.
Holly River State Park is in the southern part of West Virginia. The park occupies a total of 8,294 acres and is home to various plant and animal life. The park's Holly River is named for the holly trees that flourish along its banks and is a popular place for fishing and canoeing. This river is a tributary of the New River and flows through the park for approximately three miles. The park's terrain is mostly mountainous, with some flat land near the river. The highest point in the park is Big Ridge, which has an elevation of 2,800 feet. The mountain slopes are blanketed in forest vegetation, including oak, hickory, maple, and pine trees. There are also many small streams and waterfalls to admire throughout the park. Visitors can often see white-tailed deer, red foxes, raccoons, opossums, turkey vultures, hawks, and woodpeckers during their adventures.
Gauley River National Recreation Area is a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking. The recreation area encompasses over 11,507 acres of land along the Gauley River and its tributaries, including the Meadow and Cranberry Rivers. The Gauley River is known for its challenging rapids, with names like Insignificant, Pillow Rock, and Sweet's Falls. The park is open year-round, and the most popular rafting time is from late September to the middle of October. This is called the "Gauley Season," when water is released from the Summersville Dam to generate hydroelectric power. In addition to whitewater rafting and kayaking, Gauley River National Recreation Area offers hiking, fishing, and rock-climbing opportunities.
Friendship Hill National Historic Site is in Pennsylvania, less than two hours from Gassaway. It is the former home of Albert Gallatin, the fourth Secretary of the Treasury of the United States under Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. He was instrumental in lowering the national debt and stabilizing the financial system. The historic site includes Gallatin's restored home and other exhibits about his life and contributions to United States History.
Bluestone National Scenic River is a protected section of the Bluestone River in West Virginia. The river is known for its clear blue water and spectacular scenery, which includes cliffs, rock formations, and dense forests. The park offers visitors the opportunity to swim, fish, kayak, and canoe in the river, while land lovers can hike and picnic along its banks. The park also has several campgrounds for visitors to use.
Monongahela National Forest is in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern West Virginia. The U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administers and maintains the forest, which spans over 921,000 acres of diverse terrain. It is best known for its beautiful mountain ranges, including the Allegheny Mountains and the Seneca Rocks. The Monongahela National Forest also offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding to outdoor enthusiasts. The forest features a variety of educational opportunities and ranger-led programs through its Discovery Center.
Wayne National Forest is located in the southern part of Ohio and covers over 240,000 acres. It is a popular destination for those who feel at home outdoors, offering activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. Wayne National Forest has many unique plant and animal species, including the Indiana bat and the eastern massasauga rattlesnake. The forest also offers a variety of ranger-led educational programs and informative visitor centers.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are located in the central and southern parts of Virginia, covering over 1.8 million acres of land. The forests are known for their varied terrain, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Allegheny Mountains, and the Shenandoah Valley. The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests offer a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding. Additionally, this region is home to many rare plants and animals. As you explore, you might see up to 60 mammal species and an incredible 200 bird species!
New River Gorge National Park is located about one hour from Gassaway. New River is one of the world's oldest rivers, which has carved a deep gorge through the Appalachian Mountains over millions of years. In addition, the New River Gorge Bridge is one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the gorge and is a popular spot for sightseers and bridge enthusiasts. Park visitors can enjoy various activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. The park also offers scenic drives, picnic areas, and primitive campsites for overnight visitors.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, covering over 150,000 acres of protected wilderness. The park features over 500 miles of hiking trails, including the popular 101-mile-long Appalachian Trail. If hiking isn't your thing, take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, which runs the park's entire length. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and a wide variety of bird species. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the remains of homesteads and old roadways.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a 32,572-acre recreation area located in northeastern Ohio, between Cleveland and Akron. The park is centered around the Cuyahoga River, which has carved a picturesque valley through the landscape. Visitors can hike and bike on over 125 miles of trails. They can also enjoy panoramic vistas from overlooks or ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is home to several historical sites and cultural landmarks. There are also many opportunities to spot wildlife while exploring the park, including bald eagles, beavers, and white-tailed deer.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Gassaway, WV, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Gassaway?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Gassaway from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Gassaway?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
