You may never have even heard of the tiny public space in West Virginia known as the Gauley Bridge Welcome Center. But for being such a relatively unknown dot on the map, this little park and visitors center sure does mark a natural wonder in West Virginia of absolutely mammoth significance! That's because the Gauley Bridge Welcome Center sits on the point of land that facilitates the merging (and thus, the ending) of the New River and the Gauley River to form a brand new waterway: the Kanawha River.
What are some of West Virginia's most incredible natural wonders? The New River and the New River Gorge, of course. Seneca Rocks. The Bluestone River and the Bluestone Gorge. Dolly Sods. Canaan Valley.
All of these stunning scenes are well-known state attractions, visited by thousands upon thousands of locals and tourists each year. But if you're looking for an incredible natural wonder that's still very much under-the-radar, then you might want to point your wheels toward the small West Virginia town of Gauley Bridge.
Specifically, plan a stop at the Gauley Bridge Welcome Center.
That's where you'll find the end of one of America's most famous rivers: the New River.
As you know, it's the New River that's one of the oldest rivers in the world. It's the New River that's spanned by that famously iconic steel single-arch bridge and is the world-famous star of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The terminus of this New River -- that's a big deal!
But that's not the only thing of note at this important site.
The Gauley Bridge Welcome Center also marks the spot where you'll find the beginning of another of West Virginia's most famous rivers: the Kanawha.
As you know, it's the Kanawha River that runs past the state capitol building at Charleston, West Virginia. It's the Kanawha River that runs on to merge with the Ohio River at Point Pleasant.
Find the Gauley Bridge Welcome Center for yourself at 10739 Midland Trail in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. Have you ever visited this underrated little public space to enjoy the waterfront views?
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