Coal Heritage Trail Scenic Byway Backroads

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 19 гру 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 211

  • @danno3497
    @danno3497 3 роки тому +12

    Hey Russ, As John Denver once said,
    Almost heaven, West Virginia....
    Country roads take me home to the place I belong! West Virginia,mountain momma take me home country roads!!

  • @DarKnight-nu1fz
    @DarKnight-nu1fz 3 роки тому +1

    My stomping grounds. 10 year WV coal miner here.

  • @fredallen7493
    @fredallen7493 3 роки тому +6

    I grew up in McDowell and Mercer counties. Went to Bramwell HS. Home of the Millionaires, from coal, timber, and railroads. Where you pulled over to look at houses on the hill used to be a barbershop, used to get hair cuts there.

  • @gloriadiaz8912
    @gloriadiaz8912 2 роки тому +1

    I agree , “ Almost Heaven “ . Marvelous Views , Historic Buildings . Truly enjoyed the Ride . “ Thanks for the Memories “. 😊 .

  • @greghott9155
    @greghott9155 3 роки тому +18

    From 1971 to 1984 Northfork High School won 10 state basketball championships, 8 in a row.

    • @terrenceking5855
      @terrenceking5855 3 роки тому +2

      I was the high school score keeper for Northfork High in 1971! The team Montcalm by over 100 points!

    • @smug8567
      @smug8567 3 роки тому +1

      From 1973 to 1982 I ate the exact same lunch everyday, turkey chili in a bowl made out of bread. Bread bowl Greg! You'd eat the chili then you'd eat the bowl. Nothing more satisfying than looking down after lunch and seeing just a table.

  • @marianfernwood6945
    @marianfernwood6945 3 роки тому +5

    I followed you last year from Sturgis, SD to WA state because I'm in WY, but Elkins, WV is my home town Russ. I had to stop working to watch as West Virginia unfolds before me. Enjoying vicariously.

  • @thelmahenriques6454
    @thelmahenriques6454 3 роки тому +17

    I hope the owner finds his horse!

  • @trailcameralakeloon
    @trailcameralakeloon 3 роки тому +1

    This reminds me of Cape Breton Nova Scotia

  • @jamespreston8265
    @jamespreston8265 3 роки тому

    My hometown of Northfork where everyone got along quite well, and everyone loved those championship teams. The school is gone ,but the memories will last forever.

  • @lyndahardy8168
    @lyndahardy8168 3 роки тому +3

    In small WVa towns everything is within walking distance and it centers around the church building where it is a community center, town hall, school and preaching. Folks have lived there their entire life and wages are low and families are large. Love it !

  • @markgalloway2369
    @markgalloway2369 3 роки тому +14

    There is a nationally known ATV trail system up in that area called the Hatfield & McCoy Trail System. Several different parts that cover a large area of that part of West Virginia. I have been up there three times myself. Great trail system that brings in a lot of outside tourism revenue that helps those communities.

    • @rvertv
      @rvertv  3 роки тому

      Thanks for the info!

    • @tiffinhappy9744
      @tiffinhappy9744 Рік тому

      I have rode Hatfield McCoy trailers manytimes on my four wheeler. Age has kind of ended that phase of my life. It was a blast while it lasted😅

  • @underdoggo929
    @underdoggo929 3 роки тому +16

    First part of video is going through Bluewell WV (unincorporated). My hometown. You missed Lynn's Drive In. Best hotdogs in the area.

    • @howardtyree4297
      @howardtyree4297 3 роки тому +1

      Should have got a Hot Dog Russ.

    • @rl2769
      @rl2769 3 роки тому +1

      He also missed an opportunity to grab a biscuit at tudors. SMH. Lol. I hope he gets back this way.

    • @gojudude
      @gojudude 3 роки тому

      @@rl2769 Tudors are everwhere....But hotdogs...they change every 25 miles....an they all good!!!!

    • @rl2769
      @rl2769 3 роки тому

      @@gojudude no there not.

    • @derekwebster8442
      @derekwebster8442 3 роки тому

      @@rl2769 I think they meant that Tudors/Gino's are everywhere in WV. It's a local chain.

  • @josephmiller6259
    @josephmiller6259 3 роки тому +12

    Wow what a trip down memory lane for me. Both of my parents are from this area. I have not been there in over 30 years. The town of Coaldale is where my mother lived and went to school at Bramwell. As one viewer mentioned a worthwhile stop. I remember as a child riding in the back of the family station wagon in the 60's seeing many of these same sights on the way to visit my Grandparents. Lynn's Drive in in Bluewell is another worthwhile stop. Awesome video!

    • @gojudude
      @gojudude 3 роки тому

      Same here... Awesome!!!

  • @glamperjan
    @glamperjan 3 роки тому

    Love the tour of the coal mine museum. Great stop! Yeah!

  • @tandemriders6791
    @tandemriders6791 3 роки тому +1

    The horse is the first ATV. My Wife and I really enjoy your videos, Thank You Russ for taking us along.

  • @stephend.mixell2042
    @stephend.mixell2042 Рік тому

    Russ your videos never fail to entertain use. Really loved seeing the mining museum very well kept. Thanks again for another fine video. See you next time.

  • @retiredtraveling7459
    @retiredtraveling7459 3 роки тому

    From PA , coal town and I chuckle as you marvel at the greenery and lawns. I think maybe you understand how those of us that grew up in areas like that and see the desert for the first time. No green, no trees, no lawns. It’s horrible at first and then you find the beauty. Looking forward to see the areas I know. Enjoy.

  • @trevorhall9524
    @trevorhall9524 3 роки тому

    Thanks for taking us along Russ, nice to see back Road America

  • @celestelacey812
    @celestelacey812 2 роки тому

    Seeing these towns and backcountry brings back memories of when we was driving over the road and took one these scenic routes. Had always wanted to go back but never got to. When you came upon that horse it reminded me of my black horse and I was scared he would get hit. Hope the owner got him put up.

  • @terrenceking5855
    @terrenceking5855 3 роки тому

    @ 03:49 that another little town is my home town of Maybeury. My dad started a cable company there in 1954!

  • @rosemariereade131
    @rosemariereade131 3 роки тому

    Beautiful, poetry in motion.

  • @shirleydenton4747
    @shirleydenton4747 3 роки тому +18

    When you get a chance read on the history of that courthouse you just passed in Welch. Sid Hatfield murdered on courthouse steps after surviving Matewan battle. Movie made called Matewan.

    • @smug8567
      @smug8567 3 роки тому +2

      Its just as well old Sid had some really bad teeth.

  • @alainmichel8057
    @alainmichel8057 3 роки тому

    Bonjour ---- Un grand merci pour les visites par des vidéos superbe .... RVerTV --- Alain MICHEL -- France

  • @TheBudman302
    @TheBudman302 3 роки тому +1

    Videos get better and better everyday...YEA...Thanks for all you do..

    • @rvertv
      @rvertv  3 роки тому

      You are so welcome

  • @thesavvystylists
    @thesavvystylists Рік тому

    Thank you so much for this video! I'm an 80's baby and I spent every summer in the towns of Northfork, Keystone, Kyle Bottom, and Elkhorn (Copper's Hill). This video warms my heart every time I watch it. Most of my family members have passed on and I miss them and the times we spent in these mountains so much. I chuckled when you said, "If these hills could talk". Whew! The stories they'd tell. LOL! West Virginia has a special place in my heart. Truly a Wild and Wonderful place.

  • @eileencarman9752
    @eileencarman9752 3 роки тому +1

    Love those trees in this video.

  • @BlazingLaser
    @BlazingLaser 3 роки тому +5

    What a beautiful ride! Thanks, Russ! It's amazing how 'healthy' Welch looks considering the troubles the coal industry is having these days.

  • @antisocialmedia2507
    @antisocialmedia2507 3 роки тому +1

    Really enjoyed the trip and your commentary. It is nice that you dont act like an expert but just share your thoughts on what you are seeing

  • @beach3girl459
    @beach3girl459 3 роки тому +1

    Take me home country roads...

  • @jeffamos9854
    @jeffamos9854 3 роки тому +4

    North fork reminds me a little of where my dad was born in Burke Idaho. Mining town. Now just a ghost town. Some of the mining structures still stand.

  • @edmondlanceeastridge6039
    @edmondlanceeastridge6039 3 роки тому +4

    My land is up on the mountain above Bekley been there a lot of times thanks for sharing and showing my Grandkids were my dad grew up your videos are very enjoyable too watch travel well Russ Lance and Family

    • @rvertv
      @rvertv  3 роки тому

      Very cool!

  • @wvbassassassin
    @wvbassassassin 3 роки тому +14

    Oh, such a shame that you didn't stop at Bramwell, the old mansions and brick streets are really beautiful.

    • @georgeedwards5468
      @georgeedwards5468 3 роки тому +2

      Back in the day,more millionaires lived there than anywhere in the country!!! I was raised over the ridge from northfork.sad to see what has happened.

    • @rl2769
      @rl2769 3 роки тому

      @@georgeedwards5468 Pocahontas here. Actually Boissevain. 🤙

  • @robertjean659
    @robertjean659 3 роки тому +3

    Cool drive today, looks like you had trouble keeping up with that pony, lol. Thanks for the vid.

  • @wv171
    @wv171 3 роки тому

    Keep eye open even lot N&W trestles made from native stone. Wonderful workmanship.

  • @kimberlyshalaby1134
    @kimberlyshalaby1134 3 роки тому +4

    🙋‍♀️ Good Evening Russ! Welcome to Wild & Wonderful West Virginia! The Tamarac is off 77N on the left. It has more coal mining history, & a place to buy knick knacks made from coal. So very nice to see these back roads Russ. Then there's our infamous New River Gorge, where people come from all over the world to jump off this bridge during Bridge festival in the fall. Wish you could have seen Rt.19N grow up from Beckley to the end (45-50 minutes) where it joins back up with 77N to 79N Pa. My favorite place to stop was right after the walkway at Tudor's Biscuit World on the right on 19N. Loved reading the local paper. 1x a man got a DUI on horseback. Next time we came thru a man got a DUI on a riding mower. Then there was the officer who came back to the room where he left his prisoner only to find the handcuffs on the table, & she was walking away from the courthouse. This video was really nice Russ. Take your time to enjoy our side of the world, so glad you are here.👍

  • @davidboyles9967
    @davidboyles9967 3 роки тому +5

    Great video Russ!! Miles and miles of history!

  • @scottomich1885
    @scottomich1885 3 роки тому +3

    My inlaws went to the same school with the fella that scored the most points in Basketball in High School history that probably will never be broken. His name is Danny Heater and he scored in one game 135 points. He still goes to an annual reunion every year that just celebrated a 100 year run and sadly not going to continue. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting there since the late 70’s but most family is gone now🥲 Wild Wonderful West Virginia ❤️

  • @markloomis6583
    @markloomis6583 3 роки тому

    Your commentary and filming is great! Thank you

  • @punkotter1867
    @punkotter1867 3 роки тому +2

    Can't wait for your video's. This trip is Awesome ! History in the small town's.

  • @Photoncraft
    @Photoncraft 3 роки тому

    Recent video looks like my homeland's landscape except architectures and horse. Interesting and I like old town buildings.

  • @susanstrickland6774
    @susanstrickland6774 3 роки тому +3

    Too cool for school, for sure. Love this adventure. Beautiful ride along. TY. 😊👍

    • @rvertv
      @rvertv  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for watching!

  • @kimwilkins1500
    @kimwilkins1500 3 роки тому

    This one is of Northfork and Keystone (you missed the town sign and thought you were still in Northfork).
    I graduated HS in Northfork and got married in Keystone!
    Thanks for the trip down memory lane, Russ!
    ❤️

  • @shirleydenton4747
    @shirleydenton4747 3 роки тому +7

    As you went through Northfork, WV, that was a booming little town in the forties. My grandfather had a watch repair shop there in the thirties. Interesting book on WV gov site about the little town of Keystone. Wicked little town back in the day

    • @terrenceking5855
      @terrenceking5855 3 роки тому

      Keystone Bottom was known even in California!

    • @shirleydenton4747
      @shirleydenton4747 3 роки тому +1

      @@terrenceking5855 Absolutely. I worked in that area and knew a lot of its history. The cut going from Northfork to Keystone was at one time a mass burial site. So many walked through there and were killed for their payday. Many from other countries! They were buried on the spot. However, some of the greatest people on earth live in that county

    • @paulherring8959
      @paulherring8959 3 роки тому +1

      Another former boom town you might find interesting is Thurmond,WV on the New River. Long since abandoned it was once one the wildest and most wicked of localities in the states coalfields.

  • @dennysisk6260
    @dennysisk6260 3 роки тому +2

    Cool video thanks for sharing, welcome to West Virginia

  • @sideswipe_x1
    @sideswipe_x1 3 роки тому +1

    18:45 courthouse is up on the hill to your right. That's where Sid Hatfield was killed back in the 1920's brought an end to the Battle of Matewan

  • @DrRussellMcConnell
    @DrRussellMcConnell 2 роки тому

    I love those WV backroads.

  • @marilynskrepich3238
    @marilynskrepich3238 3 роки тому +2

    Enjoy your videos it seems like smooth sailing these videos are easy on the eyes and your voice is so soothing and you are very informative/interesting too. Thank you

  • @scotto5426
    @scotto5426 3 роки тому

    so many atvsbecause of the Hatfield and Mcoy trails. hundreds of miles to ride. nice vid

  • @bigred4335
    @bigred4335 2 роки тому

    I really miss West Virginia….. I am from Maryland…. I had move to Charleston back in 1999 …. I went to Job Corp when it was on Summer Street….I have since move back to Maryland but I have been back to visit many times …. Great state and wonderful people…..I tell people all the time please go visit and see for yourself….. I definitely will go visit again…..I have also thought about moving back …. I am a simple guy I just want to work and relax

  • @thomasryan5736
    @thomasryan5736 3 роки тому +7

    Russ, you are lucky you didn’t get stuck behind a coal truck. I spent most of my time doing 25 mph trying to get to my next appointment.

  • @hcrffi
    @hcrffi 3 роки тому +2

    👍 Thanks, I'm taking notes.

  • @terrenceking5855
    @terrenceking5855 3 роки тому +1

    @ 4:53 is the house That I lived in from 1960 to 1972! Thanks!

  • @kylepratt1710
    @kylepratt1710 3 роки тому +12

    Loving the ride through my home State. The climbing plant on the houses is called Kudzu and was brought over from East Asia. The towns were built by miners for miners and the larger houses were usually the managers or owners of the coal company. When the mines shut down the towns went through hardships. The scenery is wonderful and great to see. Enjoy the trip and look forward to more video. Be safe.

  • @dukesilversurfer8186
    @dukesilversurfer8186 2 роки тому

    Love the channel, my parents and most of my family were born and raised in McDowell County. My father was deputy there back in the 60’s.

  • @curtismilke1695
    @curtismilke1695 3 роки тому +2

    The years i lived in wv ive never been to Bluefield.your videos are giving me ideas as i am hoping to travel myself in a few years. Enjoying your travels

    • @rvertv
      @rvertv  3 роки тому

      Go for it!

  • @georgesmith1358
    @georgesmith1358 3 роки тому

    Man, I love your videos. I always do the driving because my wife loves to look around, but with your videos, I get to do the looking! Thanks!

  • @Go4Corvette
    @Go4Corvette 3 роки тому +7

    Great video Russ and beautiful scenery. It's a shame what they have done to the coal and oil industry people need to work and yes some jobs are dangerous but you can die from no work as well. People seem to forget this. The government will never make you rich or even middle-class that's why you see all the dollar stores and with the current inflation rates you are lucky to find anything for a dollar. Take care, Mike

  • @suzybailey-koubti8342
    @suzybailey-koubti8342 3 роки тому

    Thank you so much for these videos! There used to be thousands of people living in Welch, WV!

  • @winnieillig4694
    @winnieillig4694 3 роки тому

    As amazed as you are with out lush green grass and forests I am amazed with the desert environment without grass. Yes we shovel snow all winter and cut grass all summer. You might want to check out Scenic hwy Route 66 in Pennsylvania. But you would want to be here in the Fall. You don't want to miss the vast array of colors these trees turn to.

  • @Resounded
    @Resounded 3 роки тому +1

    Russ, Stay there as long as you can.. It's 110 degrees in Quartzsite !!!!! Wouldn't you rather live where it's Green ???

  • @michaelk5503
    @michaelk5503 3 роки тому +2

    I get scared with that much green Boss! Thanks anyway though! Love your travels.

  • @pamelaattrux336
    @pamelaattrux336 3 роки тому

    Love driving and seeing the country side

  • @stephenbrown3763
    @stephenbrown3763 3 роки тому +5

    Hey Russ!!! Talk about "HORSE POWER"!!! Be Safe!! "ENJOY"!!!

  • @kathyhepler382
    @kathyhepler382 3 роки тому

    I really like all your videos!!! Safe travels!!

  • @edin3909
    @edin3909 3 роки тому

    Nice scenic houses on both sides and few churches are also looks good sir.i missed your drone cam to capture the small town sir.u r absolutely right sir these hills could talk and the nature is wow no words to say sir.i love each and every creations of God sir❤❤❤❤❤❤👌👌👌👌👌

  • @Tortomus
    @Tortomus 3 роки тому

    Long time subscriber, you exploring back road small towns East coast is my favorite videos of your yet. Can't wait to see more.

  • @jesscarey7666
    @jesscarey7666 3 роки тому +3

    Awesome video Russ! Thanks for the ride 👍

    • @rvertv
      @rvertv  3 роки тому

      Glad you enjoyed it

  • @sideswipe_x1
    @sideswipe_x1 3 роки тому

    at 3:43 if you look to the right that old dirt road that runs parallel to Rt 52 that you are on will take you to the original Rt. 52 from the pre-1960's era. my grandfather took me up there back in the mid-1980's and showed it to me

  • @scable-eq7bp
    @scable-eq7bp 3 роки тому +1

    This video was too cool.........

  • @ritalockett9788
    @ritalockett9788 3 роки тому

    I am enjoying the ride

  • @D.A.Jgoons123
    @D.A.Jgoons123 3 роки тому

    Mr Revere I like your channel the stock the subscribed and enjoy your West Virginia tour for the cold country

  • @howardtyree4297
    @howardtyree4297 3 роки тому

    I'm a Hugh fan Russ. A legend from the west in "By God WV", boy I wish I Could meet you and shake your hand. I hope you can come through Charleston. If not stay safe and happy travels. PS don't forget to get a "good WV Hot Dog and some Pepperoni Rolls.

  • @roysurratt3385
    @roysurratt3385 3 роки тому

    I feel like I have died and went to heaven for the 2nd time today; found your 2nd video covering your ride from Bluefield to Welch in McDowell County W.Va. These were my old stomping grounds up until I turned 10 yrs.old and my family moved to Indpls., Indiana. I had family (grandparents) in Bramwell, aunts & uncles in Northfork & Keystone, we lived in Kimball a couple of times, was born in Maitland (where you didn't video these previous 2 areas) and as a youngster I spent my one and only hospital stay, in my life, in the Welch Hospital for chickenpox. Oh, and yes, we had lots of snow and icy roads in the wintertime. When you diverted onto Hwy 16 to head toward Beckley, I had aunts and uncles who lived and died in Pineville & Mullens but your video stopped before getting there. Thanks again for the ride along. Made my day, my Sunday afternoon and who knows what of my future.

  • @SoonerGirlTravels
    @SoonerGirlTravels 3 роки тому

    I love scenic byways

  • @pamelaattrux336
    @pamelaattrux336 3 роки тому

    Really like your walk to the falls thanks

  • @normanbarney1568
    @normanbarney1568 3 роки тому

    I'm headed up to Eastern KY in 2 weeks. My plan is to ride 52 south from Huntington to the State Line on my return trip. Great video!!!

  • @j2themac778
    @j2themac778 3 роки тому

    Beautiful state. Sure would be nice if somehow all those communities could thrive again.

  • @glamperjan
    @glamperjan 3 роки тому

    Love the horse!

  • @bosse641
    @bosse641 3 роки тому

    Very interesting area. Love it.

  • @MaryB-ps8lg
    @MaryB-ps8lg 3 роки тому

    Beautiful drive thru there. Probably when most of those old buildings/houses were built, the road was a narrow gravel road than ran thru the bottom of a canyon and there wasn't much open space to build on.

  • @cheddarcarr720
    @cheddarcarr720 2 роки тому

    I live in bluewell love the video I've never seen the desert wanna go see it someday

  • @TimeTraveler8528
    @TimeTraveler8528 2 роки тому

    Enjoyed that a lot.

  • @blendedtravels
    @blendedtravels 3 роки тому

    Beautiful drive Russ. US52 is nearby where we live in Minnesota. I didn't realize that it went all the way to West Virginia. Thanks for sharing!!

  • @darrelmurphy4930
    @darrelmurphy4930 3 роки тому

    Born in Welch. WV is a beautiful state. But haven't lived there since the mid 60's.

  • @josevantrabuco9425
    @josevantrabuco9425 3 роки тому

    Excelente vídeo!

  • @michaeleades8935
    @michaeleades8935 3 роки тому

    The entire area your in is home to the world famous Hatfield McCoy trail system 1000 miles of trails ,don't focus on the blight the coal companies made their money and left the people are so proud and so grateful of out of state visitors

  • @connieacree4006
    @connieacree4006 2 роки тому

    West Virginia is my home state. My ex was born in Welch. I'm originally from Clay County.

  • @hoboonwheels9289
    @hoboonwheels9289 3 роки тому

    I spent a year flying to Tulsa, OK to pick up International school busses built in the former Boeing factory and driving them to Edmonton, AB, Saskatoon, SK or Chilliwack, BC. I Took a different route as much as I could or stopped in a different town each day of the 3 day trip. Got run out of one town, don't allow school busses, which since there was NO parking I could understand😊. What I thought was so cool is almost without exception the townsquare was a park or a courthouse, in the eastern towns.

  • @jjpaiva5751
    @jjpaiva5751 3 роки тому +2

    Lugares maravilhosos!!👏👏👏👍👍🇧🇷🇧🇷

  • @edg8535
    @edg8535 3 роки тому

    The governor should send you a letter of thanks for the positives you provide. Been a few years since I was last in WV, been about 45 to 50 years since I last drove on the roads in Southern WV. Just think driving those roads before guardrails?

  • @kathylester2581
    @kathylester2581 3 роки тому +1

    Hey Russ....in our neck of th woods....horses out run th cars...lol....Enjoy....

  • @Letsgocamping143
    @Letsgocamping143 3 роки тому +2

    So sad the towns all seem so deserted.

  • @anniemaull5605
    @anniemaull5605 3 роки тому

    Your in my home State. I still live here.

  • @susanboatman7913
    @susanboatman7913 3 роки тому +2

    Cool video Russ. West Virginia is a beautiful state, I have never been to the state. Not much land to build on because of the gorgeous mountains. It must be tricky for the people to get to the houses on the hills and mountains

  • @ExploringCanadaInfo
    @ExploringCanadaInfo 3 роки тому +2

    So close to the road. Watch that first step. It’s a doozy. 👋🏼🇨🇦

  • @rick1021
    @rick1021 3 роки тому

    Beautiful ride!! Those homes at around the 4:15 and on mark were probably part of a coal community at one time. The coal mine companies built those homes for the employees.

  • @ScubaSteveCanada
    @ScubaSteveCanada 3 роки тому +3

    Anyone seen my horse?? Oh wait, there it is ... thanks Russ.

  • @peopleskarmasquad1042
    @peopleskarmasquad1042 Рік тому

    I spent the summer in Northfork, WV doing work-study Social work back in 1971 associated with the Methodist Church and West Liberty State College. Got college credit and a wage of $25 a week with free Room and board. The mayor of the town at that time was a Hatfield.

  • @cliftonsargent9992
    @cliftonsargent9992 3 роки тому

    You where close to the Hatfield and McCoy trail . Atv heaven I'm sure every one has heard of. I'm coming at you from a place in WV called Coal City lol 👍good vid

  • @budmetcalf3888
    @budmetcalf3888 2 роки тому

    I am a year late but I wish you had shown Bramwell which is right on HWY52. Back in the early 20th century it had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the US. Their houses are still standing and most are being restored. Their is also a revitalized downtown area that is historic and beautiful!!!