Wild Rock has partnered with the New River Alliance of Climbers and the Access Fund to create an access easement for trails to the extensive cliff line of the Bubba City climbing area in the New River Gorge. The three groups co-hold the easement to protect climbing access for the next five years, with the option to later renew or make it permanent.

Located off Chestnutburg Road, the easement includes a 15-car parking lot that serves as the trailhead for access to more than 340 sport and traditional climbing routes of high quality Nuttall Sandstone. Bubba City is one of the most popular crags in the expansive New River Gorge region, and the trail network sees high and growing use. The announcement of the easement is welcome news for the region’s growing climbing community. It may also serve as a model for best practices in public-private partnerships in sustainable, rural land planning.

The easement represents an important aspect of the Wild Rock’s comprehensive sustainability outlook. Perched atop the New River Gorge, the 150-homesite community was founded with a commitment to minimizing its environmental impact and protecting the area’s natural splendor for future generations. Wild Rock shares a three mile border with the New River Gorge National River park.

“We view sustainability not only in terms of light-touch building and living practices, but also in how we are partnering with our neighbors to promote access to the outdoors,” said Carl Frischkorn, founder of the Wild Rock. “We are proud to partner with NRAC and Access Fund to help ensure that visiting and local climbers have unfettered paths to Bubba City. We have made a long-term commitment to preserving and sharing the beauty of the New River Gorge. This easement is a real way in which we are honoring that promise.”

Access Fund offered its transactional expertise, provides an additional layer of risk management, and strengthens the commitment of all partners involved. “As the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign’s ninth project since its 2009 inception, the Bubba City Access easement agreement provides legitimate access for the climbing community across Wild Rock. NRAC and its committed group of local volunteers will maintain the existing parking area and trailhead. “Climbers here are psyched,” says NRAC President Gene Kistler. “Wild Rock has delivered on a promise to help preserve public, recreational access through their land and into the gorge. This is a big first step toward securing long-term access to the climbing at Bubba City and sets a great example for park-adjacent development. Thanks to everyone that helped bring this together.”

But we discovered that this was not an isolated case.  Within a short walk, we experienced another great example of how design and natural beauty can come together at a neighbors home.

Living Space in Wild Rock's First Home

Here are some images of what we had a chance to experience.

Another great home at Wild Rock West Virginia.

Ultimate Cooking Space in the Mountains of West Virginia.

Outside view of Wild Rock's first home.

They state, “New River Gorge cabins are the perfect winter solution for the stressed out and over-extended college student. With all the amenities of a home away from home, you’ll be able to relax and regain the strength you need to get through term. Weekend packages at local resorts typically include a deluxe cabin with a hot tub, kitchen, Wi-Fi, ski passes, breakfast, and a canopy tour. The area offers great group rates, so grab some friends and head out for the weekend.”

Check out the complete article at http://www.edmontonsun.com/2011/08/12/top-10-university-student-destinations.

For a detailed list and schedule of activities, visit the Heritage Festival website.

On your next visit to AOTG, book a no hassle, personalized property tour of Wild Rock and get a once-in-a-lifetime view of the area with a FREE Tree Tops Canopy Tour!

“The Scouts chose this site for its superlative recreational resources,” Striker said. “Not only is the New River Gorge area wild and beautiful, it also has the ‘cool factor’ kids are looking for.”

For Striker’s complete comments, see http://wvgazette.com/Outdoors/201105121344.

We at Wild Rock are excited to watch this amazing project come alive!