By Jessica Chambers
West Virginia has something unique for everyone, and its lodging is no different. In addition to the traditional resorts, hotels, cabins and bed and breakfasts around the state, there are a few lesser-known gems that are sure to give new meaning to the phrase wild and wonderful when it comes to your next overnight adventure.
From Coney Island, a seven-acre private getaway, to Seneca State Park’s 53-foot steel fire tower and Holly Rock Treehouse, West Virginia’s awe-inspiring accommodations are sure to provide guests with an unforgettable overnight experience in the Mountain State.
The Cabin on Coney Island, located in Hinton, WV, is only accessible by boat. Photo by Tracy Toler.
Cabin on Coney Island
While most of us will never know what it’s like to own a private island, the Cabin on Coney Island, located in Hinton, WV, offers a chance to rent one. Accessible only by watercraft, Coney Island has been a popular swimming spot since the early 1900s. With a cabin featuring modern amenities, like a kitchen and Wi-Fi, this getaway can sleep up to 10 individuals with two queen beds and six twin beds. It’s the exterior of the cabin, though, where the real beauty and appeal begin.
The Cabin on Coney Island is managed by The Guest House Inn, a subsidiary of MountainPlex. According to Stephanie Stiffler, the director of hospitality for MountainPlex, the island is a popular destination for a variety of groups and vacation types.
“The cabin is perfect for a small group or a romantic weekend retreat,” says Stiffler. “The outside has a beautiful custom firepit right off the front porch, outdoor games, hammocks, a screened-in porch overlooking the beautiful New River, a sandy beach and even a walking trail to the tip of the island.”
Available from mid-May through September, Coney Island is also a great fishing spot located right between the Greenbrier and New rivers. There are several options for guests to access the island, including taking their personal boat, using a local ferry service or renting a boat and paddling across the river to the cabin. Guests have full access to the seven-acre island, and modern conveniences are available in nearby historic Hinton.
For more information or to make reservations, visit www.guesthousewv.com.
The Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is a 53-foot steel tower with a 360-degree view. Photo by West Virginia Department of Commerce.
Thorny Mountain Fire Tower
Looking to get off the grid—and the ground? Check out the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower in Seneca State Forest. As one of the highest standing towers in West Virginia, the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower sits at an impressive 3,445 feet above sea level. Located in the federally established National Radio Quiet Zone, there is no cell phone service or Wi-Fi, guaranteeing isolation and a unique vacation experience.
The 53-foot steel tower offers a spectacular 360-degree view, making it the perfect spot for a sunrise or sunset. To get access to this unique perspective, be prepared to climb the 69 steps up from the base of the tower to where two cots are provided in the sleeping quarters. The tower itself can be reached by hiking or driving a vehicle to the base of the structure. Several hiking trails are accessible nearby, making it easy for guests to explore the forest after viewing it from high above.
Though no combustibles are allowed in the tower, a campfire ring and picnic table are located at the base. Individuals must bring their own packaged drinking water and be prepared for no electricity.
While there are other fire towers available for overnight stays in the U.S., the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is the only one east of the Mississippi. This unique structure has become a popular destination, welcoming 241 guests in its first four months after opening to the public in June 2015. According to Jeff Layfield, the Seneca State Forest superintendent, guests rave about the great views, starry night skies and solitude.
Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is available for rent April-October, and reservations can be made by calling (304) 799-6213.
Holly Rock Treehouse is built around a living, growing chestnut oak tree. Photos by Jay Young.
Holly Rock Treehouse
As children, many dream of the adventure of living in a treehouse. The Holly Rock Treehouse will make that long-lost dream come alive—even if just for a weekend.
Built 15 feet off the ground, the cabin, which includes a wrap-around deck, comfortably sleeps two with a queen bed. Despite its height, the cabin offers a full bath, small kitchen and the comfort of a heating/cooling system.
“It is very unique and very unusual to stay in a home with a growing, living chestnut oak tree in your bedroom,” says Paul Breuer, who co-owns Country Road Cabins, the management company for the treehouse, with his wife, Jennifer. “You are right where the squirrels and birds are playing—you’ve got a bird’s-eye view.”
After spending the morning watching the wildlife in the trees from the balcony, guests can enjoy local hiking trails or cross the treehouse’s swinging bridge and take a short drive to New River Gorge, Fayetteville and Summersville. For those looking for a little more excitement, package deals with Fayetteville-based adventure resort Adventures on the Gorge are available when booking the Holly Rock Treehouse.
Newly opened in October 2015, the treehouse is now available for reservations. For more information and reservations, visit www.wvcabins.com.
