FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the West Virginia Coal Festival and when is it held?
The West Virginia Coal Festival is a celebration of southern West Virginia’s coal heritage. The festival is always held the third week of June, and provides free entertainment with some of Nashville’s top performers. The festival also includes a fully-equipped carnival, various food venders, arts & crafts tables, mine equipment displays, and a firework show.
Where is the Bituminous Coal Heritage Museum located and when is it open?
The Coal Heritage Museum is located at 347 Main Street in downtown Madison. The museum is full of displays and exhibits of coal, including the newest exhibit “A Miner’s Life the Way it Was,” which includes a coal mine and company store. The museum was recently recognized by the West Virginia Association of Museums as an example for other museums to follow. Its hours of operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, Noon – 4p.m. During the Coal Festival, hours of operation are extended from Noon – 9p.m. More information can be found online by clicking here.
Where is the Boone Arts and Heritage Center?
It is located in downtown Madison at 343 Main Street. The Center hosts many art displays and performances throughout the year. There are also several pieces on permanent display.
How many trails are available in the Hatfield-McCoy system and where are they located?
There are eight trail systems ranging from easy to difficult, including one for 4 wheel drive passenger vehicles! The trails are Pinnacle Creek in Pineville, Indian Ridge in Ashland, Buffalo Mountain in Matewan and Williamson, Little Coal River along US 119 and Pinnacle Branch Road, Pocahontas in Bramwell, Bearwallow in Ethel, Ivy Branch along US 119 at Julian, and Rock House in Man. For more information, check the Hatfield-McCoy Trail website.
How can I obtain a Hatfield-McCoy Trail Permit?
Trail permits are available at the following places: Gander Mountain in Charleston, Mac’s Cycle and Supply Shop in Danville, Power Sports Cycle in Turtle Creek, and our newest location, the Hatfield-McCoy Boone Welcome Center in Julian. You can also purchase trail permits on the Hatfield-McCoy website, www.trailsheaven.com. Permits are $26.50 for in-state residents and $47.00 for out-of-state residents.
Where is the Nellis Church and Archives and what is inside?
Built in 1926 by the Armco Association, the Nellis Community Church was the sole place of worship fo the residents of this small community. More than a church, it also served as a social center and held the funerals of many. When the mine closed in 1955, the building remained as a church until 1966 when others were established in the valley. In 1998, the Boone County Commission took ownership of the church and began restoration. In 2004 it reopened and was dedicated to the people who lived and worked in this small community. It now houses memorabilia from Armco Steel during their operation from the 1920s to the 1950s. This includes hundreds of old photos, an orignial bookkeeping ledger, scrip, tools, and an originial blueprint of the community. The church is located at 160 Memorial Drive, Nellis, WV.
What is the Walhonde Water Trail?
Two rivers run through Boone, Lincoln, and Kanawha Counties before merging into one. This trail follows the meandering channels of the Big Coal and Little Coal Rivers until they meet at the Forks of Coal and continues through 18 miles until the Coal River flows into the Kanawha River. Enjoy steep mountains, lush forests, natural rock formations, and beautiful wildlife throughout the trail. There are many access points along the 3 rivers and your journey can last as long as you choose. Maps of the rivers and parks are available! For more information, go to the website of the Coal River Group.
