SOURCE and VIDEO: https://wchstv.com/community/traveling-west-virginia/traveling-wv-the-outpost
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. (WCHS) — Ross Cherry began whitewater kayaking in 1993 in the New River Gorge. Driving by the then-base camp for Rivers Whitewater hundreds of times, Cherry was always impressed with the amount of activity going on all over the property.
"It was active as could be," Cherry said as he relaxes at a picnic table. "It looked like a little ant farm."
Fast forward almost 20 years and Cherry is now the owner of the property, and has renamed it The Outpost.
This spot has always been a gathering place for raft guides, rock climbers and all outdoor enthusiasts in the Fayetteville area, and for Cherry it holds some very special memories.
"This property has it's own soul and heart, and it proves itself every day by the people who come here and talk about their experiences," he said.
Cherry has no plans to make The Outpost a rafting company again, instead he's converting it into a glamping resort of sorts that can service the entire community.
The recent designation of The New River Gorge as a National Park has created a great need for more places for visitors to stay, and Cherry hopes to provide that very thing.
Guests at The Outpost can choose from tent camping in an open field, or the popular covered tent platforms in the nearby woods. Every site features a picnic table and fire ring.
Eleven basic cabins are available, which are surprisingly spacious and well equipped, and full electric hookups are also available for RV enthusiasts.
The bathhouse has been completely renovated and has already gained a reputation as one of the cleanest and attractive facilities in the area.
"I love the outdoors, I love music and I love people," Cherry said. "What I look to create here is a place that can bring people together and receive the same spiritual experience I've received in this area."
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