New River Gorge - Burnwood

After finishing our morning hike, it was time for lunch. We like checking out the various "picnic areas" in the national parks, and the map said there was one nearby at the Burnwood Day Use Area, so off we went. The actual picnic table wasn't as easy to find as I thought it ought to be. It was hidden behind some buildings, dumpsters, and at the far end of a field. However, find it we did, and after eating our sandwiches, we set off on a fairly short "lollipop" trail. (That's when you hike to a loop, then return the same way after completing the loop.)

These park signs posted at the beginning of the trail were quite informative; although it would have been nicer if we could have found them on their website ahead of time. Note also that the written description we did have of this trail didn't necessarily match reality.

We came to an unmarked intersection before reaching the loop trail; fortunately, we chose left which was the correct choice. When we returned, however, we decided to see where this old grassy road went. It went to a beautiful meadow on a hill.

Off to the side of the meadow, we found an open gate. Inside was a very old cemetery. What fun and interesting discoveries can be made while exploring!