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Nestled into the mountains of Appalachia,along the scenic New River in Southern West Virginia, is the quaint city of Hinton.
Hinton is a "Railroad Town", formed about 1871 with the tremendous building boom that occurred during the Gay '90s period from 1890 to 1920.
The glory of the train days have come and gone, of course, leaving in its wake a community that today is rich in history and natural beauty. The downtown Historic District, officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 17, 1984, is an architectural gem waiting to be discovered.
Included in the Hinton Historic District are 200 buildings - churches, store fronts, and private residences - displaying the varying architecture of American Gothic, Classical, High Victorian, American Four Square and Greek Revival styles. To get to Hinton from the ACE Adventure Center, go south on US 19 and get on the WV Turnpike at exit 48 in North Beckley. Follow the signs to I-64 East, go about 18 miles and exit on Route 20 at Sandstone. Follow Rt. 20 to Hinton. As you leave I-64 and head toward Hinton, you'll be travelling along the New River. A few miles before you reach Hinton, stop and check out Sandstone Falls, a magnificent river-wide waterfall. The National Park Service has built walkways to make the falls accessible. Don't miss seeing Sandstone Falls.
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Hinton National Historic District is surrounded by state and national points of interest. Historic Hinton is the "Gateway Community" to the New River Gorge National River, a 52 mile stretch of river from Hinton north to Fayette Station.
Bluestone State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park are only minutes away.
Three major rivers carve their way toward Hinton. The Greenbrier River and the Bluestone River join the New River in our community.
A project planned in Hinton is RiverWalk. This concept will include a variety of activities along the New River from Hinton up to the Lilly Bridge over Lake Bluestone. Cantrell Island could become a part of RiverWalk. This 14 acre island within the city limits of Hinton could offer RV and tent camping, fishing, boating, family rafting; along with swimming, water slide and outdoor theater. The two-story rustic lodge may be built to be your home-base to visit Hinton, where plans call for horse-drawn carriage rides, through the tree-lined streets. In the evening stroll down those same streets illuminated by the warm glow of streetlights reproduced from the original gas lampposts.
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