Take Me Home, Country Roads

Returning home from a visit to the flatlands, I’ve always considered Old Waterman Canyon Road a pleasant alternative to the often-crowded freeway lanes of Highway 18. What, you didn’t know Highway 18 was a freeway? Well, that’s what the sign says before the on ramp back onto Highway 18.

Country roads, take me home to the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country roads. (“Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver – 1971)

The narrow country road that winds upward through the lower region of Waterman Canyon is a breath of fresh air to this freeway-weary motorist on his way back to his mountaintop home. It’s sort of like a brief detour through West Virginia.

Almost Heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River. Life is old there, older than the trees younger than the mountains, blowin’ like a breeze.

Not only is this country road a welcome escape from the concrete city, it’s also a mile shorter than the upper highway, which means you get back home even sooner. But there are a few things you should be aware of. First, the folks that own Arrowhead Springs Hotel, where Hollywood celebs used to hang out back in the 1940s and 50s, are not fond of unannounced visitors. It’s better to watch episode 911 of Huell Howser’s California Gold, where he tours the hotel, hot springs, steam caves and spring-fed Olympic pool at the once lively resort.

The next thing you need to watch out for is the “suicide bridge” you encounter on a downhill run just past Arrowhead Springs. Never attempt crossing that bridge when another vehicle is crossing it from the opposite direction. It’s just not wide enough for more than one vehicle at a time.

Now that you’ve safely passed the deadly bridge, slow down, roll down your window and inhale a breath of fresh countrified air, while you watch the scenery as it changes from chaparral to forest. It’s almost like heaven.

Almost Heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River. Life is old there, older than the trees younger than the mountains, blowin’ like a breeze.

Pretty soon, just before the “S” curves, you’ll encounter the mysterious “Gravity Hill” bridge where, if you stop your car and put it in neutral, it will seemingly defy gravity by rolling backwards, uphill. It’s almost as mysterious as Calico’s “Mystery Miner’s Shack” at sunset,” where water appears to flow uphill.

All my memories gather ‘round her Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water, dark and dusty, painted on the sky, misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye.

There are numerous spots where you can park on the side of the road and enjoy the little creek that flows through the canyon, which was named for Robert Waterman, California’s governor from 1887 to1891.

Before you know it, you’ll be saying goodbye to our own West Virginia country road as it reconnects with Highway 18 and you’re on your way home.

Country roads, take me home to the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama, take me home, country roads.

Keep it flyin’ Uncle Mott