BOLT, WV (LOOTPRESS) – There is no shortage of picturesque scenes to be beheld throughout Southern West Virginia. From the towering Appalachian Mountains and lush foliage to roaring waterfalls and tranquil lakes, one might posit that natural beauty is the most plentiful resource of the area.
While a fair amount of these glimpses into the wonder of nature are regularly advertised and maintained as state attractions, many are wholly naturally occurring and can only be observed under particular sets of conditions.
One such wonder can be observed along Bolt Road, U.S. Route 99, the winding roadway which acts as a bridge between Raleigh County and Wyoming County. The road itself sits wedged between parallel faces of the mountain side which comprises the area as a whole – commonly referred to by locals as Bolt Mountain.
The roadway is adorned with signage indicating both the dangers of the deceptively sharp curves to be navigated and of the falling rocks not uncommon along the journey. Dense, nearly impenetrable fog is also among the hazardous conditions common throughout the area, particularly during the night.
Colder conditions can quickly result in layers of ice and snow which, compounded by shifting altitudes, can render the roadway essentially impossible to traverse in the absence of a vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive functionality.
But in the winter conditions also lies a hidden benefit for those with the presence of mind to be made aware of such an advantage. Upon being afflicted with ice and snow in freezing conditions, US Route 99 in Bolt, WV is a downright gorgeous naturally occurring wonder of nature.
The trees along the mountain, which boast lush, green foliage throughout the Summer and brilliant expanses of reds and yellows during the Fall, stand barren in the colder months, coated with a pure white which at certain angles can rival the temporarily blinding effect of the sun itself.
The precipitation leading to the state of the area during the colder season often results in sprawling walls of ice and icicles which line the roadway and, along with the mountainside snow, contrast magnificently with the blacktop of the actual travel area – given that one is traveling in relatively clear conditions as opposed to those during which snow and ice are actively accumulating, otherwise, best of luck.
Two lookout points can also be found along the route, and these points have become popular stops for those looking to snap photos, take a quick break during travel, or simply to socialize. The first of these – depending upon the county from which you first enter the route – can be found around the mid-way point near the peak of the mountain. The second lies just at the foot of the mountain at the split which will feed traffic to either US South 85 – Kopperston; Oceana; Man – or US North 85 – Wharton, Madison, Danville.
Those looking to take in some natural beauty at a reasonable cost – you’re essentially looking only at the price of gas and repairs to any damage potentially sustained by your vehicle during the trip, drive at your own risk! – Bolt Mountain along US Route 99 can make for an astounding experience during which one won’t be required to exit their vehicle unless they so choose.
Additional LOOTPRESS coverage of attractions throughout Southern West Virginia can be found here.
This West Virginia Roadway is a Winding Winter Wonder
