Famous American general from World War II Douglas MacArthur once said, "The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war." For some, their scars and wounds end up causing them to pay the ultimate sacrifice. The long and brutal Vietnam War caused the death of 58,220 US soldiers. A Navy Seal named Ronald K. Neal from Huntington, West Virginia was among them. He sustained injuries a few days after arriving in Vietnam and died a few weeks later on April 21, 1967.
According to high school friend Alexander Nelon, "Ronnie was a competitive swimmer and diver on the school swim team; wrote for the school newspaper, The Lance; and was an honor student. He also played a mean guitar. A great all-around guy." Before Neal served in the Navy, he was a student employee in the West Virginia State Parks. This must have made a strong impression on him because his sacrifice will always be remembered at one the most beautiful state parks in the country - Beartown State Park outside of Renicks Valley, West Virginia. The land was purchased in 1970 with a large donation from Neal's mother and funds from the Nature Conservancy.
Beartown State Park is one of the smallest West Virginia State Parks, coming in at about 110 acres, but it has much to see along its short boardwalk (less than half a mile). The name comes from residents in the area, who presume that black bears hibernate in the area because of all the little caves and crevices. "It also refers to the many deep, narrow crevasses that crisscross the area and appear from above like the streets of a small town," according to the West Virginia State Park website.
Hiking Trail view at Beartown State park [Photo/Samuel Parker]
The park has a certain mystique to it. There is a half a mile walkway that goes through the cracks and crevices and through other unique rock formations, with interpretative signs interspersed throughout. One user says, "Absolutely magical place to go for a stroll. There are a lot of stairs, but also several benches along the way to stop for a rest. The ample shade made it cooler in Beartown than surrounding areas. There is a place for picnics. There is a basic toilet, but no sink or soap in the bathroom. There is no charge to park or visit Beartown!"
Because of the massive sandstone rock outcrops or towering majestic Eastern Hemlock trees that cloak the area with shade, temperatures are usually much cooler than surrounding areas. The park is considered a day use area in West Virginia State Parks. The purpose of it is to simply walk around, admire nature, and picnic. There is a bronze plaque in honor of Ronald K. Neal, so many folks note the special spirit of the place and take time to reflect on the sacrifices the young men and women make for this beautiful country.
A travel up the road about 5 miles leads you to Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, the site of the last major American Civil War conflict in West Virginia. It was the first state park implemented in the state of West Virginia, dedicated on July 4, 1928. John D. Sutton, a Union Army private who participated in the Battle of Droop Mountain, was instrumental in creating the park while he served in the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is approximately 267 acres, and has two different overlooks. One of the overlooks is a tower overlook that boasts views of Greenbrier River Valley in nearby Hillsboro, West Virginia. The other overlook has a small boardwalk to a platform that overlooks Briery Knob, a mountain that is over 4,500 feet elevation. There is also a Civil War Museum on the park that has Civil War Soldier letters, Civil War Relics, and an original Drummer Boy Drum from the battle. Each October, there is a reenactment of the battle that took place there where 400 soldiers lost their lives. There are also numerous hiking trails, picnic and day use areas at Droop Mountain.
Having access to the beauty of this country is a blessing that all Americans cherish. At Beartown State Park, we are able to directly relate that to a soldier that loved his country and died for it, giving us all a chance to reflect on sacrifice and give thanks to those that keep our country free, strong and beautiful. And at nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Civil War History is on full display back dropped by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Appalachians. Go check them out!