It is a spectacular late September day, warm sunshine and blue-sky peeks through the coloring treetops. I find myself on a beautiful drive of River Road, as it follows alongside the South Branch of the Potomac River just a few miles south of Romney, West Virginia. The river glistens in the golden sunlight and the surrounding valley farmland is picture perfect, historical and stately.

Just ahead is a red block building with a canoe on the roof. I know that I have arrived. The building is Trough General Store and it has been a seasonal gathering place for people near and far since 1992. Adjacent to the building is a gravel road and parking lot that leads to a public access concrete boat ramp down at the river.

As I open the door to step inside, reindeer bells jingle announcing my arrival to proprietor Jeannie Dean Zirk. She cheerfully welcomes me and I can tell she is good at making people feel right at home. “It’s a beautiful day to be on the river,” I said. “Well, we can take care of everything you need right here,” she replied with a big grin. She was talking about the canoe rental and shuttle business the Trough General Store has become known for. “Trust me, the thought had crossed my mind, just forget about writing this story, and go play on the river all day,” I joked.

She goes on to say that convenience for the customer is her number one priority. That everyone can begin and end their canoe trips right here. “They call and tell me when they want to start and I am here early with the coffee pot on,” she says.

The Trough is a 6-mile long stretch of the South Branch of the Potomac River, north of Moorefield in Hardy County, and south of Romney in Hampshire County, West Virginia. This forested canyon between River and Sawmill Ridges is home to Bald Eagles, and abounds with fish and wildlife. Human access is limited to the railroad or the river. Canoeing offers the best way to enjoy the canyon.

The Trough General Store rents their canoes for $45, included is life preservers, paddles, and shuttle service. Interestingly, the rentals aren’t due back for 24-hours, making it possible with a little planning to camp overnight in the Trough and paddle two days. People who have their own canoes can use the store’s shuttle service, which allows for their vehicle to remain right there at the take-out so they don’t have to wait for anyone when they are done their trip.

Canoeists who want to get an early start or relax after a long day of paddling may choose to camp in the riverside, grassy lawn behind the store. A picnic pavilion with electric is located there as well.

The store sells a wide variety of merchandise for on or off the river. If fishing is part of your plans, licenses are not issued here but you can still stock up on all your supplies, artificial lures, and live bait. They have a sign that reads “our night-crawlers catch fish or die trying.” In addition, camping gear, luncheon meats, ice, snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, and more are all packed into the little store.

Also showcased are the bald eagles that make their home in the treetops along the river. Store shoppers will find beautiful ceramic eagles alongside hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and other apparel.

The Trough General Store is truly a family operation with Jeannie, her husband Richard, and family all helping to provide down-home hospitality, service, and convenience.

The store is located nine and a half miles south of Romney, WV on River Road (Country Route 8) at the mouth of the Trough. It is open six days a week, April through October and is closed on Tuesdays. They accept most major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. For more information or reservations, call (304) 822-7601.