Zip-lining in West VirginiaMother Nature puts on a spectacular show of unspoiled beauty at each of West Virginia’s more than 50 state parks and forests—and she doesn’t charge admission to enjoy the gorgeous scenery and historic delights. In and beyond these parks, activities ranging from adrenaline-charged adventures (biking, rafting, zip-lining!) to pure relaxation (hiking, fishing, boating) deliver unforgettable outdoor pleasures.
Pick Your Sport
Countless miles of varied terrain hiking trails — including the iconic Appalachian Trail, which is headquartered here — lace the state, and rail-trails such as the North Bend and Greenbrier River can be explored by foot, bicycle or horseback. Mountain biking, of course, is world-class here, especially in the near-million acres of the Monongahela National Forest.
Rock climbers can find rugged challenges at places like Seneca Rocks and the New River Gorge. Zip-line and canopy tours, offered by several companies, provide exhilarating treetop views and are a family-friendly adventure.
Waterways offer excitement, too, with some of the planet’s best kayaking and Class I to V whitewater rafting on the Cheat, New and super-gnarly Gauley rivers. Lakes in Summersville, Sutton and Bluestone lure boaters to their shores.
Park Perks
West Virginia’s expansive network of state and national parks and forests pack an amazingly comprehensive and diverse number of activities, attractions and amenities into incomparably beautiful settings.
The five-story waterfall at Blackwater Falls State Park and working gristmill at Babcock State Park are iconic photo-ops!
Not into hiking or biking? Discover a living-history farm at Twin Falls Resort State Park, golf at Canaan Valley Resort State Park, horseback riding at New River Gorge National River, or enjoy an affordable warm-springs spa treatment at Berkeley Springs State Park.
Explore rivers and lakes by boat, swim in natural waters or a pool, and maybe cast a line in a fishing hot-spot such as Beech Fork Lake. Seasonal small- and large-game hunting is available in numerous parks and wildlife management areas.
And after a long day of outdoor play, there’s no need to rough it at night when places like Stonewall Resort and Chief Logan State Park offer deluxe accommodations and top-notch dining.
Get Campy
Between plentiful state parks and private campgrounds, a camping trip can easily be customized to your taste in any corner of West Virginia.
Get away from it all at a primitive campsite in the Monongahela National Forest, or bring along all the comforts of home as you roll your recreational vehicle into a well-appointed RV park with amenities like full hook-ups, swimming pools, game courts,
golf courses and restaurants.
For something truly different, book a nomadic-style yurt at Tomlinson Run State Park in the Northern Panhandle. Cabins statewide provide cozy accommodations, ranging from pioneer rustic (with gas lamps and a wood-burning stove) to luxurious and fully furnished contemporary cottages equipped with all appliances and a hot tub.
Whether tucked into woodsy glades or overlooking lakesides, a cabin stay will put you just steps away from outdoor recreation.
Wheel Fun
For exhilarating off-road adventures, hop on an ATV and roar along the more than 500 miles of dedicated connecting trails that wind through countryside and towns in the nine counties that comprise the famed Hatfield-McCoy Trails, or head for the 8,000-acre Burning Rock Off-Road Park.
Motorcyclists can gather at a string of rallies or just hit our curvy, panoramic country roads on mapped riding tours that lead bikers past the best sights and landscapes in each part of the state.
Morgantown’s Wild & Wonderful MountainFest Motorcycle Rally attracts growing crowds each year for five days of cycling excitement and sizzling entertainment.
Cold Play
Skiing at Snowshoe Mountain Resort A change of season transforms West Virginia into a winter wonderland, from Oglebay Resort in the north to Winterplace Ski Resort in the south. From bunny slopes for beginners to alpine racing at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, anyone can find their perfect powdery fit.
Night skiing at several resorts lets the play continue long after dark. Other snow-time activities at Canaan Valley Resort State Park include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding and tubing for all ages.
Timberline Resort offers much of the same, along with hot tubs to soothe well-exercised muscles and a lively pub to retell the day’s adventures.
To learn more, visit www.WVtourism.com and click on Things to Do!