5 West Virginia Activities For the Whole Family This Labor Day Weekend
Are you looking for last-minute ideas on how to spend Labor Day Weekend with your family in Almost Heaven? You won’t have to work too hard to find something for everyone to enjoy in West Virginia. From enjoying the small town buzz to soaking in the relaxing setting of a flowing waterfall, the heart of Appalachia is sure to bring life to your weekend.
Whether you just want to pick and choose from these activities or strive to fill your long weekend with all of them, you will leave wanting to plan another trip here soon.
1. Chase Waterfalls
There are more than 200 waterfalls scattered throughout West Virginia, and you will find nearly a fourth of them on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Little Whitestick Falls is located minutes away from downtown Beckley and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine in Raleigh County. If you’re looking for cascades near the Near River Gorge National Park and Preserve, catch a glimpse of the stunning 1,500-foot wide Sandstone Falls. Just over an hour’s drive away from there is Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls at Babcock State Park in Clifftop, which flows below a functioning mill and produces cornmeal that’s sold in the gift shop. In the Northern Panhandle in Wheeling is the stunning Oglebay Falls, which is located at the end of the 0.8 mile out-and-back Falls Vista Trail.
2. Hike the Hills
There are plenty of hikes to get you and the whole family moving between the mountains. Head to Summersville in Nicholas County and lace up your hiking shoes for the two-mile Patterson Trail, which is a loop that runs through Carnifex Battlefield State Park and boasts beautiful overlooks of the Gauley River. The 0.6-mile out-and-back Pinnacle Rock Overlook Trail near Bluefield offers a stunning view of the valley ahead of you. If you have more time on your hands, the 2.4-mile out-and-back Beaver Pond Trail is the perfect option.
If your family is feeling adventurous, trek the 3.9-mile Valley Falls via Rocky and Rhododendron Trail at Valley Falls State Park. Want to hike somewhere that’s not too far from the city life? The 1.4-mile Sunrise Carriage Trail in Charleston is the perfect hiking trail for that and offers a nice view of the city from the top of the gravel incline.
3. Explore Historic Towns
West Virginia is connected to much of the nation’s history – dating back to the Civil War. Follow John Brown’s footsteps and learn about his raid on Harpers Ferry at the John Brown Wax Museum – located in a historic building that was standing during the event. Not too far from there you will find John Brown’s Fort, where Brown made his stand and helped ignite the Civil War. While you’re still in the Eastern Panhandle, check out nearby Shepherdstown to explore the historic architecture or let out your inner enthusiasm for haunted places on the Shepherdstown Mysteries Walk.
On the other side of the state in the Northern Panhandle, take a peak at West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling and dive into the history of the state. If you feel like living on the edge, Drive less than 20 minutes south and tour the West Virginia State Penitentiary, a former, historic prison that has all the characteristics of a Gothic-style cathedral.
4. Relax on the Water
Imagine a sunny day where it’s just your family by your side and the sound of calm waters rippling in the horizon. You can experience that at Summersville Lake State Park in Nicholas County, West Virginia’s newest state park. Nicknamed “the Little Bahamas of the East,” Summersville Lake has 2,800 acres of water and roughly 60 miles of shoreline. Summersville Lake creates the perfect setting for water-skiing, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing, boating and more. Outfitters including Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse Summersville Lake Marina and Sarge’s Dive Shop will ensure that you have what you need.
With more than 2,600 acres of water to row your oar, Stonewall Jackson Lake at Stonewall Resort State Park is perfect for many water adventures. The Marina at Stonewall Resort offers boat and slip rentals. Special passes to multiple attractions also are available and include unlimited sessions with kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards. Sutton Lake in Braxton County is another perfect option for relaxing water activities, which covers 1,440 acres and continues for 14 miles on the Elk River.
5. Set Up Camp Under the Stars
Dreaming of sleeping in the great outdoors under the stars of Almost Heaven? Watoga State Park in Marlinton is an International Dark Skies Destination, making its 10,000 acres of land a perfect place to escape all of the light pollution. A scenic, heavily wooded area by the Middle Fork River located in southwestern Barbour County and a portion of Upshur County, Audra State Park offers 67 campsites. In the heart of Tucker County, choose from one of 65 tent and RV sites at Blackwater Falls State Park – where you have easy access to the 57-foot-high Blackwater Falls and an #AlmostHeaven swing!
There are plenty of adventures waiting for you! Request our free West Virginia Vacation Guide to discover more weekend fun in Almost Heaven.
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This post was last updated on August 30, 2024