Kickstart your spring with these 5 adventures

Set your sights on brighter days and warmer weather as you kickstart spring with these five Almost Heaven adventures. Whether you’re looking to feel a familiar adrenaline rush or slow down and try something new, West Virginia has one-of-a-kind activities that are sure to uplift your mood.

Wander a West Virginia winery

Visit a West Virginia vineyard and sip on natural, unique flavors. Sparkling, sweet, dry, full-bodied and brilliant, there’s sure to be a flavor that will make your tastebuds sing. Take a tour for a behind-the-scenes look, or sit back and relax with a traditional tasting. Unwind in a rocking chair made from hand-cut West Virginia stones with a trip to Lambert’s Vintage Winery. Or visit Daniel Vineyards, a family-owned-and-operated grape farm that’s been thriving since 1990. Kirkwood Winery is also home to some of the state’s finest wines, along with the first made-and-produced bourbon whiskey.

Climb to new heights

Reach new heights with a fearless climb up one of the state’s most well-known landmarks, Seneca Rocks. Ascending nearly 900 feet, this magnificent formation has become a beloved destination amongst rock climbers worldwide. Learn the basics of scaling a peak from an experienced mountain guide with a lesson on-site or find yourself on top after a 1.3-mile uphill hike. Tackle the summit with a guided horseback ride from Yokum’s Seneca Rock Stables. For those more comfortable on the ground, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center also provides a majestic view of the rocks with no climb required.

Visit the county’s first spa

Famously known as the country’s first spa, Berkeley Springs is springing to life with mountain town charm and makes a quaint place to travel back in time. Here, you can stroll along the same streets that George Washington once did and see for yourself the world-renowned waters that have been drawing in guests seeking relief and relaxation for centuries. Treat yourself to a luxurious whirlpool, blissful Roman Bath, sauna session or therapeutic massage at Berkeley Springs State Park. Or bring along the entire family for a fun-filled day at the park, complete with a picnic lunch and swim in the outdoor pool.

Pedal through Almost Heaven

What once served as bustling train tracks has now been repurposed into nearly 600 miles of trails exceptional for a leisurely pedal. Pass through tunnels, go over bridges, witness historical sites and take in plenty of lovely landscapes along the way. Once part of the famed C&O Railway, the Greenbrier River Trail spans 78 miles and takes travelers through multiple state forests. Take the North Bend Rail Trail to experience the famous, “haunted” Silver Run Tunnel. Cycle the Wheeling Heritage Rail Trail and learn about the town’s history with a self-guided tour. The Mon River Trails consist of many connecting trails throughout three north-central West Virginia counties.

Go stargazing

An abundance of wide open spaces surrounded by rugged mountain beauty can be found in West Virginia, far away from all sources of light pollution. Nestled within the heart of Pocahontas County lies nearly 20,000 acres of public land full of remote and secluded locations, all of which have received the honor of being named official International Dark Sky Destinations. Lay beneath an array of glistening stars at Watoga State Park. Catch a panoramic view of the natural nighttime twinkle atop the observation tower at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. The untouched forest full of hardwoods and pine at Calvin Price State Forest makes another ideal backdrop for jaw-dropping dark skies.

Learn about all the other spring adventures awaiting you with the help of our new 2024 Vacation Guide!

This post was last updated on March 4, 2024