Plan a prime man-cation
Need a getaway with just the guys? West Virginia’s got plenty to do, whether it’s rafting, hiking, biking or just kicking back in a cabin.
1. A New River Gorge adventure marathon
At Adventures on the Gorge there are plenty of activities to mix and match: rafting on the legendary Gauley and wild New rivers; float fishing for smallmouth bass; paddleboarding at Summersville Lake; zipline and ropes courses; rock climbing and rappelling.
Combine any of these activities for a guys weekend that you won’t soon forget.
Extra brave? Add a trip up, up, way up into the clouds for a stunt show. Loop and wind through the skies on a restored biplane with Wild Blue Adventures. It’s just like entering WWII, aerobatics and all.
2. River angling retreat at Glade Springs
If you’re more into fishing and and spending a day on the river, you and your buds can check out The Resort at Glade Springs. The Beginner Fly Fishing Clinic sets you up with 2 hours of instruction about the right equipment, fly selection and casting.
Already know the basics? Plan a half- or full-day guided fishing trip so you can find all the best spots! The Glade Creek Gorge and is regularly stocked with Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout, so you might just pull in a prize catch.
The resort has plenty more to fill the evening, too. Golf, a grill pub, and who says the guys can’t enjoy a little spa time, too? You can skip the salon and head straight for the massage table. (Trust us, pairs perfectly with a day on the river or the links.)
3. Spirits ‘n such
For a great way to spend some quality time with the guys, take a trip to Smooth Ambler Spirits and indulge in delicious award-winning Appalachian-inspired drinks from whiskey to gin and beyond. This distillery just outside of Lewisburg has a tasting room and and tours that show you a complete overview of the distillery process.
Visit during the summer months for Whiskey in the Park and spend the day enjoying the gathering of spirits, food and live music.
Just down the road, you can sample one of West Virginia’s most lauded breweries, Greenbrier Valley Brewing. Are you brave enough to taste the latest experiment from their Wild & Wonderful series?
If you can handle all that, pop on over to nearby Hawk Knob for meads and ciders. We know what you’re thinking— that sweet stuff? Nah. These are all-natural, unsweetened dry drinks only.
4. Hike true backcountry in the Monongahela National Forest
If outdoor hiking and roughin’ it is what a guys’ trip is all about to you, visit the sprawling and remote Monongahela National Forest. You can trek out to Spruce Knob and Seneca Creek backcountry to explore close to 70 miles of trails.
Elevations range from 3,000 feet to more than 4,800 above sea level. Hiking trails give you jaw-dropping views of open meadows, mountain streams and an array of trees and wildflowers. Or you could all go horseback riding, camping or bicycling.
What’s your ideal mountain man-cation?
This post was last updated on July 24, 2020