Plan your Almost Heaven Vacation on National Plan For Vacation Day
Coming off of a challenging year for travel-lovers, we are all getting very excited to hit the road and travel responsibly. National Plan for Vacation Day (Jan. 28) encourages travelers to plan to use their vacation time, as things begin to open up once again.
West Virginia is a perfect place to refresh and relax, find new adventure and make memories with family and friends. Celebrate today by planning a safe Almost Heaven vacation in any season.
Winter
Covered in a fresh blanket of snow, West Virginia is a sight to behold in the winter. Cozy cabins, outdoor adventures and picturesque views await. Plan a winter vacation in Almost Heaven. Mask-up to keep warm and stay safe on our snowy slopes!
West Virginia overlooks and scenic vistas are even more magical in the snow. Visit Blackwater Falls State Park to see the iconic falls frozen in place. Stop by Hawks Nest State Park to see the New River Gorge blanketed in snow.
Are you up for adventure? Try winter sports in Almost Heaven. With four ski resorts offering skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, sledding and tubing, there’s no slowing down the winter adventure. Visit Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Whitegrass Touring Center, Oglebay Resort and Winterplace Ski Resort for some of the best skiing in the mid-Atlantic.
Once the winter fun is done for the day, snuggle up in a West Virginia resort complete with cozy fireplaces and warm, delicious meals. Oglebay Resort is a perfect retreat for the whole family, while Snowshoe Mountain is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Spring
Whether you want to discover a new wildflower hike or find an anglers haven, you’re sure to find your version of Almost Heaven this season. Take a deep breath of fresh air and spread out a bit for some springtime fun!
The return of spring brings out the color in West Virginia wildflowers and flowering trees. Pair a wildflower hike with a picnic lunch while you spend the day soaking up the sunshine. Try Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Dolly Sods Wilderness for trails that highlight West Virginia wildflowers.
Spring in West Virginia is perfect for any angler. Thousands of golden rainbow trout are released during West Virginia’s iconic Gold Rush in early April. Throughout West Virginia, incredible fishing opportunities are located at every turn of the river. With over 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 fishing lakes, you can do everything from fly fishing to a full-day guided fishing trip. Visit wvdnr.gov for licensing information.
After a day outdoors, there is no better place to escape than a cozy cabin. For a unique retreat, try Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, where you can fish for trophy trout from a privately stocked stream, or Germany Valley Overlook Cabins for gorgeous views with nearby hiking trails, caves, rock climbing, hunting and fishing.
Summer
Summer in West Virginia is that special time of year when everything looks and feels perfect. The trees are lush and green, flowers of every color are in bloom and the sunny sky creates the perfect backdrop to Almost Heaven. Enjoy the great outdoors, while staying safely distanced, with the sun high in the sky!
A West Virginia road trip will show you the best of the state and give you plenty of time to spend time with family. See historic sites, rolling mountains and cozy inns. Pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, grab a map and hit the trails. The mountains are calling your name.
As temperatures start to rise, there is no better way to cool off than enjoying the cool waters of Almost Heaven. From fishing to swimming, there are endless opportunities to enjoy a day on the water. Visit Summersville Lake for boating, beach access, swimming, kayaking and SUP. For a kid-friendly adventure, visit ACE Lake for full day of inflatables on the water.
West Virginia offers some of the best whitewater rafting found anywhere in the world. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing float down the New River or an adrenaline-packed expedition, West Virginia is the place for you. There is no better place to kick back than an adventure resort after a day of riding the rapids. Stay at ACE Adventure Resort, Adventures on the Gorge, or River Expeditions.
Fall
Nature works her astounding magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our hallowed country roads are a sight to behold in the fall.
See the leaves fall in a unique way at Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is one of the East Coast’s wildest and most extensive off-roading trails systems. The system is one of the largest in the country with more than 700 miles of trail, separated into distinct regions. The rolling hills are made even more magnificent by bright-colored leaves.
Take a scenic drive to see the foliage. West Virginia’s range of elevations gives multiple opportunities to see the leaves fall. Experience a leaf peepers paradise on U.S. 48 and U.S. 219 in the Potomac Highlands, or cruise beautiful U.S. 50 into the Mid-Ohio Valley of West Virginia.
Let the leaves crunch under your feet in a scenic fall, visit Babcock State Park for the Island in the Sky trail and to see the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill surrounded by gorgeous fall foliage.
Where will you go on your Almost Heaven vacation?
Travelers are encouraged to check the status of individual businesses and to review all Travel Responsibly guidelines before taking a trip.
This post was last updated on January 26, 2021