Plan A Year of Adventure with our Bucket List
Kick-off the year with an Almost Heaven adventure! Home to all four seasons, endless activity options can be found year-round in West Virginia. To help make your planning easier, we’ve put together a list of some of the top experiences that you won’t want to miss out on this year.
Snowy Winter Fun
Here in West Virginia we start and end our years on a chilly note. Take advantage of the lower temps by planning a snowy adventure on one of the many frosty landscapes across the state. Check out these must-try adventures for Winter.
Sled Run
Start the new year off with a thrilling ride on the longest sled run found on the East Coast! Dash down a quarter mile of fresh mountain snow while making wonderful wintertime memories with family and friends.
Snowmobiling
There’s plenty of winter time left to go deeper into West Virginia’s wilderness with a guided snowmobiling journey. Traverse the backcountry of Snowshoe Mountain with a daytime trip or test out your beginner skills with an evening tour, held on the slopes.
Cross Country Skiing
Leave the slopes behind for a cross-country skiing trip full of solitude in the Monongahela National Forest this season. Glide between open fields, forest service roads and secluded trails. Some of the top destinations include Dolly Sods Wilderness and the Cranberry Glades.
Vibrant Spring Adventures
When the trees begin to regain their green hue and wildflowers paint our mountainsides, spring exploration comes alive in Almost Heaven. Welcome back blue skies and warmer days by heading outside for one of these exciting spring adventures.
Bridgewalk
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Witness the New River Gorge coming to life this spring with an unforgettable Bridgewalk tour. Stroll the structural beams that lie right under the famous New River Gorge Bridge, over 800 feet up in the air for the walk of a lifetime. For extra astonishing views, take part in the Moonrise Sunset tour.
Rejuvenating Getaway
Don’t miss out on experiencing this quaint bed & breakfast stay in Charles Town, perfect for a refreshing springtime escape. Ideal for couples and friends alike, the amenities here include romantic fine dining, a luxurious spa and elegant suites located on three serene acres just outside of Ranson.
Stargazing
Find the peace you need this spring with a trip to the most under-the-radar stargazing destination in the United States. With a visit to Watoga State Park, you’re sure to encounter an array of glistening stars on display in our Almost Heaven atmosphere. Here you can find over 10,000 acres of land, making it effortless to enter into the universe of skyglow. Stay overnight in one of the many cabin options to complement your ultimate star-gazing roadtrip.
Sunny Summer Exploration
Bright sunny days make their way to the Mountain State each summer and this creates the perfect atmosphere for adventure both on – and off – the water. Cool off under a canopy of lush green trees and head out yet again for some more fun. These summer adventures will get your heart racing.
Adventure Lake
A water park in West Virginia? That’s right! With a 40-foot tall water slide, tower zip line and over 50 inflatable toys, there’s fun to be had here for ages of all kinds. Launch your friends into the water with the famous BLOB or simply kick back and relax with some pizza on the shore. Fly into Yeager Airport and find that ACE is just a one-hour drive away.
Whitewater Rafting
Adventures on the Gorge Resort
Take on West Virginia’s wonderful white water for an expedition of a lifetime this summer. From roaring rapids to stunning river views, a trip with Adventures on the Gorge will leave you in awe. Decide between a meandering family-friendly float or taking on the river’s most challenging sections.
Cave Exploration
Beat the summer heat and cool off one hundred and twenty feet below the surface, where you’ll find a whole new world ready for you to explore. Marvel at the multitude of surreal formations, with the self-guided half-mile tour. First discovered in 1942, this hidden gem is home to an unbelievable amount of natural beauty.
Thrilling Fall Retreats
Notice that crisp wind rolling in? Fall in West Virginia is truly Almost Heaven, complete with vibrant treescapes and cozy cabin getaways. Make your fall picture perfect by trying one – or all – of these autumnal adventures.
Off-Roading
What better way to experience the Mountain State’s majestic autumn beauty than buckling up and hitting over 1,000 miles of trails? Nearby towns are machine-friendly which means you can cruise right in to fill up with gas, dine on delicious meals and explore local spots. The trails vary in difficulty, making this a must-do for all skill levels.
Horseback Riding
Saddle up for a trot throughout some of Almost Heaven’s most jaw-dropping backdrops this fall. Trail rides, pony rides, private lessons and overnight camps are all among the available offerings at Oglebay Resort. Whether a first-time rider or a seasoned pro, there’s sure to be an option best suited for you.
Scenic Train Ride
Bring the entire family along for this adventure through stunning fall vista views. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for sightings of bald eagles, pass by historical farms and experience the iconic “Trough” all in one ride. Choose between a full or half-day trip or even being served a premium homestyle meal.
The best way to set your new year travel plans in motion is to order the new West Virginia Vacation Guide to receive your FREE copy.
Order the 2024 Vacation Guide NowThis post was last updated on December 16, 2024