If you’re looking to visit West Virginia, these iconic adventures are perfect ways to see Almost Heaven. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-packed adventure on the water or heart-pumping rides on ATV trails, there’s always fun to be had in West Virginia.

Whitewater Rafting

West Virginia offers some of the finest whitewater rafting found anywhere in the world. Depending on your desired difficulty, West Virginia can take you from mild to wild and give you the adventure of a lifetime right here in the Mountain State! These are a few of the best places to take advantage of for whitewater adventure:

Adventures on the Gorge

Adventures on the Gorge is located just minutes from the iconic New River Gorge bridge and offers memorable activities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. You can experience fun on the water like whitewater rafting, kayaking, fishing, and stand up paddle boarding. Adventures on the Gorge also offers other activities such as zip lining, biking, and rock climbing!

ACE Adventure Resort

Nestled into 1,500 wooded acres beside New River Gorge National Park, ACE Adventure Resort offers activities like whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and even features its own Adventure Lake.

River Expeditions

Located just off Route 19 in Fayetteville, River Expeditions gives visitors the choice to choose their own incredible adventure. Visitors can choose from activities like whitewater rafting, zip lining/canopy tours, stand up paddle boarding, fishing and more. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, River Expeditions can accommodate!

Must-sees: Babcock State Park, Hawks Nest State Park, New River Gorge Bridge, Pies and Pints, Secret Sandwich Society are all just a short drive from all three of these outfitters!

ATV Trails

West Virginia’s rolling hills provide the foundation for one-of-a-kind off-road fun and adventure. Visitors are given the unique opportunity to step back in time and revisit one of the most notorious feuds in the country all while exploring more than 600 miles of trails dedicated to both families involved. West Virginia is home to a natural amusement park that attracts thrill-seekers from around the world.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is one of the most expansive ATV trails in the country. With more than 600 miles to explore, it is highly encouraged to step off the beaten path here in Almost Heaven. Some of the popular trails include:

 Bearwallow Trail System

The Bearwallow Trail is one of the three original Hatfield-McCoy trails and is located near the ATV-friendly town of Logan. It’s mix of easy-riding scenic vistas and difficult trails make it one of the more popular trails in the system.

Must-sees: Chief Logan State Park, Country Roads Byway Visitors Center, city of Logan.

Pocahontas Trail System

The Pocahontas Trail System will take you through the southern coal fields of West Virginia. The trail links two other systems in the Hatfield-McCoy trails – the Indian Ridge and Pinnacle Creek Trails. This makes for the most continuous miles of trails east of the Mississippi River!

Must-sees: Bramwell “The town of Millionaires,” Pinnacle Rock State Park, Buffalo Trail Restaurant and Brewery, The Corner Shop.

Buffalo Mountain Trail

Referred to as the most historic trail in the system, the Buffalo Mountain Trail System is popular with dirt bike enthusiasts because of its number of single track trails. The system has three community connectors providing direct access to the ATV-friendly towns of Matewan, Delbarton, and Williamson.

Must-sees: West Virginia Mine Wars Museum, Matewan Depot, The Hatfield-McCoy House, The Coal House, Hatfield-McCoy Airboat Tours.

Ski Getaways

Snowshoe Mountain

Snowshoe Mountain is located in the heart of the Potomac Highlands and is a staple of winter sports in West Virginia. Snowshoe features incredible slopes perfect for skiing and snowboarding, a snow tubing park, exquisite dining, and even a spa!

Must-sees:  Snowshoe Village, Coca-Cola Tubing Park

Winterplace Ski Resort

Winterplace Ski Resort is located just off Interstate 77 between Beckley and Bluefield. It features 27 trails, 9 lifts, 2 terrain parks, and West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park. Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine named Winterplace the #1 resort to learn to ski/snowboard at.

Must-sees: Tamarack, Grandview, Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Nestled in the mountains of Tucker County, Canaan Valley Resort State Park boasts 39 trails, a terrain park, 3 chair lifts, a snow tubing area and some of the most incredible scenic views the state has to offer. The park also features a 160-room lodge, 23 cabins, 34 campsites, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course.

Must-sees: Blackwater Falls State Park, Thomas, Davis, Hellbender Burritos, Sirianni’s Cafe, The Purple Fiddle, Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods.

Luxury Mountain Getaways

The Greenbrier Resort

Located in White Sulpher Springs, The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark and world-class resort that has been welcoming guests from around the world since 1778. 27 of the country’s 45 presidents have stayed at the Greenbrier, and it has long been a favorite destination of royalty, celebrities and business leaders. The resort is home to amazing amenities and endless vacation possibilities.

Must-sees: Downtown Lewisburg, Lost World Caverns

Oglebay Resort

Oglebay Resort is located just outside of downtown Wheeling and is a 1,700-acre, year-round resort featuring a 270-room lodge with numerous amenities, 54 cottages, 4 golf courses, gardens, museums, winter sports, a zoo and so much more.

Must-sees: Downtown Wheeling, West Virginia State Penitentiary paranormal tours, Tomlinson Run State Park, Mountaineer Casino, Wheeling Island Casino and Racetrack

The Bavarian Inn

The Bavarian Inn is located in historic Shepherdstown and gives guests a distinctly European luxury experience. The Inn is built in Alpine tradition with many of the spacious and comfortable rooms overlooking the Potomac River Bend.

Must-sees: Harpers Ferry, Hollywood Casino and Racetrack, Charles Town

No matter what type of vacation you’re looking to plan, West Virginia is the perfect place for you and your family to get away. The Mountain State’s country roads and breathtaking views will help you discover why it truly is Almost Heaven.

This post was last updated on October 7, 2021