Scenic beauty. New adventures. Lasting memories. The mountain state is home to all of these things and more. It’s the perfect place to experience something exciting and new. Here are 19 once-in-a-lifetime adventures everyone should experience:
Rock Climbing and Rappelling
At Adventures on the Gorge, you can try rock climbing and rappelling. Rappel down into the New River Gorge with breathtaking views. If you’ve never tried either. don’t worry. There is a perfect spot for any level from beginner to advanced.
Falconry
Step back in time and get up close and personal with majestic hawks and falcons with a falconry lesson at The Greenbrier. During each lesson, you’ll interact with the trained birds and learn about the history behind this ancient sport, which has been performed for over 4,000 years.
Horseback Riding
Explore 72 miles of gorgeous West Virginia countryside via horseback along the North Bend Rail Trail. Afterwards, visit the Greater Parkersburg CVB for the best tips to experience more of charming Parkersburg.
Fishing
Venture out to Boley Lake and Glade Creek and catch trout, bass, bluegill and more at beautiful Babcock State Park. Babcock State Park is just 20 minutes away from the New River, where you can find even more fishing opportunities. This gorgeous area has many hidden gems so head to the Visit Southern West Virginia CVB or the New River Gorge CVB to find this area’s best spots.
Boating
The New River/Greenbrier Valley Region is an amazing place to spend a day or week out on the water fishing. Bluestone State Park is home to the state’s third largest body of water, Bluestone Lake, which offers fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoe rentals. Nearby, you can find Pipestem Resort State Park, a boater’s paradise. It’s surrounded by Long Branch Lake, the Bluestone River and the New River. Stop by the New River Gateway CVB for some insight on the areas best boating spots.
Geocaching
Find your inner explorer in Berkeley County and experience its incredible geocaching trails. Berkeley County is home to two gadget trails – Mystery Caches of Berkeley County and Smart Caches of Berkeley County, which is sponsored by the Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB.
Experience the Arts
Tucker County is home to one of the most diverse and active arts communities in the Potomac Highlands Region. Here you can find incredible art galleries, open door studios, live music venues and more. The Tucker County CVB can help you experience the most of this amazing art-filled county.
Explore History
Located in the center of historic Berkeley Springs, you will find Berkeley Springs State Park, which is home to a mineral spa that has been in use since colonial times. In fact, George Washington visited the springs regularly. Today, the Old Roman and Main Bathhouse offer a wide selection of spa services. Visit Travel Berkeley Springs CVB to learn more about this beautiful and historic area.
Thanks to the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, the Eastern Panhandle is a mecca for outdoor adventures. Here you can experience great fishing, whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing. Head to the Jefferson County CVB, Ranson CVB, Travel Berkeley Springs CVB or Martinsburg-Berkeley County CVB, to learn about the region’s best kept secrets.
Take a Tour or Two
Charleston is a historic and vibrant city just waiting to be explored. Here you can tour the beautiful West Virginia State Capitol, the historic Craik-Patton House or even visit J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works for an incredible tour and tasting. Stop by the Charleston CVB to find out more about these unique tours in the Capital City.
Train Rides
Ever wanted to pass through remnants of old timber communities, mountain views in the Monongahela National Forest and pass along the beautiful Greenbrier River? The Pocahontas County CVB can find the perfect train excursion for you to experience.
Hiking & Biking
Spend a day hiking or biking through stunning Twin Falls Resort State Park. The park includes 25 miles and 12 different trails, which take you through the park’s natural landscapes. To find more beautiful places to hike or bike, head to the Visit Southern West Virginia CVB.
Camping
Located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is the state’s largest state park. This beautiful park is perfect for camping, sleeping under the stars and being one with nature. Want to learn more about beautiful Watoga State Park? Make sure you stop by the Pocahontas County CVB.
Whitewater Rafting
Southern West Virginia is known for its adrenaline-pumping adventures – and especially for its world-renowned whitewater rafting. Visit Southern West Virginia can help you plan your trip to this gorgeous area and get you on your way to your thrilling whitewater adventure.
Immerse Yourself in Nature
The Mid-Ohio Valley region is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park has nature walks galore where you can catch a glimpse of the little islands wildlife, history and entertainment. At North Bend State Park, you can experience nature by kayaking, biking, backpacking, hiking, yoga, navigation, nature interpretation and more. The Greater Parkersburg CVB can help you plan your trip to this gorgeous nature-filled region.
ATV Riding
For a wild ride, you need to head to Hatfield-McCoy Trails. Located in the mountains of southern West Virginia, Hatfield-McCoy Trails provides 600+ miles of trails that vary in difficulty. Along the way, you may even pass by “ATV friendly towns” where you can grab a bite to and take in the beauty of the Hatfield-McCoy Region. For tips, maps and information on this area and its trails head to the Hatfield-McCoy CVB.
One-of-a-Kind Activities
ACE Adventure Resort is your one-stop-shop for outdoor adventures, cozy accommodations and incredible memories. The resort includes a waterpark, guided whitewater rafting trips, zipling, climbing, rappelling, caving, mountain biking, paintball, kayaking and much more. A trip to ACE Adventure Resort is always a crowd favorite.
Relax and Unwind
Located in the beautiful Potomac Highlands Region, you’ll find Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park. Both are perfect for weekend getaways or just taking time for yourself. Pamper yourself at The Spa at Canaan or find inner peace at the iconic seven-foot cascade at Blackwater Falls. This area is full of places like this to explore. To find more, stop by the Tucker County CVB and you’ll be on your way to relaxation and peace.
Stay at a State Park
The Mountain State has nearly 50 state parks and forests full of beauty, adventure, history and more. West Virginia State Parks offer cozy cabins and comfortable lodges in the most beautiful places you’ll never want to leave. With 19 state parks offering cabins, 27 with camping opportunities and 10 with lodges your perfect getaway is closer than you think.
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