These 8 Summer Adventures are Calling You to West Virginia
While adventures are everywhere, only West Virginia can let you experience true summer freedom from start to finish. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how many different options are packed into Almost Heaven.
To make your next summer getaway a hit, add these adventures and more to your calendar.
1. Go whitewater rafting 🌊
📍Lansing, West Virginia
Get a feel for whitewater rafting in Almost Heaven with Adventures on the Gorge. Here, you can get a feel for the rapids on the Gauley and New rivers. Choose your adventure based on your experience level from Class II-IV rapids on the Lower Gauley to Class III-IV rapids on the Upper Gauley. No matter where you are on the journey, you’ll be in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. You can also try stand-up paddle boarding, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and much more while you’re here.
2. Ride with Rail Explorers 🛤️
📍Buffalo Creek, West Virginia
Have you ever ridden a rail bike? Rail Explorers in Clay County combines the serenity of the outdoors and the historic charm of the railroad for a unique ride. This 12-mile round trip along Buffalo Creek and Gauley Railroad follows the twists and turns of the creek through the forest – passing two beautiful waterfalls along the way. This is accessible to all ages and abilities. While you’re here, get your picture taken on the #AlmostHeaven Swing!
3. Float in Harpers Ferry 🚣🏻
📍Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Just an hour’s drive away from Washington D.C., Harpers Ferry is the gateway to Almost Heaven. While famous for its Civil War and West Virginia history, this town also boasts recreational opportunities with River and Trail Outfitters. Try whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking and multi-day canoe/kayak trips on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. You’ll never want to leave once you find the perfect opportunity to explore this charming town.
4. Explore Randolph County 🚂
📍Randolph County, West Virginia
If you’re a fan of unexpectedly cool places, then you’ll love Randolph County. Hop on a steam-powered locomotive at Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad near Elkins and explore some of the most rugged corners of the Appalachian Mountains. Hike or bike along the Allegheny Highlands Trail, a 24.5-mile trail that follows the original route of the West Virginia Central and Pittsburgh Railway and passes through several small towns and farmlands. Nearby is the entrance of the Monongahela National Forest – with nearly a million acres to explore.
Elkins is also home to some excellent dining spots, including premium The Forks Inn, the casual American C.J. Maggie’s, the Latin American-inspired El Gran Sabor and Big Timber Brewing Company.
5. Hop on Blennerhassett Island ⛴️
📍Parkersburg, West Virginia
Did you know that West Virginia has an island waiting for you to explore? Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is a gem hidden in the Ohio River. Take the brief 20-minute sternwheel boat ride to the island and tour the replica Palladian mansion from the 1800s. Then, take a horse-and-carriage ride around the island to learn more about the history of the Blennerhassett family. Don’t forget to take your picture on the #AlmostHeaven swing!
When you return from the island, explore even more history and artifacts at the Blennerhassett Museum in downtown Parkersburg.
6. Experience freedom while off-roading 🛞
📍Lyburn, West Virginia
Logan County is the home of the largest ATV trail network in the eastern part of the United States, Hatfield- McCoy Trail Systems. Explore more than a thousand miles of scenic trails between 11 different trails and counting. Don’t have your own ATV or UTV? You can rent one as long as you plan to hit the trails. A perk of being an ATV enthusiast here is the freedom of riding through ATV-friendly towns like Matewan, Williamson, Delbarton, Logan, Gilbert, Man and Mullens. Topping off your tank and checking into lodging and dining are made easy and fun in this system.
7. Enjoy a lake day at Summersville Lake State Park 🚤
📍Summersville, West Virginia
What if you could see crystal-clear waters without flying to a remote island? Summersville Lake, nicknamed “The Little Bahamas of the East,” fits the bill. Summersville Lake State Park in Summersville is West Virginia’s newest state park, boasting a picturesque backdrop from every angle — created by clear blue waters and unique rock formations. Experience it all by taking up fishing, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, flatwater paddling, camping and much more.
8. Explore State Parks in Southern West Virginia 🌲
📍Southern West Virginia
One of many perks of exploring Southern West Virginia is the long list of state parks waiting to welcome you. Babcock State Park near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is the perfect spot to enjoy a scenic view. Here, you’ll see a functioning replica of the Glade Creek Grist Mill and Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls, a stop on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail. Avid fishers love casting a reel at Little Beaver State Park near Beckley, featuring an 18-acre lake open year-round for bass, crappie, channel catfish and trout fishing.
Sitting on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem Resort State Park in Summers County offers exhilarating zipline tours, guided trout fishing trips, mountain bike excursions and more. Spend some time on the water at the park’s new adventure lake and splash park, or set out on a kayaking and stand-up paddleboard tour, tubing or whitewater adventure on the Bluestone River.
What’s your next adventure in Almost Heaven going to be? Request your FREE West Virginia Vacation Guide and plan your trip today!
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This post was last updated on May 8, 2025