West Virginia is known for its scenic and peaceful landscape. From sleeping in a tree house to spending a day on a mountain top trail ride, the Mountain State is an amazing place to unplug, unwind, and relax from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Try unplugging at these places and let us know how amazing and refreshed you feel afterward:
Secluded Retreats
Thorny Mountain Fire Tower
Sleep 53 feet in the sky in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower, which sits perched atop a ridge in the beautiful Seneca State Forest. What was once a lookout for wildfires is now a unique retreat for adventurous overnighters. Enjoy the peaceful scenery that surrounds you and stunning 360-degree views of Cheat Mountain and Green Bank.
Wild Rock’s Tree House
Lose yourself in the beauty of the New River Gorge National Park and stay at Wild Rock’s “Tree House.” This four-bedroom luxury home features a screened-in covered sleeping porch on the adjoined bunkhouse, with a custom queen-size swinging bed hanging from the ceiling. If you feel like venturing out from your secluded retreat, visit the town of Fayetteville, which is located just minutes away. Here, you’ll be near world-class adventures like whitewater rafting, ziplining, caving, hiking, biking and more. You can also explore the town’s delicious restaurants like Cathedral Cafe and charming shops like The Hobbit Hole.
Historic Cabin at Gobbler’s Knob
Stay in the charming and secluded Historic Cabin at Gobbler’s Knob. This cabin is perched on a peaceful mountain top at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley near Berkeley Springs. The cabin takes its name from the wild turkeys that roam the property and this gorgeous cabin has been preserved to reflect its 1820s roots.
Rural Areas
Green Bank
The community of Green Bank is located in the National Radio Quiet Zone, where interference to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory is limited, which makes it the ultimate place to unplug from your phone and feel refreshed mind, body and soul. At night, take the opportunity for some amazing stargazing you’ll never forget.
Helvetia
Visit the isolated yet charming mountain community of Helvetia for a rich cultural as well as relaxing getaway. Helvetia was settled in the 1800s by Swiss Immigrants, and today the community maintains and upholds its old-world traditions. Stroll through the town and stop for an authentic Swiss meal at the Helvetia Hutte Restaurant. Their delicious rosti, sauerbraten, homemade bread and onion pie and peach cobbler are sure to transport you to another time.
Lost River
Become one with nature in Lost River, an unincorporated community surrounded by gorgeous mountains and farmland perfect for a relaxing getaway. Visit Lost River State Park in Mathias for miles of trails, which can be explored by foot or by horseback. Lost River State Park also has 26 furnished cabins and come equipped with a cozy fireplace. Lost River State Park is known for its Cranny Crow Overlook, which offers a commanding view of five counties. This incredible view will definitely inspire you to unplug more often.
Public Lands
West Virginia offers great access to the state’s excellent hunting and fishing opportunities. In fact, the Mountain State offers 1.5 million acres of public land for people to access. Depending on the different public lands, you can find great places to hunt deer, turkey, dove, small game, beer as well as fish bass, bluegill, crappie, pike and trout. Here are some public lands that you can access in West Virginia:
- Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Pruntytown State Farm Wildlife Management Area
- Nathaniel Mountain Wildlife Management Area
Outdoor Recreation
Is there anything better than being outside, getting some exercise and breathing in fresh air? If you agree, here are some places we recommend you try because we think they’ll soon become some of your favorites:
- Greenbrier River Trail – The Greenbrier River Trail is a 77-mile long former railroad, now used for hiking, bicycling and ski-touring. The trail begins at Caldwell near Greenbrier State Forest and passes through numerous small towns and traverses 35 bridges and two tunnels as it winds its way along the valley with its northern terminus at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Pocahontas County. Throughout much of its length, the trail is adjacent to the Greenbrier River and is flanked by peaks of the Allegheny Mountains.
- Appalachian Trail – Four miles of the Appalachian Trail pass through historic Harpers Ferry, which is also home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy—the trail’s headquarters. The trail here is ranked easy to moderate, with an elevation between 265 and 1,200 feet and is just a few steps from Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, so it’s an ideal place to spend the day before or after your hike on the Appalachian Trail.
- Autumn Breeze Stables – Enjoy a guided mountain top trail ride with Autumn Breeze Stables in Lansing. Perfect for any level rider this trail ride will take up to incredible scenic views, up and down pre-Civil War roads or you can take a moonlight ride or an overnight excursion at Pipestem Resort State Park.
- Eagle’s Nest Outfitters – Spend a day with Eagle’s Nest Outfitters in Petersburg fishing along the South Branch of the Potomac River, which is famous for trophy trout. They also offer special classes on cooking streamside meals as well as setting up camp for overnight fishing trips.
