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4 Unexpected Finds Along WV’s Country Roads

We all know the song that leads our Almost Heaven dreaming, a familiar tune celebrating 50 years of success in

Glen Dale to Moundsville Rail Trail

4 best spring wildflower events in the Mountain State

  Each spring, the ridgelines and shrouded forests in the Mountain State become a kaleidoscope of bursting blooms. There are

5 crazy plants you won’t believe grow here

As the days get warmer, West Virginia bursts into bloom with a variety of unique plant life. Check out some

SpencerTrails

A family spring break in Almost Heaven

West Virginia has all of the ingredients for a memorable spring break. Here are some great mountain getaway ideas: 1.

7 amazing mountain hikes even the kids will love

Share wonder with your kids on a jaw-dropping mountain hike. Even these rolling Mountain State trails can be smooth enough

Have you visited WV’s National Parks? We bet you didn’t do this…

Southern West Virginia’s National Parks are known for their natural beauty and outdoor recreation. The New River Gorge National River, Gauley

There’s still time! 4 winter trips to squeeze in

Never fear, winter people! There is still time for winter sports in the Mountain State. In case you haven’t already,

These magnificent mountain waterfalls freeze for winter

There’s an almost magical quality about a wintry forest scene, with icicles clinging to rocks that carried a swift-moving stream

Psst: WV’s off-the-beaten-path rock climbs

This secluded area with gorgeous views of the New River has amazing climbing without the crowds. The sandstone cliffs at

WV’s most unique fishing opportunity

Fishing the Bluestone in Southern West Virginia feels more like a Western trout stream than an Appalachian river. The Bluestone

Lotito City Park

Camp Creek State Park and Forest

Brush Creek Preserve and Falls

Winter in bloom: brighten those winter blues with this wild, floral beauty

Break up the winter’s white pallette with the colorful hues of West Virginia’s wildflowers. Even when the greenery retreats and

Hikers: can you complete the Chief’s Challenge?

In 2016, West Virginia State Parks Chief Sam England challenges you to hike or walk 100 miles in the state

Where to find and photograph these 10 WV icons

Here are some of the most photographed icons in the Mountain State, and where you can best capture a beautiful

7 must-see stops on the Civil War Trail

The story of West Virginia tells us much about our nation’s most definitive war. Originally a part of Virginia’s Old

Take these stairs into the sky

You’re nearing the top. You’re eye level with craggy rock fins, which fiercely jut out of rolling green mountaintops like

Family Fun on the Slopes and Beyond

Recapture the childlike magic of the season with your own kids in #AlmostHeaven. Winter has a way of capturing some

If your kids have enough “stuff,” here’s a gift idea.

Technology is wonderful. But the truth is we all need time to unplug— especially kids. With access to their favorite

Parks with a past: History’s most notable mountain landscapes

Of the prestigious U.S. National Parks, there are “scenic” parks, and there are “historic” parks. They could not be more

How many of these 45 authentic WV experiences have you had?

West Virginia has never been one to follow the trends— I mean, we exist because we created our own state

Traversing the Mon: 9 must-see sites in WV’s massive national forest

The Monongahela National Forest: nearly 1 million acres of breathtaking scenery and mountain recreation. The woodland wonderland covers the north

5 exciting ways to explore WV history on an outdoor adventure

As John Denver said, “Life is old there, older than the trees.” But the wild, adventurous spirit is as youthful

5 tidbits of true mountain folklore to simplify your life

Mountain folklore seems to be funny and sarcastic, but is actually direct and to the point, true to the Appalachian

6 best dog-friendly adventures in WV

If you’re a dog lover, you’ll probably agree that taking Sparky (or Rover, or Fido) with you on a walk

Country Store and More

6 most endearing, old-fashioned dates in WV

While the technology of our day and age is sometimes helpful, who doesn’t love the dating tactics from an old-school

7 things you didn’t know you could uncover in Harpers Ferry

The historic town of Harpers Ferry is perhaps best known as the site of John Brown’s famous raid on the

Stamp your passport on these WV Trails! How many have you completed?

Passports, stamps, coins, geocaches– many West Virginia land management agencies, trails, and attractions have programs that will reward you with

Summer at the lake: Top 7 WV lakes for family fun

There’s no better place to spend the hottest days of summer than by a cool lake, and West Virginia has

Wild foods of WV: the tastiest foraging along the trail

West Virginia is one of the best places in the nation to find wild and delectable foods. Our warm growing

9 hidden outdoors spots only the locals know in WV

West Virginia has lots of popular outdoor spots that draw crowds, but we also have some amazing play spots off-the-beaten-track.

7 natural wonders in the National Parks and beyond

The hills and hollows of West Virginia hide an amazing number of natural wonders, from craggy peaks to subterranean caves.

Yankauer Nature Preserve

A popular preserve in Berkeley County, Yankauer Preserve is a blend of oak forests surrounded by glades of red cedar

Wine Cellar Park

Wine Cellar Park is a park where families or groups can spend peaceful quality time. It is listed in the

Wilderness Ridge Farm

Wilderness Ridge Farm – Cabin Rental – Lodging DRIVING DIRECTIONS:  US Rt.  35 N. from Charleston,  left onto  Cornstalk Road,

White Park

Several ball parks, ice arena, etc.

Wheeling Heritage Trail

Trail Running Along The Banks Of The Ohio River And Wheeling Creek. Call For More Information. This facility is included

West Fork Rail Trail

LENGTH: 26 miles LOCATION: Durbin, Pocahontas County to Glady, Randolph County. PERMITTED USES: Hiking, Biking, Cross Country Skiing, Horseback Riding

Watoga State Park

Riverside Campground has 50 sites and is open from April 1 to October 31. Twenty five sites are reservable from

Valley Park

Valley Park provides water slides, walking trails, volleyball, tennis, playgrounds, miniature golf and other activities including picnic shelters, ball fields

Valley Falls State Park

Day-use park with fishing and picnicking. 18 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails.

Tygart Lake State Park

Off season office hours: Monday – Friday, 8 – 4 p.m. The lake stretches 11 miles, offering boating, swimming, fishing

Twin Falls Resort State Park

Set in the rugged mountains of Southern West Virginia, Twin Falls Resort State Park is the ideal site for nature

The Lewisburg and Ronceverte Trail

The Lewisburg and Ronceverte Trail, currently under construction, runs along the former L|R Rail Road which ran between the towns

Teter Creek Lake Wildlife Management Area – Barbour

137 acres – Hunting limited due to size of area. Teter Creek Lake provides trout and warmwater fishing. Boat launch

Tea Creek Campground (USDA Forest Service)

Campground located at juncture of beautiful Williams River and scenic Tea Creek. Each campsite has parking spur, picnic table, fire

Stonewall Resort State Park

Spanning 2,000 pristine acres and featuring a surrounding state park, Stonewall Resort offers endless recreational choices. Swimming, golf, and a

Stonewall Jackson -WMA-Lewis

Wild life management area located in Weston, Lewis County. Access the area by using I-79 Exits 91 and 96.

Stonecoal Lake-WMA-Lewis

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA LOCATED IN LEWIS COUNTY. South of U.S. 33 and 119 between Weston and Buckhannon. The area is

Smoke Hole Caverns

We are only 3 hours from Baltimore, Washington DC, Pittsburgh and Charleston, WV. We are worlds away – but close

Slaty Mountain Preserve

Slaty Mountain Preserve is comprised of a dry hardwood and pine woodland including a globally rare shale barren community.|nbsp; The

5 shocking mountain views from WV trails

The mountain state has no shortage of steep trails and wild hikes, but finding wide open, breathtaking views can sometimes

Shalimar Farm Vacation Retreat

Shalimar is 900 acres of private land with rugged terrain and diverse trails for beginning or advanced riders bringing their

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks, located in Monongahela National Forest, is one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia and have long been noted as

Pocahontas Cabins

If time outdoors is what you seek, start packing and come stay with us at Pocahontas Cabins, in the heart

Pleasant Valley Farms Retreat

Welcome to the Pleasant Valley Farms homepage. We are in the process of constructing eco-friendly wilderness cabins throughout the farm.

Pinnacle Rock State Park

Pinnacle Rock State Park is a 396 acre day use park with a large stone outcrop with scenic overlooks, picnic

Pike Knob Preserve

Secluded amid a 3,600-acre string of protected peaks on North Fork Mountain lies The Nature Conservancy’s Pike Knob – a

Panther State Forest

Located in the rugged hills near West Virginia’s southern border with Virginia and Kentucky, Panther Wildlife Management Area offers a

Panhandle Rail Trail

Length: 29 total (4 mi. WV, 25 mi. PA) Surface: Packed sand Allowed Uses: Hike, Bike, Cross-country Ski, Equestrian Endpoints:

Paint Creek Scenic Trail

The Paint Creek Scenic Trail is a state designated scenic byway/backway.  The Trail exists to encourage the understanding and enjoyment

North Bend Rail Trail

Stretching 72 miles through 13 tunnels, rural countryside and several historic sites with mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, buggy rides

Murphy Preserve

Donated by the Murphy family, this 276-acre preserve in Ritchie County consists of older oak-hickory forest on hills and coves,

Mountwood Park Family Campground

Season: April 15 – November 1. Campsites: 18 Tent, 81 Trailer Sites. Location: Volcano, WV. 81 paved campsites: water, electricity,

Mountain Escape Chalet

Private Cabin Rental. Sleeps 6. Walking distance to Summersville Lake. Minutes from rafting, dining, trails, etc. 6 person hot tub.

Mountain Creek Cabins

All seven cabins are fully furnished with everything you need for an overnight stay or an extended vacation. Imagine a

Mount Storm Lake

Located at Dominion Generation Plant in Mount Storm, WV on Rt. 93. The lake is 1200 acres and used for

Moncove Lake State Park

Moncove Lake State Park is tucked away among the hills on the southeastern edge of the state. Located in the

Midland Trail National Scenic Byway

The Midland Trail stretches border to border across West Virginia, following U.S. Route 60 from Kenova at the Kentucky border

Middle Mountain Cabins (USDA Forest Service)

A group of three cabins-one cabin has kitchen and beds and the other two are furnished with beds. These three

Mercer Springs Farm

Training and Show facility for American Saddlebred horses.

Meadow River-WMA-Greenbrier

Wild life management area located in Greenbrier County.

Mavis Manor

1897 Queen Anne Victorian Manor, located on 33 acres in southern WV. Family friendly, with Wi-Fi, Disc Golf, hiking and

Mason Dixon Historical Park

End of the Mason-Dixon Line. Two pavilions, amphitheater, playground, ball courts, dining room, museum, gift shop.

Lower Greenbrier River Byway

The Lower Greenbrier River Byway travels 27 miles along the railroad through scenic countryside, wooded areas and the charming town

Lost River State Park

Featuring 26 vacation cabins. Nearby camping, hiking and overlook. This facility is included in “A Guide to Accessible Recreation in

Lost River Campground

Little Indian Creek WMA – Monongalia County

1,036 acres. Terrain: gently rolling (reclaimed surface mine areas) to moderately steep slopes ranging in elevation from 900 feet to

Little Creek Park

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Little Beaver State Park

Little Beaver State Park is a 562-acre day-use park that features many outdoor recreational opportunities. At the center of the

Laurel Highlands River Tours & Outdoor Center

Experience some of the best whitewater rafting in the east on the mighty Cheat River. The largest uncontrolled watershed in

Laurel Fork North and South Wilderness (USDA Forest Service)

These two wildernesses are located next to each other in Randolph County, West Virginia. They are separated only by a

Laurel Fork Campground (USDA Forest Service)

There are 16 single unit sites available on a first come, first serve basis. Sites are located in an open

Laura Anderson Lake

Anderson Lake is a 7-acre lake located within the City of Dunbar’s Wine Cellar Park in Kanawha County. The lake

Lake Sherwood Recreation Area

For reservations call 877-444-6777 or visit . Campsites: 105 tent or trailer sites. Boating, hiking, fishing, hunting. Location: i-64, exit

Kumbrabow State Forest

This facility is included in “A Guide to Accessible Recreation in West Virginia.” Please check the Guide or the site

Robert W. Craig Campground at Jennings Randolph Lake

Jennings Randolph Lake offers extensive recreational opportunity with 952 acres and more than 13 miles of shoreline for picnics, camping,

Island Campground (USDA Forest Service)

Adjacent to Long Run and the East Fork of the Greenbrier River, this primitive campground is a favorite among fisherman.

Ice Mountain Preserve

Ice Mountain gets its name from the refrigeration effect that takes place inside its talus — a sloping mass of

Huttonsville – WMA – Randolph

Wild Life Management Area located in Huttonsville in Randolph County. South of Huttonsville, this area can be accessed from State

Hungry Beech Preserve

Hungry Beech Preserve includes rolling meadowland on Paxton Ridge and along Green Creek and a steep-sided cove–about 300 feet deep–lying

Hughes River – WMA

No camping permitted. Public hunting and fishing area. West Virginia department of natural resources wildlife Division and Heartwood Forest Lands

Holly River State Park

Overnight facilities open from first Friday in April to last weekend in November. Swimming pool and activities building open from

Greenbrier State Forest

Located in the southeastern corner of the state near the border of Virginia, Greenbrier State Forest provides over 5,100 acres

Greenbrier River Trail

The Greenbrier River Trail, operated by West Virginia State Parks, is a 77 mile (120 kilometer) long former railroad, now

Grandview (New River Gorge National Park & Preserve)

Highest point in the park.  Offers hiking trails, overlooks, and shelters (which are available for reservation). Open from 9 a.m.