Archives

10 iconic overlooks in West Virginia that will WOW you

What makes a view scenic? Is it the layers of purple mountains blending into the horizon? Acres of rolling green

Bridge Walk

Roll, Ride or Relax: 3 Distinct West Virginia Getaways

Looking for inspiration for your next Mountain State getaway? Here are three unique destinations that will remind you why West

West Virginia is Home to the Longest Sled Run on the East Coast

If flying down a snowy hill at 25 mph is your idea of fun, there’s no better place to be

Checklist: Best thing to try at every WV State Park

With nearly 50 state parks and forests spread across the state, West Virginia provides a scenic piece of Almost Heaven

Man-cations: 4 winter getaways with the guys

1. Winter climbing and hiking at Seneca Rocks Want to really test your manhood? Take a weekend scaling the crown jewel

Town guide: Williamson

This riverside town winds past miles of Hatfield-McCoy family history and adventure. Dining 34:Ate’s menu bursts with imaginative salads, entrees,

If your group is planning a retreat, you’ve gotta check these stops out

Researching the activities. Booking the tickets. Collecting the money. Making the cabin reservations. Packing the sandwiches (2 with no mayo!),

Up, up and away: This WV city sky will light up with hot air balloons

The skies over Morgantown will light up with all the colors of the rainbow this weekend when 14 hot air

There’s 1 day a year you can zip off the New River Gorge Bridge

You can zipline and rappel year-round in West Virginia, but did you know there’s one special day a year you

Meet these birds up close during migration season

Meet some of the most dramatic and colorful birds in West Virginia. From vast forests to isolated canyons, the Mountain

Town guide: Athens

This southern West Virginia town full of quiet charm and natural beauty is the gateway to Pipestem Resort State Park.

Man-cations: ATV and off-road escapes

Take your vacation for a spin in the Mountain State. If your weekend needs some horsepower, West Virginia’s ATV trails

Town guide: Shepherdstown

West Virginia’s oldest town treats you to sophisticated restaurants, colonial ambience and Old World elegance. Dining When it comes to

Town guide: Charleston

From mouth-watering local fare to a rich arts scene, there’s never a dull moment in West Virginia’s hip, historic capital

Town guide: Moundsville

Down-home comforts and fascinating historical attractions are just 2 reasons you should visit this Ohio River town. Dining Bob’s Lunch

Town guide: Beckley

Beckley is southern West Virginia’s largest population center, and a major shopping and entertainment center for thousands of the Mountain

Busted ATV Resort

7 WV authors you should be reading

  The Mountain State has produced hundreds of talented writers, including the Nobel Prize-winning Pearl Buck, whose childhood home in

5 things your out-of-state spouse ought to know about your WV roots

West Virginia is an anomaly. We do things differently around here, so you may find it hard to describe your

Spruce Knob – Mountain Biking

Located in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks Recreation Area at 4,863 feet, Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia.

Learn to Rock Climb

World-class peaks and cliffs are just a lesson away. Start on the best, with the best, and learning something new

Town guide: Morgantown

Whether you bleed gold and blue, love munchin’ on some local eats or are looking for a place to spend

The 1 “Must Try” At 9 Mountain Resorts

There’s a ton of fun to be had at West Virginia’s resorts—especially when the warmth of summer arrives. So much

Make every moment count on these 48-hour family escapes

Wild, enchanting backcountry is yours for the weekend. West Virginia’s immersive adventure packages get everybody back to nature. Get ready

Elk Springs Resort and Fly Shop

Town Guide: Point Pleasant

Situated at the confluence of the Kanawha and Ohio rivers, Point Pleasant has long been an important transportation hub, dating

Take a driving tour of this fierce, famous family feud

A stolen pig. Ill-fated lovers. Fights and killings. It’s the stuff of legend, but it’s all true. Hop on an

The best view of this iconic bridge is 800ft+ up on the catwalk

What is more breathtaking than the New River Gorge? Well, walking across it, of course! In 2009, Bridge Walk was

Spring break deal roundup

Whether you’re a college student, a teacher, or a family with young kids, you’re going to want to take advantage

Spring Break on a ramen noodle budget

We know how it is– you’re a student on a budget and you’ve already spent way too much money on

5 really (really) unconventional WV activities

So you think you’ve tried everything the Mountain State has to offer? Check out these unconventional activities that are uniquely

Do you have what it takes to be a Spartan?

Spartan Race comes to West Virginia on August 26-27, 2017 at the Summit Bechtel National Scout Reserve. The obstacle race

Best winter weekends

Rain or shine, hot or cold, there’s always something exciting to do in the Mountain State. Discover real West Virginia

5 one-day adventures in WV

Almost everyone I talk to about Project: Time Off and why they are not using all their well-deserved vacation days

Nontraditional getaways for you and your sweetheart

Still want to plan time with your sweetheart but aren’t exactly a dinner ’n’ a dozen roses type of couple?

Driving I-79? Stop here.

I-79 truly gives travelers a little taste of about everything that makes West Virginia great: mountains, rivers, cities, historical sites,

Winter’s most full-throttle adventure

Plunge through the snowy outback in a RZR! Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s 11,000 acres are some of the most pristine in

7 things you did as a kid in WV that you’ve gotta share with yours

The joys of growing up in the Mountain State are simple and sweet. Share the fond memories of your mountain

2017’s new top dog: the unassuming adventure destination that won “Best of the Blue Ridge”

Our beloved Mountain State earned top honors! The most prestigious prize in “The Best of the Blue Ridge” awards for

Score huge winter discounts on these cozy mountain cabins

Most folks rent mountain cabins in the summer— peak season for barbecues, rafting, hiking and warm-weather fun. But the best

Thrills and chills: 4 unexpected snow-season adventures

West Virginia’s got mountains, snow, and all that regular winter stuff— but that’s not nearly all. Here are some snowy

How much of your state have you really explored? WV checklist

How well do you know West Virginia? Here’s your ultimate checklist! 1. Head to Philippi to see the state’s oldest

5 ways to explore WV’s winter backcountry

Of course the Mountain State is the place to be for winter slopes— but you can trek those wild winter

Getaway gifts (that won’t break the bank)

Give the gift of a mountain escape. Treat someone special in your life to a Mountain State retreat, full of

A storybook holiday escape in the mountains

Thousands upon thousands of tiny glistening lights unite in one of America’s largest light displays: the Winter Festival of Lights

11 top Mountain State traditions to start this holiday

Start new traditions in the Mountain State this holiday season. Share Mountain State memories with folks you love most— decorating together,

Here’s where to find full-on Southern hospitality & charm— on a hostel budget

In West Virginia, you can get pretty darn cozy on a light budget. The state already has a lower cost

4 mountain adventure inns

If you like a little (or a lot of) adventure with your quaint B&B retreat, these inns have an extra

The most romantic and upscale retreat you’ve never heard of

If you’re looking for a less clichéd and more off-the-beaten-path romantic vacation, Parkersburg, West Virginia is your sweet escape. A

The perfect ski-it-all escape

If you find yourself dreaming of winter wonderland getaways filled with skiing and snowboarding, the Mountain State in the winter

Stop me before I volunteer again: the story of Gene and Maura Kistler

Maura and Gene Kistler and Kenny Parker spent a day on a pontoon boat on West Virginia’s Summersville Lake last

4 adventures in & right around Morgantown

Morgantown is the perfect base camp for adventure: a lively small-city scene, and a gateway to outdoor exploration. Go exploring,

In fall, this family orchard becomes a bird hunting haven

  Twin Ridge Upland Bird Farm’s small game preserve keeps hunting tradition thriving in West Virginia. “We’ve always hunted, of

Uncover Hidden Gems in West Virginia by Geocaching

Remember those epic summer camp scavenger hunts when you were a kid? Geocaching is a modern-day treasure hunt for the

The 1 place to visit 8 National Parks

Harpers Ferry is such a gold mine for history and the outdoors, it’s part of 8 overlapping National Parks and

Need motivation for your mountain run? How ‘bout a drink!

To the uninitiated, the Mountain Momma Hash House Harriers (M2H3), may seem like an unorganized horde of people running wild

Where country roads converge: 4 scenic cycles around the Greenbrier Valley

The Greenbrier Valley’s got trails so scenic, you’ll wonder if you’ve died and gone to mountain biking heaven. The Greenbrier

The top 5 most photogenic vistas in WV

The mountains of West Virginia have a peacefulness and wonder that only sweeping view of nature can provide. With diverse

This might just be WV’s most scenic rail trail

One of West Virginia’s mountain rail trails sticks out above and beyond the rest when it comes to scenic beauty:

Best climbing areas in WV (and we’re not talking just NRG)

West Virginia is a climber’s Almost Heaven—and the New River Gorge may get the fame, but it’s far from the

Wild days ‘n wild nights: your guide to New River Gorge adventure & nightlife

The New River Gorge in West Virginia is the East’s outdoor adventure central, but the excitement doesn’t stop when the

6 ways to hit the Mountwood Trails

Mountwood Park outside Parkersburg has more than 50 miles of top-rated trails, with everything from traditional hiking to ATV excursions.

5 tips for taking on the Greenbrier Geocache Trail

  There’s a whole new way to discover one of West Virginia’s most popular regions: the Greenbrier Geocache Trail. Never

The exhilarating backcountry adventure you didn’t know you needed in your life

West Virginia’s Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is one of the East Coast’s wildest and most extensive off-roading trails systems. The Hatfield-McCoy

Beyond the pinnacle: 4 more things to discover at Coopers Rock

Sure, everyone loves Coopers Rock’s vistas. But there’s a ton more to explore at this unique park, too. That panorama

The cycling shops of the Greenbrier Valley

  There’s so much wilderness and charm to bike through in Greenbrier County that 3 local bike shops are all

How to top the East Coast’s only “true peak”

It’s hard to miss Seneca Rocks, with its massive Tuscarora quartzite fins jutting out nearly 900 feet above the confluence

Hidden Gem Hikes within America’s Newest National Park

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has plenty of iconic trails, but it’s also got some secret routes

Road, rail & mountain trail: all the best biking in Parkersburg

If you lean toward bike adventures with plenty of solitude and a side of history, then you’ll love Parkersburg, West

Don’t let this guy undersell you— he farms the best cross-country ski trails in the East. (Yes, farms.)

Chip Chase is a living proof of the vibrancy that comes from living your dreams. Talking with Chip is like

Cycling on the Paint Creek Scenic Trail

There’s no wrong way to travel through West Virginia. Even the interstate has incredible views of the diverse scenery that’s

Meet the folks bringing big adventure to the Cheat River

The 162-mile long Cheat River is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the eastern United States, forming high up

Rail trail Almost Heaven: Travel WV by bike

Ever been bike touring? Grab your cycle-friendly camping gear and hit the mountain rail trails. West Virginia has more than

3 odd facts about this underground wonder

The other-worldly underground formations in Lost World Caverns have some history that is… interesting, to say the least. Sitting 120

A river guide’s reflections: life on the water

For Matt Knott, owner of River Riders and longtime whitewater rafting guide, Harpers Ferry is synonymous with world-class paddling. “I

How to spend a weekend in Charleston (outdoors & about town)

West Virginia’s capital city has a rich old-school charm, but a modern scene and a small-town feel. Charleston has the

5 Most History-Rich Hikes in Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is one of the most history-rich places in the country. Get fresh air and a fresh perspective on

Have you played America’s first-ever golf course?

Did you know you can still play America’s first golf course just like the olden days, with traditional wooden clubs?

Vaycay with your horse in tow!

Hop on horseback and hit the mountain trails! Saddle up your favorite steed and head out on these horse-friendly trails

Trek the sunken cave-like streets of this “town of rocks”

When you walk through Beartown, you’re literally trekking the sunken crevices of a massive rock formation that covers more than

Meet the whitewater pioneers of the mighty Cheat River

In West Virginia’s remote Allegheny Mountains, the mighty Cheat River flows north for 162 miles. Whitewater pioneers charted its thrashing

3 best backpacking trips in West Virginia

When it comes to finding seclusion in the great outdoors, there’s no better place than West Virginia. Filled with gorgeous

5 spooky cemeteries you can explore

While you may not want to pile into a haunted house or take a guided tour this year, something else

Snowboarding… in October? In the city street?

Can’t wait till winter? Motown Throwdown brings the slopes out early— really early! Never mind that real flurries are a

Get the shot: autumn in the mountains

There’s no better time than fall to capture epic Mountain State photos with amazing color! The best part is, you

6 sweet WV adventures for outdoor lovers who also love each other

Time outside is sweet, but time outside with the one you love is even sweeter. So power down your phone

Pedal right out of DC, into history & charm

Bike right from D.C. into natural beauty to explore history and charm along the path to Harpers Ferry and Shepherdstown.

4 most remote WV adventures

If you want to take solitude-seeking to the next level, the Mountain State has some of the most remote lands

The par 3 you won’t want to overlook

At Coonskin Park Golf Course, you can forgo the formalities (and price tag) of country club golf in favor of

Choose your park Quest!

Do you remember those “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from when you were a kid? Explore the wilderness that way

Fall leaf peepers: Here’s what’s peaking in the mountains right now

Help us track autumn’s progress throughout the entire state! Share your photos for our #AlmostHeaven fall color map to show

5 unforgettable 1-day adventures in WV

  What if we told you it only takes the better part of a day to conquer some of Wild,

The great mountain RV camping tour

The thing about traveling by RV in West Virginia is that there is so much to see! Unless you’re living

Inside look: the most historic event in the most elite extreme sport

Watch 100s of parachuters launch from the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge during the Bridge Day BASE jumping festival. The

6 totally free National Parks in the Mountain State

There are several National Parks to explore in the Mountain State—all with no entry fee! Pack your hiking boots and

Enjoy The Hike Or Stay The Night: Mountaintop Fire Towers

Find a mix of adventure and solitude atop West Virginia’s old fire towers. The Olson Observation Tower, the first fire

This tiny mountain town is an outdoor adventurer’s dream

We’re going to let you in on a little secret— deep in West Virginia, there’s a prime destination for art

The best wildlife spotting is a little off the shore

Spot some of our nation’s most regal creatures on a wildlife safari across the islands of a remote National Refuge.

5 reasons all riders ought to roll into National Trailfest

National Trailfest is one of the premier UTV, ATV and dirt bike riding events in the country. Here are 5