The lyric “Almost Heaven, West Virginia” popularized by the hit song “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver has become a popular nickname for the state of West Virginia. The song evokes a sense of the state’s natural beauty across its mountains, rivers and scenic landscapes.
Whether the leaves are changing colour in vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow, the summer sun is shining over the mountains or there’s a light dusting of snow on the ground creating a picturesque winter wonderland, West Virginia has a lot to offer Canadian visitors any time of the year.
Here’s a look at what clients can see, do and experience in the destination, season by season.
Summertime in West Virginia is best enjoyed in the great outdoors
Look no further than the West Virginia Waterfall Trail for a way to admire five waterfalls in one day in the destination. Ranging from Cathedral Falls, one of the tallest and most scenic waterfalls at 60 feet high, to Sandstone Falls, which spans over 1,500 feet wide in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, these options guarantee scenic photos.
Those who crave some action can head white water rafting on rapids ranging from Class II-IV on the Upper and Lower Gauley and New rivers. Paddleboarding, kayaking, rock climbing, and more options are also on offer with companies like Adventures on the Gorge. Meanwhile, the historic town of Harpers Ferry is another great for whitewater rafting, tubing, kayaking, and multi-day trips on the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers with River and Trail Outfitters.
In Randolph County, travellers can hop on a steam-powered train, hike or bike the Allegheny Highlands Trail, and check out the Monongahela National Forest. Foodies will want to taste some of the good dining spots in Elkins, like premium The Forks Inn, the casual American C.J. Maggie’s, and Big Timber Brewing Company. Clients can also hit the open road as Hatfield-McCoy Trail Systems has over a thousand miles of ATV trails.
Nicknamed “The Little Bahamas of the East” for its clear blue waters, enjoying a day at Summersville Lake State Park is another fun-filled way to spend a summer’s day. This is a perfect spot for fishing, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, kayaking, and camping.
Last but not least, travellers can explore State Parks in Southern West Virginia, including:
- Babcock State Park, which boasts scenic views and the Glade Creek Grist Mill and falls;
- Little Beaver State Park, which is great for fishing with an 18-acre lake or
- Pipestem Resort State Park, which offers a wide range of zipline tours, fishing, mountain biking, an adventure lake, and water activities on the Bluestone River.
Fall adventures are perfect for the whole family
Although the destination is scenic any time of year, there’s something special about being there in autumn when the leaves change colour.
To admire some of the fall foliage, visitors can head out for a hike in Dolly Sods Wilderness, which boasts more than 17,000 acres across the Monongahela National Forest, part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This stunning area is spread across Grant, Randolph and Tucker counties, with terrain that appeals to beginner and experienced hikers alike. Options include the Potato Knob Trail at Holly River State Park, which features a 2.6-mile loop, over 50 miles of trails in Mountaineer Country at Coopers Rock State Forest.
West Virginia’s rolling hills set the stage for some beautiful fall colours. For an unmatched view of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, bring the whole family to Grandview. Nestled into the rocky cliffs, the main overlook and Turkey Spur Overlook, which are located along the Grandview Rim Trail, are the perfect locations to see the New River Gorge. To add some splash to fall foliage viewing, enjoy a beautiful view of the 57-foot-tall Blackwater Falls and the surrounding fall hues at Blackwater Falls State Park.
Meanwhile, Watoga State Park not only offers plenty of leaf-peeping views but has also been designated as an International Dark Sky Destination and observes some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. The wide open spaces welcome an array of glistening stars, making for an ideal spot to gaze at the night sky.
Winter time is magical in West Virginia
From scenic hikes and cross-country ski trails to checking out frozen waterfalls, the winter season offers stunning views at every turn. After a day in the outdoors, couples and families can unwind in cozy accommodations ranging from rustic cabins to comfy lodges, mountain resorts, quaint inns, and B&Bs. Horse-drawn sleigh rides will make visitors feel like they’re in a Christmas movie at Snowshoe Mountain or The Greenbrier. For those who crave more adventure, Snowshoe Mountain visitors can also explore the backcountry in a four-seater vehicle. Meanwhile, Blackwater Falls State Park, has the longest sled run on the East Coast.
Another great option is the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad‘s North Pole Express: where visitors can sing carols, drink hot chocolate, eat cookies, and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.
To get into the holiday spirit, head to Oglebay Park Resort’s Christmas Light Show featuring over a million lights spread across 300 acres.
There are also iconic winter activities that are unique to West Virginia, like heading to Lost World Caverns, Lewisburg, to explore cool caves with stalactites, stalagmites or walking under the New River Gorge Bridge, 851 feet above the river, for incredible frosty views in New River Gorge National Park.
To read more about what there is to do in West Virginia, check out these exciting links:
