Discover West Virginia
Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of West Virginia, Summersville Lake stands out as the crown jewel among the state’s pristine lakes. Encompassed by the lush greenery of the Gauley River National Recreation Area, Summersville Lake is celebrated for its crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings. The lake spans over 2,700 acres, offering ample opportunities for water enthusiasts to indulge in boating, fishing, and swimming. Adventure seekers are drawn to the lake’s renowned rock climbing and cliff diving spots, where the towering sandstone cliffs create a backdrop against the sparkling water. With over 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake boasts secluded coves and serene spots, providing a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility.
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Interesting Facts about West Virginia
Coal Mining Heritage
West Virginia has a deep history in coal mining and was a leading coal-producing state. During its peak, the town of Welch in McDowell County was known as the “heart of the nation’s coal bin.”
The New River Gorge Bridge
This steel arch bridge, one of the longest and highest in the world, is an engineering marvel. The bridge dramatically reduced travel time across the gorge and is now a symbol of West Virginia, even appearing on its state quarter.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads“
While John Denver had never been to West Virginia when he recorded the song, it has become an iconic anthem for the state, capturing its rural charm and scenic beauty.
Must See Attractions
Blackwater Falls State Park
Nature & Parks
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, the park captivates visitors with its stunning namesake waterfall, a cascade of water plunging into Blackwater Canyon.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Speciality Museum
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offers a rich tapestry of American history, scenery, and recreational opportunities.
Babcock State Park
Nature & Parks
Renowned for its iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill and Appalachian landscape, the park offers a retreat into West Virginia’s natural splendor with hiking trails, fishing, and scenery.
Lakes to Explore
1. Beech Fork Lake
Beech Fork Lake boasts picturesque surroundings, making it a favorite spot for camping, fishing, and water sports enthusiasts.
2. Summersville Lake
With crystal clear waters and towering cliffs, Summersville Lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and rock climbing.
3. Sutton Lake
Sutton Lake is a haven for anglers and water recreation lovers, offering a serene atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery.
4. Burnsville Lake
This reservoir invites visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking in a serene environment, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Stonewall Jackson Lake
This lake offers expansive waters, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and golfing on the shore.
6. Tygart Lake
Tygart Lake provides a picturesque setting for boating, fishing, and camping, creating a tranquil escape in the heart of West Virginia.
7. Cheat Lake
Nestled near Morgantown, Cheat Lake charms visitors with its scenic beauty, providing a perfect setting for boating, fishing, and relaxation.
8. Mount Storm Lake
This lake is known for its scenic beauty and offers opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and picnicking along its shores.
Annual Events and Festivals
Gauley Fest
The Gauley Fest is a vibrant celebration that brings together whitewater enthusiasts worldwide. The festival marks the opening of the dam release on the Gauley River, creating challenging and exhilarating rapids. Known as one of the largest gatherings of its kind, Gauley Fest goes beyond the river adventure, featuring a lively atmosphere with live music, outdoor gear exhibitions, and a sense of camaraderie that binds the tight-knit community of paddlers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
The Mountain State Forest Festival
The Mountain State Forest Festival, an iconic event held in Elkins, West Virginia, is a testament to the state’s rich forestry heritage and natural beauty. Established in 1930, it has become one of the oldest and largest celebrations. The festival transforms Elkins into a lively hub of activity, featuring grand parades, art exhibits, live music performances, and a host of traditional activities that pay homage to West Virginia’s forestry legacy.
Bridge Day
Bridge Day is an exhilarating celebration focusing on the New River Gorge Bridge, one of the world’s longest steel arch bridges. During Bridge Day, the bridge is temporarily closed to traffic, transforming it into a platform for extreme sports enthusiasts. Brave souls from around the globe gather to leap from the bridge, participating in BASE jumping and rappelling, creating a spectacle against the backdrop of the rugged New River Gorge. The festival also features a vibrant atmosphere with food vendors, live music, and artisan booths, attracting both adrenaline junkies and curious spectators alike.
Top Hiking Trails
Maryland Heights via Harper’s Ferry
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Maryland Heights offers one of the most captivating hiking experiences in the region. This trail is steeped in history and natural beauty, providing hikers with a challenging yet rewarding journey. As you ascend the trail, you are treated to a mix of dense woodland and occasional clearings, each offering glimpses of the stunning landscape surrounding Harpers Ferry, particularly the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The 4.5-mile hike culminates at the Maryland Heights overlook, a vantage point that presents a panoramic view of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the Potomac River, and the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Long Point Trail
County Rte 9-8, Fayetteville, West Virginia
Long Point Trail is a picturesque hiking route that promises a rewarding adventure for nature lovers. The trailhead, accessible from the park’s visitor center, guides hikers through a lush forest canopy with native flora. As you traverse the well-maintained three-mile path, the anticipation builds for the main attraction: Long Point Overlook. The climax of the trail unveils a panorama of the New River Gorge, a vast expanse of rolling hills, and the iconic New River weaving its way through the rugged terrain. The relatively moderate difficulty level of the trail makes Long Point Trail an ideal excursion for casual hikers and seasoned enthusiasts seeking a memorable outdoor experience in West Virginia.
Big Schloss via Wolf Gap Trail
Wardensville, West Virginia
The trailhead, accessible from Wolf Gap Recreation Area, guides hikers through dense woodlands, gradually ascending to the majestic summit of Big Schloss. The 4.3-mile trail offers a blend of challenging switchbacks and gentle paths, surrounded by a diverse ecosystem of wildflowers and towering hardwoods. The iconic Big Schloss, a rocky outcrop with awe-inspiring vistas, invites visitors to marvel at the expansive beauty of the landscape.
Best Golf Courses
The Greenbrier Golf Course
101 Main Street West White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
The Greenbrier golf course, part of the luxurious Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, is a golfing paradise that epitomizes elegance and sporting excellence. Designed by the legendary golf architect Seth Raynor and later restored by Jack Nicklaus, the course is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Greenbrier golf course has been a regular host to prestigious tournaments, attracting top-tier players and cementing its status as one of the premier golf destinations in the United States.
Raven Golf Club
10 Snowshoe Dr, Snowshoe, West Virginia
The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia is a premier golfing destination, seamlessly blending challenging play with the beauty of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains. Designed by renowned architect Gary Player, the 18-hole championship course offers golfers a unique and rewarding experience. Each meticulously crafted hole winds through the mountainous terrain, presenting players with stunning vistas, cascading streams, and dense woodlands that amplify the game’s allure.
Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course
940 Resort Drive Roanoke, West Virginia
The Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course at Stonewall Resort is a golfer’s paradise that seamlessly integrates the sport with the natural splendor of the landscape. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the 18-hole championship course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. Golfers are treated to the serenity of the lake and the Allegheny Mountains as they navigate the course. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual enthusiast, the Stonewall Resort golf course promises an unforgettable round.
Water Sports
New & Gauley River Adventures
white water rafting
West Virginia offers exhilarating white water rafting experiences, drawing adventurers from around the world to its wild and scenic rivers. The New River and the Gauley River are particularly renowned for their white-water rafting opportunities. The New River, with its deep canyons and ancient geology, offers a range of rapids that cater to both beginners and experienced rafters. In spring and summer, its waters are perfect for those seeking a blend of thrilling rapids and captivating scenery. The Gauley River, known for its intense and technical rapids, provides a more challenging experience, especially during the fall Gauley Season when dam releases create world-class white-water conditions. New & Gauley River Adventures offer tours on both rivers.
Blackwater Outdoor Adventures
Paddling
West Virginia, with its abundant rivers and lakes, is a paradise for paddling enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of experiences from serene lake paddling to navigating the gentle currents of meandering rivers. One of the highlights for paddlers is the Cheat River, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife. It provides an ideal setting for kayaking and canoeing, especially in the Cheat Lake area, where the waters are calm and inviting. For those seeking to explore these tranquil waterways, companies like Blackwater Outdoor Adventures offer a comprehensive paddling experience. Based in the heart of the West Virginia wilderness near the Cheat River, they provide rental services for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, catering to both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Summersville Lake Marina
Boating
Summersville Lake, known as West Virginia’s “Little Bahamas,” is a prime destination for boating enthusiasts. Its crystal clear waters and scenic cliffs make it an idyllic spot for all kinds of boating activities, from leisurely cruises to more adventurous pursuits like water skiing and wakeboarding. Summersville Lake Marina is a renowned company in the area that caters to boating enthusiasts of all levels. They offer a wide range of rental options, including pontoon boats, which are perfect for family outings or group excursions, as well as smaller boats for those looking for a more intimate boating experience.
Resorts to Discover
ACE Adventure Resort
Waterfront, Recreational
1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901
Stonewall Resort
Lakefront
940 Resort Dr, Roanoke, West Virginia 26447
Hillbrook Inn
Couples, Spa
4490 Summit Point Rd, Charles Town, West Virginia 25414
Tips on Vacationing in West Virginia
Stay in Unique Accommodations
To enhance your overall experience, consider staying in charming bed and breakfasts, lakefront cabins, or resorts. Many accommodations in West Virginia offer a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
Scenic Drives
Take a leisurely drive along the Highland Scenic Highway or the Coal Heritage Trail. These routes showcase the state’s diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to mountainous terrain.
Respect Nature
Practice Leave No Trace principles when exploring the outdoors. Respect the environment and wildlife, and be sure to follow safety guidelines for activities like hiking and rafting.
Frequently Asked Questions about West Virginia
Many areas in West Virginia offer stunning cabin rentals. Some popular locations include the eastern panhandle near Berkeley Springs, where you can find cozy chalets and secluded cabins in the woods. Another popular destination is the New River Gorge area, which boasts a variety of cabin options for outdoor enthusiasts and family vacations alike.
Yes, there are luxury vacation rental options available in West Virginia. From upscale cabins with upscale amenities such as hot tubs, fireplaces, and stunning views to elegant homes in picturesque locations, you’ll find various options to suit your preferences and needs.
To find vacation rentals accommodating large groups in West Virginia, you can use services like Lake, Rent by Owner, or Airbnb to search for properties with the desired number of bedrooms and suitable amenities. Be sure to filter your search results by selecting properties with enough space for your group size.
West Virginia boasts several state parks offering cabin rentals. Some popular state parks with cabin options include Twin Falls Resort State Park, Pipestem Resort State Park, and Blackwater Falls State Park. These parks offer various cabin types and sizes, providing accommodations for couples, families, and larger groups.
To find budget-friendly cabins in West Virginia, use rental search services like Lake, Rent by Owner, or Airbnb to find properties within your desired price range. Remember to set your preferred budget in the search filters, and consider booking during off-peak seasons or weekdays for potentially lower rates.
Absolutely! Booking a last-minute vacation in West Virginia is possible using services like Lake, Rent by Owner, or Airbnb. However, availability may vary based on season and demand. So, it’s best to be flexible with travel dates and property preferences to find the perfect last-minute getaway.