What to Do

One of West Virginia’s most iconic destinations in West Virginia, Babcock State Park has 4,127 acres of stunning scenery. Located 20 miles southeast of the New River Gorge Bridge, the park is known for the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a fully functional replica of the original Cooper’s Mill that once stood on the grounds. Other attractions include recreational activities like Read more...

Unique pathways and rocky views are in your future, with a visit to Beartown State Park. Beartown State Park is a 110-acre natural area located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain in northern Greenbrier County and a small portion of Pocahontas County. Beartown is known for its unusual rocky formations, massive boulders, overhanging cliffs and deep crevices. The park’s Read more...

Since 1950, Bluestone State Park has offered guests the ultimate in lakeside relaxation along the shores of Bluestone Lake in Southeastern West Virginia. Just upstream from the Bluestone Dam that created the 2,040-acre lake, the park lies at the confluence of the Bluestone and New Rivers. This peaceful lakeside park has plentiful outdoor recreation activities, including boating and fishing. Hiking Read more...

Camp Creek State Park and Forest is known for beautiful waterfalls and great camping. With nearly 6,000 acres of lush forest, 35 miles of trails and seven miles of seasonally stocked trout streams, there is something for every hiker, biker, horseback rider and angler to explore and enjoy. The pristine area was officially named a state park in 1987 after Read more...

Set on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon, the 156-acre Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park is an important Civil War battle site. It is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states, and commemorates the 1861 Battle of Carnifex Ferry, a major Union victory that led to the eventual Confederate Read more...

Take a trip back to an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Trips to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park are filled with rich history, unparalleled views and the sights and sounds of an original lumbering town. The park’s 11-mile long heritage railroad and authentic company town are some of the state’s most popular tourist attractions. Read more...

Grandview is a peaceful place to relax and unwind while enjoying outstanding views of the New River. From 1400 feet above the river at Main Overlook, visitors are rewarded with one of the most outstanding views in the park. On a clear day you can see directly into the heart of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including seven Read more...

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile former railroad now used for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It is the longest trail of its kind in WV. The trail begins at Caldwell and boasts breathtaking views as it passes through several small towns, crosses 35 bridges and cuts through some of West Virginia’s most remote areas. Read more...

Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park is a 270-acre recreational area with a nature museum, jetboat rides, hiking trails and one of the most challenging whitewater boating waterways in the nation. Its 31-room lodge offers luxurious rooms, dining and spacious conference and meeting facilities. Located just 13 miles north of the New River Gorge Read more...

With 562 acres, Little Beaver State Park offers family fun, beautiful scenery and incredible outdoor recreation. The park features nearly 20 miles of trails to explore and an 18-acre lake where anglers may fish year-round. Stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe and paddleboat rentals are available seasonally. Park visitors can also enjoy biking, picnicking and camping at Little Beaver. Read more...

Slightly over 9 miles of the Meadow River Rail-Trail are open for walking, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. This stretch goes from a Trailhead at Nallen to the Meadow River Bridge. There are two open trailheads, one at Nallen and one at Russellville. It’s 2.9 miles from the Nallen Trailhead to the Russellville Trailhead and 6.29 miles from Read more...

As US Highway 19, the New River Gorge Bridge continues to connect communities. Visitors can view the bridge from overlooks at Canyon Rim Visitor Center. The Long Point trail provides excellent bridge views from a rocky outcropping. The New River Gorge Bridge is a highway, not a pedestrian bridge. There is no way to walk on top of the bridge except on Bridge Day. Visitors that want Read more...

Pipestem Resort State Park is West Virginia’s premier family adventure resort. Sitting on the east rim of the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem offers something for everyone, including exhilarating zipline tours, mountain bike excursions and more. Spend some time on the water at the park’s new adventure lake and splash park or set out on a kayaking and stand-up paddle board Read more...

The largest waterfall on the New River, Sandstone Falls spans the river where it is 1500 feet wide. Divided by a series of islands, the river drops 10 to 25 feet. Sandstone Falls marks the transition zone of the New River from a broad river of large bottomlands, to a narrow mountain river roaring through a deep boulder strewn V- Read more...

Welcome to Snowshoe – where sheer happiness is found on every slope, with every decadent four-course dinner and hot stone massage. A favorite destination among avid skiers and adventure-seeking snowmobiler, Snowshoe also makes a great warm weather retreats centered around hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Where boutique shopping, spa days and family fun convene often in glorious mountaintop memories. Read more...

Summersville Lake State Park is the state’s first new state park to be added in more than 30 years and sits on 177 acres on the northern shore of the state’s largest lake. Did you know? Summersville Lake State Park is West Virginia’s first state park with climbing access and the nation’s first state park with an emphasis on climbing Read more...

During the first two decades of the 1900s, Thurmond was a classic boomtown. Huge amounts of coal flowed into Thurmond from the area mines. This made Thurmond the largest revenue generator on the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. Having many coal barons among its patrons, Thurmond’s banks were the richest in the state. Fifteen passenger trains a day came through town. Read more...

Located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest. With 10,100 acres of land, Watoga offers many recreational activities including hiking, fishing and boating. Watoga Lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities and is part of the Division of Natural Resources’ stocking program. A multipurpose building, museum and observation tower are just a few of Read more...