WEST VIRGINIA ALMOST HEAVEN
Craving time to explore the beauty of nature? West Virginia has an outdoor activity to fit most every interest and fitness level. As America’s third-most forested state, the Mountain State boasts 1.5 million acres of public land, 35 state parks, nine forests and three rail trails. And America’s newest National Park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, is a scenic treasure.
West Virginia is a perfect base for enjoying all forms of outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, tubing, skiing, rafting, rock climbing and all-terrain vehicle excursions.
Whether you prefer a relaxing float down the New River or a heartpumping, adrenaline-packed tour during what's known as “Gauley Season,” West Virginia is home to the greatest density of whitewater for kayaking and rafting in the U.S.
New for outdoor lovers beginning this summer is the statewide Waterfall Trail. It’s the perfect way to get off the beaten path. Experience the enchantment of more than two dozen scenic waterfalls, some towering above the valley floor, and others spanning wide rivers.
After all that adventuring, you're sure to work up an appetite. Make time to partake in the state’s rich, indulgent dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients. Where to stay? West Virginia offers accommodations for every budget, including a wide range of high-end accommodations, from Adventures on the Gorge to The Greenbrier, to the quaint Bavarian Inn.
The locals refer to their beloved state as “Almost Heaven.” With so much endless beauty and adventure, it’s easy to see why.