Planning a trip to Blackwater Falls State Park? Don’t miss out on these 14 exciting nearby, including hiking trails, fishing spots, , , and like skiing and snowboarding.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, West Virginia has plenty to offer. From hiking trails to fishing spots, kayaking and canoeing to rock climbing, there’s something for everyone.
Hiking Trails
West Virginia boasts some of the most scenic hiking trails in the country. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a beginner, there’s a trail for you. One of the most popular hiking destinations in West Virginia is the Appalachian Trail. The trail stretches over 2,000 miles from Georgia to Maine and offers hikers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
Another popular hiking spot is the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The park has over 100 miles of hiking trails that wind through the rugged terrain of the New River Gorge. The trails range from easy to strenuous, so there’s something for everyone.
Fishing Spots
West Virginia is home to some of the best fishing spots in the country. The state has over 20,000 miles of streams and rivers, including the famous Elk River and Greenbrier River. Anglers can expect to catch trout, bass, catfish, and more.
One of the best places to fish in West Virginia is the New River. The river is home to a variety of fish, including smallmouth bass, musky, and catfish. The New River is also one of the few rivers in the country that flows north, making it a unique fishing experience.
Kayaking and Canoeing
West Virginia is known for its whitewater rafting, but the state also has plenty of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. The New River and Gauley River are two of the most popular spots for kayaking and canoeing. Both rivers offer a range of rapids, from easy to challenging.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed kayaking or canoeing experience, the Greenbrier River is a great option. The river is calm and peaceful, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.
Rock Climbing
West Virginia is home to some of the best rock climbing in the country. The New River Gorge is a popular destination for climbers, with over 1,400 established routes. The routes range from beginner to expert, so there’s something for every level of climber.
Seneca Rocks is another popular climbing spot in West Virginia. The rock formation rises 900 feet above the surrounding landscape and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The routes at Seneca Rocks are challenging, so it’s best for experienced climbers.
Overall, West Virginia is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With plenty of hiking trails, fishing spots, kayaking and canoeing opportunities, and rock climbing destinations, there’s no shortage of adventure to be had.
Scenic Drives and Views
West Virginia is home to some of the most breathtaking views in the country, and there’s no better way to experience them than through . From the stunning Blackwater Falls State Park Overlook to the majestic Seneca Rocks, the state offers a wide variety of landscapes that are sure to leave visitors in awe. Here are some of the most notable and views in West Virginia.
Blackwater Falls State Park Overlook
Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-visit for anyone seeking natural beauty. The park’s namesake waterfall is a sight to behold, as the amber-colored water cascades over the dark rocks below. The overlook offers spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding forest. Visitors can also hike down to the base of the falls for an even closer look.
Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks is a towering rock formation that rises 900 feet above the surrounding valley. The view from the top is simply breathtaking, with panoramic vistas of the lush green forest below. Visitors can hike to the top of the rocks via a steep but well-maintained trail, or they can take a more leisurely route by driving up to the observation deck.
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
The Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is a unique landscape that features heath barrens, rocky outcrops, and dense forests. The area is also home to several that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. The Red Creek Valley Road is particularly noteworthy, as it winds through the heart of the wilderness and offers stunning views of the valley below.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Canaan Valley is a unique ecosystem that’s home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and river otters. The area is also renowned for its stunning vistas, which can be enjoyed via several . One of the most popular routes is the Canaan Loop Road, which offers panoramic views of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Historical and Cultural Attractions
West Virginia is a state overflowing with history and culture, offering a wide range of attractions that appeal to both residents and visitors alike. From natural landmarks to historic sites and cultural events, West Virginia has something for everyone. In this section, we will explore four of the state’s top historical and cultural attractions: The Fairfax Stone, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Smoke Hole Caverns, and The Purple Fiddle Café.
The Fairfax Stone
The Fairfax Stone is a historical marker located in the northeastern corner of West Virginia. It is a granite marker that was placed in 1746, marking the boundary between Virginia and Maryland. The stone was named after Thomas Fairfax, the sixth Lord Fairfax of Cameron, who was the proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia at the time. The Fairfax Stone is a must-see for history buffs, as it is an important piece of the state’s history and a symbol of the early colonial period.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a popular attraction in West Virginia that offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience the golden age of steam railroading. The park features a historic logging town, a museum, and a scenic railroad that offers tours of the park’s 11,000 acres of wilderness. Visitors can ride on one of the park’s antique steam locomotives and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a great place to visit for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Smoke Hole Caverns
Smoke Hole Caverns is a unique attraction located in the Monongahela National Forest. The caverns were formed over millions of years by the action of water on limestone, and are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other natural formations. Visitors can take a guided tour of the caverns and learn about their history and geology. The tour also includes a demonstration of the cavern’s unique “smoke hole,” which is a natural chimney that provides ventilation for the caverns. Smoke Hole Caverns is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in geology or natural history.
The Purple Fiddle Café
The Purple Fiddle Café is a unique cultural attraction located in Thomas, West Virginia. The café is a popular spot for live music, featuring local and national acts performing a wide range of genres, from bluegrass to rock and roll. The café also serves a variety of food and drinks, including craft beers and organic wines. The Purple Fiddle Café is a great place to visit for anyone interested in music or the arts, and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Winter Activities
Winter in West Virginia is a magical time of year, and there is no shortage of recreational activities to enjoy. From skiing and snowboarding to ice fishing, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top to enjoy in West Virginia.
Skiing and Snowboarding
West Virginia boasts some of the best ski resorts in the country, with over 40 ski trails and 200 inches of snowfall annually. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, there are slopes to suit your skill level. Some of the top ski resorts in West Virginia include Snowshoe Mountain, Canaan Valley Resort, and Timberline Four Seasons Resort.
At Snowshoe Mountain, you can enjoy 60 trails across 257 acres, with the longest run stretching over a mile in length. Canaan Valley Resort offers 47 trails across 91 acres, with a vertical drop of over 850 feet. Timberline Four Seasons Resort features 39 slopes and trails, with a vertical drop of over 1000 feet.
Snow Tubing
If skiing and snowboarding are not your thing, you can still enjoy the snow at West Virginia’s snow tubing parks. Snow tubing is a fun activity for all ages, and it requires no experience or special equipment. Some of the top snow tubing parks in West Virginia include Snowshoe Mountain, Winterplace Ski Resort, and Canaan Valley Resort.
At Snowshoe Mountain, you can enjoy an eight-lane snow tubing park with a 6-story drop and a 1200-foot long run. Winterplace Ski Resort features a six-lane tubing park with a 900-foot long run, and Canaan Valley Resort offers a four-lane tube park with a 1000-foot long run.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wonderland of West Virginia’s forests and trails. It is an easy activity that requires little equipment and no experience. Some of the top snowshoeing trails in West Virginia include the Blackwater Falls State Park, Canaan Valley Resort State Park, and Seneca Rocks.
At the Blackwater Falls State Park, you can enjoy over 10 miles of snowshoeing trails, with stunning views of the frozen waterfalls and canyon. Canaan Valley Resort State Park offers over 18 miles of snowshoeing trails, with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Seneca Rocks features over 3 miles of snowshoeing trails, with breathtaking views of the valley below.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a unique winter activity that allows you to catch fish in the frozen lakes and ponds of West Virginia. It is a popular activity for anglers, and it requires some specialized equipment and knowledge. Some of the top ice fishing destinations in West Virginia include Stonewall Jackson Lake, Summersville Lake, and Tygart Lake.
At Stonewall Jackson Lake, you can catch a variety of fish, including bass, crappie, and bluegill. Summersville Lake is known for its large muskie and walleye, while Tygart Lake offers a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish.
In conclusion, West Virginia is a winter wonderland with a variety of recreational activities to enjoy. Whether you prefer skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, snowshoeing, or ice fishing, there is something for everyone. So, bundle up and get ready to experience the magic of winter in West Virginia.
