When it comes to finding fun and excitement in the great outdoors, West Virginia has a wide variety of offerings. You will have plenty to keep you and your family or your group of buddies busy for days or even weeks. Whether you are looking to push your body’s limits or merely relax and take it all in, West Virginia has many outdoor activities to choose from, including road biking, mountain biking, water-skiing, hiking, white water rafting, skiing, snowboarding, and golfing.
State and National Parks
West Virginia is home to a plethora of state and national parks. Each park offers many outdoor activities. Mountwood Park, in Waverly, WV, is home to 24 different trail runs for mountain biking. These trails range in difficulty, as is manifest by names like ‘Lake Trail” and “Warrior Ridge.”
- Activities in West VirginiaBlack and White / Foter.com / CC BY-SA
If you are an avid hiker, you may be interested in the Appalachian Trail, which slices through West Virginia’s panhandle. The world-famous trail is about 2,200 miles long, stretching from Georgia to Maine. Don’t worry about attempting the entire 2,200 miles though; the trail is split up into much more manageable segments that can take the average hiker anywhere from ten minutes to a few hours to complete.
Warm Weather Recreation in West Virginia
Golf
The rolling landscape of West Virginia makes for beautiful golf courses. Some of the most popular courses are in White Sulpher Springs at The Greenbrier golf club. The Greenbrier hosted the number one PGA ranked event in 2011. There are also plenty of other public and private courses in West Virginia.
Boating
Boating is extremely popular in the lakes of West Virginia. No matter what type of watercraft recreation you prefer West Virginia has several destinations to choose from. You will find offerings ranging from lakes that allow unlimited horse power to lakes that limit activities to row-boating and canoeing. Many of West Virginia’s lakes offer camping and RV options to extend your enjoyment beyond the water line.
Camping & Fishing
West Virginia is the perfect clandestine location for camping and fishing. The lakes are clean, accessible, and set in both beautiful mountainous areas valleys. Many lakes in West Virginia are regularly stocked with a variety of fish. The park system prides itself on catering to the fishing and camping community. Family time is quality time at the lake.
Snowy Days are Smiling Days in West Virginia
The five winter resorts in West Virginia are open and ready for business. The natural snow fall keeps the runs stocked with nice powdery snow and the familiar clear skies keep the tips pointing down and the skiers out of the lodge and on the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding allow the inner athlete to breathe inside your soul. Take that energy to any resort in West Virginia for a truly satisfying excursion!
Spend your days how you like, as active as the hummingbird or as relaxed as the hibernating bear. Going to the mountains of West Virginia is sure to liven your spirit and center your soul. Shake off the workday blues with the fun and adventure found in them, there hills!
By Rodney Hall
Rodney enjoys creating content for PanhandleCR and the disaster restoration staff they have on board. Rodney enjoys writing about West Virginia, water damage, natural disasters, and recreation.
