West Virginia Vacations Idea #1:
Take a scenic train ride on The Potomac Eagle through the West Virginia farmland and mountains. When you reach the Trough, a narrow gorge in the mountains, look out among the abundant wildflowers and evergreens for American Bald Eagles. These magnificent birds are spotted on 9 out of ten trips so this is your chance to see our country's symbol.
West Virginia Vacations Idea #2:
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is situated in an area that Thomas Jefferson described as "perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature." Here are some of the ranger guided tours: John Brown's Raid, It's Civil War, Stonewall's Brilliant Victory, Stories of Camp Hill, Harpers Ferry: A Place in History, C&O Canal Walk, Harpers Ferry Marsh Walk, Voices from Harpers Ferry, and The Guns of Harpers Ferry.
West Virginia Vacations Idea #3:
For hiking, biking and horseback riding, the
North Bend Rail Trail is the perfect place to go. Operated by West Virginia State Parks, the trail winds 72 miles through the beautiful woodlands and farms of Parkersburg to Wolf Summit. You will pass through tunnels, over bridges and streams, and past numerous rural towns and points of interest.
Vacation Ideas in West Virginia #4:
In the heart of the Allegheny Mountains you will find
Helvetia, a small Swiss town founded in 1869 and now on the National Register of Historic Places. The traditions and customs of the original Swiss settlers are preserved by the modern residents including an original settler's cabin, 10 preserved historic buildings and a museum. Various community events and festivals are held and allow visitors to share in the Swiss traditions. This vacation idea makes a great family destination.
West Virginia Vacations Idea #5:
Lost River Craft Cooperative and Museum is a co-op of craftmakers and artisans in Lost River, West Virginia. Situated in a renovated 150 year old Harper Barn, the members get together to offer their crafts for sale. In the lower level is the
Lost River Valley Museum with exhibits depicting life in West Virginia's Lost River Valley over the past 200 years.
Vacation Ideas in West Virginia #6:
Plan a vacation stop at
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, the site of the last and largest Civil War battle in West Virginia. The engagement took place high on a plateau overlooking the Greenbrier River Valley north of Lewisburg. Droop Mountain Battlefield is an official Civil War Discovery Trail site. Battle reenactments are held every year. The battlefield is marked to indicate significant events and there is an observation tower, hiking trails to scenic overlooks, and a museum.
West Virginia Vacations Idea #7:
Take a tour of
Smoke Hole Caverns west of Petersburg, home to the world's longest ribbon stalactite which weighs in at 6 tons. See the 274 ft high
Sparkling Room of Million Stalactites. The
Crystal Cave Coral Pool is filled with golden and rainbow trout. You will also find a wildlife museum and West Virginia's largest souvenir & gift shop.
West Virginia Vacations Idea #8:
The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a great place to take the whole family. They have a pool & waterslide, tennis courts, basketball court, picnic and grill facilities, horseshoe pits, one-mile fitness trail, covered picnic shelter, concession stand, large playing field, volleyball, RV and tent camping, and a museum with old coal mining artifacts and photos.
West Virginia Vacations Idea #9:
Canyon Rim Ranch in Fayetteville, has several excellent vacation activity packages. You can explore the New River Gorge on an ATV (all terrain vehicle). You can rent a horse for a full-day ride, dinner and sunset rides, or overnight pack trips. If you need a little more excitement, they can hook you up with some whitewater rafting which is very popular spot in West Virginia.
Vacation Ideas in West Virginia #10:
Wheeling Island is connected to Wheeling by the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge, the world's oldest major long-span suspension bridge. On the island is the
Wheeling Downs Greyhound Racetrack and Gaming Center where you can enjoy live dog racing and video slots. Wheeling's Civic Center is the place to see some ice hockey action with the
East Coast Hockey League Wheeling Nailers.
West Virginia Vacations Idea #11:
West Virginia rivers are considered to be in the top ten white-water rafting experiences in the world. The
Gauley River is the most challenging as it passes through the gorges of the Appalachian Mountains. “Heaven Help You” and “Pure Screaming” are the names given to two of these exciting rafting spots. The
New River is also popular and it also has many sections that are calm enough for beginners to get their feet wet and have fun.
