We’re fortunate to be surrounded by the very best West Virginia State Parks and one of the absolute jewels of the National Park System, the New River Gorge National River Area. A vacation here is truly a sampling of the best that a mountain getaway can offer.
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A rugged white water river flowing through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers in the world. The New River Gorge National River was established in 1978 to preserve and protect 53 miles of the New River as a free-flowing river corridor. This National Park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the river between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville, West Virginia. The park and the surrounding area are full to the brim with fascinating cultural and natural history, and, of course, world class white water rafting and gorgeous scenery.
Nearby Babcock State Park hosts 4,127 acres of beauty. At the center is a fast flowing trout stream in a boulder-strewn canyon, surrounded by mountainous vistas and a slew of scenic overlooks. The incredible Glade Creek Grist Mill still provides freshly ground cornmeal and buckwheat flour, available for purchase at the park. It’s one of the most photographed places in West Virginia for good reason.
Hawks Nest State Park, right at the tail end of the New River, encompasses 276 acres ready for exploration. As the park's name suggests, you’ll find beautiful views of the gorge from multiple locations and overlooks. In the park, you’ll find four different hiking trails and a breathtaking aerial tramway. Jet boat rides depart from the marina at Hawk's Nest Lake for an exciting and unique trip up the New River!
The city of Ansted hosts a beautiful 2 mile long rail trail that follows scenic Mill Creek. From the trailhead, you’ll pass countless waterfalls on your way down the gentle grade to New River at Hawks Nest State Park. The trail starts off by crossing over the creek on a 60 foot high trestle, and just gets better from there. Deep forests, overhanging cliffs, and an actual coal mine are what you’ll find out on the Mill Creek Trail.
Summersville Lake is West Virginia's largest body of water. There are over 2,800 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline. The lake has plenty of room for boating, swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, fishing and more. When you’re not in the water, you can hike or mountain bike on miles of networked trails in the Wildlife Management Area that surrounds the lake. Or rock climb and rappel on the hundreds of world class cliffs that border the shores. Campsites are available near the lake, and you’re right at the start of the world famous Gauley River.
The Gauley River is ranked in the top three in the nation and seventh in the world for white water rafting, and it earns every bit of it. Clean mountain water thunders through this rugged canyon forming a dramatic spectacle, and a white knuckle ride. Outside of the amazing white water rafting, rock climbing, hiking on rustic trails, fishing and kayaking are area favorites. It has to be seen to be believed.
his is a great state park that’s perched right on the rim of the Gauley River Canyon. Carnifex Ferry was the site of a Civil War battle fought on September 10, 1861. It played a vital role in the fight for West Virginia statehood. Today, it’s a day-use park with picnic facilities, shelters, extensive hiking trails, softball fields and volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and scenic overlooks. The Patterson House Civil War Museum is also at the park. This one is well worth a stop.