Upcoming Events
Nearby State and National Parks
We are surrounded by a variety of West Virginia State Parks and components of the National Park System.
New River Gorge National Park
A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The New River Gorge National River was established in 1978 to preserve and protect 53 miles of the New River as a free-flowing waterway. This unit of the National Park System encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville. The park and the surrounding area are rich in cultural and natural history, and contain an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities.
Babcock State Park
Babcock State Park offers its guests 4,127 acres of serene, yet rugged beauty, a fast flowing trout stream in a boulder-strewn canyon and mountainous vistas to be viewed from several scenic overlooks. A living monument to the over 500 mills which thrived in West Virginia at the turn of the century, the Glade Creek Grist Mill provides freshly ground cornmeal and buckwheat flour which park guests may purchase. Call (304) 438-3004.
Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park encompasses 276 acres bordering a rugged section of the New River Gorge National River. As the park's name suggests, beautiful views of the gorge abound from multiple locations and overlooks. The park offers four different hiking trails, an aerial tramway, and jet boat rides depart from the marina at Hawk's Nest Lake for an exiting trip up the New River. Call (304) 658-5212.
Hawks Nest Rail Trail
The City of Ansted has recently completed a 2 mile long rail trail that follows scenic Mill Creek to the New River at Hawks Nest State Park. The trail crosses over the creek on a 60 foot high trestle and follows along its left bank. Numerous waterfalls, including one over 20 ft, are visible from the trail along with the ruins of an abandoned coal mine. Call 1-800-CALL-WVA.
Summersville Lake
This is Wesf Virginia's largest body of water. With over 2,800 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline there is plenty of room for boating, swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, fishing and more. When not in the water you can hike or mountain bike on miles of networked trails in the Wildlife Management area, or rock climb and rappel on the hundreds of world class cliffs that border the shores. Campsites are available near the lake.
Gauley River National Recreation Area
The Gauley River is ranked in the top three in the nation and seventh in the world for whitewater rafting. Clean mountain water thunders through this rugged canyon forming a dramatic spectacle. Rock climbing, hiking on rustic trails, fishing and kayaking are area favorites. A 25 mile section of the Gauley River and a 5.5 mile section of the Meadow River were added to the preserve with fish and wildlife.
Carnifex Ferry State Park
Carnifex Ferry was the site of a Civil War battle fought on September 10, 1861. It played a vital role in the movement for West Virginia statehood. Today it is a day-use park with picnic facilities, shelters, extensive hiking trails, softball, volleyball, horseshoe pits and scenic overlooks. The Patterson House Civil War Museum is also at the park. (304) 872-0825 or call 1-800-CALL-WVA.