West Virginia's New River Gorge: A Whitewater Paradise
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Wheeling
Discover Wheeling, West Virginia, where historic charm meets natural beauty. Explore Oglebay Park, the Good Zoo, and vibrant attractions in this scenic river town.
South Charleston
Discover South Charleston, WV, where historic mounds, antique malls, and outdoor adventures await. Find your perfect stay amidst charming shops and scenic parks on Lake.com.
Travel Tips
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Embrace the Local Culture
Savor Appalachian flavors at local eateries and explore vibrant arts scenes in historic towns
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Respect Nature
Explore the Monongahela National Forest’s diverse habitats to encounter black bears, wild turkeys, and over 230 bird species.
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Be Flexible
Drive your car or RV to Coopers Rock State Forest, 13 miles east of Morgantown, for hiking and scenic views.
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Support Local Businesses
Experience gourmet pizzas at Pies & Pints in Fayetteville, renowned for its unique flavors. Explore outdoor gear at Water Stone Outdoors in Fayetteville, offering expert advice and quality equipment. Enjoy boat rentals at Edgewater Marina in Morgantown, providing access to Cheat Lake’s scenic waters.
Appalachian Waters and Mountain Reflections
Summersville Lake’s jade depths plunge 327 feet between sandstone cliffs where New River Gorge adventurers rappel to hidden beaches accessible only by rope or kayak, discovering fossil-studded alcoves that predate the Appalachians themselves. Families treasure Stonewall Jackson Lake’s 2,650 acres of protected coves, where children net crawdads in Stillwell Creek while parents cast for muskie beneath hardwood canopies blazing with October’s fire. Cheat Lake mirrors Coopers Rock’s ancient quartzite formations at sunrise, when couples paddle through mist toward secluded inlets where Tudor’s Biscuit World picnics await on driftwood tables. Pet-friendly Audra State Park welcomes border collies to splash through Middle Fork’s swimming holes, where smooth river stones create natural waterslides polished by centuries of mountain runoff.
Mountain State Water Celebrations
The Summersville Lake Lighthouse Festival illuminates September’s shoreline with floating lanterns carrying wishes across America’s clearest lake, drawing 8,000 participants who sample Fayetteville’s Bridge Brew Works between ceremony and fireworks. Stonewall Resort’s Autumn Glory Festival transforms October’s waterfront into Appalachian heritage celebrations where 30 craft vendors showcase hand-blown glass and split-oak baskets beside championship bass tournaments. Groups commandeer marinas during July’s Cheat Lake Regatta, when 200 sailboats race past waterfront estates while Morgantown Brewing Company kegs flow at dockside celebrations featuring pepperoni rolls from Country Club Bakery.
Lakefront Mountain Sanctuaries
West Virginia’s 3,200 waterfront rentals range from restored CCC cabins ($125 nightly) overlooking Bluestone Lake to contemporary timber fortresses ($1,600 nightly) perched above Tygart Lake’s endless fingers. Multi-family compounds near Snowshoe Mountain accommodate 20 guests across log lodges connected by covered bridges, featuring stone pizza ovens, cedar hot tubs overlooking water, and tackle rooms stocked for everything from ice fishing to wakeboarding adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what West Virginia has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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New River Gorge offers America’s newest national park from $125. Blackwater Falls provides dramatic views starting at $95. Seneca Rocks delivers climbing adventures under $110. Lake.com showcases West Virginia’s wild and wonderful mountain playground.
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Babcock State Park area offers mill photo ops from $85. Hawks Nest provides river overlooks starting at $105. Pipestem features resort amenities under $115. Lake.com connects families with West Virginia’s scenic park gateways.
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Absolutely! Canaan Valley excels with year-round fun from $140 offering skiing, hiking, and Blackwater Falls proximity. Wildlife abounds. Cool summers escape heat. Lake.com features valley properties perfect for mountain family adventures.
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Gauley River provides whitewater thrills from $135. Cheat River offers gentler floats starting at $110. Greenbrier delivers luxury under $175. Lake.com helps families find West Virginia’s best water-powered adventures.
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Lost River offers secluded escapes from $75. Pocahontas County provides wilderness access starting at $80. State park cabins book early under $90. Lake.com’s budget filters identify West Virginia’s affordable mountain retreats.
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Monongahela Forest welcomes pets from $95 with endless trails. Coopers Rock offers gorge views starting at $100. Many include fenced yards. Lake.com’s pet search shows West Virginia’s dog-friendly mountain escapes.
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October brings spectacular foliage. May-September offers prime rafting. July-August provides coolest mountain temperatures. June delivers rhododendron blooms. Book fall three months ahead. Lake.com’s Mountain State guide optimizes outdoor adventure timing.