Outdoor lovers call West Virginia the outdoor recreation capital of the East. That's not an exaggeration - the Mountain State is world-famous for whitewater rivers, challenging mountain bike terrain, extensive trail system, great skiing, fantastic hunting and fishing, massive state and national parklands and the most extensive wilderness areas in this part of the country. West Virginia travel is a heavenly experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Mountain State is dotted with nearly 50 unique state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas, which are considered among the best in the nation. Few places offer a better way to experience nature firsthand and to revel in the solitude of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. All park guests can enjoy free nature and recreation programs, so even those not accustomed to the great outdoors will find it easy to explore the woodlands.
West Virginia tourism activities are virtually endless. The tourists can golf at any of five resort parks, fish for the elusive brook trout along a secluded stream or let the kids in on the fun at a bluegill fishing rodeo. A natural swimming hole or count laps in an indoor pool offer a great swim. Visitors can soothe their muscles and awake their senses with a luxurious spa treatment in the same place George Washington bathed. Cycling from charming rural town to town, through eerie tunnels and scenic bridges on West Virginia's award-winning rail-trail systems is so much fun here.
West Virginia travel opportunities include vacations, weekend retreats, ski trips, whitewater adventures, golf outings, hiking or biking trips, camping excursions, vacation rentals, outdoor recreation, National Park or State Park visits, or simply a day's outing to West Virginia. West Virginia's spectacular mountains, swirling rivers, and scenic countryside offer a welcome change of pace from the rush of everyday life.
Here, too, you'll find friendly cities full of fun and nightlife. From wild to mild, from five-star resorts to rustic retreats, West Virginia travel offers something for everyone. Nearly 1.5 million acres of public land with deer, waterfowl and small game are open to hunting in the fall here. In addition, more than 180 West Virginia streams are stocked with trout. A number of catch-and-release and fly-fishing-only areas provide some of the best fly-fishing in the east. Float trips offer a great way to fish for smallmouth bass.
But even if you're not a hunter, West Virginia's state parks and forests provide a natural, peaceful setting for watching its native wildlife. Rabbits, squirrels, deer, occasional fox or bear are common sights throughout the Mountain State. Many of the areas parks and forests offer extensive hiking trail systems, including a number of old railroad beds that have been converted to mountain biking, equestrian and walking trails. West Virginia also offers nearly 2,000 miles of mountain streams hard to match for beauty, challenge and history. For the serious or recreational golfer, public, private and semi-private golf courses abound throughout the state.
West Virginia travel destination is truly unmatched its natural beauty and variety of activities.