Experience local cuisine while staying and playing in Almost Heaven 

There’s plenty to do at West Virginia state parks and forests, from hiking, biking and fishing to swimming, horseback riding and more. But what to do after you’ve worked up a big appetite? Satisfy your rumbling tummy with a delicious meal from a local eatery. If you’re staying at a lodge park, you can always enjoy a hearty meal served at the park restaurant. (Check the calendar for upcoming special Farm-to-Table Dinners at the lodge parks.) In the meantime, here are a few other options you’ll want to check out.

Babcock and Hawks Nest

Rent a historic CCC cabin at Babcock State Park and rest assured your dining options will be plentiful in the area. Take a drive over to the lodge at Hawks Nest State Park where you can dine while enjoying a stunning view of the New River Gorge. As you head into the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you’ll find lots of great dining options in the area. Enjoy outdoor dining with sunset views at Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill in Lansing or take in the artsy, eclectic vibe of Cathedral Café in Fayetteville.

Beech Fork

Campers at Beech Fork State Park are fairly close to some great dining options in Huntington. Channel a casual seaside vibe at Jewel City Seafood or cruise into the historic Frostop Drive In for a chili dog and a frosty root beer. Grab a gourmet burger from Fat Patty’s and take a stroll on the beautiful campus of Marshall University next door. Be sure also to treat yourself to ice cream at Beech Fork’s camper store, which has hand dipped, summer goodness.

Kanwaha State Forest

After a hard day of mountain biking at Kanawha State Forest, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Head into South Charleston W.Va. for a bánh mì (Vietnamese hoagie) and bubble tea at Yen’s Sandwiches. In Charleston, fill up on mouth-watering lunch at The Wheelhouse. Or satisfy your red meat craving at the newly opened DT Prime Steakhouse downtown. Meanwhile, vegans will love the options at the award-winning Loopy Leaf.

Elk River Trail

Plan a bike ride or river paddle at West Virginia’s newest state park — the 73-mile Elk River Trail — and afterwards, refuel at some of the area’s renowned eateries. Grab a chili dog and soft-serve ice cream at The Custard Stand in Flatwoods. Sample gourmet pizza and homemade gelato at Pizzas and Cream in Nebo. Fill up on smoked pulled pork or chicken washed down with a frosty craft beer at Clendenin Brewing Co.

Coopers Rock

Visitors to Coopers Rock State Forest have a wide variety of dining options available in the surrounding Morgantown area. Enjoy Cheat Lake lake views while you dine on surf and turf at The Lakehouse. In Morgantown, kick back and relax with a craft cocktail and gastropub-style food at the Iron Horse Tavern.

Little Beaver and Camp Creek

Campers at Little Beaver State Park and Camp Creek State Park and Forest will want to check out the Beckley area for dining. Stop at Tamarack Marketplace at the I-64 Travel Plaza and sit down to a mouth-watering Appalachian-inspired dish like West Virginia rainbow trout or fried green tomato sandwich. Step back in time to the historic King Tut Drive In in Beckley, where the menu features everything from burgers to salads to pot roast.

For more local dining options, check with your park office, the local convention and visitor’s bureau, or visit wvtourism.com. Start planning your Almost Heaven getaway and bring your appetite!

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