Labor Day weekend might be the unofficial end of summer, but there are outdoor adventures to be had at West Virginia’s state parks no matter what time of year you visit. So, if you need a relaxing getaway at your favorite park or want to explore one you’ve never visited before, make plans to visit a park over the long weekend or in the weeks to come. If you’re not sure where to go, here are five parks to check out. 

Chief Logan State Park 

When you live in West Virginia, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. State parks are located around the state and each one offers something unique, but there’s just something special about Chief Logan State Park. 

Located in the hills of southern West Virginia, Chief Logan is a great place to getaway from it all. Watch the sunrise over the misty mountains in the distance and spend the morning on the trails or fishing at the park’s lake. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, visit the nearby Hatfield McCoy trails and take your ATV through some of the most rugged terrain in West Virginia. When it comes time to turn in for the evening, kick back and relax at Chief Logan Lodge. Whether you come for a weekend and stick around for a little while longer, you’ll feel right at home at Chief Logan. 

Pipestem Resort 

When you can’t decide where to go or what to do, being able to visit a place that has something for everyone takes all the stress out of planning a trip. Pipestem Resort State Park is one of those places and being West Virginia’s premier family adventure resort means this park has something for everyone to enjoy. 

Located on the rim of the scenic Bluestone National Scenic River, Pipestem is a sprawling park where you can really break free from the monotony of everyday life and get in touch with nature. Hike out to the Bolar Lookout Tower to watch the sun rise or settle in at one of the park’s overlooks to watch the sunset over the Bluestone River Gorge. There’s also guided activities, such as zipline tours and mountain bike excursions. Spending the night at one of Pipestem’s two lodges is a truly unique experience. McKeever Lodge sits atop the canyon rim while Mountain Creek is located in the gorge below and is accessed by riding the park’s iconic aerial tram. 

North Bend State Park 

Sometimes, a change in plans is the best thing that can happen. If you had to cancel your vacation this year and want to spend some time with your family before the summer ends, you’ll want to check out North Bend State Park. 

Located in the mid-Ohio valley, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, lakes and streams, North Bend is a quaint oasis for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This park offers a unique opportunity for families to embark on guided outdoor adventures, such as rock climbing and kayaking. If you don’t have the equipment for these activities, don’t worry because the park has everything you need. At the end of the day, make sure you stay at North Bend Lodge, which sits atop a breezy ridge and overlooks the woodland river valley below — a perfect place to enjoy your morning cup of coffee as the sun comes up. 

Bluestone State Park 

West Virginia might not have an ocean beach, but you won’t miss it when you can enjoy incredible water activities at lakes like Bluestone. Bluestone State Park is one of the best fishing and boating spots in the state and the last days of summer are a perfect time to visit. 

Also located in the Bluestone National Scenic River, Bluestone State Park provides a lakeside retreat. When you aren’t on the water reeling in your dinner, you can hike one of the park’s trails or venture out on the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, a 9.5-mile moderate hiking trail that follows the Bluestone River to Pipestem Resort. After a day of outdoor adventures, pitch your tent by the lake and spend the night at one of the park’s four campgrounds. There’s nothing more relaxing than falling asleep to the sound of flowing water. 

Cabwaylingo State Forest 

If you want a more primitive, phone-free weekend where you can unplug, unwind and just enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, let the country roads lead you to Cabwaylingo State Forest. Located on more than 8,000 acres of dense forestland, Cabwaylingo is a place where you can slow down and refocus your life. 

Explore the woods by hiking the forest’s nine miles of trails or cast a line in the West Fork of Twelvepole Creek. To get the full primitive experience that Cabwaylingo offers, make sure you stay at one of the forest’s campgrounds. 

Labor Day is almost here and the end of summer on Sept. 22 is approaching fast, but there’s still time to enjoy one final summer trip. But don’t wait to plan your trip. Book your lodge room or campsite today. 

Book Now