Its always important to take time and slow down and relax. As we enter the holiday season over the next few weeks, we want to encourage you to focus on what matters most: showing your family members how much you love them, giving thanks for the simple things in life and resting your mind, body and soul.

Here at West Virginia State Parks, that’s what we’re all about. If you need help enjoying some peace and quiet, here are a few trip ideas that will have you feeling relaxed and recharged.

Spend quality time with family

A change of scenery is always a good idea for you and your family to experience. Enjoy quality time together by staying in a West Virginia state park. Rent a comfy cabin at Beech Fork State Park or spend the night in the lodge at Chief Logan State Park or Tygart Lake State Park. Other parks with great accommodations this time of year include Pipestem and Twin Falls resorts, where you can stay in cozy cabins and mountain lodges.

With the quietness of nature insulating you from noisy distractions, you and your loved ones can relax and end the year with happy memories. Before you know it, spending the holidays at your favorite state park will be a family tradition you come back for each year.

Plan an outdoor adventure

West Virginia’s state parks are less crowded during the late fall months, so now is a perfect time to get outside and explore your favorite park or one you haven’t visited before. Take an early morning hike and enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds and soothing mountain air. With hundreds of trails across the parks system, the opportunities for outdoor adventures are endless.

You can also go fishing in a clear mountain stream or lake. And if you enjoy hunting in the fall, many parks are located near state forests or wildlife management areas where hunting is permitted. Make it part of your trip. If you need to renew or purchase a license, visit wvhunt.com. For a map of public lands where you can hunt, go to mapwv.gov/huntfish.

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