Think outside the candy box for Valentine’s Day this year. West Virginia State Parks and Forests are a natural setting for romance, with stunning overlooks, rippling streams and beautiful wooded forests. These parks and forests are an ideal destination for that big marriage proposal, wedding, honeymoon or Valentine’s Day celebration. Opt to stay at a  lodge park to enjoy comfortable accommodations, ranging from serene rooms to cozy cabins.

Setting the Scene for Romance

Blackwater Falls State Park is exceptionally beautiful in winter. Depending on the weather, you might experience sparkling frozen waterfalls surrounded by blankets of snow. Here, you can recapture your childhood and treat your sweetheart to some adventure on the longest sled run on the East Coast, then warm up by a cozy fire in your cabin or fill up on a tasty meal at the on-site Smokehouse Restaurant.

Take in the wintry beauty of the New River Gorge at Hawks Nest State Park. The park’s full-service lodge sits on the rim of the gorge, and its overlooks and hiking trails offer scenic views of the New River far below. Plan a trip over to nearby Babcock State Park for more hiking and romantic photos in front of the iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill.

Pamper your honey with a stay at Cacapon Resort State Park. After an adventurous day of hiking and biking in this stunning region, plan a visit to the resort’s Healing Waters Spa, which offers spa packages for couples and a full menu of spa and massage services.

Weekend Getaway Packages

If you really want to set the mood this Valentine’s Day, let the parks plan your romantic getaway for you! North Bend, Tygart Lake, Twin Falls Resort, Chief Logan, Hawks Nest and Pipestem Resort are all offering Valentine’s Weekend packages with dinner and overnight accommodations and, depending on the park, other special activities and goodies like dance parties, wine baskets or couples scavenger hunts.

Day Trips

If you’re short on time and can’t get away for an overnight experience, you can still enjoy a beautiful day on the trails at Coopers Rock State Forest, where breathtaking overlooks of the Cheat River Canyon make the perfect romantic backdrop. 

Just minutes from downtown Charleston, you’ll find a romantic respite at Kanawha State Forest, where 60 miles of trails wind past towering rock formations and meander along mountain streams. Pack up the RV and head to  Kanawha State Forest’s campground – which is now open year-round. (Planning a stay during sunnier times? Opt for a stay under the stars at Coopers Rock State Forest, which is open seasonally.)

Weddings and Other Special Occasions

Planning your big day at a West Virginia state park? Our state park lodge and conference centers provide everything you need to make your event a success. From indoor and outdoor venues to chef-prepared meals, you’ll find everything you need to make your wedding special. Our experienced professional meeting planners will be happy to assist you in coordinating your next event.