Slow down and recapture your sense of awe and wonder at these state parks and forests
Work obligations. School projects. Club meetings. Housework. Busy, busy, busy! Do you feel like you’re in a race to keep up with the rest of the world?
When you slow down, you resist the temptation to rush through life and give yourself the mental space you need to experience awe and wonder at the world around you. But slowing down is easier said than done, especially when you’re surrounded by distractions or have a million responsibilities around the house. That’s where a getaway can help.
When it comes to slowing down and spending time in nature, there’s no place quite like Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Here are just a few of the state parks and forests where you can really slow down and recapture your sense of awe and wonder.
Day Tripping
If you need to get away for a few hours, don’t overlook West Virginia’s day-use parks. They’re a great place for a picnic lunch and a stroll through the woods.
Cathedral State Park is a natural sanctuary for West Virginia’s virgin hemlock. This park gets its name from a canopy of towering hemlocks and hardwoods that form a cathedral-like ceiling. The oldest hemlock in the park, which is estimated to be about 500 years old, is 123 feet tall and 20 feet around at the base. Your eyes will be drawn skyward during your visit, but don’t forget to look down and around. Cathedral is home to 170 species of trees, ferns and wildflowers.
One of the state’s most majestic discoveries lies on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, where towering rock formations create a maze for visitors to walk through. The aerial view is reminiscent of the streets of a small town, which is how Beartown State Park got its name. A half-mile boardwalk features informational markers detailing the geological processes that led to the creation of this ancient natural wonder area. Discover the scenic beauty of the Elk River along the Elk River Trail, the newest addition to the West Virginia State Parks system. Stretching over 73 miles from Clendenin to Gassaway, the trail provides easy access to the Elk River for canoeing, kayaking or fishing. Its wide, flat terrain is ideal for a leisurely bike ride, where you can take in the scenic farmland and several beautiful waterfalls along the trail.
Camping or Cabin Getaways
Looking to get away from the crowds for a few days? Plan an overnight stay at a cabin or campground where you can rest and recharge.
Set on top of Rich Mountain at 3,000 feet above sea level, Kumbrabow State Forest is West Virginia’s highest state forest. Its rustic vibe is part of its charm. The historic cabins, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, don’t have electricity or running water, but you won’t miss them. The picturesque setting and tranquil rippling waters of Mill Creek provides all the peace and comfort you need. Forget your troubles and enjoy a leisurely day or two hiking in the woods or fishing for brook trout. Don’t forget your fishing license!
Audra State Park has long been a favorite camping spot for many folks and it’s easy to see why. The clear, clean water of the Middle Fork River and the rock overhang of the Alum Cave offer picture-perfect backdrops for all kinds of outdoor adventure and relaxation. The park even has an old-fashioned swimming hole right on the river where you can cool off after a day of exploring. Escape the hectic pace of daily life and spend a few days communing with nature in this gem of the woods.If you want to get “lost,” plan a cabin stay at Lost River State Park. The park’s quiet 3,934 acres of woods provides a secluded getaway for nature lovers. Lost River is known for its Cranny Crow overlook on top of Big Ridge Mountain, which offers a commanding view of five counties. Visitors can enjoy hiking and biking, as well as horseback riding in season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Park cabins come with electricity and water as well as kitchens, bathrooms and showers. But if you’re looking for something really remote, consider a stay at the renovated ranger cabin, a pack-in, pack-out style camper cabin accessible only by a 2-mile hike through the woods.
Plan your trip today
Travel seasons come and go, but the best thing about state parks and forests is that they’ll always be here for you to enjoy. Whether you want to plan a vacation, weekend getaway or day trip, make plans to visit one of West Virginia’s majestic state parks and forests this summer.
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