Spring is in the air and you’re out of school for a whole week! Take a break from the study grind and escape to the mountains of Almost Heaven. Whether you’re a college student planning an adventure with friends, or a family spending quality time with younger children, you’ll find the perfect, budget-friendly escape at a West Virginia state park or forest.

Spring Camping

Get back to nature where your whole crew can roast marshmallows by the campfire and fall asleep listening to the sounds of the night. Camp Creek State Park and Forest is one of several state parks that offer year-round camping, and is especially beautiful in spring. Pitch a tent or set up your RV at Mash Fork Campground, and get ready to explore 33 miles of hiking and biking trails winding through the West Virginia hills. Discover beautiful rushing waterfalls fueled by spring rains. Drop a line in Camp Creek or Mash Fork, which are stocked with trout in the spring. 

P.S. – Campers don’t have to worry about giving up the luxuries of home. The campground is equipped with Wi-Fi. (Shhh…don’t tell the kids!) Water and electric are available at some campsites, and there’s also a heated bathhouse. 

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re an adventure-lover, Blackwater Falls State Park has the goods. From sledding in the winter, to rafting on the nearby Cheat River in spring and summer, to biking and hiking year-round in the park and the adjacent Monongahela State Forest, you’ll never run out of things to do. (And of course the park’s jaw-dropping waterfalls are a must-see, too!) You’re going to be hungry after all that exercise, so be sure to fill up on a hot, delicious meal at The Smokehouse Restaurant at Blackwater Falls lodge.

Just a short drive from the park, the mountain towns of Davis and Thomas offer shopping and dining options. Grab a bite at Hellbender Burritos, sip on a hot cuppa joe at TipTop or catch some great live music at The Purple Fiddle.

Family Fun

Got kids who are just learning to ride mountain bikes? Plan a spring break family ride on North Bend Rail Trail. The railroad grade, crushed stone trail showcases over 70 miles of charming towns, beautiful farmland and historic bridges and tunnels through the Mid-Ohio Valley. The trail can be accessed from North Bend State Park, where you can reserve a cabin or stay in the newly remodeled lodge. Look for spring wildflowers on North Bend’s hiking trails, or take the kids fishing. The tailwaters of North Bend’s Lake are stocked with trout January through April. 

Grownup Getaway

When you’re vacationing with a group of friends, it may be hard to find an activity everyone agrees on. So why not pick a park that offers something for everyone, from the bold adventurer to the laid-back loafer?

Cacapon Resort State Park is fast becoming one of the top mountain biking destinations in the east, with an extensive system of single-track and a skills course area. Those who’d prefer a more relaxing activity can unwind with a game at the award-winning Robert Trent Jones Sr. championship golf course. Work the knots out of your muscles with a massage session at Healing Waters Spa. 

Cacapon Resort State Park holds a hidden gem: the Old Inn. This 12-room, unique log structure is a true part of West Virginia’s history for being the very first state park lodge. The Old Inn can house 32 guests, so it’s spacious enough for the whole group, but cozy enough to spend quality time together at your next get-together.

Whether you opt to stay in a cabin or lodge room, your group can enjoy a variety of dining options at Cacapon’s full-service Prospects Restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining as well as the Legacy Lounge. Plan an excursion into the nearby town of Berkeley Springs to browse charming boutique stores and art galleries or visit historic Berkeley Springs State Park, which features a full-service spa and Roman baths, and is where George Washingon bathed.

Pro Tips

Before your head out on your Almost Heaven spring break getaway, download your free West Virginia Waterfall Trail and West Virginia Culinary Trail mobile passports. Unlock cool prizes as you check in to locations on the lists 

If you plan on fishing, be sure you have a valid West Virginia fishing license. You can purchase one online as well as view fishing regulations and stocked waters. 

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