Skip the beach trip this winter and embrace the cold because outdoor adventures in West Virginia don’t take off for any season. Whether you enjoy downhill thrills or snowy family fun, West Virginia’s state parks are a great place to enjoy a winter trip. Here are five state parks that are perfect for a winter vacation.

Blackwater Falls

If you have fond memories of playing in the snow when you were a kid, then you need to take a trip to Blackwater Falls this winter and ride the park’s popular sled run. This exciting winter attraction features a ride within a ride. It’s truly magical! Before you can sled down the hill, you first have to ride to the top on the Magic Carpet, which is the longest sled run conveyor belt on the east coast. Sled run sessions last two hours, so you’ll have plenty of chances to ride up and down the hill. It never gets old.

When you’re not on the sled run, there’s plenty of other snow activities to enjoy at Blackwater Falls. Due to the park’s high elevation in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, there’s plenty of snow between December and April. There’s breathtaking waterfalls, scenic overlooks and more than 10 miles of trails for cross country skiing.

Accommodations at Blackwater Falls book up fast this time of year, so book your trip ASAP!

Cacapon Resort

Cacapon Resort is home to the newest lodge in the West Virginia state parks system and we can’t think of a better time of year to take a trip and enjoy the new amenities. Located in the eastern panhandle in Berkeley County, Cacapon Resort is a quiet place where you can get away from the business of life.

After a long morning of hiking in the snowy woods, treat yourself with a soothing massage at the park’s new Healing Waters Spa. There’s nothing like a massage, facials or full body treatment to warm you up on a cold winter day.

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Canaan Valley Resort

Everyone has to take a ski trip at least once in their lifetime and Canaan Valley Resort is one of the best places in West Virginia for downhill skiing. 

Due to its high elevation and annual snowfall of about 180 inches, Canaan Valley Resort has a lengthy season for snow sports. The park has 47 trails for downhill skiers and snowboarders as well as trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Canaan Valley Resort also has a tubing park and covered ice rink.

Bring the entire family or plan a trip with a group of friends. Canaan Valley Resort’s lodge has 160 modern guest rooms and suites, a full-service restaurant, café, lounge and indoor swimming pool. The park also has cabins and cottages where you can cuddle up by a warm fire and enjoy a beautiful winter landscape.

Cass Scenic Railroad

If you enjoy winter thrills and snow activities, but prefer to stay somewhere that’s away from the action, you can’t ask for a better place than Cass. This idyllic park is full of rich history, breathtaking views and the sights and sounds of an early-20th Century lumbering town. And winter is a great time to stay in one of the park’s company houses.

Park operations slow down and train rides aren’t offered during the winter season, but there’s still plenty to do in the area this time of year. Go skiing at nearby Snowshoe, a four-season resort that’s especially popular during the winter season. You can also hike along the Greenbrier River Trail or go trout fishing on the Greenbrier River. At Cass, the Company Store is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. And the famous Last Run Restaurant is open Sunday and Monday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

Pipestem Resort

You don’t have to go way up into the mountains of West Virginia to enjoy snowy adventures or a winter retreat. Pipestem Resort in southern West Virginia is a great place for a winter trip. Just spend the night at Pipestem Resort’s lodge or in a cozy cabin.

Located atop the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem Resort has all of the scenic views and outdoor adventures you could ask for. After a good snow, the park’s trails are perfect for cross-country skiing. Ski rentals are available at Pipestem’s Pro Shop.

Plan your winter trip today

Don’t miss out on winter fun. Plan your West Virginia state parks winter trip today while there’s still time!

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