Things to Do
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Aerial Tours
Aerial Tours
Take to the skies and get a little closer to Almost Heaven on your aerial tour through some of West Virginia’s most popular state parks.
Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tours
If you’re an adventure seeker, you won’t want to miss your chance to ride the Pipestem Peaks Zipline Tour, one of the most extensive zip line systems in the East. Strap in and soar through the treetops like the bald eagles that have made their home in Pipestem Resort, southern West Virginia’s premier family adventure resort.
Book your zipline tour today!
Aerial Trams at Pipestem and Hawks Nest
If you prefer a slower ride where you can relax and enjoy a unique view of West Virginia’s iconic mountain scenery, take a trip on the aerial tram at Pipestem or Hawks Nest, which whisk you down thousands of feet into the Bluestone and New River gorges.
Pipestem Aerial Tram
Pipestem’s tram is open daily during the summer, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (The tram closes for routine maintenance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m.) Tickets may be purchased at the Canyon Rim Center.Hawks Nest Aerial Tram
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Hawks Nest’s tram will be closed in 2022 for renovations. -
ATV Riding
ATV Riding
World-class ATV riding awaits in Almost Heaven. West Virginia’s mountainous terrain makes it an ideal destination for atv riding and off-roading and West Virginia’s state parks and forests are in perfect locations to get out on the trails.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is one of the largest public off-highway vehicle systems in the world with more than 1,000 miles of trail in the mountains of southern West Virginia. At Cabwaylingo State Forest, set out on the Cabwaylingo Trail, part of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System and features 80 miles of trail.
Rest up after a day on the trails, at Chief Logan or Twin Falls Resort state parks. Chief Logan State Park is less than an hour away from six of the 10 trailheads in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System and is home to 75 comfy lodge rooms and three cozy cabins. Twin Falls Resort State Park is just 15-miles from the Pinnacle Creek trailhead and has an array of lodge rooms and cozy cabins with mountain views to choose from.
FEATURED DESTINATIONS
Cabwaylingo State Forest
Home to the Cabwaylingo Trail,
which features 80 miles of trails.With 80 miles of wheel-spinning, off-road exhilaration, Cabwaylingo State Forest’s new ATV trail is the can’t-miss outdoor attraction of West Virginia. It’s also part of Hatfield McCoy Trail System, which means you have access to hundreds of additional miles of off-road adventures. Start planning your next adventure at Cabwaylingo.
Chief Logan State Park
Less than an hour away from
6 of the 10 trailheads.The rugged ATV trails of southern West Virginia are legendary and Chief Logan State Park is a great place to stay to experience them. Whether you’re stopping by after an exhilarating day of spinning tires on the Hatfield McCoy Trails or putting miles on your hiking boots as part of your cabin getaway, adventure awaits at Chief Logan.
Twin Falls Resort State Park
15 miles from the Pinnacle
Creek Trailhead.With mountain views, gorgeous waterfalls and lush forests full of towering trees, delicate ferns and hardy rhododendron and mountain laurel, you won’t have any trouble getting lost in nature when you visit Twin Falls Resort State Park. In fact, the Pinnacle Creek Trailhead of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is just 15 miles from Twin Falls.
FEATURED DEAL
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Hatfield-McCoy Trails Permit Holders 15% Off Discount
Hatfield-McCoy Trails permit holders can enjoy 15% off cabins and lodge rooms at Cabwaylingo State Forest, Chief Logan State Park and Twin Falls Resort State Park. Simply book online and use offer code HMTRAILS at checkout.
*Some exclusions apply.
*Discount code is valid for Hatfield-McCoy Trails permit holders only. Discount code is valid on cabin and lodge stays at Cabwaylingo State Forest, Chief Logan State Park and Twin Falls Resort State park. Offer can not be combined with any other discounts. Permit must be shown at check-in.
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Blackwater Falls Sled Run
Blackwater Falls Sled Run
Experience the thrill of racing down more than a quarter mile of fresh mountain snow on the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park. The longest sled run on the East Coast, the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-do every year. Create cherished memories and experience wintertime fun with friends and family at Blackwater Falls.
Skip the Line, Purchase Online
- Tickets are valid for one two-hour session. The sled run closes for one hour between each session.
- To redeem an online purchase, simply print your email confirmation or save it to your smart phone and present it to receive a ticket.
- Same day tickets may not be purchased online or by phone, but a limited number may be available for walk-ins at the sled run.
- Guests are encouraged to arrive at least 20 minutes early to attend a safety briefing prior to the start of the session.
- Guests are encouraged to come dressed in proper winter weather gear. The sled run speeds down the hill, so make sure you are dressed for the crisp winter wind and snow.
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Open Days
Wednesday - Sunday
Season Dates
December 18, 2021 - March 6, 2022
Closing date subject to weatherHoliday Dates
Dec. 22-31, 2021
Jan 1-2, 17, 2022
Feb 21, 2022Session Times
Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sat
10 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
4 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.Fri & Saturday Night
7:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.Holiday Sunday Nights (Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day)
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Lift Tickets
Weekdays - $24
Weekends & Holidays - $28
children under 5 ride free with an adult
Ride the Magic Carpet
The Blackwater Sled Run is more than a perfectly groomed hill. Half the fun is riding to the top on our conveyor belt, the Magic Carpet. Our Magic Carpet is the longest on the east coast and takes riders through a cozy wooded path to the top of the hill right in their sleds. Ride up and sled down – it’s fun both ways! Watch the time-lapse video of ride to the top to get an idea for what it's like.
Equipment & Safety
- All guests need to do is come dressed warm and ready for the sled run! The park provides the sled and all necessary equipment.
- Children 8 years old and younger must ride with an adult. Age requirements may be raised depending on hill conditions at the time of the sled session.
- While we love our furry friends, pets are not allowed on the sled hill and must be kept on a leash while visiting the park.
- Make sure to keep the main areas clear to allow room for your fellow sledders gearing up for the ride.
- Social distancing reminders and hand sanitizing stations have been placed throughout the sled run and Warming Hut areas.
- A statewide indoor face covering requirement remains in effect, and visitors are encouraged to maintain a safe social distance.
- Safety remains the top priority for West Virginia’s state parks and forests. Increased cleaning and sanitizing protocols have been implemented throughout the day and after hours at the sled run and Warming Hut areas.
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Boating
Boating
Hit the water for a nice relaxing day spent soaking up the sun. Many of the West Virginia state parks located on or near lakes have accompanying boating privileges and rentals. For fun days on the water, Bluestone, Beech Fork, North Bend, Stonewall, Watoga, and Tygart Lake state parks are all great options! Be sure to check the individual park page before visiting to see if certain boating regulations are required.
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Camping
Camping
West Virginia State Parks offers camping you won’t find anywhere else. Sleep under the stars in some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. Pitch a tent, bring a camper, or even try a yurt! With more than 1,500 camp sites at 27 different parks across the state, we’ve got sites to accommodate all kinds of campers and trips. Family adventure? Fishing weekend? Hiking trip? We've got something for everyone. Pick your park and pack the car. It's time to go camping.
Campground reservations are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the off-season months, campgrounds are open on a first-come, first-serve basis through Oct. 31. A limited number of park campgrounds are open for year-round camping. Campgrounds open in winter, with some limitations include: Beech Fork, Camp Creek, Canaan Valley, Pipestem and Twin Falls state parks, and Cabwaylingo State Forest.
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Fishing
Fishing
Get your family hooked on fishing by taking them to a West Virginia state park or forest. Our lakes and streams are stocked with trout, bass, bluegill and other sport fish. State parks and forests are some of the best places for new anglers to catch a fish, and many of our top spots are easily accessible for people of all skill sets. But before you head out on your trip, make sure you have a current license and stamps. If you don't have one, purchase one today at www.wvfish.com.
Announced trout stockings
Several state park and forest lakes and streams receive announced trout stockings in the spring. While getting a fish to bite requires some skill and a little luck, casting a line in stocked waters gives you and your family a better chance to catch a fish. Stockings are planned in March, April and May.
Plan a fishing trip today!
Fishing at parks and forests is steeped in West Virginia tradition and has been enjoyed by families for generations. So, come for the day, or stay for a weekend. Cast a line and enjoy the many other weekend activities at our beautiful parks and forests. You'll see why fishing at state parks and forests is so much fun! If you need overnight accommodations, many of our parks and forests have cabins or lodge rooms. But hurry! They book up fast.
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Geocaching
Geocaching
Looking for some treasure? If you have a smartphone and a sense of adventure, then treasure awaits you in West Virginia’s state parks! Individuals and organizations set up caches all over the world and share their locations on the internet. GPS users then use location coordinates to find the caches. Once found, a cache provides the site visitor with a wide variety of rewards. All the visitor is asked to do is leave something for the cache if they take something. For more information about this fun activity, visit www.geocaching.com.
If you are interested in placing a cache in an area managed by West Virginia State Parks, fill out and submit this application. A permit issued by West Virginia State Parks is required before placing a cache. Permits are good for one year from the date issued. Our guidelines ensure a safe caching experience. Below, is a list of caches at West Virginia state parks and forests. Happy searching!
Audra State Park
Audra Campground Cache
Rocks Unite: We Need to Stick TogetherBabcock State Park
Old Stone Building
Glade Creek WaterfallBeartown State Park
Goldilock’s Worst Nightmare Earthcache
Blackwater Falls State Park
Bridge Over Tannin Waters
"Rock" A-Bye Baby
Shay’s RunCacapon Resort State Park
Cacapon Oriskany Sandstone Earthcache
Stone GateCamp Creek State Park
My Favorite Kennedy
My Favorite Washington
My Favorite PennyCanaan Valley Resort State Park
Mossy Oak Cache
The Links
Easy Does It
Triple Club
Scenic View One + Two
On the Edge of the NinesCass Scenic Railroad State Park
ExploreWV Geocoin Challenge #27
SBGT WV: Cass Scenic Railroad State ParkCathedral State Park
Troll's Treasure at Cathedral State Park
Cedar Creek State Park
Coopers Rock State Forest
Coopers Rock
Wanna Go To The Can On Ridge Trail
Scott Run Excursion
Clay Run Copper
havelotsfun CLAYRUNHIKE
Abandon Hope…
Jen in Wonderland
Indycam’s Picnic Spot
Raven's rock trail, favMos first cache
The Gold Bug
The Space Between
Top of the Rocks
Henry Clay Iron Furnace
You Can't Fight Evil With a Macaroni Duck
Mountaineers are Always FreeFairfax Stone State Park
Forks of Coal State Natural Area
Greenbrier River Trail
Guardian of the Greenbrier River
Starry NightHolly River State Park
Holly River Cache
Dreamers Meadow Cache
Tater CacheKanawha State Forest
Tea Time
Polly Want a Cache?
Gator Bait ReturnsKumbrabow State Forest
Lost River State Park
Cranny Crow
Cheeks Rocks
Fire Tower Cabin
The Lee Spring
Nature Refuge
Piney Ridge Road
Service Road BridgeMoncove Lake State Park
Devil's Creek Cache 1 of 4
Devil's Creek Cache 2 of 4
Devil's Creek Cache 3 of 4
Devil's Creek Cache 4 of 4North Bend Rail Trail
North Bend State Park
Anchor's Away
Where The Wild Things Are
There are Giants in these WoodsPinnacle Rock State Park
Pinnacle Rock: A Geological Landmark
Pipestem Resort State Park
Bluestone River
Farm Pond
County Line CachePrickett's Fort State Park
Stonewall Resort State Park
At the Beech
Intersecting Trails
Fit Enough?
Hidden Gem
Picnic Time
Stonewall Lake
The Secret Bench
Tee TimeTomlinson Run State Park
ELPO Rock
Hartford’s Grist Mill
Mineral Springs
New Manchester Pioneer Turnpike
TOMLINSON DAM
tomlinsonx1 Tribute
Thunder on the Run TributeTu-Endie-Wei State Park
Confluence – Ohio & Kanawha Rivers
Twin Falls Resort State Park
Tygart Lake State Park
Old Foundation
TLSP #2: Welcome to the Park
TLSP #3 Scab Run
TLSP #5: High Water
TLSP #7: Enchanted Forest
TLSP #8: Hard Times
Hillside Treasure
Taylor County Geotrail: Tygart Lake State Park
The Dogwood CurveValley Falls State Park
Watoga State Park
Arboretum Shelter
Arboretum Trail
Beaver Creek Campground
Beaver Creek Campsite
Buck's Run Cabin Area
Island Lick Cabin Area
Old Cabin 3 at Watoga
Pine Run Cabin Area
Ranger's Cache
Lenna’s Cache
Watoga Lake
Watoga CCC Tribute
Watoga Primitive Campsite
Watoga Recreation Hall
Watoga Riverside Campground
Watoga Riverside Campground Trailhead
Watoga Southside Building
Watoga Stables
Watoga Swimming Pool
Watoga Trail OverlookWatters Smith Memorial State Park
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Golf Courses
Golf Courses
Perfect your golf game on some of West Virginia’s most picturesque golf courses!
It doesn’t matter if you’re an amateur to the game of golf or an expert. West Virginia State Parks has golf courses you will enjoy!Our state park greens are expertly designed and manicured by famous course architects. Arnold Palmer designed the Palmer Course at Stonewall Resort, and Geoffrey Cornish designed the ones at Canaan Valley Resort and Pipestem Resort State Park. Additional 18-hole courses are available at Twin Falls (designed by Cornish with a later addition by George Cobb, Sr.), and Cacapon Resort (a Robert Trent Jones masterpiece). Tee up with friends, play a game with business partners or even bring the family for a relaxing day on the greens!
Season Pass
It’s tee time in Almost Heaven. Perfect your golf game with a West Virginia State Parks golf season pass and enjoy incredible golfing year-round.
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State Parks offer resort amenities and outdoor activities
While you’re polishing up your golf game, why not take the time to explore our resorts? Each park has many amenities and outdoor activities to fill up a day or weekend! Book an overnight stay in one of our resort lodges and enjoy a relaxing golf getaway in the scenic mountains of Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
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Hiking Trails
Hiking Trails
Get out and explore the great outdoors! No matter what kind of hiker you are, you’ll find a trail to love at any of the West Virginia State Parks. From easy loops to challenging climbs, you’ll enjoy a nature-filled hike through the trees and mountains and maybe even stumble upon a newfound mountain vista! Before you head out, make sure to stop by any of the park offices to pick up a trail guide.
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Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding
What better way to see West Virginia’s nature and wildlife than from a trusty steed? Explore the mountains by horseback and discover new adventures at every turn in a tranquil setting. Cacapon, Lost River and Pipestem Resort State Park have stables on site and offer guided trail rides. Camp Creek State Park and Forest and Holly River State Park offer horseback riding trails and equestrian camping for visitors traveling with horses.
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Hunting
Hunting
West Virginia is known for its outdoor recreation, including hunting and fishing. Fortunately, West Virginia state forests are open to hunting during both small and big game seasons. You’ll find rental cabins and campgrounds at Cabwaylingo, Greenbrier, Kumbrabow and Seneca state forests. Calvin Price State Forest conveniently borders Watoga State Park, which is equipped with both cabins and a campground. Camping is also available at other state forests, including Camp Creek, Coopers Rock, and Panther. Before you hit the woods, be sure to purchase proper licenses and stamps, available at www.wvhunt.com.
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Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain Biking Trails
Become a mountain biking pro in no time! Bring your bicycle to zip through the state park trails and get a little closer to nature. You’ll find trails at any state park to pair with your level of skill, comfort, and experience in mountain biking. If you’re looking for a long leisurely ride, try the North Bend Rail Trail or the Greenbrier River Trail. If you need a map of any of the trails, stop by a park office before you head out!
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Museums and Historical Sites
Museums and Historical Sites
There’s no shortage of fascinating history in these hills! Many of the West Virginia State Parks were designated state parks because of the history surrounding the area. These historic parks often have an onsite museum with exhibits about local history, mine wars, Appalachian culture, or Civil War artifacts. Learn something new and gain a greater appreciation at sites like Berkeley Springs, Blennerhassett Island, Carnifex Ferry, Cass Scenic Railroad, Cathedral, Droop Mountain Battlefield, and Fairfax Stone State Park.
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Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Adventures
Bring your "A" game with you for outdoor adventures available across our state parks. The majority of the parks have regulation basketball courts, volleyball courts, and badminton courts available as well as horseshoe areas. These activities and game areas are typically located near picnic shelters. For more information on availability, equipment, and rentals, contact the individual state park you plan on visiting.
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Scenic Train Rides
Scenic Train Rides
All aboard! Cruise through the mountains in style by way of a scenic train ride. These train excursions preserve an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. You can hear the engines chug along the landscape and admire the surrounding views of wildlife like you’ve never seen before. Visit Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for the rail ride of a lifetime!
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Snow Sports
Snow Sports
Let’s hit the slopes! Our mountains are gorgeous year round but they’ve been known to shine a little brighter in the winter. West Virginia’s state parks offer some of the best snow recreation on the East Coast including skiing, sledding, and tubing. There’s fun for the whole family at any of our snow sport locations, such as Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley, and Pipestem State Park, with cozy mountain lodges nearby for when you’re ready to warm back up!
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Stargazing
Stargazing
Wide open spaces surrounded by rugged mountain beauty and far away from light pollution, West Virginia’s state parks and forests are home to some of the best stargazing spots on the east coast. From brilliant starry night skies to catching a glimpse of the Milky Way’s galactic core, stunning night sky views await in Almost Heaven.
Dark Sky Park Designation
Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park have been designated official Dark Sky Parks by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). These three areas are the first official International Dark Sky Park designations in the state. Watoga State Park offers Dark Sky programming and activities for all three areas. No matter which park you visit, stunning stargazing opportunities await.
Top Stargazing Spots
Lost River State Park
A perfect destination for a remote retreat, Lost River State Park is a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy beautiful night skies. At Lost River State Park, you can view millions of stars and watch the Milky Way rise over five counties in two states. For accommodations, comfy cabins and Tentrr campsites await at Lost River.
Seneca State Forest
Unobstructed night sky views await at Seneca State Forest. In fact, the 65-foot Thorny Mountain Fire Tower is a popular location to stargaze. For a truly one-of-a-kind stargazing experience stay in the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower and surround yourself with stars. You can also stay in one of the parks cozy cabins or camp out at one of the scenic campsites at Seneca State Forest.
Watoga State Park
Located in the secluded mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is one of the most popular stargazing spots in the state. With very little light pollution, Watoga provides perfect stargazing conditions. Spend the night in one of Watoga’s comfy cabins or campsites tucked away in the woods. One-of-a-kind views await at Watoga State Park. You won't want to miss out on them.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Set high in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is far from any city lights that would dim its night sky, making it an ideal place for stargazing. Surrounded by stunning views from all angles, Blackwater Falls lodge rooms, cabins and campsites are the perfect accommodations for stargazing getaways. Start planning your next heavenly getaway.
Stargazing in #AlmostHeaven
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Swimming
Swimming
When it’s hot outside and you need to cool off, nothing beats the heat like a dip in the pool or splash through a nature-made swimming hole. Good thing West Virginia's state parks and forests have several of both!
Go for a Swim at a State Park Pool
Many state parks and forests have swimming pools where you can quickly cool off after a day of outdoor adventure. They're also perfect for parties or spending a relaxing day poolside with the family. So, stop on by parks like Bluestone, Berkeley Springs or Canaan for a fun day at the pool.
If you're looking for a little more excitement, head to Chief Logan or Tomlinson Run. Both park pools have a towering, twisting water slide the kids will love (and most adults, too)!
Nature-made swimming spots
If you prefer to get your toes wet in a free-flowing natural body of water, check out the swimming hole at Audra, or go for a swim at a lake or beaches at Blackwater Falls, Cacapon or Tygart Lake state parks. Be sure to check individual park pages for more information on hours.
Find a park and beat the summer heat with a cooling swim today!
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Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater Rafting
West Virginia’s mighty rivers are perfect for gathering up your friends and family to conquer the roaring rapids together. Regardless of your skill level or expertise, raft guides can find a stretch of river to suit your sense of adventure. Raft the New or Gauley rivers when you visit nearby Babcock and Hawks Nest state parks, or spend some time on the Cheat River near Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley Resort state parks!
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