WV State Parks Perfect For Winter and Holiday Adventures
Cozy Up in State Park Lodges and Embrace the Season
West Virginia takes on a whole new charm in the winter. The landscape is adorned with a pristine blanket of snow, bringing a serene stillness to the woods. Frozen waterfalls glisten in the crisp sunlight. If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into a winter wonderland, West Virginia’s state parks are here to make that dream come true. Book a lodge room and indulge in the comfort of full-service restaurants and indoor swimming pools while you immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Nestled within the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls is a captivating gem in the Mountain State. It’s no surprise that this park is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia. Its waterfalls, adorned with icicles and surrounded by snow, are a breathtaking sight.
Here, you can embark on an exhilarating ride down the longest sled run on the East Coast, followed by a cup of steaming hot chocolate in the cozy warming hut. (Don’t forget to purchase your sled run tickets in advance online.) The park also boasts over 10 miles of trails suitable for cross-country skiing, and you can rent skis and snowshoes at the warming hut rental shop. For an unforgettable stay, consider booking a room at Blackwater Falls Lodge, perched on the canyon’s south rim, offering sweeping views of the mesmerizing frozen landscape.
Cacapon Resort State Park
After your winter adventures, recharge with a soothing treatment at Cacapon Resort’s Healing Waters Spa. Located in the picturesque Eastern Panhandle, Cacapon is a convenient getaway for those traveling from the D.C.-Baltimore area. Its proximity to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the art-centric town of Berkeley Springs makes it an ideal destination for culture and history enthusiasts.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
Enjoy the Mountain State’s mystical winter landscape in style at Canaan Valley Resort.
Situated on a high plateau within the Allegheny Mountains, this resort offers truly stunning winters. As the sun sets, the glistening snow takes on a golden hue, and the entire plateau shimmers as the sun dips below the horizon. At night, a celestial canopy of stars lights up the sky.
Canaan Valley is a haven for winter lovers, offering a wide range of activities, from cross-country and downhill skiing to snow tubing and ice skating.
Chief Logan State Park
You’ll love Chief Logan State Park.
Chief Logan State Park is a must-visit for ATV enthusiasts seeking access to the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. While ATV use is not allowed within the park, Chief Logan Lodge is conveniently located near the Bearwallow Trailhead, providing a perfect place to unwind after an exciting day on the trails.
Visit between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, and you can also enjoy Christmas in the Park, Chief Logan’s annual holiday lights show. Hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights illuminate displays along a two-mile stretch of road.
Hawks Nest State Park
Sitting on the rim of the beautiful New River Gorge, the lodge at Hawks Nest State Park offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and river below. Enjoy a wintry hike on the park trails or take a short drive over to explore the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and the charming town of Fayetteville.
North Bend State Park
Winter may not be the first season that comes to mind when you think of mountain biking, but it’s a year-round sport for many. Located in the rolling hills of the Mid-Ohio Valley, North Bend State Park has over 20 miles of single-track trails for mountain bikers of all levels of experience to explore. In winter, the snow-covered trails are a fat tire lover’s dream! The park also connects to the 72-mile-long North Bend Rail Trail, welcoming bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.
Pipestem Resort State Park
Take in sweeping views of the Bluestone River Gorge blanketed in snow at Pipestem Resort State Park.
This mountain-top hideaway is a haven for winter enthusiasts. Cozy up by the fire with a good book and your favorite warm beverage as you become one with the tranquil surroundings.
When the landscape is blanketed in snow, the park’s trails become ideal for cross-country skiing. Glide through dense forests and savor a world seemingly crafted just for you. Call ahead and inquire about ski rentals at Pipestem’s Pro Shop.
Stonewall Resort State Park
Centrally located just three miles off I-79, Stonewall Resort offers a secluded retreat surrounded by rolling hills. The Adirondack-style lodge overlooks the picturesque Stonewall Jackson Lake and boasts amenities like three restaurants, an indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool open year-round, and a lakeside fire pit for cozy gatherings with friends and family. Explore hiking trails that wind past the lake and through orchards, then unwind with a session at the resort’s Mtn. Laurel Spa.
Twin Falls Resort State Park
Deep in the heart of southern West Virginia, Twin Falls Resort has all the cozy amenities you could want for a winter retreat. With 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, there’s plenty to do outdoors. Visit the Pioneer Farm for a glimpse into frontier life. For off-road enthusiasts, Twin Falls’ proximity to the trailheads of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System makes it the perfect place to rest up after a thrilling day on the trails.
Tygart Lake State Park
Just 4 miles south of Grafton in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, Tygart Lake provides guests with a quiet vacation spot and breathtaking views. The cozy lodge overlooks the 10-mile-long lake and is surrounded by beautiful mountain vistas. Several miles of hiking trails showcase a variety of scenery, from rock cliffs to old farmhouses.
Plan your winter wonderland getaway to a West Virginia State Park today!
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