7 Outdoor Adventures in West Virginia

The Mountain State offers easy accessible getaways into the wild that encompass dozens of waterfalls, miles upon miles of trails and attractions that allow travelers to experience West Virginia in new ways. From riding a rail bike along a former rail line to bungee jumping in the historic town of Harpers Ferry to taking in incredible views of the night sky at recognized Dark Sky sites, these adventurous experiences cater to travelers of a variety of ages and interests. 

Follow the West Virginia Waterfall Trail

From internationally recognized waterfalls such as Blackwater Falls to lesser-known spots scattered throughout mountains and valleys, the West Virginia Waterfall Trail encourages visitors to experience and document their journey through the Mountain State’s natural wonders one waterfall at a time. 

The West Virginia Waterfall Trail launched in 2022 with 29 waterfalls and has since grown to feature 43 falls. The trail is the first of its kind in the nation, and those wishing to participate can sign up for the mobile passport on West Virginia Tourism’s website to keep track of the waterfalls they have visited. The mobile passport also enables participants to earn points that they can put toward official West Virginia Waterfall Trail prizes such as a sticker, water bottle, T-shirt or — for those who visit every fall on the list — a letterpress print. While the trail features some of the state’s most popular falls, it’s also a great way to get out and explore some out-of-the-way spots.

“It doesn’t just get people to those well-known waterfalls,” says Chelsea Ruby, tourism secretary for the West Virginia Department of Tourism, which created the trail. “It’s getting them to lesser-known waterfalls in more rural areas of the state, taking them to places that might not have been on their list.”

For more information about the West Virginia Waterfall Trail, visit wvtourism.com/waterfalls.

Explore Monongahela National Forest 
This expansive wild area encompasses 10 West Virginia counties and offers a multitude of trails and sites to explore as well as events throughout the spring and summer.

With more than 920,000 acres spread across 10 counties, West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest offers some of the most pristine mountain scenery in all of West Virginia. The forest is home to dozens of hiking and backpacking trails — with challenging routes suitable for more dedicated hikers. There are also relaxing pursuits, such as taking a drive along the 43-mile Highland Scenic Highway for panoramic views of the region’s mountains and valleys.

“You can find the rolling foothills of the Appalachians, and you can also find the taller, rockier peaks such as Spruce Knob or Seneca Rocks and North Fork Mountain,” says Josh Poling, public affairs officer at Monongahela National Forest.

First-time visitors looking to fully immerse themselves in the culture, history and diversity of Monongahela National Forest should begin their trip with a stop at one of the park’s two nature centers, where they can gain insight into the area before heading out and exploring.

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, located along the Highland Scenic Highway, features a native plant garden and nature trail, as well as plenty of interactive activities, events and programs for both children and adults.

The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, located at the base of Seneca Rocks off West Virginia state Route 28, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs. Here, visitors also have the chance to see how pioneers and early settlers lived during the mid-1800s with a visit to the nearby Sites Homestead, which features heritage gardens blooming with a variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers.

The area is also home to a regional delicacy that some may be unfamiliar with. Each spring, often well-before other local plants have sprung to life, small ramp buds begin to break the ground’s surface, offering a tasty treat for those dedicated enough to seek them out. Described as a wild leek, ramps have edible green leaves and bulbs that can be utilized in a variety of dishes. Although the scent can be pungent, the plant is often enjoyed in salads and soups and can even be used as seasoning. 

The wild native plant is celebrated at multiple spring festivals all across West Virginia, including during the annual Ramps and Rail Festival in Elkins, scheduled for April 27 this year.

“You will find them in the spring thaw, the green leaves starting to poke through the snow,” Poling says. “They are very strong, but they are very delicious.”

For more information about the Monongahela National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/mnf. For more information about the Ramps and Rail Festival, visit elkinsdepot.com.

***

Coming Soon: Bungee Jumping in Harpers Ferry

Perhaps best known as a hub for history enthusiasts, the West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry hopes to appeal to thrill seekers with its most recent offering: an unprecedented bungee-jumping experience from The Great Bungee Co. Located along the cliffs of the Old Standard Quarry, the jump is set to open in spring 2025 and will be the first of its kind in the country. The experience will feature a state-of-the-art cantilevered bungee tower, allowing jumpers to freefall some 150 feet above a spring-fed lake, before dipping into the water once the cord has decelerated. After the first fall, jumpers will experience multiple rebounds that slowly decrease in height until they come to a stop and are retrieved by a boat waiting at the bottom. Those looking to add even more excitement to their trip can head to the nearby River Riders Adventure Resort, which has plans to collaborate with The Great Bungee Co. to offer a variety of extreme-sports activities in Harpers Ferry. For more information about Bungee Jumping in Harpers Ferry, visit greatbungee.com.

***

Experience Rail Explorers West Virginia
Hop on a rail bike and follow the tracks of the Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad during this 12-mile, round-trip excursion. 

West Virginia has long been known for its rich railroading history, an abundance of natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Rail Explorers combines all these sought-after qualities with its latest rail biking experience in Clay, West Virginia.

Guests of all ages can climb aboard a two- or four-seat rail bike to enjoy the 12-mile-round trip along the Buffalo Creek & Gauley Railroad. Founder and CEO of Rail Explorers USA Mary Joy Lu says hopping aboard one of the pedal-assisted rail bikes is a great way to take in the beauty of the Mountain State at a leisurely and enjoyable pace. 

“Being lower to the ground and without any sort of coverings around you gives you the full immersive effect of being out there in the woods,” she says. 

After strapping in for their ride, rail bikers make their way along the historic section of track that serviced the Elk River Coal and Lumber Co. between 1904 and 1965. Some highlights along the way include the Devil’s Sawmill Waterfall and the reconstructed Sandfork Bridge.

Excursions are led by Rail Explorers guides, one in front of the group and one in the back. At the midpoint of the journey, customers can stop to enjoy a picnic lunch along the banks of Buffalo Creek before turning around and pedaling the 6 miles back.

One of seven different Rail Explorers experiences in the United States, the West Virginia experience opened in June 2024, welcoming 16,000 rail bikers during its first season of operation alone. Reservations for the 2025 season, which runs from May through November, can be made online. 

“It’s like outdoor hiking, but you don’t need to be fit to do it,” Lu says. “We encourage all ages and abilities.”

874 Buffalo Creek Rd., Clay, West Virginia 25043, 877/833-8588, railexplorers.net

***

Stargazing and Dark Sky Sites
The Mountain State offers a variety of spaces far away from the city lights that provide incredible views of the night sky. 

With a multitude of state parks situated throughout its mountainous landscape and far away from the light pollution produced by major cities, West Virginia makes for an ideal destination for those with a desire to peer into the cosmos from the state’s many stargazing sites.

The combined acreage of  Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is listed as an International Dark Sky Park, a designation that helps to preserve and protect the area, as well as educate the public. The trio, which spans a combined 19,869 acres in Pocahontas County, received International Dark Sky Park status in 2021, becoming the first designated dark-sky site in West Virginia. 

Located about 120 miles northeast of  Watoga State Park in West Virginia’s eastern panhandle, Lost River State Park is another great option for stargazers. Enjoy the solitude of the park’s more than 3,000 acres of secluded woods while taking in extraordinary views of the night sky.

Just east of Morgantown, West Virginia, Coopers Rock State Forest is known for its incredible overlook of the Cheat River Canyon as well as its rich history, with many of its structures being built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The park is also in the process of building a dozen yet-to-be-completed cabins made for stargazing.

Situated high up in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park, near the town of Davis in Tucker County, offers incredible night-sky-viewing experiences and aims to one day join the list of International Dark Sky Parks. Black Water Falls State Park naturalist and activities coordinator Paulita Cousin says that the Kanawha Astronomical Society has been conducting an annual astronomy weekend at the 2,358-acre park for 35 years, leading to an increase in popularity for stargazing over time. She adds that the park is currently on track to apply for its official certification as a Dark Sky Park through the International Dark Sky Association. 

Visitors can enjoy guided stargazing experiences offered throughout the year, including a Perseid meteor shower watch (a tradition that started in the mid-1990s) every August. They can also obtain a free permit to participate in solo stargazing at the Harold Walters Nature Center or the parking area at Pendleton Point Overlook after the park closes at 10 p.m.

“The people that come here and see our stars are amazed,” Cousin says, “because a lot of [them] are coming from cities and places where they don’t get that opportunity.”

For more information about stargazing sites in West Virginia, visit wvstateparks.com/stargazing. For information about International Dark Sky Parks, visit darksky.org. 

***

Coming Soon: Stargazing Cabins at Coopers Rock State Forest 

Those looking to enjoy a night under the stars without sacrificing the comforts of home will soon be able to do just that with a stay at one of Coopers Rock State Forest’s new stargazing cabins, 12 of which are currently being constructed near the park’s Raven Rock. The two-bedroom, A-frame cabins feature floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights, as well as kitchen, dining and living areas. Each cabin is also equipped with a telescope for a true all-inclusive stargazing experience. There is not yet a targeted completion date for the cabins, so check the West Virginia State Parks website for updates. For more information, visit wvstateparks.com.

***

The Snow Oasis at Heritage Farm

Those who miss the thrill of gliding down pristine ski slopes or slicing through fresh powder during the warmer months will delight in the new experience coming to Huntington’s Heritage Farm Museum & Village, a popular travel spot known for its 19th-century Appalachian village, adventure park and animal experiences. A year-round ski park is scheduled to open in late 2025, bringing a 28,000-square-foot indoor facility and outdoor slopes on the surrounding 50 acres. The new project will be the first combined indoor-outdoor year-round snow park in West Virginia, offering visitors a blend of family-friendly fun and winter recreation. Located between Heritage Farm’s Adventure Park and Mountain Bike Park, the new facility promises to be packed with a wide array of winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing and ice skating, as well as designated snow-play areas for the little ones. For more information about The Snow Oasis at Heritage Farm, visit heritagefarmwv.com.

For more travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters.

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.