Whitewater Raft, Hike and Kayak In West Virginia
Rafting, Camping, Mountain Biking and Golfing in Southern WV
Apr 9, 2009
Whatever your sport, Southern West Virginia offers excitement, challenge, learning and fun while enjoying some of the most breathtaking beauty in the country.
Skiing At Winterplace
Winterplace Ski Resort offers excellent skiing, the largest tubing park in the state, and challenging snowboarding. Rentals and lessons are available and the trails are lighted for night skiing. Located between Beckley and Princeton with easy access off Interstate 77..
West Virginia Mountain Biking Trails
Seasoned mountain bikers will love the challenging trails, winding along river beds and over country roads. If you are new to mountain biking, look for trails that are more level and remember never to bike alone.
New River Gorge National Park
The National Park Service administers the New River Gorge National Park, established to protect 53-miles of the New River as a free-flowing waterway. The rugged white water river flows northward through deep canyons and is among the oldest rivers on the continent.
The Canyon Ridge Visitors Center is located near the New River Gorge Bridge and trails provide a view of this amazing structure. The bridge is the largest steel arch span in the western hemisphere. Visitors also get a view of history through the displays and movies at the visitor center.
Whitewater Raft on the Gauley River and New River
Southern West Virginia is known for its whitewater rafting. The New River and Gauley Rivers provide exciting and challenging adventure amid breathtaking beauty. The rapids range from Class III to Class V.
Rafting companies offer half and full day trips for different skill levels. Overnight trips combine camping with rafting for a truly unique experience. Some trips are suitable for older children but check with your rafting company to decided the best trip for your family. Make your reservations in advance to get the dates you want as popular trip and times fill up fast.
West Virginia State Parks with Cabins, Camp Grounds, Golf, Horseback Riding
After a day of adventure, relax at a mountain lodge, enjoy a tasty lunch or dinner, or spend a night in a rustic cabin or camp grounds at one of the area state parks. Several of the parks have excellent golfing over mountain terrain or horseback riding along leisurely trails. Popular parks are Pipestem State Park, Babcock State Park, and Twin Falls State Park. Not all parks offer all activities so check before you go.
Kayaking and Canoeing on West Virginia Rivers
Kayaking is very popular on Southern West Virginia rivers and provides some of the most exciting kayaking anywhere. The Upper and Lower New River and the Gauley River offer exciting white water kayaking which run through rugged mountainous terrain. Canoeing is also a popular sport and there are ample opportunities to enjoy this. Lessons, information, and guided trips are available through local outfitters and rafting companies.
Southern West Virginia is easily accessible by Amtrak and Interstates 77 and 64.
There are several Amtrak stations in Southern West Virginia so check their schedules. Charleston and Beckley both have airports which serve the area. Interstates 77 and 64 both run through the southern part of the state.
Winter or summer, spring or fall, the scenery changes but the opportunities for outdoor adventures just rotate to a different level. Pack your gear, or plan to rent the equipment you need, and enjoy the beauty and adventure that West Virginia offers.
Another Great Family Vacation To Check Out
Pipestem West Virginia State Park
Visit Tybee Island for a Great Family Vacation on the Georgia Coast
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