West Virginia Outdoor Activities
A land of pristine natural beauty and breathtaking landscapes, West Virginia is a Mecca for mountain bikers, hikers, rafters, kayakers, rock climbers, anglers and nature lovers who flock to mountain majesties, rushing rivers, beautiful lakes and wild, scenic trails. The rolling hills, state parks, virgin hardwood forests - virtually untouched by mankind - gorgeous countryside and open farmland of this breathtaking Mountain State provide endless outdoor adventures and recreational activities. Ride the whitewater between sheer sandstone cliffs, or paddle on a serene lake. Bike meandering country roads, river-winding rail trails, and steep mountainsides. Explore thousands of acres of state parks and national forests, where sparkling skies, miles of trails and unspoiled splendors - from breathtaking mountain vistas to peaceful glades of rhododendron - captivate your senses. [
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West Virginia Mountain Biking
Rated one of the top 5 mountain biking destinations in the country by Mountain Biking Magazine, West Virginia offers hundreds of awesome off-road mountain biking trails, rolling terrain, beautiful landscapes, majestic mountains, hardwood forests and exciting biking events. Full of beauty and challenge, New River Gorge National River offers 52 miles of amazing mountain biking trails - single-track, double-track and scenic roads - through mountains, forests, streams and colorful wildflowers. One of the largest hardwood forests in the world, Monongahela National Forest features hundreds of miles of connected trails with elevations up to 4,500 feet, including Props Run - the ultimate 8-mile downhill with a 1,900 foot drop. Trek through Snowshoe Resort's 125 miles of marked biking trails, and Bear Pen Loop's 13.4 miles of moderate track and roads with rocky hills and large mud holes. Other West Virginia mountain bike areas include: Kanawha State Forrest, William''s River, Elk Mountain, Tea Creek Mountain, Big Bear Lake, Big Mountain, Coppers Rock, Greenbrier River Trail, Hurricane Ridge MTB area, Kennison Mountain Trail, and Park. Blessed with amazing mountain bike trails, the West Virginia State Parks have Bike the Parks Days that give bikers the freedom to roam. [
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West Virginia White Water Rafting & Kayaking
Discover white water adventures on the rushing rivers, explosive rapids and rippling streams in West Virginia. Powerful whitewater flows through mountain scenery, long gorges and historic towns. Whether you crave high-intensity white water rush or a relaxing float, West Virginia offers a diversity of river experiences that let you savor the natural beauty. Breathe mountain air and paddle the most challenging rivers in the country - New River and Gauley River. One of the top five rivers in the world for whitewater adventure, Gauley River descends 650 feet in 24 miles, and offers a tremendous rush of whitewater, Class IV and V rapids, narrow chutes and jaw-dropping scenery. The longest river on the East Coast, New River flows for 53 miles through deep canyons and the New River Gorge - Grand Canyon of the East. Enjoy thunderous whitewater and relaxing floats through narrow gorges, huge holes, roller coaster waves and jagged rocks.
One of the ten top rafting and kayaking rivers in the world, Lower New offers powerful Class IV and V rapids. The Cheat River offers highly technical Class IV and V rapids through a wilderness canyon. With a succession of giant drops, narrow chutes and waterfalls, Lower Meadow River offers the most challenging kayaking in the country. Meadow River, with a series of falls, Potomac River, Shenandoah River, Tygart River, Bluestone River, and Big Sandy Creek are also favorite waters for kayaking, canoeing, and floating in West Virginia. [
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West Virginia Skiing
West Virginia is a winter wonderland of amazing ski resorts, diverse terrain, snow-capped mountains, stunning scenery and long seasons for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Whether you crave vertical, black-diamond slopes, x-country trails or halfpipes, West Virginia offers awesome trails and majestic mountains at five exciting ski resorts - Snowshoe Mountain, Canaan Valley, Timberline Four Seasons Resort, Winterplace, and Oglebay Resort. Daredevils enjoy extreme terrain parks at Winterplace, Timberline and Snowshoe, with exciting obstacles for stunts and tricks. Nordic skiers discover miles of snowy trails through pastures and woodlands, and pristine mountain scenery at Canaan Valley, Timberline, Snowshoe, and Blackwater Falls State Park. Trek through the wilderness on snow-blanketed cross-country and snowshoeing trails at Elk River Touring Center, Blackwater Outdoor Adventures and White Grass Ski Touring Center. From exhilarating skiing and ice skating to sleigh rides and winter festivals, West Virginia is white, wild, and wonderful. [
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West Virginia Fishing & Boating
Whether casting your fishing lines or chasing the wind, West Virginia boasts spectacular state parks, beautiful rivers, clear lakes and flowing streams for boating, fishing, sailing and water sports. Boat, fish or canoe through breathtaking mountains and miles of scenic shoreline on the Potomac River - one of the best fishing rivers in the East - Bluestone River, Greenbrier River, James River, New River, Jackson River, and Twin Rivers, where the bass, bluegill, bowfin, buffalo, carp, and more are biting.
West Virginia's state parks also abound with excellent fishing, angling and boating experiences. Popular fishing destinations include Babcock State Park, which includes the 19-acre Boley Lake, Beech Fork State Park, known for largemouth, striped bass, catfish, walleye, saugeye and bluegill, Black Water State Park, and Bluestone Lake, the state''s third largest body of water. Canaan Valley Resort State Park is renowned around the world for its trout and fly-fishing, as are many of West Virginia's State parks. [
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West Virginia Rock Climbing & Caving
Blessed with towering mountains, soaring rock cliffs and deep gorges, West Virginia is a rock climber's heaven and considered one of the top climbing destinations in the East. Thousands of rock climbing areas, including Seneca Rocks and the New River Gorge, feature challenging climbs, stunning scenery and several outfitters. Climb the "endless wall" to experience breathtaking views of the New River Gorge - one of the most cherished rock climbing destinations in the US. Climb the towering 1,000 foot sheer sandstone face of Seneca Rocks and savor breathtaking vistas of the Potomac Highlands. Discover other awesome climbs at Cooper's Rock - overlooking the Cheat River Gorge - and Summersville Lake, where the 100-foot sandstone rock faces drop vertically into West Virginia''s second-largest lake
Discover West Virginia's immense beauty below the surface with one of the subterranean adventures found in the state's amazing limestone caves and underground attractions found by the Allegheny Mountains. West Virginia''s large limestone caverns, such as Lost World Caverns, Organ Cave, Smoke Hole Caverns and Seneca Caverns, will amaze and challenge. Many West Virginia outfitters can help you plan your next caving adventure. [
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Hiking, Horseback Riding & Backpacking
West Virginia's beautiful and diverse terrain is laced with miles of hiking, backpacking and equestrian trails. From historic rail trails such as the Greenbrier River Trail - which offers 80 miles of well-marked hiking and biking paths - and North Bend to the scenic trails in state parks and forests, West Virginia is packed with incredible hiking and backpacking destinations. Traverse the backcountry woodlands within the Monongahela National Forest, which offers incredible hiking trails through pristine landscapes. One of the oldest and most scenic routes in country, Midland Trail offers a delightful 119-mile journey across south central West Virginia. Hike the popular Appalachian Trail in the Eastern Panhandle, or the Allegheny Trail, winding over 300 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line to the Appalachian Trail in southern West Virginia.
Watoga State Park's 10,100 acres are filled with a multitude of scenic hiking and horseback riding trails. Whether you experience the grandeur of West Virginia on heel or horseback, you'll discover breathtaking views and unforgettable journeys throughout the Mountain State. Many of the state parks and forests offer horse stables and scenic trail rides. [
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West Virginia Wildlife Viewing & Hunting
West Virginia is a natural playground for wildlife viewing and hunting. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Charleston, Kanawha State Forest offers excellent outdoor recreation and discovery. The wooded hills of Beech Fork State Park, East Lynn Lake, Cabwaylingo State Forest and Chief Logan State Park offer wild lands for gaming and gazing at the diverse wildlife and panoramas. McClintic Wildlife Station, Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area and Chief Cornstalk WMA reward hunters and birdwatchers with hundreds of migratory birds and wild game, including whitetail deer, squirrel, grouse and wild turkey. [
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 | Our Hotels in West Virginia | 1-800-272-6232 |  |
From Morgantown in Mountaineer Country to Charleston in the Central Valley, Ramada Hotels of West Virginia offer comfort, contemporary lodging just beyond the roads less traveled. Whether you escape for a white water adventure on the New River, rock climbing Seneca Rocks or biking through Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia offers the ultimate outdoor excitement. After you explore our state parks, rivers, lakes and mountains, relax and enjoy a restful night's sleep at one of our stylish Ramada Hotels of West Virginia, where warm hospitality and exceptional service are always natural.
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