5 unforgettable 1-day adventures in WV
What if we told you it only takes the better part of a day to conquer some of Wild, Wonderful West Virginia’s most amazing adventures?
Lack of time is no longer an excuse! Here are 5 adventures to get you started:
1. How much biking can you pack into a day?
Trek along one of the nation’s most beautiful rail trails. The Greenbrier River Trail is perfect for a full day of riding, sightseeing and even a swim.
The trail is a gem in the West Virginia State Park system with just a 1% grade and almost entirely crush and run surface. The trail takes you through one of the most remote and most beautiful parts of the Mountain State, running adjacent to the Monongahela National Forest, Watoga State Park and Seneca State Forest.
Although some segments of the 70-mile route are currently impassable because of recent washouts, you can park at the trailhead at Caldwell and ride mile marker 3.5 to 6.8 for a short ride, or for a longer journey, start at mile marker 13 by Cass. The rest of the trail from there north is good to go!
There are plenty of places to stop along the trail, but if you’re taking the longer section, explore Cass a little before you head out!
2. Adventure is not limited to the warm months
When temperature drops and the snow falls, it’s the perfect time to spend a day cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at White Grass in Davis. With a smoother pace than downhill skiing, cross-country at White Grass is a wonderful way to experience nature in a real winter wonderland.
With 48 trails across 60 kilometers, there is more than enough terrain to keep your legs moving and lungs burning. First timer? The White Grass Ski School has you covered with equipment and lessons. Your furry friend can even tag along on your day of adventure (on certain trails.)
The place isn’t only known for its trails, though. Stop by the popular on-site organic cafe for a healthy and tasty meal.
3. Capital City
Keeping with the winter theme, try an urban adventure in the capital city of Charleston. Try your hand— or feet!— in 1, 2, or all 3 of the Charleston Winter Series races downtown. There are 3 distances: 5K, 8K and 10K. Dates are spread out across December, January and February, with shorter distances for walkers, so bring everyone out to join in the fun.
(Psst! Reward yourself with some local brews after the race at Taylor Books or Blossom Dairy)
4. NROCKS
For a truly wild,wonderful adventure, venture to NROCKS Outdoor Adventures just down the road from Seneca Rocks in Circleville. While you’re there, climb the via ferrata, a unique form of rock climbing perfect if you want something different and exciting— and you don’t need to be a seasoned climber!
“Via ferrata” is Italian for ‘by way of iron,’ and the Via Ferrata at NROCKS is a mile-long guided climb with fixed anchors along double-fin rocks in the Appalachian mountains. Just be ready for a short hike before taking on the first of several rock faces!
Afterward, treat yourself to a bite at a local secret, The Gateway Restaurant, which whips up homestyle favorites and some legendary pie.
5. Raft the Gauley River
When they named the Gauley the “Beast of the East,” they weren’t kidding. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you think you’re ready, there is no better whitewater adventure in the world during Gauley Season. In just 24 miles, you’ll pound through more than 100 rapids in an all-day Gauley Marathon. The 2016 season runs from Sept. to Oct. 16.
When you’re done, head to “America’s Coolest Small Town” of Fayetteville for a feast of creative dining options and entertainment.
This post was last updated on July 27, 2020