Sittin’ pretty: the most relaxing birds-eye beauty

Prepare to be swept away by beauty as you glide down West Virginia’s mountainsides.

Overlook captivating landscapes on some of our state’s scenic trams and chairlifts:

1. Snowshoe Mountain lift

At Snowshoe Mountain, you can take the Ballhooter Lift from the top of the mountain down to Shavers Lake and spend the day relaxing on the beach, or exploring the water by paddleboat, canoe, kayak or the ever-popular stand-up paddleboard. Out in the water, kids will have a blast playing on the inflatable challenge course!

2. Pipestem tramway

Where can you stay in a lodge along the banks of a stunning river, so peacefully secluded that it’s only accessible by aerial tramway? Right here in good ol’ WV at Pipestem Resort State Park!

Open during peak scenery, spring through fall, the 3,410-foot-long tram reaches elevations of up to 2,639 feet while swooping you down to the Mountain Creek Lodge and Restaurant.

Couple riding an aerial tram, Hawks Nest State Park, West Virginia

3.Hawks Nest tramway

The newly revamped aerial tramway at Hawks Nest State Park will take you down into the New River Gorge, where you can board a New River Jetboat and head upstream for a unique and breathtaking view of the New River Gorge Bridge.

4.Canaan Valley chairlift

For unprecedented views of the Appalachian Mountains’ enchanting fall foliage, hop aboard the chairlift at Canaan Valley Resort State Park! Be sure to bring a camera and some closed-toed shoes, because once you’re at the top, you can ride the lift back, or hike 2 miles to enjoy the scenery up-close-and-personal.

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This post was last updated on March 16, 2022