West Virginia is a place where nature lovers and those who simply want to play like a kid might find some delight. There are lots to see and do amid Mother Nature, with over 1,000 named mountains, 35 state parks, nine state forests, and three rail tracks. Here are five big outdoor excursions visitors must undertake on their next vacation to “Wild, Wonderful West Virginia” to assist you to narrow it down.
1. Bridge Walk
The New River Gorge Bridge was erected in 1977, connecting two communities and lowering travel time from a strenuous 40 minutes along a tight mountain road to under 60 seconds. The bridge, however, is not only practical but also gorgeous. The New River Gorge Bridge, with the longest steel span in the western hemisphere and the third-highest bridge in the United States, swiftly became a tourist attraction in its own right, and in 2013 it was included on the National Register of Historic Places as a significant historic resource. Travelers may now take a three-hour guided tour of the bridge’s catwalk to view it in all its splendor. Visitors are secured to the bridge by a safety cable while walking the 3,030-foot length before getting chauffeured back. Visitors have unlimited time and can snap as many images as they like along the route. Individual tickets start at $72.
2. Rock Climbing
West Virginia is known as “The Mountain State” for a reason: it boasts over 4,000 climbing routes suitable for climbers of all skill levels. We’re giving a special shout-out to the newbies because the specialists in the crowd will most likely already know where to go. New River Gorge National Park in the south and Seneca Rocks in the east, according to West Virginia Tourism, are two of the greatest places for newcomers. Both provide unique vistas and courses, but they are also manageable for beginners. To get the most out of your climbs, hire a guide who can assist you in improving your skills in the process.
3. Whitewater Rafting
West Virginia has dozens of named rivers, each with its own set of circumstances appropriate for anyone wishing to test their mettle on the water with some whitewater rafting. While there are a lot of outfitters prepared to take travelers to interesting locations, those wanting the full experience should stick with Adventures on the Gorge in New River Gorge. Family rafting, airborne adventure courses, overnight alternatives, and multi-day rafting with housing at the company’s resort are all available.
4. Falconry
Do you want to be truly one with nature? On a trip to West Virginia, try falconry. Greenbrier Outfitters provides beginner, intermediate, and advanced instruction. Visitors will visit the company’s private bird chambers for the basic class, where they will interact with trained birds such as owls, falcons, and hawks. A flying demonstration, a history lecture on the sport, and learning tactics from their experienced guides are all included in the program.
5. Caving
Not every interesting outdoor event in West Virginia takes place on the ground. Try your hand at caving at the Lost World Caverns in West Virginia for a unique experience. About 120 feet below the Earth’s surface lays the cavern that’s full of intriguing things to see, like stalactites and stalagmites reaching out from every corner. It takes about 45 minutes to go through and is suitable for people of all ages. Guests can either take a self-guided tour or join a guided tour to learn more about what they’re seeing.
