West Virginia, the Mountain State.
This breathtakingly beautiful state completely took me by surprise. I had only ever driven through West Virginia a handful of times, but never took the time to really explore all that it had to offer. That was until this past week when I had the opportunity to work with the state and go explore America’s Newest National Park; New River Gorge. Read on for more from my partnership exploring West Virginia with the West Virginia Department of Tourism, Visit Southern CVB & New River Gorge CVB.
From epic outdoor adventures, to small town charm with delicious food, to beautiful mountain views, this area has it all. So let me take you through my amazing time in this area!
The first day we got there we had something incredibly exciting planned. A ride in an antique WW2 bi-plane with Wild Blue Adventures. Bill, the pilot, was the most informative, cheerful, and pleasant person I could have hoped to fly with. With a huge smile on his face the whole time his energy was palpable, and I was ready to get into the air! Seeing the area from above, with light filtering through the gorge and mountain layers as far as the eye could see, was something special. I couldn’t believe how stunning it was. And what made this flight even more unforgettable was doing backflips, nose dives, barrel rolls, and all sorts of maneuvers in the plane! I had never done anything quite like that and it was arguably one of the coolest things I have experienced. If, and when, you make it down to this area, I HIGHLY recommend adding this experience to your trip.
After the flight we headed off to Pies and Pints in the adorable town of Fayetteville, just minutes outside of the National Park. Now, in total transparency I was feeling the slightest bit queasy from the flight. However, when I tell you this spot had some of the tastiest, most innovative and unique pizzas that I had ever seen, you better believe me. I wish I could spend a few months in the area purely so that I could try all the different flavors. As we finished up, taste buds in heaven, we finished up with a tasty beer, played some pool, and then headed back to our lodging for the night to settle in, and get ready for our adventure tomorrow.
Onto the next day, doing something that had been on my bucket list for some time now; white water rafting with Adventures on the Gorge. Now, I didn’t really know what to expect being as I had never gone before, and hadn’t ever seen that big of rapids before, and I have to admit I was a tad nervous. Mostly excited, but a little nervous nonetheless. All those nerves went out the window immediately after we went through the first rapids, I was hooked. Our guide Hannah was an absolute badass and the most perfect guide, though I think our whole raft was the best one out there; lots of laughs and smiles the whole day. And man did we luck out with the weather. Blue skies and about 80 degrees, we couldn’t ask for a better day.
After the first couple hours we pulled up to a little cove and had ourselves a lovely lunch. The rafting trip was put on by Adventures on the Gorge and I cannot recommend them enough. Doug, the lead guide, was chock full of jokes and puns and really made it such a fun time. The lunch that was provided was a full spread and was the perfect fuel to get us ready for the next section of the rapids, which was full of class 4 and class 5 rapids… the big ones.
As we headed off after our break, I was so ready to go hit some rapids. Hearing the rapids as we approached them, everyone on the raft getting ready to follow Hannah’s commands, adrenaline pumping… it was such a blast. Hitting the big waves, the yells of excitement, and the pure joy after getting through them. It was truly such an amazing experience. Having the most stunning views of the surrounding gorge and the impressive bridge at the end was so unbelievable. Especially since I just saw the whole area from thousands of feet above the day prior. It was such an unforgettable experience, and left me wanting to get back on a raft as soon as possible.
After the exhilarating rafting trip came to an end, we headed back to the cabin to go relax for a bit and clean up before heading out to go check out Mountain Music Festival in New River Gorge! I was ecstatic to get to check out some live music, being as it had been a bit since I had gotten to see a show. We went on the first day of the festival so it was more of a welcoming night with a couple small performers but the venue was absolutely beautiful. Tucked up into the hills of ACE Adventure Resort it was honestly one of the more beautiful festival grounds I had seen. All the vendors were out setting up shop and the vibes seemed high all around with some fun tunes in the background. I was pretty bummed I had to leave the next day and miss out on all the fun. After we left we headed out for a drive on some good ol’ West Virginia country roads. Now, being from the country myself I have an appreciation for country roads and these ones did not disappoint. With the windows down, music up and sun on our faces, we tried to soak up all that we could. Cruising the curvy roads past farms, through the rolling hills, and in the forests it was such a treat on the eyes, and a perfect way to end a spectacular day.
And unfortunately, as they do, all good things must come to an end. Our last day in West Virginia had come, however, we weren’t leaving before a couple more adventures. A 5:00 am alarm and we headed up to the mountains for a sunrise mission. We headed to the Beauty Mountain trail (thanks for the recommendation Hannah!) and after a short walk through the woods we were rewarded with the. most. stunning. view of the gorge! 180 degree views with some low hanging fog flowing through the valley. With the sounds of the birds all around us and the smell of the fresh mountain air, it really did feel almost like heaven.
After that we headed to the Endless Wall trail for another stunning viewpoint, this one with some gorgeous views of the famous steel arch bridge (that we would later be walking under)! The trail itself was beautiful and not too difficult or long either! It felt so dang good getting out into the woods and being surrounded by so much natural beauty.
Then it was back to the room to pack our things and head out for one last adventure. We stopped at the local general store for a quick breakfast before it was off to a one-of-a-kind bridge walk in Lansing, West Virginia, as you cross the catwalk under the New River Gorge Bridge on a panoramic three-hour adventure with Bridge Walk. As we got harnessed up and headed to the bridge I couldn’t help but think of how many different ways I got to experience this beautiful bridge and gorge. From above in the bi-plane, to below on a raft in the rapids, and now from the iconic bridge itself. It was so fascinating hearing all about the history and all sorts of facts about the construction of the bridge itself. And then just looking down a thousand feet to the gorge below on either side was seriously so incredible, and the perfect adventure to end an amazing trip.
We hit up the Burrito Bar for honestly one of the BEST burritos I have ever had in my life, before hitting the country roads one more time on our way out of this beautiful state. Looking back on it.. I can’t believe I had never explored West Virginia before. It seriously seems like such a hidden gem. And I know for a fact that I’ll be back sooner rather than later.
Ready for your own West Virginia adventure? Head to WVTourism.com to learn more and start planning your trip!
