One of the biggest reasons for visiting West Virginia is its natural beauty. Beyond exploring the state’s communities, families can venture out into the great outdoors for more of the best views of West Virginia’s wild and wonderful terrain.
New River Gorge National Park
At New River Gorge, there is a ton to do and plenty of breathtaking views. This site in southern West Virginia is about five hours to five and a half hours from Annapolis and has some of the best hiking, rock climbing and white water rafting on the East Coast. Most of all, the views of the New River Gorge Bridge have been the subject of postcards since the bridge was constructed in the 1970s. With a lot of good spots for camping nearby, too, New River Gorge is worth the drive because you won’t get stuck without a place to stay. If you’re looking for a classic camping experience, check out campgrounds operated by the National Park Service like Stone Cliff Beach, Thayer, Army Camp or Gauley Tailwaters. Each is first come, first served, so make sure to get there earlier in the day if it’s a weekend! For those who want to avoid the stress of finding an open space, reservations can be made at a number of private campgrounds in the area like Adventures on the Gorge, which has a number of spaces along Mill Creek. Arrowhead Bike Farm is also a great option. The site has a number of cycling accommodations, as well as a restaurant and pub.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls is a great choice for any family that isn’t the most familiar with exploring nature and wants an entry-level excursion. Blackwater Falls State Park is about four hours from Annapolis and its main attraction is Blackwater Falls, named for its naturally tinted water. Views of the waterfall are as easily accessible as the park itself—with a couple of different trails to access the falls, including a trail designed as “gentle” that measures less than a quarter of a mile. In fact, it’s so gentle that it’s wheelchair-accessible! Bring the whole family to Blackwater for a quick and easy scenic getaway. If you do opt to stay overnight, Blackwater Falls Campground is a great choice. Open from late April to the end of October, weather permitting, it has 65 total tent and trailer sites. Each site has electric hookups, and there are bath and shower facilities with hot water in the middle of the campsites, as well as a laundromat and dumping area. All of this makes Blackwater Falls a great option for beginner campers or veterans.
Babcock State Park
There are more than 20 hiking trails and 52 campsites at Babcock State Park, but visitors primarily come for one thing: a view of the Glade Creek Grist Mill. Created in 1976 out of parts of three other West Virginia mills, Glade Creek Grist Mill is a replica of an older mill that was located nearby years ago. Simply put, the views are reminiscent of a painting. Whether you go in the heat of summer or during peak time in fall, the noise of the running water and the sight of the old red wheel may make you feel like you’ve popped into a children’s bedtime fairytale. Not far down the road from New River Gorge National Park, Babcock is different from its larger neighbor, but equally as wonderful. If you want to stay closer to Babcock and avoid the crowds of the larger park, check out the Babcock State Park campground, which features tent sites, RV sites and RV electric hookups.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is a great option for families who want to check multiple boxes. The park has wonderful hiking, picnic areas and playgrounds but is also the site of the Civil War’s last major battle, the Battle of Droop Mountain. With a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, this site is packed with interesting historical facts as well as natural beauty. In fact, there have even been battle reenactments here in the past. Located about five and a half hours from Annapolis, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is nestled in Southern West Virginia and surrounded by plenty of places to camp. While there isn’t camping at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, nearby Watoga State Park has two large campsites, Beaver Creek Campground has 38 sites and Riverside Campground has 50 sites.
Falls of Hills Creek in the Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest is about four and a half hours from Annapolis and has one of the best collections of waterfalls in the Mid-Atlantic. The Hills Creek Scenic Area has access to three spectacular waterfalls, making it the jewel of an already-noteworthy park. The waterfalls measure 25 feet, 45 feet and a towering 63 feet in height and don’t require much effort to access. In addition to these beautiful sights, the fact that the national forest is less traveled than some of the other parks on this list makes it a great choice. If you want to stay a night, or two or three, check out nearby Marlinton Creek and Trail Campground. Bordering the Greenbrier River, Greenbrier River Trail and Knapps Creek, this site has plenty to do and great natural features for any family looking for time to spend outdoors.
