These 5 Charming Mountain Towns Will Leave You Craving Appalachian Adventure

The epicenter of Mountaineer Country, Morgantown boasts plenty of wintery adventures. To get fueled up for your adventure, head to Terra Cafe for made-from-scratch pastries, sandwiches, soups, salads and much more. Make the short 15-minute drive to Coopers Rock State Forest and be greeted by thick forests, as well as a scenic overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the Cheat River Gorge and the surrounding mountains. You will also find an Almost Heaven swing along the stone pathway, which is a perfect spot to take your #AlmostHeaven selfie.
 
For dinner, grab a bite at Iron Horse Tavern on High Street and then get cozy in your Mountain Creek Cabin – situated just outside of Coopers Rock State Forest.

Tucker County is full of seasonal gems, and Davis has a lot to offer. If you’re an outdoor lover, Lindy Point Overlook boasts a stunning view of the Blackwater River and is only a 0.7-mile hike. The 2-mile Bald Knob trail near Canaan Valley Resort State Park is also a great hike.

From snowfall to waterfall, Blackwater Falls in Davis is worth a look with its rugged beauty and 57-foot drop. The “black” water really stands out when there is snow as tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles give the cascades its “black” appearance.

Explorer Tips:

1) Get your #AlmostHeaven Swing selfie taken at the Almost Heaven Swing near Blackwater Falls!

2) Check into Blackwater Falls on the West Virginia Waterfall Trail for a chance to win waterfall-themed prizes!

Fayetteville is a small town that has a lot packed into it. Warm yourself up with a hearty breakfast and a cup of joe at Wood Iron Eatery or Cathedral Cafe, an old church-turned cafe. Enjoy shopping for vintage goods at the Hobbit Hole and West Virginia outdoor wear at Water Stone Outdoors.

Fayetteville is minutes away from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, one of America’s newest national parks. Here you can view the New River Gorge Bridge, which spans more than 3,000 feet in length and stands at 876 feet above the New River.

Princeton lives up to its nickname the “Heart of Mercer County” with its rich history and blend of modern amenities. The downtown area is easy to fall in love with, thanks to Mercer Street Grassroots District. Warm yourself up with an espresso, coffee, tea and much more from Wild Roots Coffee House. You can also grab lunch or dinner at Jimmies Restaurant, which has been serving up American-style food for over a century.

If you’re feeling the sting of boredom, check out all that Blue Ridge Bee Company has to offer. Even if you’re not into beekeeping, you’ll be intrigued by the equipment and pleasantly surprised by the selection of honey, country goods and much more. If you’d like to hop into a time machine, look no further than 80s Toys of Princeton, which sells vintage collector’s toys and much more.

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The second-highest point of elevation in West Virginia at 4,848 feet, Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County boasts unique mountaintop views and a wide variety of winter activities. For a magical winter experience, hop on a sleigh ride or horse-drawn carriage with Autumn Breeze Stables.

If you love winter sports, Snowshoe has you covered for world-class skiing. The Basin area has 37 trails, an 800-foot vertical drop, two Mountaineer Terrain Parks and seven lifts. Seasoned skiers especially enjoy Widowmaker, Knot Bumper and Choker. Skipjack and Gandy Dancer are perfect intermediate trails. If you’re looking for an adventure that’s easier on your body, Coca-Cola Tube Park will wow you with its six-story, eight-lane tube park.

For dinner, head to the village and sink your teeth into a few slices of pizza at Cheat Mountain Pizza or grab a sandwich at the Junction Ale House. To extend your mountaintop cooldown, choose from a wide array of overnight options, including the Mountain Lodge, log townhome rentals at Loggers Run, Village Central and others that boast peaceful views.