Visiting Family this Holiday Season? Add One of These West Virginia Adventures to your Itinerary
Almost Heaven is full of epic adventures all year round, especially during the holiday season. What better way to enjoy the holiday season than sledding down the rolling hills or hopping on a snowy train ride?
This winter, reconnect with your long-distance family and add one of these West Virginia adventures to your itinerary.
Sled Run
Take on the hillsides in an old-time sled at Blackwater Falls State Park – before all slots book up! There is no thrill like racing down more than a quarter mile of fresh mountain snow on the sled run at this beautiful state park. The longest on the East Coast, the sled run promises to make wholesome memories. You will have even more time to enjoy the hill because Blackwater Falls has a “Magic Carpet” that pulls you back to the top between runs. Let out your inner child and enjoy the hills and thrills.
Snow Tubing
If you love speed and snow, snow tubing in West Virginia will be right up your alley. Winterplace Ski Resort has West Virginia’s largest snow tubing park, just five miles off I-77 in Ghent. Return to the top of the hill with ease courtesy of two tubing carpet lifts and pick from 14 lanes. Bonus tip: Recruit enough of your family, and you’ll enjoy a discounted rate on your reservation.
Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County is another excellent snow tubing destination. With eight tubing lanes, Coca-Cola Park makes it perfect for you and your family to race down the hill. Book a nighttime Galactic Tubing session and see a neon glow bring life to the glistening snow. Snowshoe’s winter adventures also earned mentions from Garden & Gun. Glide down Canaan Valley Resort State Park‘s 1,200-foot-long tube park for even more fun in Tucker County. Hang onto your hat and enjoy the ride!
Skiing and Snowboarding
No matter your experience level, you’ll pick up skiing and snowboarding quickly in West Virginia. White Grass Ski Touring Center boasts epic cross-country skiing adventures. Explore 30 miles of maintained trails and blaze down the rolling hills with over 1,200 vertical feet available. Coopers Rock State Forest is another cross-country skiing paradise. If you’re a beginner and interested in downhill skiing, Winterplace is perfect for getting started. Timberline Mountain in Davis boasts scenic downhill experiences and has two chairlifts.
Train Getaways
Make your way to an era gone by with a visit to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park this holiday season. Though offering scenic rides year-round, the Christmas Train at Cass is a one-of-a-kind experience. Embrace the historic charm of your adventure with a stay in one of Cass’s Company Houses – offering accommodations for groups of up to 14 visitors.
If you’re looking for a train ride that wins the hearts of all age groups, the North Pole Express at Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is exactly what you have been looking for. On this mission to save Christmas, your family will be whisked away to a different world where beloved holiday characters visit you. Enjoy Mrs. Claus’s famous milk & cookies and sing Christmas carols.
Snowy Hikes
If your family is into hiking, strap on your hiking footwear and explore some of West Virginia’s best trails. The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area protects the largest area of bogs in the state and includes beautiful landscapes. Make your way across the half-mile boardwalk through the bogs and enjoy the breathtaking view of the glades. Discover stunning winter views along the Overlook Rock Trail near Charleston in Kanawha State Forest. This 1.5-mile loop trail features incredible views of the surrounding hills and makes for a fantastic winter adventure. At Pipestem Resort State Park, enjoy a serene hike on the 3-mile loop, Lakeshore Trail. No matter where your feet end up, you’ll love every step of exploring Almost Heaven.
Off-Roading Adventures
Do you love blazing down snow-covered trails on your ATV or UTV? You can ride to your heart’s content across over 1,000 miles in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. This is a paradise for off-roading enthusiasts who want to explore southern West Virginia at a deeper level. 11 trails vary in difficulty, so you and your family will find a trail you’ll love. There are snowmobile-friendly trails as well. You can also take advantage of ATV-friendly lodging near the trails, such as the Blue Goose Inn near the Buffalo Mountain Trailhead and Morrison’s Drive Inn in Logan.
Looking for more family holiday adventures? Find more inspiration in our free West Virginia Vacation Guide!
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