Discover the best top things to do in , United States including Beartown State Park, Watoga State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Green Bank Observatory, Cranberry Mountain Nature Center, Highland Scenic Highway, Shavers Lake & Lift Rides, Snowshoe Mountain Resort, Village at Snowshoe, Snowshoe Mountain Tubing Park.
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5.0 based on 110 reviews
Beartown State Park is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia. The name Beartown was chosen because local residents claimed that the many cave-like openings in the rocks made ideal winter dens for the black bears of the area. Also, the many deep, narrow crevasses were formed in a somewhat regular criss-cross pattern and appear from above like the streets of a small town. Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.The land was purchased in 1970 with funds from the Nature Conservancy and a donation from Mrs. Edwin G. Polan, in memory of her son, Ronald Keith Neal, who lost his life in the Vietnam War. Development of the park has been minimal in order to preserve the natural attractions of the area. However, basic facilities are provided, and a boardwalk permits easy access. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk guide visitors and provide insights concerning the ecology of the area. The park is open daily from April to October. During the closed winter season foot travel to the boardwalk area is welcome, with parking available at the closed entrance gate. Group tours may be arranged by contacting the Superintendent at nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. No fee is charged to visit Beartown.
I had no idea what to expect from this park when I put it on my list of things to visit in WV, and was amazed! The sandstone rock formations are some of the most unusual and unique geological structures I have ever seen. To protect the flora and the stones, the path is via raised wooden walkway. There are loads of stairs and at one point I felt like I was in an Escher painting. It's not a long hike, and the stairs are rarely more than 6 in a row, so unless you just cannot navigate stairs at all you shouldn't have any problems. Highly recommend this hidden gem!
4.5 based on 81 reviews
Located in the mountains of Pocahontas County, Watoga State Park is West Virginia’s largest state park. With 10,100 acres of land, Watoga is filled with many recreational activities including hiking, swimming, fishing and boating. Watoga Lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities and is part of the Division of Natural Resources' stocking program. A multipurpose building, museum and observation tower are just a few of the unique attractions at Watoga State Park.
We wanted something different than our usual family camping spot and this ended up being perfect. We stayed at the river side campground for a long weekend and it was great.
4.5 based on 66 reviews
Located in the Greenbrier River Valley north of Lewisburg, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links more than 300 historical sites in 16 states. Dedicated in 1928 as West Virginia’s first state park, Droop Mountain is known for its reenactments of the Battle of Droop Mountain, the last major American Civil War conflict in West Virginia. Reenactments occur in October of even-numbered years. The park also provides hiking trails, picnic shelters and play areas for use any time of the year.
Droop mountain is a well very well kept historical park which is worth the drive. We went with our young boys 7 & 10 and our 2 dogs. The boys gained some great knowledge of the Civil War and enjoyed hiking around where the History took place. The lookout tower was a great climb for them as well. Unfortunately the museum was closed when we went but we would definitely like to return again some day.
4.5 based on 273 reviews
The Science Center remains temporarily closed for COVID 19 restrictions (see greenbankobservatory.org for updates). However our grounds are open for walking tours, docent activities, and seated presentations. See our website for complete schedules and updates.
This is currently the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. This is NOT an optical telescope that you would LOOK through visually. This is a radio telescope. A radio telescope RECEIVES radio waves from various distant celestial sources. A very complex science indeed. It is near the tiny village of Green Bank, W.V. About 20 miles east of Snowshoe ski resort. VERY ISOLATED (on purpose). The drive from just about any direction is worth the trip. Just a gorgeous part of W.V. Warning: Roads are well maintained but VERY winding and significant changes in elevation. My GPS went anywhere from 1000 ft above sea level to 3800 ft! Fun drive though. The best time to go is of course during the peak of fall foliage. There are around 14 different radio telescopes on site (which has been around since the late 1950's) with I believe about half of which are currently operating. The highlight, of course is the GBT or Robert C. Byrd radio telescope.(Operating since about the year 2000). Even from a distance it is truly awe-inspiring! It does help if you have interest in the cosmos and question whether we "are alone". WE ARE NOT! I am sure of this. Great photos can be taken of the GBT from a viewing platform, where digital cameras ARE allowed. Medium to long telephoto lens does help though. (Digital cameras are not allowed on the tour that takes you up close (real close) to the GBT. Only disposable film cameras are permitted on this tour.(Digital cameras or even film cameras with ANY electronic components emit RF signals.That was news to me! You REALLY get a true gauge of just how big the GBT is on the tour to the base of the scope. INCREDIBLE. One interesting fact about the sensitivity of the GBT: From their website "If you were to take your cell phone to Mars, its energy as seen here on earth would be much, much greater than the energies frequently measured by the GBT." Think about that! They said they have measured unbelievably faint "signals" from the very edge of the known universe! Try and wrap your head around that! Nearby (5mi.) is the town of Cass. Great little town with the Cass Scenic Railroad with train engines from 1901 that take you on very scenic trips. Well worth a stop also. About 40 mi. north east of Cass is the Seneca Caverns. A must see!! One of the best caves I have been to. Incredible formations inside. And last, about 8 mi north of the caverns is Seneca Rocks formation. Another must see! A scaled down version a little like Yosemite. Climbers come from all parts of the country come to climb the sheer cliffs. Great photo op also. Have fun.
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center has many interesting features that appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The exhibit hall features many interactive displays which are both educational and entertaining to young and old alike. The auditorium offers short films on request on topics, such as Smokey Bear Story, Jewels of the Monongahela, Cranberry Glades, wildflowers, and many others. The nature center is host to several popular events during the open season. Kids Night activities include live snake shows, educational programs, magic shows, wildlife presentations, games and visits by Smokey Bear.
4.5 based on 112 reviews
The Highland Scenic Highway is a beautiful corridor through Monongahela National Forest. This designated National Scenic Byway extends 43 miles from Richwood to US Route 219, north of Marlinton, WV. It has four developed scenic overlooks. Each site provides a comfortable rest stop, with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Highway traverses the mountainous terrain of the Allegheny Highlands and Plateau, and rises from Richwood, elevation 2,325 feet, to over 4,500 feet along the Parkway. The Highway is a paved two-lane road, designated as State Routes 39 and 150. Rt. 150 is a 23-mile Parkway section that is not maintained in the winter. Travel is discouraged on Rt. 150 between November and March, sometimes April.
This road is awesome for Motorcycling if you can keep your eyes on the road. The several overlooks are magnets for picture taking and leaf watching. Definitely worth the trip.
4.5 based on 29 reviews
My 16 years old son and I walked the trail around the lake. It’s scenic and I stopped several times to take in the beauty. It’s about 1.5 mile. I’d recommend to wear good hiking shoes.
4.0 based on 745 reviews
Start with an 11,000 acre playground serving up the best of the mountains, however you like it. Your days here are like having dessert first. Our Village is situated atop the mountain and gives you access to spa-ing, shopping and even dancing. It all feels better at 4,848 feet.
On an impulse decision, I decided to pack up the car and make the 6-hour drive from Cincinnati to Snowshoe to fit in 2 last days of skiing before the season came to a close. I learned to ski in Colorado and was curious to see what skiing in the East was about. Overall, I was really impressed and will be returning next year. I started off the day on the front of the mountain, which was fine, but it got a little crowded and had long lift lines. The lines were better at Soaring Eagle and I was able to enjoy myself a bit more. The real fun started at Western Territory - I enjoy harder blue or black groomers and the Western Territory was perfect for me. At times I could have thought I was in Colorado and found the skiing to be far better than anything I would imagine within a half-day's drive of Ohio. The Western Territory was even better in the morning, with fresh groomed snow and virtually no lift lines. I didn't find the night skiing at Silver Creek to be very enjoyable with long lines and poor snow conditions by the end of the day. I didn't mind leaving earlier than intended though since I was staying in Marlinton and had a little bit of a drive. Didn't detract from the experience too much as I had a great time in the Western Territory but just sharing for those thinking about night skiing or Silver Creek. I will definitely be back - for the many people like me who are within a 6h drive (OH, PA, VA, DC, NC) - this is a great option to get some quality skiing in and truly feel like you are at a ski destination (the village is substantial). It doesn't 100% replace going out west - but is a lot easier to pull off for a quick weekend trip and worth the time.
4.0 based on 127 reviews
Located atop Cheat Mountain, this resort village features many resort amenities including hotels and a plaza filled with shops and restaurants.
Great east coast ski option during Covid when so many places don't have capacity or don't allow out of staters. Large enough resort with plenty of trails for all skill levels & good terrain park options. Village is well marked so easy to find everything. Mostly takeout options for dining so plan ahead and bring food. We stayed slopeside at Expedition Station and although the condo was small cannot beat how easy ski-in/ski-out was during the stay. Split rock pools had controlled capacity however what a fun place to take dip outside in the snow!
4.0 based on 97 reviews
Awesome! I was hesitant because I have had scary experiences in other states, but this was great. My five year old and myself had a blast. The staff are friendly and will help if needed. If you don't know what to do, stand back and watch for a minute or two and it should make sense. We will definitely be doing this again next year. Tons of fun!
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