Why Adventurers Love West Virginia
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, it can sometimes be tempting to think about the adventures over the other side of the country.
The Northwest is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, thanks to the Rocky Mountains. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t East Coast opportunities for adventure too.
In many ways, West Virginia is the ideal spot for adventure travel. It has good airport access and transport links, and it offers a slightly tamer environment to explore than you find in the western US. You don’t have to adorn yourself head to toe in full expedition suit garb. Regular outdoor wear will suffice!
So what’s on offer in the state? Why should you visit? Let’s take a look.
Spend A Few Days In The Backcountry, Hiking The Roaring Plains
If you love hiking, then you’re in a for a treat. Adventurers typically make their way to the Roaring Plains, an elevated plateau that encompasses the Potomac Ranger District.
Generally, people divide the plains into two parts. The western end is a genuine wilderness, designated as such in 2009, and the eastern backcountry – still a wilderness by any definition. Here you and your buddies can get out into nature, breathe the free air, and experience what it is like to be a backpacker, marching through a place virtually untouched by people.
Go Climbing
If you head along the North Fork River, you’ll eventually come to an imposing 900-foot chunk of rock made of Tuscarora quartzite. Here, you’ll find dozens of climbing opportunities for practically any ability level, even if you’re a rank beginner.
The rockface offers both guided climbing tours and training. We’d recommend starting off with the training and then choosing one of the tamer routes up the rock face. Don’t worry; there’s more than 295 to choose from.
River Adventures
The rivers that run through West Virginia are quite spectacular and perfect if you like paddling as fast as you can downstream. The people behind New and Gauley river adventures – a local boat adventure company – suggest choosing an experience that matches your current level of skill.
For some, that’ll mean paddling gently through calm waters, admiring the surroundings. For others, it’ll be tearing down whitewater rapids and holding on for dear life! Most river adventure providers offer all of the amenities that you need, including caravan parking and campsite facilities, if you decide to stay for multiple days.
Biking The Canal
West Virginia has a long and rich industrial history, stretching back to the 18th century. Over the decades, residents build a series of impressive canals to transport goods from the sea to settlements on major rivers, and back again.
Today, the Chesapeake and Ohio canal partially runs through West Virginia. While it is no longer in commercial use, it offers a winding cycle track that gently takes you through the majestic landscape of the area. You’ll find stop-offs and campsites every six to eight miles or so.
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