10 Destinations Everyone In West Virginia Needs to Visit This Summer

Summertime is almost here, and it's the perfect chance to explore the outdoors in the Mountain State. Take a look at these ten ideas to start planning your next adventure.

1. Summersville Lake

This stunning lake has clear water for swimming, a sandy beach for sunbathing, and even boating and scuba diving available. It's a great spot to cool off from the hot sun.

2. Camden Park

This old-fashioned amusement park has been entertaining generations of West Virginians year after year. You'll be glad to make a summer visit a tradition for your family.

3. Hawks Nest State Park

The view from the overlook will make you feel like the world is your own little train set.

4. The Upper Gauley River

Go whitewater rafting down the river with help from the ACE Adventure Resort. West Virginia has some of the best rafting in the country!

5. Valley Falls State Park

Find watefalls, hiking trails, and picnic spots here. It's the perfect oasis on a hot summer day.

6. New River Gorge

You'll never run out of things to do around the New River. Rent a cabin and stay for a while to explore all the possibilities.

7. Spruce Knob

Visit the highest altitude in West Virginia where the air will feel a little bit cooler. If you stay after dark, you'll see one of the darkest night skies in the Eastern United States

8. Austin's Homemade Ice Cream

This little shop in Ceredo has ice cream made from scratch and creative flavor combinations that win the love of the locals and inspire road trips year after year. You have to try their popular grape-pineapple. There's nothing else quite like it!

9. Seneca Caverns

Cool off by going underground. This cave in Pendleton County has some of the most beautiful limestone formations in West Virginia.

10. Oglebay Park

Oglebay Park in Wheeling is a self-supporting public municipal park located in Wheeling, West Virginia. The park totals 1,650 acres and contains historical buildings, golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools, gardens, a nature center, a zoo, and more.

For more fun adventure ideas in West Virginia, take a look at this list of the 10 best day trips you can take in the state.