West Virginia
Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Take A Super Fun Day Trip Aboard The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Only Found In West Virginia

Experience a scenic train ride through West Virginia with the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, offering stunning views and frequent bald eagle sightings.

Updated Feb 29, 2020

Written by 

Rachel Whetstone

This trip is one for your bucket list, friends. Not only will you be able to take an excursion of a lifetime, but you'll also be witness to a ton of stunning parts of West Virginia throughout the trip. Any train ride through West Virginia is sure to be a delight, but what you'll find on this scenic train ride makes it extra special. Your plans for the best day trip in West Virginia have arrived, and this one the whole family can enjoy together.

You'll start your journey at the historic mansion and farm of Wappocomo.

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Wikimedia Commons/Justin.A.Wilcox

It was home to the influential Parsons family in the late 18th century.

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From here, you'll board the Potomac Eagle train.

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Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad/Facebook

A typical trip goes southbound through "the Trough" to Sycamore Bridge and back.

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Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad/Facebook

The Trough got its name from the steep banks along the South Branch Potomac River.

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Wikimedia Commons/Arun Prakash

As you pass through here, you're very likely to see a bald eagle or two!

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Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad/Facebook

90 percent of the trips on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad have eagle sightings.

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Wikimedia Commons/Yathin S Krishnappa

You can take the shorter three hour trip through The Trough and back, or you can take a longer eight hour excursion to the city of Petersburg.

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South Side Depot/Facebook

The eight hour trip has a layover at the South Side Depot.

The South Side Depot has a quality selection of handcrafted items and gourmet foods made right here in West Virginia.

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South Side Depot/Facebook

You'll also have some time to explore Petersburg before it's time to board the train again.

Have you ever been on The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad before? Share with us your experience in the comments section!

The address for Wappocomo Station is 149 Eagle Drive, Romney, WV 26757. The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad website suggests that Google Maps is the most reliable for directions. Mapquest and many GPS systems are likely to get you lost. Opening Day is usually near the middle of May and the season runs through the end of October. The railroad will begin taking reservations soon. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.

For another great trip in West Virginia by train, take the Heart of West Virginia scenic train ride.

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

Happiness Is A Summer Day Trip To This Little-Known Lake In West Virginia

Published Jun 5, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

For me, a perfect summer day includes two things: mountains and water. Give me a West Virginia creek, a West Virginia river, a West Virginia lake! Perhaps that's why I'm so eager to share with you what I've learned about Charles Fork Lake, a beautiful reservoir located near Spencer, West Virginia. Nestled in the rolling hills of Roane County, this serene lake offers visitors like you and me a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

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The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Anglers will find a variety of fish species in the lake, including walleye, musky, and bass.

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City of Spencer, West Virginia / Facebook

Boaters can explore the calm waters and soak up the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges (only electric trolling motors are permitted on Charles Fork Lake, making this a popular destination for paddlers with their kayaks, paddleboards, and more).

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City of Spencer, West Virginia / Facebook

There's also a picnic area and a campground. All in all, it is the perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day by the water.

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Dede K / TripAdvisor

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are hiking trails around the lake that offer a chance to admire the local flora and fauna.

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Lee Rishel / AllTrails

The Charles Fork Lake Outer Loop Trail, for example, is a moderate seven mile hike that circles the lake. Bird watchers will particularly enjoy the diverse bird species that call the area home.

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Pierce White / AllTrails

Charles Fork Lake also hosts the Tour de Lake mountain bike race and various fishing tournaments each year.

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Prokop Prusek / Google Maps

Whether you're looking for a peaceful fishing spot, a tranquil paddle on the water, or a scenic hike in nature, Charles Fork Lake near Spencer, West Virginia, has something to offer for everyone. So pack a picnic, grab your fishing gear, and head to this hidden gem in West Virginia for a perfect summer day filled with relaxation and outdoor fun. And tell me, what's your favorite way to spend a summer day in Almost Heaven, West Virginia?

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Trip Ideas|Day Trips

You Could Spend Forever Exploring This West Virginia Small Town, But We’ll Settle For A Weekend

Shepherdstown, WV, offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect weekend destination.

Updated Apr 25, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Ann

What would West Virginia be without its small towns? It's nearly impossible to imagine, especially considering that our cities have all the charm and familiarity of small towns. Each offers rich history, cultural significance, and stunning natural wonders just waiting to be explored. Today's feature destination is one that's just begging for a weekend visit: Shepherdstown. For those lucky enough to live in West Virginia, Shepherdstown isn't exactly a hidden gem. Yet for those who have never visited, this small college town promises a beautiful blend of history, natural wonders, and exciting attractions for all ages. So pack your bags -- we're going on a weekend trip to discover all the fun things to do in Shepherdstown, WV!

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Located in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, Shepherdstown is a gorgeous weekend destination with so much to offer in the way of history, culture, arts, food, and outdoor adventures.

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Wikipedia

Shepherdstown is a vibrant college town, home to Shepherd University, which was founded in 1871.

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Shepherdstown, West Virginia / Facebook

If it's your first time visiting the town, we'd recommend a trip to Rumsey Monument Park, a beautiful park overlooking the river.

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Kevin Grove / Google

The famous Rumsey Monument stands in honor of James Rumsey, who pioneered the very first steamboat on the Potomac River.

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Acroterion/Wikimedia

As the oldest town in West Virginia, Shepherdstown is filled with historic buildings and landmarks. A walking tour of downtown is sure to be an enlightening experience.

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Google Maps

Looking for some outdoor adventures? No problem! Harpers Ferry is just 12 miles away, offering all kinds of river and hiking adventures.

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Visit Jefferson County WV / Facebook

Nearby is the famous Appalachian Trail, a 2,000-mile thru-hike connecting Georgia and Maine.

If you're planning to stay for the weekend, be sure to make a reservation at the Bavarian Inn Resort, a German-inspired restaurant and hotel offering breathtaking views of the town.

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Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company / Facebook

Have you ever visited Shepherdstown? What were some of your favorite things to do in Shepherdstown, West Virginia? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below -- we would love to hear from you! And, if you need a place to stay, check out these unique vacation rentals in Shepherdstown, WV.

For related content, check out our list of the most charming small towns to visit in West Virginia. There's something on the list for everyone!

If you love small towns in WV, you may also find this footage of the abandoned town of Thurmond, West Virginia to be quite intriguing!

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