Posted in West Virginia May 08, 2015 by

Where These 3 Journeys In West Virginia Take You Is Unforgettable

West Virginia is known for its absolutely stunning natural beauty. This state has so much to offer, and you don’t even have to look that far.

Below are just three different journeys that are of the best to take in West Virginia.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1) Cranberry Glades, which is also known as the Glades, are small five bogs in Pocahontas County, West Virginia.
Chris M Morris Flickr
The Monongahela National Forest constructed a half-mile long boardwalk that is alongside some of the bogs.
Angela Flickr
The Glades make up about 750-acres of highly acidic land, so it makes it that it can provide for plants more commonly found at higher latitures. There are cranberries, sphagnum moss, skunk cabbage, and some carnivorous plants.
Kris & Fred Flickr
The Cranberry Glades, which is a National Natural Landmark as of 1974, is a hotspot for tourists. It is absolutely beautiful if you have never been! I just love to visit the Glades and take in all of the beautiful nature.
Kris & Fred Flickr
Due to the land being highly acidic, it is pretty ecologically sensitive. So when you visit the Glades, you aren't allowed to leave the developed paths.
Anthony Edwards Flickr
2) Watoga State Park is the largest of all the state parks in West Virginia!
David Bennett Flickr
Watoga State Park is home to an 11-acre lake that is absolutely jaw-dropping. You can paddle-boat, row-boat, and even take a relaxing fishing trip on the lake.
Watoga State Park has 24 incredible cabins if you aren't feeling like sleeping in a tent. But if you are, there is unlimited amounts of space to pitch the tent and grab a sleeping bag!
bettinche Flickr
My family and I hauled our small camper to Watoga years ago. My sister was only 3 or 4, so she doesn't even remember it. But it is certainly the best vacation that I have ever gone on with my family. One that I will always remember.
Anne Bailey's Lookout Tower has an incredible view that you just can't pass up.
David Bennett Flickr
Pictured above is the view from the Lookout Tower. It has over 10,000 acres of amazing forest and so many things to do, like the most stunning hikes and the prettiest sights to see.
The Greenbrier River runs through Watoga State Park, too, and is something that you won't want to miss.
Carolyn Lehrke Flickr
There are 40 miles of hiking paths in Watoga State Park!
3) Hawks Nest State Park covers roughly 300 acres in Fayette County, West Virginia.
Wigwam Jones Flickr
The Aerial Tramway from the Hawk's Nest lodge to the mariana at the bottom of the New River Gorge is absolutely amazing!
Wigwam Jones Flickr
The clifftop at Hawk's Nest looks over the beautiful New River.
Jen & Elwood Flickr
Hawks Nest has several trails to hike, as well. The Hawks Nest Rail Trail is one of the prettiest ones! You get to see two bridges, waterfalls, and what is left of an old coal mine that operated until the 1920s.
The Hawks Nest Dam and tunnel can be seen clearly from the overlook.
David Clow Flickr
This is something that you really don't want to miss!
The dam was built to provide water for a hydroelectric plant to energize another plant in Alloy, WV.
laserbub Flickr
Near Hawks Nest State Park is the Mystery Hole, which is this wacky little museum where the laws of gravity matter no more.
Jen & Elwood Flickr
The New River Gorge Bridge is near Hawk's Nest State Park, and is absolutely one of the most amazing things to visit while around Hawks Nest State Park.
Walter Ezell Flickr
The New River Gorge Bridge is the second highest bridge east of the Mississippi River.

To me, absolutely nothing in the world is better than jumping into a car with my family or best friends and hitting up West Virginia’s magnificent parks.

I love just grabbing a cooler filled with water and pop and grabbing some sandwiches and just heading out to connect with Mother Nature.

What is your favorite place to road trip to in West Virginia? Comment below!