Not sure why you dug up this old post, but I feel compelled to answer since I've spent several vacatiosn in West virginia. Forget the cities, that is not what people go to West VA. for. West Virginia has some of the best hiking in the east. Blackwater Falls trails are incredible, esp. when the wild rhodedendrons are blooming - most of the park is lush with them. Dolly Sods Wilderness area ranks right up there in my book. We hike all over the U.S. and West VA is 4 star in that area. And cross country skiing in winter is also excellent. Also biking. You go to West VA for the great outdoors.

Many people from the Baltimore/DC metro area have weekend homes in the WV panhandle area. It is a beautiful area and a great place to enjoy nature.

Flamingomonkey, with a name like yours I can see why you can't quite figure out a reason to go to West, By God, Virginia.

Thank You :)

If some one cannot find something to do or see in West Virginia, they are either not looking or are only interested in glitz. I could keep folks busy in WV for a month without even doing any hard thinking .

Wow, this is from July 26th, 1998..
How cool is that!

emd
Tell me more about Blackwater Falls. Sounds as if Spring would be a good time to go. Where do you stay? Are the trails fairly flat or really hilly? I have bad knees so steps and the like are hard for me. We hiked Hocking Hills this past weekend and I know I can't go back. It was too hard on my knees and if I didn't have DH to hold on to, I could not have made it.

I actually purchased a vacation property in WV. The skiing is great! The mountains are beautiful! It is nice to just go there and relax.

So, yes some of us go there to just soak up the beauty surrounding us :)
Of course, the outdoor sports draw us too. :)

I went to Charleston, WV and had a very nice time in June.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34824989

cd: We have stayed in rental houses in the Timberline area, which you can rent for 3-4 days (you don't have to stay a week). We have gone twice over Memorial day weekends, which is an excellent time, as is all of summer. We've also gone in April and June. It is nice and cool up there in summer and not humid.

Blackwater Falls State Park also has a nice lodge, and also has 26 separate cabins, and a nice new indoor pool. You might enjoy staying in the lodge if it is harder for you to get around. I think it would be nice to stay right in the park, although we have not done that. We have, however, stayed in the rustic cabins at Canaan Valley State park, about 15 min. away from Blackwater, also a lovely park w/lots of deer but not as pretty and nice for hiking as Blackwater.

There are so many trails at Blackwater. Some are more challenging than others. I think you should call them and talk to the people at the park about whether there are trails suitable for you, because the trails we choose to hike are more moderate to strenuous level. However, I believe there are easier trails.

Nice virtual tour of the park and facilities and lodging on the website at:
http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/

CD,
Blackwater Falls State Park is part of what is called Canaan Valley.

There are a few pretty flat trails in the Canaan Valley area. Most may be too hilly for you because of your knees, but some are suitable. Also, there are a lot of beautiful sights you can get to without having to hike to them.

Since this thread is so old and so long, I am posting a new thread with information for you on places to stay and things to do. Look for the thread titled “West Virginia Canaan Valley”.

Thanks emd! The Lodge suites look inviting. I will be looking into this for the spring. We love wildlife and beautiful scenery. I would prefer the cabins, however, no tv. We are so spoiled!

indy
Enjoyed your post on Charleston!