The overlook from the Ann Bailey Tower at Watoga State Park .
Blackwater Falls State Park .
“ Once summer officially started , we spent almost every weekend into late fall at a West Virginia state park . We were able to visit 24 new parks during this time by planning our trips based on an area , checking the proximity of other parks and combining multiple park visits into one trip .”
The next stop along this trip was Watoga , the largest state park in West Virginia . This giant beauty offers hiking , fishing , biking , swimming and camping . We hiked to the Ann Bailey Lookout Tower via the steep Arrowhead Trail . The steep , muscle-aching incline rewarded us with a gorgeous view of the Greenbrier River Valley .
Our final stop on this trip was to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park . The most popular thing to do here is obviously ride the scenic train . Because we were visiting during COVID-19 restrictions , the only train operating had already left for the day . We were still able to have lunch at the general store , visit the artists ’ shops and explore the museum to learn more about the history of the Cass railway . There are original company houses available to rent for overnight stays , and this park is a stop along the Greenbrier River Trail .
On our next trip , we combined parks in Tucker and Hardy counties near the Eastern Panhandle . At Lost River State Park , we hiked the White Oak Trail up to Cranny Crow Overlook on top of the Big Ridge Mountain . Big Ridge overlooks five different counties , including a couple in Virginia . We also
stopped by Blackwater Falls State Park , which offers a boardwalk path down to the 57-foot cascade of amber water . There are several other waterfalls nearby , including Douglas and Elakala falls . Canaan Valley Resort State Park is a neighboring park that has lodging and is a winter sports hotspot .
In the southern part of the state , we combined visiting Pipestem Resort State Park , Bluestone State Park and Camp Creek State Park and Forest . At Pipestem , we stayed at the McKeever Lodge . We hiked , visited the nature center , rode the aerial tram , swam in the adventure lake and got up early to watch the colorful sunrise at the Bolar Lookout Tower . Bluestone State Park is an easy day visit from Pipesteam positioned on the Bluestone National Scenic River . On our way home from Pipestem , we stopped at Brush Creek Falls and Camp Creek State Park . Camp Creek is just minutes off I-77 South unlike many state parks , which are farther from the main roads . Camp Creek has two main waterfalls , Marsh Fork Falls and Campbell Falls , that are easily accessible on foot or by car .
Many parks make a fun day trip from the Charleston area .
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