All four staff members at West Virginia Executive (WVE) magazine are native West Virginians who grew up exploring the
hills and hollows of this great state, making priceless memories with our Mountain Mama. A lifetime of outdoor adventures,
scenic overlooks and one-of-a-kind activities with family and friends have inspired a deep-rooted love for getting out and
experiencing Almost Heaven first-hand. Here, our staff shares its favorite Mountain State destinations with the hope our read-
ers will be inspired to get out and make their own memories in wild, wonderful West Virginia.
Melanie
2. Coonskin Park
– Charleston, WV
This is where I learned to fish as a child
and attended countless family reunions.
I will always remember racing on the
paddleboats with my siblings.
3. West Virginia State Penitentiary
– Moundsville, WV
1. Greenbrier River Trail
– Greenbrier/Pocahontas
Counties Day or night, this former house of
horrors provides an eerie tour you will
never forget.
My family once camped along the entire
77-mile trail, biking from campsite to
campsite and completing our last 12 miles
in a canoe. It’s an experience I’ll never
forget. 4. Coal River
– St. Albans, WV
Samantha
5. Hawks Nest State Park
– Ansted, WV
This place has breathtaking panoramic
views. Take a ride on the aerial tramway
for a bird’s eye-view of the New River.
This is one of my favorite places to take
a packed lunch and spend the afternoon
on the water.
The third highest point in West Vir-
ginia, Bald Knob offers gorgeous views
into two states, and the train ride from
Cass Scenic Railroad is a true Mountain
State experience.
running out of the tunnels onto the field
as a member of the “Pride of West Vir-
ginia” Mountaineer Marching Band!
3. Cathedral Falls
– Gauley Bridge, WV
1. The Greenbrier
– White Sulphur Springs, WV
Delicious food, on-site shopping, an in-
finity pool and fascinating West Virginia
history are the perfect combination for
a luxury getaway that is close to home.
2. Bald Knob
– Cass Scenic Railroad State
Park, Pocahontas County
My family and I used to stop at Cathe-
dral Falls on the way home from visiting
my great grandmother. One of the state’s
highest and most scenic waterfalls located
just off Route 60, the natural amphithe-
ater is perfect for picnicking and playing.
4. Mountaineer Field
– Morgantown, WV
Are you even a Mountaineer if you’ve
never been to Milan Puskar Stadium?
There is nothing more exhilarating than
5. Coopers Rock
– Coopers Rock State Forest,
Monongalia County
The main overlook at Coopers Rock
facing the Cheat River is such a peaceful
retreat from the bustling streets of Mor-
gantown. I’ve done everything there from
hiking to celebrating my birthday.
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SUMMER 2018
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