Photo by Braxton County CVB .
Things to Do
Let ’ s go swimming . There ’ s nothing quite as refreshing as taking a quick dip to cool off on a hot summer ’ s day . Adults , families and kids at heart will have a hard time choosing from the abundance of natural swim spots in Almost Heaven . Bask under a waterfall or jump into a swimming hole in Shupe ’ s Chute at Holly River State Park , dip your toes in the water while you work on your tan at Beech Fork Lake or spend the day at Ace Adventure Resort ’ s waterpark in Oak Hill , WV .
Paddleboarding is a fun and versatile water sport and has become increasingly popular for people of all ages . You can stand , kneel or lie down on a board while using a paddle to move through the water . It ’ s a great way to enjoy the outdoors , exercise your whole body and improve your balance and coordination . Your kids and dogs can enjoy it too .
Canoeing , kayaking and rafting are some other ways to get out on the water solo or with friends . Paddle through the heart of Mountaineer Country on the Monongahela River to do a little fishing , birdwatching or sightseeing in this northflowing river . Travel along the Tug Fork River and imagine how the historic Hatfield-McCoy battles played out .
Take the Plunge
The hardest part of planning your next trip may be choosing from the many adventure groups throughout West Virginia — and many are open year-round .
Want to escape the bustle of the big city ? River Riders Inc . in Harpers Ferry , WV , is only an hour from the D . C . and Baltimore area . Originally started as a whitewater guide service , it has now expanded to include tubing , aerial forest adventure parks , kayaking , canoeing , mountain biking , snowtubing and fishing adventures .
There ’ s more than whitewater rafting at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve . Adventures on the Gorge offers zipline canopy tours , an aerial obstacle course , float fishing trips , kayaking and more . There ’ s so much adventure to be found for kids and kids at heart . Whether you ’ re looking for an adrenaline rush , a relaxing escape or anything in between , it ’ s all right here .
Boating is an amazing way to get out on the water and explore the Mountain State . Enjoy a relaxing day on Bluestone Lake on a pontoon with family and friends , slowly cruising the water or stopping for a swim . Rent a houseboat on Sutton Lake for a weekend and watch the stars from your own bed .
If you have the need for speed , take a motorboat out and go waterskiing , wakeboarding or tubing . You can also rent a jet ski and travel the Cheat River Water Trail , known as Northern West Virginia ’ s Aquatic Playground .
Photo by YakFest .
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