This wild and wonderful state is an underrated gem for family vacations
'Family Travel' is a five-part series showcasing the best experiences and destinations for young families looking for an escape. If you'd like to contribute to our future reporting and share your experience as a source, you can click here to fill out this quick form.
OAK HILL, West Virginia ‒ Extreme sports like whitewater rafting and rock climbing may seem like something best left to adults, but in West Virginia's New River Gorge, outdoor adventure can easily be an activity for the whole family.
Guided excursions can be tailored to everyone's skill level and ability for those who want to go all-out, but there are less-extreme ways to get in touch with nature along one of the world's oldest rivers, too.
Here are just some of the reasons West Virginia should be on your list if you're looking for a family-friendly outdoor vacation.
Is it worth staying off property? What Disney, Universal guests should know.
Affordability and accessibility are two of the big benefits to getting outside in West Virginia.
Hiking and biking trails in state and national parks are free to access for everyone who visits the state, but even for more intense guided excursions, the prices are a good deal. (There is also an entry fee for Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.)
'We're definitely one of the most affordable destinations,' Lindsey Funk, a public relations assistant at West Virginia Department of Tourism told USA TODAY on a recent visit. 'Hiking is probably one of our most family-friendly activities.'
Funk said there are plenty of short hikes, like the Endless Wall trail, which can be done in just a few hours, though guides are available for hire as well.
For more intense activities like whitewater rafting and rock climbing, families may prefer to hire a guide to keep things safe.
'With a lot of those guided trips, like, in the Gorge specifically, you can kind of tailor it,' she said. 'There's a family-friendly option that's more of afloat, and then there's a more intense trip for more experienced people.'
ACE Adventure Resort is one of the guide outfitters, and charges $99 per adult for a full-day guided family trip with rapids up to Class III on the New River. On that excursion, kids ages 6-11 go for free (one per full-fare adult), and youths ages 12 and up are charged $79.99.
Cruise cabin math: When booking two rooms makes more sense than one
For comparison, the Colorado Rafting Company charges $159 per person for a full-day guided excursion on the Colorado River.
Pricier and more intense excursions are also available. Depending on conditions, rapids in some sections of the New River can hit Class IV or higher.
West Virginia is also home to professional circuit bike races and other events, which Funk said attracts spectators and encourages more families to try outdoor activities.
Outdoor adventures in West Virginia are available in many parts of the state, but the New River Gorge is certainly among the biggest draws with the most options for activities.
Charleston, the state capital, is about an hour north of the National Park there, and other cities closer to the park include Fayetteville, Beckley and Hinton.
The closest major airport to the New River Gorge is in Charleston, WV. Amtrak also serves the area, and of course, cruising the country roads is an option as well.
Funk said that families should think about what their lodging priorities are when they book, because there are options at all different price points from traditional tent camping to boutique hotels. Because the Gorge is so accessible from Charleston, staying in the city is a viable option, too.
'The thing would be families to decide what they want their lodging to be like. If they're wanting more of a remote cabin, then staying in in the Gorge is best. Whereas if they want more of these city options, they could stay (in Charleston) and just go to the Gorge for a day trip.'
Funk said that outdoor adventures aren't limited to the warmer weather months in West Virginia, either.
'The seasons is a big thing that we appreciate here and is interesting to a lot of other people that we are a four season destination,' she said. "We have beautiful fall foliage, but then we have ski resorts and snow in the winter, so people can try out a season-specific activity if they want to.'
This story was updated to refresh headlines.
The reporter on this story received access from West Virginia's Department of Tourism. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why W. Virginia is the best-kept gem for affordable family adventures
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
5 minutes ago
- CBS News
How Sacramento's American River Parkway could be impacted by budget cuts
SACRAMENTO — There are concerns about trash troubles growing in Sacramento County parks. This week, the board of supervisors is trying to balance its $8.9 billion budget, and more than a million dollars could be cut from regional park funding. Sacramento County is facing an $18 million general fund deficit, and the parks department is bracing for more than a million and a half dollars in cuts. Many are concerned that these potential cuts could put the American River Parkway in peril. "We're going to see an increase in pollution in the parkway. We're going to see an increase in transient-type behavior, illegal activity," said David Ingram, co-founder of the River City Waterway Alliance. The proposed reductions include eliminating one park maintenance worker, 14 staff who help with park operations and $500,000 for waterway cleanup. "We're hoping with the staff that we have remaining, will be able to mitigate some of that so that our residents don't feel much of the impact of these potential reductions," said county spokesperson Ken Casparis. Ingram said the funding being cut pays for crews to clear debris from Steelhead Creek, which flows through Discovery Park. "Shopping carts and mattresses and tires, really horrible things that are clogging the channel," Ingram said. Much of that debris comes from homeless encampments. "We're definitely going to see an increase in encampments moving back into the parkway with less personnel," Ingram said. "We're making such great progress right now, to try and curb that and curtail that, we just don't think it's the right time," said Lisa Sanchez, co-founder of the River City Waterway Alliance. Sacramento County says there will be no cuts to park rangers and no planned park closures or reduced hours. But parkway supporters say full funding needs to continue to help protect and maintain the scenic stretch of nature. "The American River Parkway is the crown jewel of the Sacramento region," Ingram said. The board of supervisors will begin budget talks on Wednesday and must approve a recommended budget by June 30.
CBS News
8 minutes ago
- CBS News
Voodoo Brewing's North Shore location is closing
Voodoo Brewing has announced the closing of its location on Pittsburgh's North Shore. The company announced the news of the closing on their Facebook page, saying it's been a blast to serve the North Shore for the last nearly three years. What a blast it's been serving the North Shore. After almost three years, we've made the call to close the pub so we... Posted by Voodoo Brewing Co. - Pittsburgh Pub on Sunday, June 1, 2025 Voodoo says they've decided to close the pub so they can focus more on brewing beer and making that beer available throughout the state. "This shift will allow us to improve our production, expand distribution, and support our growing network of franchise locations across the country," Voodoo said. Tuesday night will be the last day of business for Voodoo's North Shore location. "Thank you to everyone who stopped in and supported us on the North Shore and to our staff who made it happen every single day," Voodoo said."If you've been meaning to visit, now's the time. Come raise a glass and help us close things out right," Voodoo said. "It's not good bye, it's I'll see you later."
Washington Post
11 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Buxton drives in 5 as Twins win 10-4 to hand Athletics 7th straight loss and 18th in 19 games
WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Byron Buxton matched his career high with five RBIs and the Minnesota Twins extended the Athletics' losing streak to seven games with a 10-4 victory Monday night. Buxton had a two-run double with two outs in a six-run second inning. He drove in two more with a bases-loaded single in the sixth and added a sacrifice fly in the ninth.
