With the sun coming out and the weather getting warmer, now is the perfect time to plan for outdoor activities with your friends and family. From canoeing to mountain biking to scenic rides, there’s just so much to choose from. This makes finding the right experiences challenging, especially if you don’t know where to look.
Fortunately for you, West Virginia is home to several outdoor attractions and activities that are fun for the whole family. To get you started, we’ve planned the perfect itinerary for your weekend. So come see what we have in store for your getaway!
Check-In at South Branch Inn
Friday | 7pm
Let’s start by checking into a cozy little hotel, the South Branch Inn. At the South Branch Inn, you’ll get to take advantage of the hometown hospitality and peaceful surroundings during your stay. You’ll have free access to the exercise room, guest laundry, and even a free movie ticket and bowling pass for your night in! You’ll be treated like royalty, so check-in, check out that movie and bowling lane, and get a good night’s rest. You and your group have a big day ahead of them.
Seneca Rocks
Saturday | 10:30am
Ready to pull out that climbing gear? First on our list is the Seneca Rocks. Rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks is one of the best known landmarks in West Virginia. When you arrive, you’ll set up at the Discovery Center, where you can choose your hiking path and walk along the scenic routes in the area. Along these trails you’ll find dedicated spots to rock climbing, where beginners and enthusiasts alike can try their hand at scaling the rocks.
Lunch at Seneca Rocks Picnic Area
Saturday | 12:30pm
It’s time to whip out that packed lunch! Adjacent to the North Fork of the South Branch River, Seneca Rocks includes an open meadow that is perfect for gazing at the area while picnicking with friends and family. Best of all, this spot is only a short walk from the Discovery Center. So pull out some sandwiches and drinks to refuel for your day, and if you have some time to spare, you can even catch and release fish.
Smoke Hole Cavern Tours
Saturday | 2pm
Located just a few miles from Seneca Rocks, the Smoke Hole Cavern Tours is a must-visit for those who want a peek below the surface. When you visit, you’ll get a guided tour of the history of the cavern. Filled with breathtaking rock formations, this attraction will get the whole crew feeling like they’re in a scene from a movie. This tour takes about an hour to walk through.
Smoke Hills Gift Shop
Saturday | 3pm
You can’t quite leave yet without a visit to the Smoke Hills Gift Shop. This western boutique has every item you can think of to help you and your family remember your trip down to Smoke Hills. With clothes, jewelry, bags, stickers and more, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store trying to find the memorabilia that speaks to you.
Sunset Trip on the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad
Saturday | 6pm
Romney, West Virginia is home to the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad. From the moment you board our train, we take you on an outdoor journey through the majestic scenery that the land has to offer. Known for our eagle sightings, you’ll have several opportunities to look out for our national bird.
If you arrive later in the evening, you can experience our sunset trip through the Trough and watch as the sun goes down across the hills and mountains. Potomac Eagle also provides several different fares and trips for families and groups to choose from. We have packages like Standard Coach, which is an affordable trip with cushioned seats, a concession cart, and access to the observation car and gondola. On our more luxurious side, we have Superior Dining, which includes a 4-course meal, air-conditioned carts, and spectacular viewing of the scenery.
Experience the Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad today, and explore the natural beauty of the area with us. Get your tickets here!
Blackwater Falls State Park
Sunday | 10am
It’s time for one final stop. West Virginia is home to the Blackwater Falls State Park. Named after the 57-foot cascade waterfall that’s tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles, you’ll find every activity available at this park. Complete with hiking and biking trails, boating and even whitewater rafting, there’s no adventure that your family can’t have while visiting Blackwater Falls.
Discover Your Own Adventure
With this itinerary, we hope to help you explore the majestic beauty that surrounds West Virginia. From the rolling waves at Blackwater Falls to the scenic railroad trip of the Potomac Eagle, there’s a brand new journey waiting for you outside. So come down to West Virginia, and discover how Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad can help you create an outdoor getaway that you’ll never forget. Book a trip with us today!
