6/10/2009
Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia, with its abundance of recreational opportunities ranging from mild to wild, secures its reputation as an outdoor lover’s paradise. Take a leisurely stroll through the woods to observe the native wildlife and flowers, or test your fortitude in one of the many outdoor competitions and activities set for this summer.
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of West Virginia’s beautiful hardwood forest on a thrilling, high-speed ride. Adventure West Virginia’s TreeTops on the Gorge Canopy Tour offers visitors a chance to soar over the Mill Creek Canyon, adjacent to the New River Gorge, from treetop to treetop on a network of cables. Using state-of-the-art equipment, certified guides with naturalist backgrounds take participants on an approximately 3½-hour tour that includes 10 ziplines, five sky bridges, two short hikes and one rappel. 800-252-7784, www.class-vi.com
Would you rather keep your feet on the ground? In terms of convenience, scenery and weather, golfing in the Mountain State just can’t be beat. Here you’ll find some of the nation’s highest-rated courses, as well as the oldest: Created in 1884, Oakhurst Links in White Sulphur Springs bears the distinction of being the first golf club established in the United States. Today, golfers play Oakhurst using replica 1800s hickory clubs and gutta percha balls, precursors to the modern-day, rubber-core golf ball.
Today there are more than 100 courses in West Virginia, many of which have garnered accolades from the likes of Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. But the best part about golfing in West Virginia? Location, location, location! West Virginia is within an easy day’s drive of nearly half the U.S. population. Our mountains provide grand views from varying perspectives: from atop a ridge overlooking the surrounding countryside or down in a river valley with misty blue peaks filling the horizon. Lastly, summers here are usually 10 to 15 degrees cooler and less humid than in lower regions. 800-CALL WVA, www.wvtourism.com
If you prefer backpacks to golf bags, never fear: West Virginia is rich with numerous hiking and backpacking opportunities. The state’s varied terrain assures that you’ll find the experience you are seeking, whether it is the easy, level path of a converted rail trail, or a more challenging rocky climb in the backcountry.
The 35,864-acre Cranberry Wilderness, in the Monongahela National Forest, boasts more than 50 miles of hiking trails. The wilderness preserve, located in Pocahontas and Webster counties, includes the entire drainage of the Middle Fork of the Williams River and the North Fork of the Cranberry River. Elevations range from 2,400 to 4,600 feet.
The North Bend Rail Trail, with its 13 tunnels and 36 bridges, provides a scenic hike or leisurely bike ride. Stretching 72 miles from I-77 near Parkersburg in Wood County to Wolf Summit in Harrison County, the trail passes through wild and natural areas, farmland and a variety of rural tourist destinations. The 79-mile Greenbrier River Tail Trail winds its way through spectacular scenery in Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties. The packed gravel trail passes through the Monongahela National Forest, Cass, Watoga and Droop Mountain state parks and Greenbrier and Seneca state forests.
In the northern part of the state, the Deckers Creek Rail Trail runs 19 miles through several communities to Morgantown, where it empties into the Monongahela River.
The Allegheny Highlands Trail, with its 22 miles of rolling meadows and forest, runs from Thomas in Tucker County to Elkins in Randolph County. Kanawha State Forest, located just a few minutes’ drive from Charleston, has more than 25 miles of trails. Cacapon Resort State Park in the Eastern Panhandle has more than 20 miles of hiking trails and Mountwood Park in Wood County has 19 trails.
If you enjoy trekking through the woods, why not join the West Virginia State Parks and Forests hiking program? For a one-time registration fee of $10, each participant will receive a card on which to log mileage, a packet of trail maps and rewards for achieving personal hiking plateaus. There is no time limit, allowing hikers to set their own pace and goals. Hikers reaching the 25-mile plateau will receive a walking stick. Participants also will receive decorative cane shields every 100 miles up to 2,000 miles. For a list of featured hikes and instructions for enrollment, visit www.wvstateparks.com/community/hiking.htm.
Mark your calendar for the following exciting events:
Coming up on its 18th year, the 2009 24 Hours of Big Bear (formerly 24 Hours of Snowshoe and 24 Hours of Canaan) is rolling out the bike trail for as many as 200 teams, 50 solo riders and more than 1,000 spectators. The event takes place June 13-14 at Big Bear Lake Campground near Hazelton. For more information, call 304-259-5533 or visit www.grannygear.com.
The Nationwide Tour Players Cup will be held June 22-28 at the Pete Dye Golf Club in Bridgeport. The event features a unique 144-player field based on the Nationwide Tour's money list and is the first of the Tour’s three $1 million purses. For more information, call 304-848-2027 or visit www.petedyeclassic.com.
The U.S. Youth Soccer Region I Championships, set for July 2-7 at Barboursville Community Park, is expected to draw 272 boys’ and girls’ teams, ages 12-19, from 15 states. For more information, call 304-525-7333 or visit www.wvvisit.org.
The 24th annual Scenic Mountain Triathlon Swim/Bike/Run Triathlon takes place July 12 in Richwood, in the Monongahela National Forest. The USA Triathlon-Sanctioned event pairs spectacular mountain scenery with great food and fantastic racing. For more information, call 304-846-6790.
Physically challenged children from all over the United States will converge upon North Bend State Park for the International Sports Jamboree on July 18-20. For more information, call 304-643-2931 or visit www.northbendsp.com.
On July 25, women and girls ages 14 and up are invited to learn outdoor activities and gain hands-on experience at Kanawha State Forest’s Women in the Outdoors program. For more information, call Billie Shearer at 304-558-2771 or Tammy Mowry at 724-284-9201 or visit www.kanawhastateforest.com.
On Aug. 9, return to Kanawha State Forest for the annual Black Bear 40K Mountain Bike Race. The event is open to all levels of riders. Meet at Shelters No. 8 and 9. For more information, call 304-533-6269 or visit www.kanawhastateforest.com.
Cap off your summer with the 9th annual ACE New River Bike Fest. The Aug. 22-23 event in the New River Gorge features some of the most scenic and hardcore mountain biking in the state. For more information, call 800-787-3982, ext. 152 or visit www.aceraft.com.
Contact Information
Tricia Sizemore
304-558-2003 x 319
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov