Springtime To Do List for Southern West Virginia
Ah, spring! Little green buds, wildflowers, the great outdoors… is there anything better?
Well, the answer to that question depends on… where you spend your spring. We’re biased, of course, but how can we not be? Spring is pretty dramatic here in the mountains. If you choose to spend time here, you’ll find out that the changing seasons reveal some great secrets.
Hit The River
Rafting in West Virginia starts each spring. Spring is high-water time here on the New River. The rapids are big from springtime rains, and the water is chilly. It’s like a wake-you-up-better-than-coffee kind of brisk. Luckily, there are wetsuits to help keep you warm during your high adventure. If you want to take one of the greatest white water rafting trips you can get, look at coming in the springtime months.
Wander the Trails to See Birds & Blooms Everywhere
Southern West Virginia, for anyone looking for it on a map, is just about smack dab in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains. It’s one of the most diverse ecosystems you’ll find anywhere on earth. Spring flowers start with forsythia and daffodils, redbud and paulownia and progress to the bright blooms of rhododendrons. The month of May is also peak migration season for birds and our area is in the middle of all the action. Southern West Virginia gets the northernmost range of southern bird species and the southern range of the northern bird species, so during migration, there’s a chance to see hundreds of different kinds of birds.
Cast a Line
Do you enjoy taking a fishing trip? It’s a pretty popular sport in our part of the state. Spring is an exciting time as the fish get active, especially trout. The water temperatures start to rise in the creeks, rivers, and lakes, and the fish get moving. Warm days start to get more and more productive as trout stir. If you like to use bait, try stretching out worms on gang hooks. You’ll present more naturally to the trout, and your bite rate will start to climb. Some of the best places to fish (and for recreation in general), are the southern West Virginia State Parks and Forests. There are twelve (twelve!) of them in our area.
Forgage for Fresh Foods
From morels to ramps and berries, there are many delightful flavors that can be found within the forests of Southern West Virginia. As we approach summer, look for blueberries, wineberries, black raspberries, and chicken of the woods fungi. When foraging, make sure you’re harvesting responsibly, leaving enough for others and wildlife to eat.
Southern West Virginia is a great place. If you’ve never been, spring is a perfect time to explore. Give us a call – we’d love to help you plan your stay, and remember Southern West Virginia is closer than you think!