7 Reasons to Squeeze In One Last Summer Road Trip to Southern West Virginia

The days are getting shorter, harvests are in full swing, and summer is almost over. Before the warmth goes away, here are 7 reasons to squeeze in one last summer road trip to Southern West Virginia.

1. Swim in the largest lake in West Virginia

Summersville Lake is made and emptied each year. When the snow melts in the spring, the waters of the Gauley River and surrounding creeks fill in the lake’s footprint. In the fall, the Army Corps of Engineers releases water through the Summersville Dam into the Gauley River, creating Gauley Season. Water starts to run out of the lake in early September, so now is the time for one last splash! 

2. See the flowing seasonal falls

Summer rains have made our favorite seasonal waterfalls flow for just a bit longer. While the classic Sandstone Falls and Kanawha Falls are always flowing, others tend to slow to a trickle over the summer. But not this year. Cathedral Falls, Glade Creek Falls in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Marsh Fork and Black Fork Falls, and other creekside falls are still going. It’s your last chance to check them off your WV Waterfall Trail list before the crisp autumn air dries them up. 

3. Get down in the mud

If mud is your favorite part of off-roading, it’s better to go now rather than later. Though speeding through the changing fall colors will feel magical, mud lovers will miss out. Fall tends to dry up the soil, so it’s best to squeeze in that one last summer ride for those who love a big, muddy splash. Be sure to check out the Hatfield-McCoy Trails throughout Southern WV or Burning Rock Off Road Park outside of Beckley. If you’re near Fayetteville, Midland Trail Outdoor Adventure and New River ATV have you covered.

4. Make a splash at a waterpark

It’s your last chance to let loose at a waterpark or splash pad before they close for the season. ACE Adventure Resort’s waterpark—centered on a spring-fed lake with waterslides, zip lines, giant inflatables, and an obstacle course—is open until September 2. Public parks, such as Lake Stephens and Twin Falls Resort State Park, have splash pads open through Labor Day weekend. 

5. See all of nature in action

Southern West Virginia is home to more plant, insect, and animal species than most places in North America, and summer is the best time to see it all. Wildflowers are still in bloom, birds are starting to migrate south for the winter, and wildlife is out and about preparing for cold months. Hitting the trails before fall will let you see it all before Mother Nature quiets down. 

6. Taste the fresh flavors

Fresh harvests are hitting the tables. Pies & Pints rolled out their seasonal special—heirloom tomato pie. This pizza features cheese, pesto, fresh mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, olive oil, and parmesan. Local restaurants like Black Circle Bistro and The Dish, which always try to source local ingredients, have a little extra flavor for the in-season pickings. Then, there’s Sunset Berry Farm in Alderson, West Virginia, which hosts a veggie market and flower picking on Friday evenings. 

7. Gather around a fire

There’s only a set number of weekends that you can gather around a campfire and roast marshmallows while fireflies dance in the forest behind you. It’s the cherry on top of a perfect day of exploring outdoors. End the season by getting in one last camping trip where you and your loved ones can gather on a warm summer night.

No matter how you choose to end the summer season, Southern West Virginia is a great place to make one last warm weather memory. Share your adventures with us by tagging @visitwv.