Skip to navigation Skip to main content Skip to footer Call our office

  • Calendar
  • Blog
  • 1-800-847-4898
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok
Official logo
  • Explore

    Explore

    View All
    Outdoors
    Featured

    Whitewater Rafting

    More Outdoors
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Hiking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Rock Climbing and Caving
    • Snow Sports
    • Water Activities
    • Unique Adventures
    • Aerial Tours and Ziplines
    • ATV & Motorsports
    • Horseback Riding
    • Sports & Games
    • Golf
    Parks & Wildlife
    Featured

    National Parks

    More Parks & Wildlife
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Local Parks
    • Hunting & Fishing
    • Birding
    Art & History
    Featured

    Fairs & Festivals

    More Art & History
    • Coal Heritage
    • Historic Sites
    • Fairs & Festivals
    • Performing Arts
    • Museums
    Shopping & Spas
    Featured

    Specialty Shops

    More Shopping & Spas
    • Antiques
    • Art Galleries
    • Outdoor Shops
    • Specialty Shops
    • Pottery
    • Shopping Malls
    • Spas
    • Farmer's Markets
    Eat & Drink
    Featured

    Casual Dining

    More Places to Eat & Drink
    • Casual Dining
    • Coffee & Ice Cream Shops
    • Fine Dining
    • Bars & Lounges
    • Catering Services
    • Fast Food
    • Beer, Wine & Spirits
    Events
    Featured Event

    Bridge Day

    Calendar of Events

    Explore the upcoming events happening in Southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    • Outdoors
    • Parks & Wildlife
    • Art & History
    • Shopping & Spas
    • Eat & Drink
    • Events

    Explore The Outdoors

    Featured

    Whitewater Rafting

    More Outdoors
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Hiking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Rock Climbing and Caving
    • Snow Sports
    • Water Activities
    • Unique Adventures
    • Aerial Tours and Ziplines
    • ATV & Motorsports
    • Horseback Riding
    • Sports & Games
    • Golf

    Explore Parks & Wildlife

    Featured

    National Parks

    More Parks & Wildlife
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Local Parks
    • Hunting & Fishing
    • Birding

    Explore Art & History

    Featured

    Fairs & Festivals

    More Art & History
    • Coal Heritage
    • Historic Sites
    • Fairs & Festivals
    • Performing Arts
    • Museums

    Explore Shopping & Spas

    Featured

    Specialty Shops

    More Shopping & Spas
    • Antiques
    • Art Galleries
    • Outdoor Shops
    • Specialty Shops
    • Pottery
    • Shopping Malls
    • Spas
    • Farmer's Markets

    Explore Places to Eat & Drink

    Featured

    Casual Dining

    More Places to Eat & Drink
    • Casual Dining
    • Coffee & Ice Cream Shops
    • Fine Dining
    • Bars & Lounges
    • Catering Services
    • Fast Food
    • Beer, Wine & Spirits

    Explore Upcoming Events

    Featured Event

    Bridge Day

    Calendar of Events

    Explore the upcoming events happening in Southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    Submit an Event
  • Plan

    Plan

    View All
    Travel Guides
    Featured

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    More Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide
    • Group Tours
    Services
    Featured

    Air Travel

    More Services
    • Churches
    • Convention & Visitor/Tourism Bureaus
    • Daycare
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical
    • Tourism Development
    • Air Travel
    • Rental Cars and Tour Operators
    • Marketing/Printers
    • Service Organizations
    • Insurance
    • Economic Development
    • Banks
    • Agencies and Realtors
    • Chambers of Commerce
    • Colleges and Universities
    Road Trips & Itineraries
    Featured

    New River Gorge, Beckley and Beyond

    Passports
    • New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond
    • Brews & Booze
    Meeting & Event Planning
    Featured

    Conference & Retreat Centers

    More Meeting & Event Planning
    • Conference & Retreat Centers
    • Event Venues
    • Catering Services
    Weddings
    Featured

    Churches

    More Weddings
    • Honeymoon Accommodations
    • Wedding Venues
    • Churches
    • Catering Services
    Newsletter Sign Up

    Newsletter

    • Travel Guides
    • Services
    • Road Trips & Itineraries
    • Meeting & Event Planning
    • Weddings
    • Newsletter Sign Up

    View Travel Guides

    Featured

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    More Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide
    • Group Tours

    View All Services

    Featured

    Air Travel

    More Services
    • Churches
    • Convention & Visitor/Tourism Bureaus
    • Daycare
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical
    • Tourism Development
    • Air Travel
    • Rental Cars and Tour Operators
    • Marketing/Printers
    • Service Organizations
    • Insurance
    • Economic Development
    • Banks
    • Agencies and Realtors
    • Chambers of Commerce
    • Colleges and Universities

    Plan Road Trips & Itineraries

    Featured

    New River Gorge, Beckley and Beyond

    Passports
    • New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond
    • Brews & Booze
    More Road Trips & Itineraries
    • The Best of WV Culture
    • Grandview: Getting Back to Nature
    • Motorcycle Itineraries

    Plan Meetings & Events

    Featured

    Conference & Retreat Centers

    More Meeting & Event Planning
    • Conference & Retreat Centers
    • Event Venues
    • Catering Services

    Plan Weddings

    Featured

    Churches

    More Weddings
    • Honeymoon Accommodations
    • Wedding Venues
    • Churches
    • Catering Services

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    Newsletter

  • Stay

    Stay

    View All
    Lodging Options
    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Lodging Options
    • Cabins & Vacation Rentals
    • Hotels & Motels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts & Lodges
    • Campgrounds
    • Conference & Retreat Centers
    • Lodging Options

    Find Lodging Options

    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Lodging Options
    • Cabins & Vacation Rentals
    • Hotels & Motels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts & Lodges
    • Campgrounds
    • Conference & Retreat Centers

  • About

    About

    View All
    Key Information
    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    Newsletter

    Key Information
    • About
    • Contact
    • Weather
    • Site Map
    Travel Guides
    Visit Southern WV Guide

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    View Travel Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide
    Events
    Featured Event
    Upcoming Events

    Explore upcoming events in southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    Membership
    Apply for Membership

    Membership Application Form

    Membership Information
    • Membership Application Form
    Our Area
    Featured Area

    Beckley WV

    Explore Our Area
    • Beckley Raleigh County
    • Fayette County
    • Nicholas County
    • Summers County
    • Monroe County
    • Greenbrier County
    • Wyoming County
    • McDowell County
    • Mercer County
    • Key Information
    • Travel Guides
    • Events
    • Membership
    • Our Area

    More About Us

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    Newsletter

    Key Information
    • About
    • Contact
    • Weather
    • Site Map
    Area Maps
    • VSWV Map
    • Beckley-Raleigh County Map

    See All Travel Guides

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    View Travel Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide

    View Upcoming Events

    Featured Event
    Upcoming Events

    Explore upcoming events in southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    Submit an Event

    About Membership

    Apply for Membership

    Membership Application Form

    Membership Information
    • Membership Application Form

    About Our Area

    Featured Area

    Beckley WV

    Explore Our Area
    • Beckley Raleigh County
    • Fayette County
    • Nicholas County
    • Summers County
    • Monroe County
    • Greenbrier County
    • Wyoming County
    • McDowell County
    • Mercer County
Get Your Guide
  • Explore

    Explore

    View All
    Outdoors
    Featured

    Whitewater Rafting

    More Outdoors
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Hiking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Rock Climbing and Caving
    • Snow Sports
    • Water Activities
    • Unique Adventures
    • Aerial Tours and Ziplines
    • ATV & Motorsports
    • Horseback Riding
    • Sports & Games
    • Golf
    Parks & Wildlife
    Featured

    National Parks

    More Parks & Wildlife
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Local Parks
    • Hunting & Fishing
    • Birding
    Art & History
    Featured

    Fairs & Festivals

    More Art & History
    • Coal Heritage
    • Historic Sites
    • Fairs & Festivals
    • Performing Arts
    • Museums
    Shopping & Spas
    Featured

    Specialty Shops

    More Shopping & Spas
    • Antiques
    • Art Galleries
    • Outdoor Shops
    • Specialty Shops
    • Pottery
    • Shopping Malls
    • Spas
    • Farmer's Markets
    Eat & Drink
    Featured

    Casual Dining

    More Places to Eat & Drink
    • Casual Dining
    • Coffee & Ice Cream Shops
    • Fine Dining
    • Bars & Lounges
    • Catering Services
    • Fast Food
    • Beer, Wine & Spirits
    Events
    Featured Event

    Bridge Day

    Calendar of Events

    Explore the upcoming events happening in Southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    • Outdoors
    • Parks & Wildlife
    • Art & History
    • Shopping & Spas
    • Eat & Drink
    • Events

    Explore The Outdoors

    Featured

    Whitewater Rafting

    More Outdoors
    • Whitewater Rafting
    • Hiking
    • Mountain Biking
    • Rock Climbing and Caving
    • Snow Sports
    • Water Activities
    • Unique Adventures
    • Aerial Tours and Ziplines
    • ATV & Motorsports
    • Horseback Riding
    • Sports & Games
    • Golf

    Explore Parks & Wildlife

    Featured

    National Parks

    More Parks & Wildlife
    • National Parks
    • State Parks
    • Local Parks
    • Hunting & Fishing
    • Birding

    Explore Art & History

    Featured

    Fairs & Festivals

    More Art & History
    • Coal Heritage
    • Historic Sites
    • Fairs & Festivals
    • Performing Arts
    • Museums

    Explore Shopping & Spas

    Featured

    Specialty Shops

    More Shopping & Spas
    • Antiques
    • Art Galleries
    • Outdoor Shops
    • Specialty Shops
    • Pottery
    • Shopping Malls
    • Spas
    • Farmer's Markets

    Explore Places to Eat & Drink

    Featured

    Casual Dining

    More Places to Eat & Drink
    • Casual Dining
    • Coffee & Ice Cream Shops
    • Fine Dining
    • Bars & Lounges
    • Catering Services
    • Fast Food
    • Beer, Wine & Spirits

    Explore Upcoming Events

    Featured Event

    Bridge Day

    Calendar of Events

    Explore the upcoming events happening in Southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    Submit an Event
  • Plan

    Plan

    View All
    Travel Guides
    Featured

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    More Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide
    • Group Tours
    Services
    Featured

    Air Travel

    More Services
    • Churches
    • Convention & Visitor/Tourism Bureaus
    • Daycare
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical
    • Tourism Development
    • Air Travel
    • Rental Cars and Tour Operators
    • Marketing/Printers
    • Service Organizations
    • Insurance
    • Economic Development
    • Banks
    • Agencies and Realtors
    • Chambers of Commerce
    • Colleges and Universities
    Road Trips & Itineraries
    Featured

    New River Gorge, Beckley and Beyond

    Passports
    • New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond
    • Brews & Booze
    Meeting & Event Planning
    Featured

    Conference & Retreat Centers

    More Meeting & Event Planning
    • Conference & Retreat Centers
    • Event Venues
    • Catering Services
    Weddings
    Featured

    Churches

    More Weddings
    • Honeymoon Accommodations
    • Wedding Venues
    • Churches
    • Catering Services
    Newsletter Sign Up

    Newsletter

    • Travel Guides
    • Services
    • Road Trips & Itineraries
    • Meeting & Event Planning
    • Weddings
    • Newsletter Sign Up

    View Travel Guides

    Featured

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    More Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide
    • Group Tours

    View All Services

    Featured

    Air Travel

    More Services
    • Churches
    • Convention & Visitor/Tourism Bureaus
    • Daycare
    • Health and Fitness
    • Medical
    • Tourism Development
    • Air Travel
    • Rental Cars and Tour Operators
    • Marketing/Printers
    • Service Organizations
    • Insurance
    • Economic Development
    • Banks
    • Agencies and Realtors
    • Chambers of Commerce
    • Colleges and Universities

    Plan Road Trips & Itineraries

    Featured

    New River Gorge, Beckley and Beyond

    Passports
    • New River Gorge, Beckley & Beyond
    • Brews & Booze
    More Road Trips & Itineraries
    • The Best of WV Culture
    • Grandview: Getting Back to Nature
    • Motorcycle Itineraries

    Plan Meetings & Events

    Featured

    Conference & Retreat Centers

    More Meeting & Event Planning
    • Conference & Retreat Centers
    • Event Venues
    • Catering Services

    Plan Weddings

    Featured

    Churches

    More Weddings
    • Honeymoon Accommodations
    • Wedding Venues
    • Churches
    • Catering Services

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    Newsletter

  • Stay

    Stay

    View All
    Lodging Options
    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Lodging Options
    • Cabins & Vacation Rentals
    • Hotels & Motels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts & Lodges
    • Campgrounds
    • Conference & Retreat Centers
    • Lodging Options

    Find Lodging Options

    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Cabins & Vacation Rentals

    Lodging Options
    • Cabins & Vacation Rentals
    • Hotels & Motels
    • Bed & Breakfasts
    • Resorts & Lodges
    • Campgrounds
    • Conference & Retreat Centers

  • About

    About

    View All
    Key Information
    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    Newsletter

    Key Information
    • About
    • Contact
    • Weather
    • Site Map
    Travel Guides
    Visit Southern WV Guide

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    View Travel Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide
    Events
    Featured Event
    Upcoming Events

    Explore upcoming events in southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    Membership
    Apply for Membership

    Membership Application Form

    Membership Information
    • Membership Application Form
    Our Area
    Featured Area

    Beckley WV

    Explore Our Area
    • Beckley Raleigh County
    • Fayette County
    • Nicholas County
    • Summers County
    • Monroe County
    • Greenbrier County
    • Wyoming County
    • McDowell County
    • Mercer County
    • Key Information
    • Travel Guides
    • Events
    • Membership
    • Our Area

    More About Us

    Sign Up For Our Newsletter

    Newsletter

    Key Information
    • About
    • Contact
    • Weather
    • Site Map
    Area Maps
    • VSWV Map
    • Beckley-Raleigh County Map

    See All Travel Guides

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    Visit Southern WV Guide

    View Travel Guides
    • Visit Southern WV Guide
    • Motorcycle Ride Guide

    View Upcoming Events

    Featured Event
    Upcoming Events

    Explore upcoming events in southern West Virginia.

    View Calendar
    Submit an Event

    About Membership

    Apply for Membership

    Membership Application Form

    Membership Information
    • Membership Application Form

    About Our Area

    Featured Area

    Beckley WV

    Explore Our Area
    • Beckley Raleigh County
    • Fayette County
    • Nicholas County
    • Summers County
    • Monroe County
    • Greenbrier County
    • Wyoming County
    • McDowell County
    • Mercer County
  • Calendar of Events
  • Blog
  • 1-800-847-4898
    • Facebook
    • X
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
Home > ReCreate those summer memories

ReCreate those summer memories

ReCreate Memories – Thurmond – New River Gorge National River Photo: Matt Sanchez

Remember lazy childhood vacations? Maybe your family spent a day at the lake, cooler in tow. Or perhaps you rented a cabin and ate nothing but s’mores and hot dogs.

This summer, why not recreate those memories? Join us as we celebrate Southern West Virginia’s parks — places where you can camp, explore, swim, and feel like a kid again.

Where to ReCreate

Take your pick: whitewater rapids, lazy lakes, meditative scenery … Southern West Virginia has a place for every memory.

Here’s a sampler:

Adventure

Was your family up for anything? If so, you probably returned to school with lots of thrilling material for a vacation report.

On the other hand, maybe you missed out. You can still have the supercharged vacation of your dreams! It’s never too late.

Jazz up your summer with parks like:

  • New River Gorge National River. A famous whitewater destination with 2 distinct sections: the mild “Upper” and untamed “Lower.” It’s a blast, whichever you choose.
  • Gauley River National Recreation Area. One of the world’s top whitewater rafting attractions. Expect enormous waves, towering boulders, and non-stop action.

Wonder

Perhaps your childhood vacations focused on exploration. Back then, woods seemed enchanted and filled with magical creatures. While you won’t find any unicorns in Southern West Virginia, these parks should touch your imagination.

  • Babcock State Park. A recreated grist mill, set against a lively creek and large boulders, looks like something from a fairytale. Rent a cabin for repeat visits!
  • Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. Migrating eagles, falcons, and hawks soar at eye level, right by this rustic platform. Majestic mountains form the backdrop.
  • Grandview. One of the most photographed locations in Southern West Virginia! From the main outlook, you can see the New River, mountains, and pink rhododendrons.
  • Pipestem Resort State Park. Hop aboard an aerial tramway and ride down into the Bluestone River Gorge, where there’s a lodge and restaurant.

A day at the lake

Some vacations are sweet, short, and spontaneous. Head to these parks for simple picnic lunches by the water:

  • Lake Stephens. An old-fashioned setting with a beach, water park, cabins, and miles of forest trails.
  • Moncove Lake State Park. For something quieter and closer to nature, this serene destination fits the bill. The lake’s enormous surface reflects acres of clouds and trees.
  • Summersville Lake. Turquoise water and sandstone cliffs make this reservoir a sight to behold. Known as the “Little Bahamas of the East,” it’s popular for diving and boating.

Southern West Virginia’s 12 state parks and forests are ready for summer. Pick one, pack up, and play!

Park freebies

Now that summer is here, go ahead — recreate those cherished memories. To help you get started, we’re giving away postcards. Images of our favorite parks are printed on heavy paper with vintage styling and texture. Everybody who requests a travel guide can pick one and create a personalized message for a friend, too.

Happy summer!

Any favorite memories of vacationing in Southern West Virginia?

 

Visit Southern West Virginia Logo
Contact Us

1-800-847-4898
Visit Southern West Virginia
1408 Harper Road
Beckley, WV 25801

About Us
  • Advertise
  • Media
  • Membership
  • Privacy Policy
Services
  • Business Services
  • Visitor Services
  • Relocation
  • Transportation
Plan
  • Travel Guides
  • Weddings
  • Group Tours
  • Itineraries
  • Facebook
  • X
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • TikTok

Copyright © 2024 Visit Southern West Virginia

New River Gorge, Beckley and Beyond!

Discover scenic trails and breathtaking landscapes with our FREE New River Gorge, Beckley, and Beyond Passport.

How it works

  • Sign up instantly
  • Check in at featured locations
  • Earn points with every visit
  • Redeem for exclusive prizes

Visit just a few spots for a cool sticker or collect enough points for a Southern West Virginia t-shirt!

GET YOURS