The temperatures are dropping, the trees have shed their leaves, and forest critters are settling in for a winter rest. Though the season is changing to frost and long nights, there is still plenty to do in Southern West Virginia.
Ziplining
Adventures on the Gorge and ACE Adventure Resort keep their zipline courses open year-round. Zoom through the wilds of leafless trees or fly through a winter wonderland of freshly fallen snow.
Mountain Coaster
Brush Creek Holl’r Mountain Coaster is open all seasons, offering a unique way to experience winter in the mountains. Riders can control their speed as they wind down the mountain. It’s an exciting cold weather activity that’s just as fun for families as it is for adventure-seekers!
Indoor Rock Climbing
For days when it’s too icy to climb outside, but you still have the itch to ascend rockfaces, Outside-In Climbing Gym is the place to go. The indoor climbing gym has multiple routes to practice on. Once you’re done, grab a snack or a coffee from the Chocolate Moose. If you’re more into bouldering and pickleball, check out Gripped Fitness in Fayetteville.
Caving
Lost World Caverns outside of Lewisburg, WV is open all year. Discover geological wonders through the standard self-guided tours or venture deep into the cave system via the Wild Cave Tour.
Hiking Trails
Since the trees have shed their leaves, hiking trails throughout the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve as well as state and local parks, have more open views at scenic landscape overlooks. Since the New River Gorge National Park does not close the trails at sunset, they make for excellent spots to stargaze. Winter night skies are clearer from less humidity and pollution.
As always, check trail conditions before venturing out on a hike. Be sure to bring water and snacks, and wear layers and sturdy shoes. Leashed dogs are welcome in parks.
Skiing, Snowboarding, & Tubing
The slopes at Winterplace Ski Resort are open! Ski, snowboard, or tube down the mountainsides of Southern West Virginia. Winterplace is one of USA today’s top parks to learn to ski and to go tubing.
Photo credit: Arrowhead Bike Farm Facebook Page
Mountain Biking
Southern West Virginia gets snow, but it melts rather quickly. That means mountain biking trails stay clear enough to ride on throughout the winter. Bikers can go on a guided trip through Adventures on the Gorge. Though if you’d like to venture out on your own, ACE Adventure Resort and the Arrowhead Bike Farm rent out mountain bikes all year.
Photo credit: Autumn Breeze Stables
Horseback Riding
Autumn Breeze Stables offers horseback riding year-round. Explore Southern West Virginia forests, wetlands, and scenic mountain views from horseback.
Bridge Walk
The New River Gorge Bridge stays open in the winter, and so does the catwalk below it. Walk under the Western Hemisphere’s longest single-arch bridge with Bridge Walk for a chance to get eagle-eye views of the New River Gorge with a fresh coating of snow.
Photo credit: Bluejacket Off Road LLC.
ATV, Jeep, and Side-by-side rides
Bundle up and head out to one of Southern West Virginia’s many ATV and off-roading trails like the Hatfield McCoy Trails and those at Burning Rock Adventure Park. Looking for a guided experience? Our region has many outfitters to choose from that offer ATV, Jeep, and Side-by-side tours, like New River ATV, Bluejacket Off Road LLC, and Midland Trail Outdoor Adventures.
Museums
Spend a cozy day learning about the history and culture of Appalachia. The Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum have engaging displays that dive into local stories from pre-colonial America to the present day, including the area’s black history.
Southern West Virginia is known for its coal and trains, and one place to learn more about the locomotives that moved through our mountains is the Hinton Railroad Museum, which is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10AM-3PM.
Those who are familiar with the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud can visit the Hatfield Homeplace and Museum, which is the last homeplace and hideout of the patriarch “Devil Anse” Hatfield. The Hatfield Homeplace and Museum are open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until the second week of January, when they close for the season.
Another great place to stop is the World War I Memorial in Kimball, WV. This is the first and only memorial in the United States that is dedicated to the African Americans who served in World War I. Call ahead of your trip at 304-585-7789 for an appointment.
Shows
From musical performances and plays, Southern West Virginia is home to theater groups and stages that enthrall audiences. Check out our events calendar for the latest productions from Theatre West Virginia and Greenbrier Valley Theatre. Or see who will be taking the stage at the Chuck Mathena Center, the Granada Theater, the Historic Fayette Theater, the Ritz Theater, The Raleigh Playhouse, or Carnegie Hall.
Spas & Shopping
Recover from the dry, cold winter air with a relaxing spa treatment. The POMONA Salt Cave and Spa in White Sulphur Springs hosts Halotherapy within their salt cave and offers unique spa experiences, including cryotherapy. Spa Orange at the Resort at Glade Springs is an award-winning spa that offers full-body treatments, facials, cupping therapy, and a salon.
Once refreshed from a rejuvenating spa experience, explore the unique shops of Southern West Virginia. Our region is home to many small businesses featuring handmade goods. Tamarack Marketplace is a one-stop shop for a variety of artisan products, though there’s more to explore through our Specialty Shops page.
Fun & Games
Tamarack Marketplace is home to the Glass Dimensions glass-blowing workshop, which gives demonstrations and lessons on the art of glass-blowing. For those who are interested in working with clay, the Pottery Place in Beckley allows artists of all abilities to paint their own pieces of pottery.
Those who are more into puzzles can grab their friends and families to test their wits at an escape room. Escape-A-Torium in Fayetteville and the escape rooms at the Resort at Glade Springs are thrilling and perplexing challenges with a variety of themes including an underground bunker, and the Hatfield and McCoy feud.
As you plan your winter trip, be sure to look at our online calendar for the inside scoop on upcoming events throughout all 9 counties of Southern West Virginia.