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Thanks to the establishment of the country’s newest national park (New River Gorge), West Virginia is having its time in the limelight right now. Even in such a small state, there’s plenty to explore beyond the park’s boundaries. The northeastern part of the state, from the Dolly Sods to Blackwater Falls, has hiking trails, waterfalls, and funky small towns that offer no end of outdoor adventure.
If you’re ready to explore but also want to be close enough to Main Street to grab a drink or dinner post-hike, pitch your tent in Tucker County near the towns of Davis and Thomasfor some good, clean (but actually probably pretty muddy) outdoor fun. From there, there’s plenty to do in the surrounding region over a week.
Day One
Fly into D.C. or Pittsburgh (or drive if you’re lucky enough to live nearby). On the drive to Thomas, make a pit stop at Black Bear Burritos in Morgantown for a burrito the size of your head to fuel you for the adventures.
Arrive in Thomas and spend an hour or two perusing the short but sweet main street. Art galleries like Bloom and ArtSpring Gallery offer excellent opportunities to find a locally-made souvenir.
Grab dinner at Elender’s, which serves up unique global street food-inspired cuisine, then take the evening to check into your lodge or campsite, perhaps at Blackwater Falls State Park or Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Davis.
Day Two
Wake up and treat yourself to an expertly crafted coffee and the best gluten-free, vegan chocolate chip zucchini muffin you’ve ever had from Tip Top, a coffee shop in Thomas. Grab an armful of specialty snacks or instant meals for a picnic lunch on the trail.
Make your way to Blackwater Falls State Park just down the road in Davis, where a number of trails wind through the woods to overlooks, waterfalls, and unique rock structures. Blackwater Falls itself is the highlight, so don’t skip the hike down to the cascade to watch the amber-colored water, which is tinted by decomposing trees and leaves, rush over the rocks. There’s also one of the state’s famous Almost Heaven selfie-ready swings near the top of the boardwalk. A hike down to Elekala Falls and along Pase Point Trail also offers a picturesque escape into the woods plus a few nice views of the valley and smaller falls.
Once you’ve seen all the top sights in the park, grab dinner in Davis, just over a mile from the park entrance, at Milo’s Cafe and Restaurant. Just be sure to leave enough time before dark to head back to the park and take the easy 0.3-mile stroll down Lindy Point Trail to the Blackwater Canyon lookout, arguably the most-photographed spot in the state. If you time it right and the weather cooperates, you’ll be treated to a lovely sunset.
Day Three
Take a hike or two in Canaan Valley Resort State Park or mix it up by renting some mountain bikes from Blackwater Bikes (which also hosts a group ride on summer Thursdays until approximately the end of October). The trails aren’t overly technical or difficult on foot or bike, so they’re accessible for every skill level. You’ll also find another Almost Heaven swing at the Promised Land trailhead.
Alternatively, shred on the slightly rockier and more technical Beaver Creek Trail, which you can ride to from downtown Davis, or explore part of the 311-mile Allegheny Trail by foot or bike, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year (and is also a great option for backpacking).
When you’re ready to give your legs a break, head to local hot spot Hellbender Burritos in Davis for a filling refuel, then check out Stumptown Ales for a pint to round out the night.
Day Four
Pack plenty of snacks and pick up any necessary supplies (like protein bars, a first aid kit, or an extra reusable water bottle) at The Davis Depot and head to the Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest for an extended dayhike of your choice. Backcountry camping is also an option in the national forest. Blackbird Knob Trailhead is the closest at just 20 minutes from Davis, but there are also trailheads on the south and east side of the forest. Hit up Red Creek Trail for a beautiful trek to flowing low falls and Blackbird Knob Trail for a wide open wander.
Treat yourself to dinner, drinks, and live music at the Purple Fiddle in Thomas to wind down the evening.
Day Five
Before you head home, make a pit stop at Coopers Rock State Forest for hiking or mountain biking on 50 miles of trails (you can also grab a campsite for the night if you so desire). Hike Raven Rock Trail for shady forested paths in the summer and colors in the fall plus big views of the Cheat River Valley.
From 2024
