Share The Article

With new attractions, virtually no crowds compared to popular lake towns, and cozy cabins for a homey stay, we at Travel Off Path are planting our flag to claim America’s most enticing state park for spring.

Not only will you find a tranquil oasis inviting for swims, kayaks, and boat rentals, but a lush forest connected by scenic trails to explore.

As winter’s grip shifts to springtime blooms, this park pops with color and dense greenery, becoming an unmissable nature playground no matter if you prefer calm days spent lakeside or getting your hiking shoes dirty as you weave through Appalachian backcountry.

Pipestem State Park: West Virginia’s Hidden Lakeside Oasis

At first glance, pulling into Pipestem State Park (also known as Pipestem Resort State Park, but we at Travel Off Path prefer saving syllables), you’ll hardly find a lake atmosphere.

Actually, you may feel like you’ve entered a wormhole and transported to the Pacific Northwest as the forestry is so thick you might question your Bigfoot beliefs after all…

But within the towering tree lines and rhododendron thickets lies Adventure Lake, an expansive body of water that lives up to its name for all ages.

In fact, West Virginia State Parks recommends bringing the kiddos along for a full-fledged family vacation.

There’s giant inflatable mountains to climb, a slide, and trampoline to make a splash in the lake. But they also encourage grown-up kids like me with a few gray hairs to do the same (c’mon, you know you want to!).

There is no minimum age to join in the fun, but all must wear a life jacket, even though waters are generally calm.

Splash Park & Adventure Lake are open seasonally beginning in late spring from May 20 to September 4.

Pricing:

• All-Day Pass: $21 per person
• Half-Day Session Pass: $16 per person
• Full/Half Day Non-Swim Beach Pass: $10 per person

Absorb Astounding Views From New Aerial Tram

We know what you might be thinking — “This is an uncrowded Appalachian state park. Of course there are great views”.

You’re right, but Pipestem leveled up from whoever they consider to be their direct competition, which is likely Bluestone State Park just 20 miles away.

Last September, Pipestem unveiled the new aerial tram, taking visitors into the beautiful Bluestone Gorge.

Better yet, random bad weather days shouldn’t stop you either. These bad boys can handle up to 54 mph wind gusts, unlike the past renditions where if a child blew out their birthday candles your ride might be cancelled.

This ride seriously provides some of the best views in all of West Virginia, one of America’s most scenic, yet underrated places to immerse in nature.

Unfortunately, Pipestem has yet to update the tram’s spring schedule. Their last fall update states operating times are 7:30am-2:30pm, but no restart date has been provided.

There’s no official word on the park’s popular zip-line tours either, but they hold rave reviews too.

‘Til then, go exploring on your own and find flowing waterfalls, cliffside overlooks, and serene wooded trails.

Forget Expensive Resorts! Pipestem Has 26 Cozy Cabins & Lodges

Resorts can be amazing when you’re lost in the moment, but then reality sets in when you check your bank account.

Trust us — we’ve all been there…

But guess what, there’s something about waking up to the soundtrack of nature without a rowdy foam party in sight that makes swapping posh amenities for homey digs.

Pipestem offers guests 26 cozy cabins to choose from — and they won’t break the bank, especially being so family-friendly.

Lodging options include pet-friendly McKeever Lodge or the seasonal Mountain Creek Lodge, accessible only by tramway

Cabins can be booked separately directly through the state park website — all of which have 2 to bedrooms, wi-fi, laundry service, and heating and air conditioning.

September is here, so you know what that means now that Labor Day has swiftly passed us by.

It’s time to swap out your summery white attire for checkered flannels and comfy jeans to enjoy the cool breeze with a soulful PSL in hand.

This time of year, as some beaches become less desirable as temperatures begin to dwindle, more of us are inclined toward weekend getaways in rustic mountain towns and vibrant parks, many of which can be found in the South.

If you’ve been following us at Travel Off Path, you know how much we’re drawn to the South, whether it be paradise beaches, underrated metropolises or small town hideaways.

Though this time, we’re happy to share a highly underrated state park that travel experts at Southern Living are raving about as one of their next go-to destinations.

If you’re ready to immerse yourself in some of Appalachia’s most beautiful autumn scenery with far fewer crowds than the household names we’ve all grown to love, the Blackwater Falls State Park is just the place.

‘Take Me Home’ To West Virginia’s Majestic State Park

With the kids back in school, that’s not the only sigh of relief this fall. You can visit breathtaking destinations in a postcard setting.

Yosemite or Yellowstone likely come to mind first when it comes to a dreamy getaway surrounded by lush nature, but don’t skip the flip side of America that somehow largely remains under wraps.

Appalachia is quite a sprawl covering numerous states, but one that sticks out the most to avoid the hordes of selfie sticks ready to poke your eye out is West Virginia.

Despite John Denver’s best try, the “Mountain State” still remains a true hidden gem for most.

Despite holding an impressive 4.8 Google rating with over 6,000 reviews, you don’t have to worry about being another face in the crowd here.

Lines, if any, are reasonable, fellow hikers are respectable and won’t cramp the trails, and photo-ops won’t cause a ruckus.

Of course, with a name like Blackwater Falls, you can probably muster up an excellent guess for the top attractions.

Cue TLC because it’s time to go waterfall chasin’, but given its lesser-known status, you likely aren’t ‘used to’ these rivers and…well… there are no lakes, actually.

The Blackwater River fuels the park’s signature waterfall, the staggering Blackwater Falls, which stands approximately 60 feet high and features an easily accessible observation deck below to take in the awe-inspiring view. Additionally, the Elakala Falls series comprises a set of four alternative cascades along Shay Run.

One Of The Most Photographed Destinations In West Virginia

Whether it be calendars, billboards, or tourists snapping unforgettable pics, Blackwater Falls State Park is one of WV’s most photographed destinations…

…and it’s not solely for the cascading falls.

This park is also a leaf-peeper’s paradise — so much so that West Virginia’s tourism board just released its annual Fall Foliage Forecast so you can time your trip just right to witness the park in its autumn glory.

Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook are the best spots for sweeping views of kaleidoscopic canopies from elevated viewpoints.

There are over 20 miles of trails through the vibrant forestry for skills of all levels. And there are other fun activities, such as biking and fishing, too, as the river is stocked with numerous species of fish, including Catfish and, most famously, Rainbow Trout.

Plus, there are ample cabins to rent that include wifi. No need to wait to upload your epic photos!

Southern Living Hypes Up 2 Neighboring Towns

Southern Living’s editors claim to be chomping at the bit to find themselves in the midst of full autumnal bloom in this vast state park.

But there are also a couple of charming heartthrobs nearby that shouldn’t be skipped either. Those would be the towns of Thomas and Davis.

We reported on the latter recently as one of America’s most surprising destinations with new resorts.

Boasting the new Valley View Cabin Resort costing a whopping $20mil to complete, rave reviews have poured in.

Find yourself waking up to stunning scenery from your private cabanas (with jacuzzis!), smokeless fire pits, and expansive front porches with views stretching for miles on end.