The opportunities to experience beauty and adventure are endless each spring in the Mountain State.
By Dawn Nolan
HQ 133 | Spring 2026
Colorful blooms, rushing rivers, lush canopies. West Virginia’s spring scene is a magnificent spectacle, bursting with life and renewed energy. It’s the perfect time to explore the natural splendor of the country’s 63rd national park and the exquisite, manicured grounds of “America’s Resort.” From chasing waterfalls to tackling world-renowned rapids, from wandering the woods to zipping through the treetops, the opportunities for outdoor adventure are endless in Almost Heaven.
The West Virginia Waterfall Trail
Unveiled in summer 2022, the official West Virginia Waterfall Trail lists 43 spectacular cascades in 18 counties across the state. These range from the well-known, like the 57-foot, amber-tinted Blackwater Falls in Tucker County, to smaller, more hidden gems like “The Grotto” in Charleston’s Coonskin Park. To receive your mobile passport, sign up on the West Virginia Department of Tourism’s website, wvtourism.com/west-virginia-waterfall-trail. Don’t forget to check in at each location you visit; exclusive prizes are unlocked along the way!
Wildflower Walks
Once the winter frost has been thoroughly shaken off, vibrant wildflowers — rhododendrons, Virginia bluebells, Dutchman’s breeches and others — begin to blossom in our forests and fields. Plan a hike to a state park, such as Grandview in Beaver, to experience a truly breathtaking landscape in its floral frame. Guided excursions like the Osbra Eye Memorial Spring Nature Walks at Kanawha State Forest and the Sue Browning Wildflower Hike at Chief Logan State Park are typically scheduled in April and May.
Fishing
Spring is the perfect time to cast a line. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources regularly stocks trout at state parks and forests throughout the season, and if you’re hoping to reel in the elusive yellow variety, the West Virginia Gold Rush is usually the first two weeks of April. Barboursville Lake, East Lynn Tailwaters, the Hurricane Reservoir and Ridenour Lake in Nitro are all listed as nearby stocking locations. Outside of trout, Beech Fork Lake, with its 720 acres, is filled with bass, crappie, catfish, sauger and bluegill.
Whitewater Rafting
West Virginia’s whitewater rapids are world-famous, and the season traditionally begins in early spring based on rainfall and water levels. From the renowned New and Gauley rivers in the southern part of the state to the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in the Eastern Panhandle, outfitters offer rafting trips for thrill-seekers all across Almost Heaven. Choose your run depending on your experience level and the adrenaline rush sought — the higher the class (I-V), the wilder the ride.
Ziplining
For an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of the Mountain State’s valleys, book a zipline tour that takes you soaring through the trees at various velocities. Locally, the Adventure Park at Heritage Farm has Redtail Racers, a dual, 1,100-foot zip that reaches 40 mph, the typical speed of a red-tailed hawk for which it is named. Another option, the Gravity Ziplines tour at Adventures on the Gorge in Lansing, features Adrena-Line, one of the longest (3,150 feet) and fastest (65 mph) ziplines in the nation.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
A popular destination for residents and visitors alike, the New River Gorge officially became the country’s 63rd national park in 2020. In addition to being known for its whitewater rafting and ziplining, the New River Gorge is a well-established outdoor playground for other types of recreation, including hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. It’s also home to the famous New River Gorge Bridge, a solid food scene and plenty of cabins and campgrounds for those who want to stay a while.
The Greenbrier
While The Greenbrier has plenty to offer its guests and visitors in every season, the historic grounds are perfectly picturesque, full of lilies and rhododendrons, in the spring. Take a relaxing walk or horse-drawn carriage ride and enjoy the scenery in between activities. If the weather is nice, book a tee time on the storied Old White or one of the resort’s other three golf courses. The Greenbrier has a Springtime Package that includes a special room rate, resort spending credit, buffet breakfast and other perks.
