1. Swallow Falls State Park, MD β 34 miles
A magnificent 37-acre ancient hemlock and white pine forest with 2 rivers, 4 waterfalls, and canyon hikes. You can swim and play in all of it. No dogs allowed in park.
2. Schell Road Swimhole & Laurel Run β 5 miles
A magnificent swimhole reminiscent of a Caribbean lagoon with diving cliffs, 20-25 feet deep. Laurel Run has multiple large waterfalls and pools.
3. Mt. Storm Lake, WV β 10 miles
Thermally heated lake β water temps in the 90s in fall, nearly 100Β° in summer. Boating, jet skiing, swimming, diving.
4. The Pinnacle, WV β 12 miles
360-degree views β see for 100 miles on a clear day after a very short walk.
5. Ghost Towns Rail Hike, WV/MD β 5β10 miles
An extraordinary 8-mile rail hike along the N. Branch of the Potomac. Rugged whitewater, cascades, waterfalls, and abandoned ghost towns.
6. Cathedral State Park, WV β 20 miles
Ancient hemlock forest β trees up to 90 feet tall and 21 feet in circumference. One of the last virgin hemlock forests. West on U.S. Rt. 50.
7. Deep Creek Lake, MD β 35 miles
Large lakefront community with dozens of resorts, lodges, and eateries. Boating, jet skiing, hiking, camping. Wisp Ski Resort year-round.
8. Blackwater Falls State Park, WV β 27 miles
One of West Virginia's most photographed and visited destinations. Blackwater Falls is a stunning 57-foot cascade whose amber-colored waters are tinted by tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an 8-mile gorge β spectacular in every season.
Beyond the falls, the park features Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook β all among the most photographed spots in WV. Over 20 miles of hiking trails, a comfortable lodge and restaurant, cabins, swimming, fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, and the longest sledding magic carpet on the East Coast.
No entrance fee for day use. Pets allowed on leash in most outdoor areas.
π 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260 Β· π 304-259-5216 Β·
wvstateparks.com
From Abrams Creek: Take US Rt. 50 west to Mt. Storm, then Rt. 93 north through Thomas to Davis β about 27 miles.
9. Eagle's Nest Outfitters, WV β 27 miles
Custom canoe/kayak/whitewater rafting trips on 80+ miles of river across 12 different trips.
10. Seneca Rocks, WV β 40 miles
World-class rock climbing and hiking at one of WV's most iconic formations.
11. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, WV β 17 miles
Beautiful, remote wilderness hiking. Take Rt. 50 west ~3 miles to Mt. Storm, turn left onto Rt. 42 towards Petersburg.
15/16. Towns of Thomas & Davis, WV β 25 miles
Waterfront towns on the Blackwater River with fun eateries, antique shops, art galleries, a bakery, and live music.
17. Canaan Valley, WV β 35 miles
Summer or winter, spectacular mountain views. Ski lift-assisted trail hiking, great eateries. Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
18. The Purple Fiddle, Thomas WV β 25 miles
Some of the best bluegrass and mountain music in the country. Full service restaurant with organic foods, gourmet sodas, beer, and coffee.
19. Golf Courses Nearby β 15β40 miles
Mill Creek Country Club (20 mi, 304-289-3160), Polish Pines Golf in Keyser (15 mi), Alpine Lake Golf in Terra Alta (40 mi), Wisp Resort (35 mi).
21. Mill Run Waterfalls, Antioch WV β 18 miles
Historic Grist Mill (circa 1767) and beautiful waterfall pools. East on Rt. 50, turn right onto Knobley Rd., proceed ~2 miles.
22. Smallest Church in the Lower 48 β 25 miles
A quirky and charming roadside attraction in Silver Lake WV β a tiny church complete with seating and altar.
23. Stoney River Hike β 5 miles
A larger stream along Rt. 50, about 5 miles west of the campground. Reportedly great swim holes. Park near the green truss bridge.