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Top 4 National Parks in West Virginia

    West Virginia is a state that offers beauty, adventure and so much more.

    The state of West Virginia is beautiful. The mountains and valleys are perfect. There are lots to do without crowds, traffic jams, and noise.

    West Virginia is a great place to explore. There are many outdoorsy things to do. You can hike up a mountain or go on a kayak trip, for example. West Virginia has over 300 days of sun each year, so you will be outside and have fun in the sunshine.

    If you want a good vacation, come to West Virginia. There are hotels near national parks and restaurants serving southern food like biscuits & gravy.

    Whether you like outdoor activities or just want to relax on the porch swing, there is something for everyone in this state!

    1. Bluestone National Scenic River

    Bluestone National Scenic River

    The Bluestone National Scenic River is a beautiful river that offers many things to do! It has crystal clear water for fishing and swimming. And you can also go hiking there. It is really fun!

    The Blue Stone River is 10.5 miles long and it starts at Summers County, goes into Mercer County, and then meets up with West Virginia’s Greenbrier State Park. There are many places to go and enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding or paddling on kayaks while admiring views and wildlife.

    Pets: The Bluestone National Scenic River is a beautiful place to enjoy the beauty of nature. It also has an area where dogs can go.

    Camping: Camping is strictly forbidden throughout most of Bluestone National Scenic River.

    Tour: Bluestone National Scenic River is a place for many outdoor activities. People like to hike, mountain bike, hunt, fish, and look at birds here. You can canoe in the spring but kayaking is good all year because the water is calm.

    Entrance Fee: You can walk in the National Scenic River for free. The waterfalls are amazing and worth money.

    2. Gauley River National Recreation Area

    Gauley River National Recreation Area

    This place is called the Gauley River National Recreation Area. It is near Summersville, West Virginia. There are many things to do here, like paddle down the river and enjoy nature.

    The Gauley River is 25 miles long and the Potomac River is 39 miles long. There are many opportunities to get out on the river. The first one is the Gauley which is close by, and then there is another river far away.

    Pets: The Gauley River National Recreation Area is the perfect place for people who have pets. They can come with their pet on a leash.

    Camping: Camping is a good way to get close to nature. There are many places to do this. The Gauley River National Recreation Area has many types of campsites available, including group facilities for retreats or scouting groups!

    Tour: The Gauley River National Recreation Area is a very special place. You can do many different things there like whitewater boating, hiking the Appalachian Trail, kayaking down class II-III rapids, or just viewing the beautiful natural area.

    Entrance Fee: You can go to the Gauley River National Recreation Area without paying an entrance fee. It is good for exploring nature because it’s free.

    3. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

    Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

    Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a place where John Brown, an abolitionist, attacked the Federal armories during the Civil War.

    This park is at the place where two rivers meet. In this park, you can learn about George Washington’s life and his great achievements. You can also take a tour of some of the historic sites in Maryland Heights Fortifications!

    Pets: Though Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is an all-ages park, dogs are only allowed in the area on a leash.

    Camping: National parks like Harpers Ferry are preserved for all to see, but camping is not allowed on the premises.

    Tour: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a fascinating place to visit. People can take guided tours, hike on the beautiful trails, learn about historic trades and participate in living history events.

    Entrance Fee: The National Park Service has announced that the entrance fee to Harpers Ferry will be $10. Motorcycle visitors will now be charged an additional $15, and vehicle entrances cost another dollar more at a total of twenty dollars per person. Annual passes have risen by ten dollars, bringing their price up to 35 bucks!

    4. New River Gorge National River

    New River Gorge National River

    The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a beautiful place in the Appalachian Mountains. It has nature trails, amazing waterfalls, places to cook food without having to put it back together after you are done with it.

    Preservation is one of the most beautiful places in America. It is also a part of our country’s history. On October 26th, 1974, President Gerald Ford signed legislation to protect it and now it will be open all year long!

    Pets: On trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, there are many pets. Some of them are slobbering over every blade of grass they find, and others are sniffing out an interesting scent from a long-ago animal that might have left its mark on the trail.

    Camping: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can be a great place to camp. There are no campers where you might want to go. You can only camp there if you don’t have anything that is connected to electricity or water.

    Tour: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. People like to do climbing, biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, or just enjoy a picnic. New River Gorge has everything.

    Entrance Fee: West Virginia lost a lot of its land during the Civil War. One National Park and Preserve are there- New River Gorge! There are no fees to enter that park either.

    West Virginia is a good size. It is not too big so you can explore it, but not so small that you get lost. It is fun to do outdoor adventures in the mountains. You can go on a walk or explore rivers and streams.

    West Virginia has museums with old and new things. There are festivals about our food, culture, and beer. You can try all the different beers!

    I hope this has helped you know why people say “Almost Heaven” when they think of West Virginia.