A Long Fall Weekend of Adventure in Southern West Virginia

Country roads…

…take me home.. You know the rest. Most of us have a notion of what West Virginia is like -- maybe mostly due to this song -- whether we’ve visited or not. The wild mountain landscapes, waterfalls and small towns. Almost Heaven is the state's motto -- and after spending some time in the state -- I have to agree.

There is something magical in these forests. Something mystical in the rivers. Something familiar in its people.

And I couldn’t love it more.

So I was ecstatic to spend a long weekend in Southern West Virginia this October (for Gauley season!) and I’m excited to recap it all for you here.

Where I stayed

During my fall trip I stayed at River Expeditions in Oak Hill, WV -- just outside Fayetteville. This was a great choice for many reasons -- I mean, it’s basically an adventurous summer camp for adults (and families).

River Expeditions is a huge family owned adventure resort that mostly operates seasonally (although some accommodations are year round!). They offer daily guided whitewater rafting trips (more on that later) as well as ziplining, a pool and hot tub, an on site bar and restaurant, an in house massage therapist, along with all kinds of accommodations. You can tent camp, dry cabin camp, hook up your RV, stay in a bungalow (like I did) or a luxury cabin that sleeps 10+ with a hot tub and full amenities.

The grounds were peaceful and sprawling, while also being conveniently located to other attractions and rafting (the river check in and bus pick up was right outside of my bungalow's door).

But the thing I loved the most were the people. It is a family owned operation and all of the staff were kind and knowledgeable. I will definitely be back!

What I did

Hiking:

Southern West Virginia is home to the newest United States officially designated “National Park” -- New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. I had visited briefly back in June (and have now visited 55 of the major parks solo!) but was dying to come back and spend more time.

I did a couple of shorter hikes with great payoff. My number one recommendation is Long Point Trail. It is only about 3.2 miles out and back and leads to an amazing view of the New River Gorge Bridge.

Some other accessible options are Grandview Rim trail to Turkey Spur and Endless Wall trail.

Exploring:

There is so much to just simply explore in Southern West Virginia. I drove around the area in awe at each turn -- the fall colors that were just beginning to pop, and the views of rivers and mountains and forests. The mountain towns that were quaint and friendly. There is truly just so much to do here.

Some standouts were Babcock State Park -- a photographer's dream with a river, waterfalls, and an old grist mill surrounded by fall colors in one section.

I also really loved exploring downtown Fayetteville, browsing the West Viriginian made goods at Tamarack, and stopping at the overlooks along Route 60 -- especially Hawks Nest State Park.

Rafting:

I totally saved the best for last! I spent a day rafting class 4 and 5 rapids on the Lower Gauley with River Expeditions! So many exclamation points! But I am truly still so pumped about this experience.

To be honest, I was a little nervous going into the experience. I mean, Class 5 is like, the highest class of rapids. And I had never rafted at all.

But my fears were quickly assuaged when I got on the raft with my incredible guide Carla (and her amazing daughter Leila). She put me at ease with her experience, knowledge, humor, and absolute willingness to teach her charges.

After the first rapid I was in love. I would honestly raft every day for the rest of my life if I could. “I feel so capable” the woman behind me yelled out after successfully maneuvering a Class 5. And I have to agree. It was all at once empowering and humbling. To see yourself as a powerful being while at the same time recognizing that you wouldn’t be able to succeed alone. That nature is formidable and worthy of respect.

“It’s crazy how we go from such excitement to such quiet” someone on the raft remarked. And it’s true -- our adrenaline is on 10 one moment and then the next the river is flat and quiet. As if it never even happened.

There is so much to learn from the river. From this experience. I am so grateful for it. I recommend booking your trips for next year now, asking for Carla and telling them I sent you :).

What I ate

Breakfast:

I loved getting coffee at The Chocolate Moose in Beckley. It is a charming coffee shop, but also an ice cream shop, mini golf course, and a climbing gym. It is so unique -- and the LL Bean Latte is to die for.

I was also charmed by the Cathedral Cafe. A restaurant and bookshop housed in an old church building, it is truly the locals spot in Fayetteville. It was packed for a late breakfast on a Monday morning when I arrived, which worked in my favor as the only available table was on the balcony. I got the Guide’s Choice and the croissant french toast was one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.

Lunch:

For lunch I was so pleasantly surprised by The Dish Cafe in Daniels WV. Tucked away and unassuming, The Dish is a whole foods gem. With all food made to order from locally sourced and whole ingredients, they cater to all kinds of diets (tons of veggie, vegan and gluten free options). The manager was so passionate about bringing whole foods to this area and the results were truly incredible. I had the veggie burger on a pita with a side of mac and cheese that I never wanted to end.

Dinner:
I ate really well on this trip! Like, really really well. Every night I didn’t think I could find another restaurant or meal that could come close to the last, but they all delivered.

I started with dinner at Arrowhead Bike Farm in Fayetteville after my hike on Long Point Trail. The bikeshop/campground/restaurant and bar is nearly across from the trailhead making it super convenient.

I had a local brew and two fish tacos that were cooked to perfection. I read my book as the sun went down on the porch, feeling so much gratitude for the experience. It was peaceful and exactly what I needed.

The next night I visited Pies and Pints in downtown Fayetteville. It was a Saturday night and it was packed! Definitely a cool vibe and unexpected for such a small town. I opted to sit outside so I could read (of course) and that was a great choice. It was so peaceful, the service was impeccable, and the food was honestly to die for. Pies and Pints, of course, serves pizza and beer -- both of which I tried. I had the Sriracha Shrimp pizza and it was honestly the best pizza I’ve ever had. Somehow the combination of sriracha, shrimp, pineapple, onion, basil, mint, and who knows what else on a garlicky crust works. It works so so well, actually.

My last night was spent watching the sunset at The Burrito Bar at Breeze Hill in Lansing. It is an unassuming house perched high above the gorge with a back deck that can’t be beat for views. I had the Sweet’s Falls Burrito -- that had sweet potato fries, black beans, rice, cheese and a tangy chili sauce. The chocolate moose was also a treat.

Snacks:

I have to also shout out Fruits of Labor Cafe and Bakery in Rainelle, WV. While I didn’t actually visit the location itself, Visit Southern West Virginia was kind enough to leave some of their chocolate chip cookies and croissants in my room at River Expeditions to snack on. And oh my goodness if all the cookies weren’t gone in about 1 hour after I arrived. They. Were. So. Good.

I looked up the bakery immediately after scarfing them down and found that the mission was just as amazing as the baked goods. Their nationally-certified Farm-to-Table agricultural training program trains adults across West Virginia who are recovering from addiction as well as working with youth to offer prevention programs.

I truly left a piece of my heart in West Virginia. I’ve been to a lot of places, but this one is one of the special ones. Rafting season is coming to a close, but I recommend making plans for next year now -- you won’t regret it. Adventure awaits.