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State Bucket List
West Virginia is the most underrated outdoor destination in the eastern United States. The New River Gorge -- America's newest national park -- delivers world-class whitewater, rock climbing, and a bridge walk 851 feet above the river. Summersville Lake's 60-foot visibility has earned it the nickname "the Bahamas of the East." And Southern WV's Appalachian culture adds a layer of authenticity that no other adventure destination can match.
The state's outdoor adventures are concentrated in a relatively small geographic area, which means you can raft Class IV-V rapids in the morning, scuba dive a submerged forest in the afternoon, and eat farm-to-table dinner in a restored company store by evening. That kind of density is rare.
These five West Virginia adventures represent the best of Almost Heaven -- from the gorge to the mountains to the culture that holds it all together.
Walk the catwalk beneath the New River Gorge Bridge - 851 feet above the river - then explore the whitewater rapids and sandstone cliffs of America's newest national park.
Called the "Bahamas of the East," Summersville Lake's 60-foot visibility and submerged forests make it one of the top freshwater dive sites in the country.
The Lower New River Gorge delivers some of the most exhilarating whitewater in the East - 14 miles of Class III-V rapids through a 1,000-foot-deep canyon.
Southern WV is where outdoor adventure and authentic Appalachian culture overlap. Coal heritage museums, farm-to-table restaurants in old company stores, and some of the friendliest people in America.
The Augusta Heritage Center at Davis & Elkins College hosts week-long workshops in Appalachian fiddle, banjo, and flatfoot dancing. It's the most immersive way to connect with mountain culture.
In-depth articles for every adventure on this list that has an OTT guide.
Bridge Walk at New River Gorge National Park
National Parks
Scuba Dive Summersville Lake, West Virginia
Water Adventures
Raft the New River Gorge Class IV-V Rapids
Water Adventures
Discover Southern West Virginia Appalachian Culture
Small Town Adventures
Learn Old-Time Music at the Augusta Heritage Center
Gear & Outdoor Skills
West Virginia Travel Guides
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