Rides to Remember

See for Yourself Why "Almost Heaven" Has Stuck

There is a reason folks still think of the opening of Country Roads (that old John Denver song) when they think of West Virginia. It really is a beautiful state.

I actually read once where someone said it's hard to find a straight road in West Virginia. That's a bit of an exaggeration, but it isn't as far off as one might think.

If you like curvaceous, hilly, twisty roads and an ever-changing panorama of loveliness... forest, rolling pastures, cows, grazing sheep, babbling brooks, roiling rivers... West Virginia just might be the place for you, too.



West Virginia is a big state. As I explain on my introductory WV page, there are 55 counties split into nine regions in West Virginia. At the time of this writing, we've only become really familiar with three regions of the state: Potomac Highlands, Eastern Panhandle and Mountaineer Country. It may not sound like much, but it's a pretty big area and there are plenty of awesome roads to keep anyone happy for a good amount of time.

Although we haven't covered (and documented the entire) state, there are others who have gone before us. And because this Web site is meant to be a resource and not an its-all-about-me propaganda vehicle, I'll be providing links both to rides Hubby and/or I have discovered as well as rides others have traveled and documented.

With that in mind, be sure to check out some of the links on the right. They either lead you to rides described on my blog or ride information other people have shared.



There's more to come, so please do stop back periodically. Or, better yet, subscribe to THE BLOG to get all the latest and greatest news.

Places to Stay / Things to Do

DIVERSION - Berkeley Springs State Park



This small state park in the center of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia packs a powerful punch. Since opening in the 1930s, the bathhouse has seen thousands enjoy the wide variety of baths and treatments in the warm mineral waters that flow from the springs at a constant temperature of 74.3 degrees. Here you can enjoy roman baths, a dip in a jacuzzi, professional massage, and even saunas. The springs actually discharge approximately 2,000 gallons of clear, sparkling water per minute from within a hundred yards of the bathhouse.

LODGING & DIVERSION - Cacapon Resort State Park

Offers over 6,000 acres of year-round outdoor fun, including swimming (seasonal), fishing, boating, golf, trap shooting, horseback riding (April-November), lake activities, hiking opportunities and more. Come and see what West Virginia's eastern panhandle has to offer and enjoy top visitor services in a first-class lodge. (NOTE: I have not visited this park as of February 2011.)

DIVERSION - Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

Their Web site says... "The historic Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad is one of America's most beautiful train rides. For three hours enjoy a narrated excursion through a tranquil and pristine mountain valley. View historic farms and lush mountain greenery. Around every curve you are rewarded with the splendor of native wildflowers, evergreens, and mixed hardwoods in an unspoiled countryside environment. Experience "The Trough," a spectacular narrow mountain valley. Below you runs the South Branch of the Potomac River, where the water is so clear that you can see fish as they lie resting in the shade. Above you the high mountain walls and thick forest help keep a secret few have discovered."

 
 

Important and Not-so-important Notes

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