20 Must-do Activities in West Virginia

West Virginia, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, offers countless opportunities for exploration and fun. From exhilarating activities to serene camping spots, there’s something for everyone. In this blog, we’ll highlight 20 awesome things to do in West Virginia, including the exciting adventures at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center.

20 Awesome Things to Do in West Virginia

Spring Adventures

1. Mountain Biking at Coopers Rock

Hit the trails at Coopers Rock State Forest, where you’ll find a variety of mountain biking routes. Experience the thrill of biking through lush forests and breathtaking vistas.

2. Ziplining

Soar through the treetops at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center’s ziplining course. With breathtaking views of the mountains, it’s an adrenaline-pumping way to experience nature.

3. Visiting Natural Hot Springs

Relax and rejuvenate at the natural hot springs in the area, like those in Berkeley Springs. Enjoy the therapeutic benefits while surrounded by the stunning West Virginia landscape.

Summer Thrills

4. Tubing on the Shenandoah

Relax and float down the Shenandoah River. This leisurely activity is perfect for families looking to cool off during hot summer days.

5. Rafting the Potomac

Experience the thrill of rafting on the beautiful Potomac River. With varying levels of rapids, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

6. Ropes Course

Test your balance and courage on the ropes course at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. It’s an exciting way to challenge yourself while enjoying the great outdoors.

7. Hiking the Appalachian Trail

Discover stunning views and diverse wildlife on sections of the iconic Appalachian Trail that pass through West Virginia.

8. Kayaking on the Shenandoah

Paddle through the serene waters of the Shenandoah River. Kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the river’s beauty while enjoying some exercise.

Fall Fun

9. Autumn Leaf Peeping

Take a scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains to witness the breathtaking fall foliage, especially in West Virginia. For stunning views, consider exploring the Highland Scenic Highway, where you can soak in the vibrant colors and expansive vistas.

10. Camping Under the Stars

As the temperatures cool, fall camping becomes a magical experience. Set up at a local campsite and enjoy cozy campfires and starry nights.

Winter Wonders

11. Skiing at Snowshoe Mountain

Hit the slopes at one of West Virginia’s premier ski resorts. With a variety of runs for all skill levels, it’s a winter paradise.

12. Winter Hiking

For the adventurous spirit, winter hiking offers a serene way to explore the landscapes. The snow-covered trails provide a unique experience.

Year-Round Activities

13. Biking the C&O Canal

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is perfect for biking enthusiasts. Enjoy a scenic ride along the historic canal, accessible year-round.

14. Fishing in the Rivers

West Virginia’s rivers are teeming with fish, making them ideal for fishing year-round. Grab your gear and cast a line in one of the many rivers.

15. Visit Historic Harpers Ferry

Explore the charming town of Harpers Ferry, rich in history and culture. Discover the historic sites, shops, and beautiful views of the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

16. Bird Watching

West Virginia is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with numerous parks and natural areas to spot a variety of bird species throughout the year.

17. Explore New River Gorge

This stunning area is famous for its breathtaking views, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. It’s a must-visit for adventure seekers.

18. Attend Local Festivals

Experience West Virginia’s culture by attending local festivals throughout the year. From music to food, there’s always something happening.

19. Photography Tours

Capture the beauty of West Virginia’s landscapes with a photography tour. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, the scenery is sure to inspire.

20. Nature Walks

Enjoy leisurely nature walks in the state’s many parks. Each season offers unique views and experiences, making it a year-round activity.

Awesome Adventures in West Virginia

West Virginia is truly a wild and wonderful destination, filled with adventures that cater to every interest. Whether you’re ziplining through the trees at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center, kayaking on the Shenandoah, or simply soaking in the beauty of nature while camping, there’s no shortage of excitement. So gather your friends and family, pack your bags, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains!

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It…

Kinja Knepper

18:59 08 Nov 24

Brought my 3 boys out for some birthday fun zip lining this morning. The boys and I had the best time and they are still raving about it asking when we can come back! Matt and Tristan (I hope I got their names right) were fantastic guides and made the boys feel super confident in what we were doing. We will definitely be back to try out the other adventures another day soon!Birthday boy thanks yall for the best birthday trip he's had yet! His words lol.

Jennifer Surles

13:41 04 Nov 24

We spent the weekend enjoying their cabins, ziplining and we took on the challenge of the ropes course. The bathrooms were nice and clean, and the showers were hot. We had 10 boys and 4 adults from Troop 847 (Spotsylvania Va) and they made sure that we had a great scout-friendly experience. The young men were taught how to safely use the equipment, but the guides kept it fun and encouraged the young men to challenge themselves! Will definitely be planning to use this company again!

Peter Hart

18:53 26 Oct 24

Zip Lining was a fantastic experience. Abby and Logan made us all feel safe but also never get too nervous. Best guides ever. We had so much fun and they made us feel very welcome. Great people who love their job. Couldn’t ask for better guides and a better time.

Dayne Murphy

16:45 16 Oct 24

The Kids working the adventure center were amazing and had so much fun with us and made the atmosphere a whole lot better

Reza Farsi

23:14 12 Oct 24

Had an amazing time ziplining at my friend's bachelor weekend. I am terrified of heights but Logan and Caiden did and excellent job of making the whole experience more enjoyable and laugh filled. Will come back whenever I'm in the area

Joel Frick

19:37 06 Oct 24

Fantastic experience in a one-of-a-kind environment! Super friendly guide Tristan also talked about historic events and landmarks during our rafting trip. Highly recommend it!

Alexander Johnson

14:36 03 Oct 24

The employees were very patient and helped us with any issues we had. We had a great time, would recomend

Trinity Bunting

16:40 24 Sep 24

Staff was very friendly and everyone enjoyed their time would go again.

Teri Gunter

16:21 24 Sep 24

I absolutely love it!! The staff was super friendly, and we were all laughing and cracking up. It was just such an amazing experience to be able to go. Anyone that goes should definitely do the tires because it really challenges you but it's worth it.

kyla okeefe

19:15 21 Sep 24

we had so much fun, thank you hfac and spider for an amazing time!

David Hinds

18:09 21 Sep 24

We had a fabulous experience rafting with the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. It is a top-notch operation, and our guide Chris was great! Not only does he have a library of jokes to tell he also has a wealth of knowledge of the history of the area and the local wildlife. Given the lack of rain this summer the river has been lower than normal but given Chris's 18 years of experience he was still able to take us down the more fun route which travels both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. The trip itself was great but the day was topped off with fabulous views from the outside area of the brewery owned and operated by the Adventure Center located and on the property. Chris is not only a great guide but had great recommendations for the food we should try and the area of the brewery where we could get a great view of the Potomac just beyond the historic town of Harpers Ferry. I would highly recommend Chris and Harpers Ferry Adventure Center if you are considering a rafting experience.

anita williams

12:31 17 Sep 24

We had logan and Tristan as guides. Poor guys had our women's group of six. They were awesome. Very patient with us. They made our trip very fun. Thank you guys! I would have love to do the 2nd level of ropes course but could not get up that straight pole. I feel like they should offer steps to it. Or if there was something behind me like a wall, I could have made it. Food for thought.. none the less. Us 6 ladies had a great time

Karan Kumar

21:02 16 Sep 24

Went Rafting here for the first time and it was a blast! Our guide Chris was hilarious and so knowledgeable of the rich history of West Virginia.

Qinfen Song

17:26 15 Sep 24

woops！ So delicious！I never taste this Chinese food in US before. Let me feel i am in China. Recommend to everyone！

Thane Gum

15:54 13 Sep 24

Fun

Isaac Johnson

15:51 13 Sep 24

Great service, had a great time

Ty McCloud

15:51 13 Sep 24

Easy to use and enjoy ropes course with plenty of challenges for thrill seekers along with a much easier section for those who are afraid of heights. Plenty of well experienced and well caring staff members.

Samuel James

15:45 13 Sep 24

scott baber

01:59 12 Sep 24

Went on a company outing, due to time of year water was down but still had a great time. Charlie -boy was our guide and was great! Get ya a Paw Paw!

Mike

13:41 05 Sep 24

The camping is really good if you want to reconnect to nature

Vicki Wheatley

02:12 01 Sep 24

What a great time! It is a must do if you are visiting Harper's Ferry WV. Ask for Cody he was a great, knowledge and laid back tour guide!

Sandy Flip Flops & a Backpack Full of Love

03:05 27 Aug 24

We went white water rafting in August. The water levels weren't very high but we still had a blast! It was totally worth doing. Every staff we spoke to was very nice and our guide, Charlie, is the BEST!! He was so knowledgeable, super friendly, an all around fun. We will be coming back next year.

Sandra C

18:19 25 Aug 24

Had a great time!!! Went twice! Parked, they offer life vest and tubes then they shuttle you to put in location took about 2 hours to float down to take out location (big orange hvac sign). Very friendly in the little hut where you pay, and very friendly where you get tubes. Will definitely go again. Was on a Sunday 50$ for everything 30$ if you bring your own tube.

Christina Gaffos

23:32 01 Aug 24

We had a blast! Chris was our guide and seemed very knowledgeable. The river was low due to the drought but it didn't stop us from having a blast. We rafted and zip lined. Both were great! The brewery on site was wonderful as well with a great view!

Lydia Thompson

14:50 07 Jul 24

Our group of 4 had the absolute best time flat water tubing! The team was all incredibly nice, helpful, and contributed to the great experience. We 100% plan on doing it again. Sarah was particularly very sweet and drove us separately after our group didn’t fit on the main bus!Be mindful of the water level because we were walking through rocks to avoid getting stuck a good bit and water shoes are definitely recommended

JOSEPH LEONGUERRERO

16:49 30 Jun 24

We had a great time on the zip line course at the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. We did the 9 am tour to avoid the summer heat. The tour guides did an excellent job explaining everything and keeping safety a priority. Will definitely return again soon. It was a lot of fun! Thank you to Jack, Matt, Zander, and Colin who led the zip line tour. We may be 65 and 60 years old but still enjoy getting out and doing things that excite you.

Yaira Ramos

13:38 09 Jun 24

The best experience ever. I am horrible with names but our guide was the sweetest girl in the group. The main guy Chris is hilarious and every single other guy in his group yesterday afternoon. They all are humorous, respectful and very informative. They made the experience 20/10. I will definitely go back.

Mz Pao

17:27 20 May 24

Alex was our Guide during rafting💕I even said I was the only one English speaker that I will translate to the other guys and he was patient enough to pause and give me time to explain to my group in Spanish😊 If your are looking to have a great time please ask for him!! He will make you laughing and is very knowledgeable about history and the area🫶🏻 it was my first time rafting and it was a blast. He also recommended the Brewery and I was not disappointed I loved the beet cheese 🧀💖 I will visit again💕

Kathleen Nelson

19:49 05 Feb 24

Exciting enough for the twenty something's, gentle enough for my grandkids, great time for all

Kelly Rhodes

01:04 06 Nov 23

Excellent experience! Group of kids did the zip line tour and had an absolute blast. The guides Logan and Caden were excellent! So fun and everyone felt very safe and comfortable because of them.

Gabriel Lee

17:56 05 Sep 23

We went white water tubing here with a party of 10 people and had blast. The initial bus ride to the drop off point was a bit long but they sent us in right away. The entire trip down stream took about 2 hours. The water level is a bit low and towards the end the water does get fairly shallow and you need to be careful with the slipper rocks. The white water wasn’t intense at all with it maybe passing as a category 1 not the 3-4 as noted but that was also due to the low water levels. Definitely pack sunscreen and water shoes and you’ll have a great time

Liam Amiri

13:11 27 Aug 23

This adventure center is very well organized and safe. Loved it.Just make sure before coming for water activities you are wearing proper shoes and you have phone and wallet bags that can be attached to you at all time. Don't lose your stuff in the water...

Alexia Strickland

15:11 14 Aug 23

I normally do not write reviews but A group of us went for my boyfriend’s 29th birthday and had a blast. Bella and Kayden were the absolute best Zipline instructors. They were fun, personable and informative with our instructions. We did the Zipline/White water Tubing package and enjoyed the whole day. The facilities were clean, friendly staff, and the team were very accommodating to our requests even when they didnt have to. Definitely want to come back!

Elizabeth Houston

03:47 26 Jun 23

Such a great and full day for our family! Would highly recommend! We did ropes course and rafting. Patrick was awesome with the ropes! He was helpful and so patient. My 10 year old was not feeling the 3rd level fall-but really wanted to do it. Patrick really encouraged him in the best way to jump to it! We had a break in between and the Harpers Ferry Brewery next door was an added bonus we could walk to easily (we went back after too). We ended the day rafting with Liam as our guide. What an experience! He was very friendly, funny and confident on the water. He went out of his way for us to get the most out of the rafting experience. Such a great day-we all really enjoyed ourselves.

Wild and Wonderful: Must-do Things in West Virginia