Exploring West Virginia by Train, Boat, or Hot Air Balloon
Nestled in the rugged Allegheny Mountains, the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers a quintessential West Virginia train adventure roughly 90 minutes east of Charleston. Departing from the historic logging town of Cass, visitors climb aboard a vintage steam-driven locomotive that chugs up a winding track to Bald Knob, the third highest point in the state at 4,843 feet. Along the roughly 11-mile route, passengers gaze out over dense forests and sweeping valleys, with the crisp mountain air and rhythmic clatter of the rails evoking a bygone era. The ride is especially magical in autumn when the rolling hills blaze with fall foliage, immersing travelers in a tapestry of reds and golds. Beyond the train, Cass itself is a living museum of Appalachia’s logging heritage, complete with preserved buildings and interpretive exhibits that reveal the region’s industrial past.
For those who want to experience West Virginia’s waterways, a boat trip on the New River Gorge invites immersion into one of the state’s most spectacular landscapes. About an hour’s drive southeast from Beckley, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a playground for paddlers, with calm sections perfect for leisurely float trips and more challenging rapids for whitewater enthusiasts. Launching near the town of Fayetteville, visitors can drift past towering sandstone cliffs crowned by the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, a marvel of engineering standing 876 feet above the water. The river cuts through some of the oldest mountains in North America, offering not just thrilling water experiences but a glimpse at ancient geology. Summer and early fall are ideal for boating here, when water levels are friendly and the weather mild, though the gorge’s cliffs remain dramatic year-round.
Floating high above the landscape, a hot air balloon ride over the Eastern Panhandle near Harpers Ferry reveals a different side of West Virginia’s scenic splendor. Less than an hour northeast of Martinsburg, balloonists glide over the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, where history and nature converge. From this vantage point, the patchwork of forests, farmland, and waterways unfolds in serene beauty, punctuated by the iconic Harpers Ferry National Historical Park below. This town’s role in the Civil War and John Brown’s raid becomes tangible from the sky, as the narrow streets and historic buildings contrast sharply with the wild Blue Ridge Mountains beyond. Early morning flights are best, when the winds are calm and the rising sun bathes the landscape in warm light, creating postcard-perfect views.
In the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the Greenbrier River Trail stretches nearly 79 miles through southeastern West Virginia, starting just north of the town of Ronceverte, about two hours southeast of Charleston. This gentle rail-trail winds along the Greenbrier River, offering hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders a peaceful journey through verdant forests and open farmland. The trail’s relatively flat terrain makes it accessible to all skill levels, while the river’s reflective surface mirrors the changing seasons, from vibrant spring greens to quiet winter snows. The trail also passes through small West Virginia communities, where local artisans and eateries provide a taste of mountain hospitality. Fall’s cooler days and colorful foliage offer the most picturesque backdrop for a day on the trail.
Downtown Wheeling, approximately 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh, provides a charming riverboat excursion on the Ohio River with the Sternwheeler Paddleboat. This historic vessel cruises along the waterway that once powered the region’s industrial boom and still connects communities along the border of West Virginia and Ohio. Passengers can admire the city’s Victorian architecture and the towering suspension bridges that span the river while enjoying narrated tours detailing Wheeling’s role in commerce, transportation, and the Underground Railroad. Evening cruises are particularly atmospheric, as the city lights twinkle against the dark river and cool breezes refresh the spirit. The boat’s gentle rocking and the sound of the paddlewheel create a relaxing contrast to the urban bustle ashore.
In the northern panhandle near Morgantown, the Cheat Lake area invites exploration by kayak or pontoon boat, just 15 minutes north of the city center. This large reservoir, formed by the Cheat River, offers calm waters framed by forested hills and rocky outcrops. Kayakers can paddle along the shoreline, discovering hidden coves and quiet beaches perfect for picnics or wildlife spotting. Anglers appreciate the lake’s robust fish populations, including bass and muskellunge. Summer afternoons bring warm sun and clear skies, ideal conditions for boating, while the crisp air of early fall draws migrating birds and casts a golden glow over the water. Cheat Lake is a local favorite that balances outdoor recreation with easy access to Morgantown’s cultural attractions.
For a blend of history and ballooning, the annual Balloon Festival in Lewisburg, about 90 minutes southeast of Charleston, offers a spectacular way to see the region by air. Though the festival itself is a seasonal event, the rolling farmland and gentle hills surrounding this historic town provide a perfect setting for private balloon rides throughout much of the year. Lewisburg’s well-preserved downtown, known for its galleries and theaters, pairs beautifully with the pastoral views from above. Floating over green fields dotted with stone fences and historic homesteads, balloonists enjoy a peaceful sense of flight rarely found elsewhere. Clear skies and calm winds in late spring and early fall create the best ballooning conditions, allowing pilots to navigate the gentle thermals and provide memorable panoramic views.
The Tygart Valley River, winding through the Monongahela National Forest about 30 minutes south of Elkins, offers another unique river experience. This scenic waterway flows through dense forests and rugged hills, carving out pockets of tranquility and excellent fishing spots. Canoeing or tubing down the Tygart Valley River provides a leisurely way to connect with the rich biodiversity of the forest, including sightings of ospreys and white-tailed deer. The nearby Audra State Park enhances this adventure, where the dramatic sandstone cliffs and the crystal-clear waters of the Middle Fork River invite visitors to hike, swim, or simply relax. Late spring and early summer bring refreshing water temperatures and lush vegetation, making it a perfect time to enjoy these natural wonders.