West Virginia Travel Guide 2009 - (Page 42) wild & wonderful > State & National Parks than a walk MUCH MORE IN THE PARK If you think parks are only good for a walk in the woods or a family picnic, you probably haven’t visited one in West Virginia. Sure, the Mountain State’s more than 50 state and national parks, forests and wildlife management areas are known for offering an abundance of outdoor recreation in lush surroundings. But, oh, there’s so much more! Recreation Aplenty With one friend or many, with family or that special someone, you can hike gorgeous trails, picnic in peaceful surroundings or pitch a tent under the stars at West Virginia’s state and national parks. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Enjoy a ride up the mountain at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park or escape to a cabin at Watoga or Beech Fork state parks. Fish the stream-fed waters of a 1,750-acre lake at Tygart Lake State Park or take a challenging bike ride through Kanawha State Forest. Saddle up for 40 miles of horseback riding trails at Camp Creek State Park, which has campsites for riders and their horses. Is golf your game? Some of the state’s nicest (and most affordable) courses can be found at Pipestem, Twin Falls, Canaan Valley or Cacapon resort state parks. Or tee up in breathtaking surroundings on the Arnold Palmer Signature Course at Stonewall Resort on the grounds of Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park. Breathtaking Photo-Ops If taking pictures is more your speed, West Virginia’s parks offer scenic vistas and backdrops like no other. Take the boardwalk down to the 62-foot falls at Blackwater Falls State Park, one of the state’s most photographed spots, or visit Babcock State Park for a shot of its iconic grist mill ringed by verdant woods. Soak up sweeping views of the New River Gorge from the overlook at Hawks Nest State Park, or of Bluestone Gorge from Pipestem Resort State Park. Above: Golf and rappelling can be enjoyed at some parks. At right: Babcock State Park’s grist mill is a picture-perfect spot d g h. 42 1-800-CALL WVA
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