Mountains and Lakes Country Travel Guide
Plan your next trip to Mountains and Lakes Country in West Virginia with this comprehensive travel guide covering the best places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay and more.
- Introduction to Mountains and Lakes Country
- List of Places to Visit in Mountains and Lakes Country
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Mountains and Lakes Country
- Best Things to Do in Mountains and Lakes Country: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Mountains and Lakes Country
- Food and Drink Scene of Mountains and Lakes Country
- Where to Stay in Mountains and Lakes Country: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Mountains and Lakes Country: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Mountains and Lakes Country
- Best Time to Visit Mountains and Lakes Country
- Do’s and Don’ts of Mountains and Lakes Country
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Mountains and Lakes Country: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Mountains and Lakes Country
- Where to Go Next from Mountains and Lakes Country: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Mountains and Lakes Country
Nestled in the southern part of West Virginia, Mountains and Lakes Country is an outdoor paradise with rolling hills, soaring peaks, crystal clear lakes and rivers. This region spans across several counties including Monroe, Fayette, Summers, Greenbrier, Mercer, Wyoming and Raleigh. If you’re an adventure enthusiast looking for some time off in the wilderness, Mountains and Lakes Country is the place for you.
List of Places to Visit in Mountains and Lakes Country
Here are some of the best places to visit in Mountains and Lakes Country:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Greenbrier Historical Society and North House Museum
- West Virginia State Museum
- New River Gorge Bridge
- Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
- Tamarack, The Best Of West Virginia
Natural Attractions of Mountains and Lakes Country: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- New River Gorge National River
- Babcock State Park
- Summersville Lake
- Bluestone State Park
- Pipestem Resort State Park
- Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Hiking/Biking Routes of Mountains and Lakes Country
Mountains and Lakes Country offers several hiking and biking trails that cater to different skill levels. Here are some of the popular routes:
- New River Gorge Bridge Walk
- Long Point Trail
- Endless Wall Trail
- Glade Creek Trail
- Greenbrier River Trail
Best Things to Do in Mountains and Lakes Country: Activities and Tours
- Whitewater Rafting on the New River
- Rock Climbing in New River Gorge
- Zip-lining at Adventures on the Gorge
- ATV Tours
- Fishing in Summersville Lake
Week-Long Itinerary for Mountains and Lakes Country
Here’s an itinerary for a week-long trip to Mountains and Lakes Country:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Beckley and explore New River Gorge National River |
| 2 | Take a scenic drive along Highland Scenic Highway |
| 3 | Go hiking in Babcock State Park |
| 4 | Visit Tamarack, The Best Of West Virginia |
| 5 | Go whitewater rafting on the New River |
| 6 | Explore the Greenbrier River Trail |
| 7 | Depart for home |
Food and Drink Scene of Mountains and Lakes Country
Must-Try Dishes
- Pepperoni Rolls
- Appalachian Stew
- Ramps
- Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
- Apple Butter
Local Beverages
- West Virginia Beer
- Moonshine
- Homemaqde Sweet Tea
Where to Stay in Mountains and Lakes Country: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Adventures on the Gorge
- Coolfont Resort
- The Greenbrier Resort
- Summersville Lake Retreat
What to Buy in Mountains and Lakes Country: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Handmade Pottery
- Artisanal Cheese
- Handcrafted Furniture
- Locally Made Jams and Jellies
Local Culture and Customs of Mountains and Lakes Country
Mountains and Lakes Country is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional customs. Some of the popular customs include coal mining, hunting, and fishing.
Best Time to Visit Mountains and Lakes Country
The best time to visit Mountains and Lakes Country is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Mountains and Lakes Country
Do:
- Respect the locals’ privacy
- Take trash with you when visiting parks and trails
- Dress appropriately for outdoor activities
Don’t:
- Trespass on private property
- Disturb or harm wildlife
- Litter in public places
Safety and Health
Safety in Mountains and Lakes Country
- Be cautious of snakes and other wildlife when hiking
- Avoid hiking or biking alone
- Watch out for sudden weather changes
Health in Mountains and Lakes Country
- Drink plenty of water when doing outdoor activities
- Wear sunscreen and protect yourself from the sun
- Seek immediate medical attention in case of emergencies
Getting to Mountains and Lakes Country: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Mountains and Lakes Country
- Greenbrier Valley Airport
- Raleigh County Memorial Airport
Bus Stations Near Mountains and Lakes Country
- Greyhound Bus Terminal Beckley
Other Options
- Rent a car from nearby cities such as Charleston or Roanoke
How to Get Around in Mountains and Lakes Country
The best way to get around in Mountains and Lakes Country is by car, as there are limited public transportation options available.
Where to Go Next from Mountains and Lakes Country: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
Conclusion
Mountains and Lakes Country in West Virginia offers a perfect getaway for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Plan your trip ahead and get ready to explore the incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of this region.
