| Whoaaaaaa, West Virginia! There's so much to | | | | cross-country skiers. Experienced rock climbers crave |
| experience in this state's grand outdoors. Whether | | | | the challenges presented by Monongahela's |
| they're searching for shimmering lakes or magnificent | | | | 900-foot-high Seneca Rocks formation, and once at |
| mountains, cranberry bogs or caves, rushing rivers or | | | | the top, they can enjoy sweeping views of South |
| green valleys, travelers find what they're looking for, | | | | Branch Valley. |
| and even more, in the "Mountain State." | | | | Water enthusiasts will delight in the area's multitude of |
| Beech Fork Lake is in the hilly southwestern section of | | | | streams, ideal for canoeing. |
| West Virginia near the town of Lavalette, about ten | | | | The town of Davis in north central West Virginia is the |
| miles south of Huntington. Swimming, fishing and | | | | home of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, a |
| boating are the main events at this U.S. Army Corps | | | | National Natural Landmark designee. Canaan is the |
| of Engineers waterway. There's a special spot | | | | state's biggest freshwater wetland; a blending of cool |
| reserved for swimmers at Stowers Branch Beach | | | | marshes, bogs and swampy forests nestled in the |
| and anglers should note that Beech Fork Lake is | | | | Allegheny Mountains at an exceptionally high elevation |
| stocked with largemouth and hybrid bass, black | | | | of 3,200 feet. Since the weather and habitats in |
| crappie and channel catfish. Beech Fork's boaters | | | | Canaan Valley are characteristic of more northern |
| appreciate use of an on-site marina, well-equipped with | | | | climes, the plants and animals found there are also out |
| launching and docking facilities, as well as watercraft | | | | of the ordinary. |
| rentals. For higher and drier times, hiking and biking are | | | | Seneca's Caverns are in Riverton, West Virginia's |
| alternative activities, with bicyclists permitted to ride on | | | | eastern panhandle, in the heart of the Appalachian |
| primary park roads. | | | | Mountains. Seneca is the "Mountain State's" largest |
| The central eastern portion of West Virginia is the | | | | cave system, and due to its massive size and |
| home of Monongahela National Forest. The rugged | | | | numerous subterranean formations, it's been titled |
| Monongahela is known for its high elevations, rivers, | | | | "West Virginia's Underground Wonderland." Lighted, |
| streams, valleys and rocky escarpments. It's a forest | | | | guided trail tours at Seneca show off a series of |
| full of action-packed adventures for high-energy | | | | fascinating chambers and mineral configurations like |
| visitors. There are hundreds of miles of trails open to | | | | stalagmites and stalactites. |
| hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders and | | | | |