Destination Adventure 2020

Sleepy Creek Lake

Martinsburg & Berkeley County West Virginia

Get to the Heart of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle where you can discover, explore, and experience charming Martinsburg and scenic Berkeley County. Here, you can shop in eclectic stores, browse vibrant farmer’s markets, visit the galleries of amazing artists, and savor delicious delights.

Only 90 minutes from Baltimore and Washington D.C., and along Interstate 81,  Berkeley County is situated at the northern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley and eastern gateway to West Virginia’s serene mountain landscape. 

It’s your turn to get away, relax, and unwind in a beautiful piece of “Almost Heaven.” 

Go Outside and Play

Berkeley County offers the ultimate outdoor experience, from rugged hiking trails to the scenic nature paths, public parks, fishing streams, and nature preserves. 

Adventurers can explore the 23,000-acre Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area that contains extensive hiking, camping, fishing, and boating opportunities. The Route 9 walking and biking trail stretches between Martinsburg and the Charles Town/Ranson area, offering users wide-open views and diverse terrain from flat land to sloping hills.

Don’t forget to pack your lure and fishing rod along with your hiking boots and a bike helmet. Sleepy Creek Lake, a 205-acre impoundment, provides trophy bass, crappie, and northern pike, and allows night fishing with permission. You can also fish from any of the public access streams flowing throughout the county.

If observing nature is more your style, Berkeley County has two nature preserves that house a wide variety of birds and plants. Stauffer’s Marsh Nature Preserve, in Back Creek Valley, and the Yankauer Nature Preserve each offer easy walking trails that allow for wildlife observation. 

Finish a day of well-earned victory with a delicious meal in Martinsburg’s downtown food scene. 

Your outdoor adventure begins here in Martinsburg and Berkeley County, W. Va.

Wills Mountain

Allegany County Maryland

Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, is an authentic destination filled with small town charm yet big time adventure. The gateway to the Allegheny Mountains, 25 percent of its land is publicly owned, making outdoor recreation abundant. The region also features two arts and entertainment communities, and the county is home to DelFest, one of the nation’s largest bluegrass festivals. History and heritage speak loudly as you walk the streets, taking in the architecture and three centuries of American historical sites. The mountains are calling!

Mountain Maryland’s Tap and Pour Beverage Tour

Go Outside and Play

A favorite pastime is to gather the group to fish, canoe, kayak, or float the Potomac River, which bends and winds, separating Maryland from West Virginia. If water is what you are after, then be sure to also experience the 243-acre Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park. It is known for water sports, swimming areas, and dog-friendly beaches. Plus, the region features the terminus of the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath, a car-free 330+-mile, internationally-known bicycle trail destination. When the day of adventure is over, immerse yourself in the community with walkable shops, outdoor dining, and wineries!

Paddling in Giles County

Giles County Virginia

Giles County, also known as Virginia’s Mountain Playground™, is home to five towns—Pembroke, Pearisburg, Narrows, Rich Creek, and Glen Lyn—plus the communities of Newport, Eggleston, and White Gate. In Giles, you’ll find the outdoor adventure fit for you, your family, your friends, or all the above!

Hike to the waterfalls of The Cascades

Go Outside and Play

The New River Water Trail is the link to it all. With 37 miles of the New River and ample public access, outdoor adventure revolves around scenic beauty in Giles. Floating and paddling are just a snippet of what you can do. Try out the off-road trails at Kairos, dual sport rides with GearHead, or any one of the three amazing waterfall hikes! Stay at Mountain Lake Lodge, Inn at Riverbend, Walker Creek Retreat, or other unique lodging, including riverside and mountaintop campgrounds. Round out your adventure with The Bad Apple or The Palisades, premier destination dining experiences.

Lake Moomaw

Alleghany Highlands Virginia

The Alleghany Highlands is considered Virginia’s outdoor playground with over 50 percent of the land located within National Forest. The region is home to over 100 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as two lakes and rivers that form the Alleghany Highlands Blueway. All lead to waterfalls, wildflowers, or amazing mountain views.

Go Outside and Play

Kayaking the Cowpasture River

With a trailhead located just minutes from downtown Covington, the 14.4-mile Jackson River Scenic Trail has a surface of finely crushed gravel and is well-suited for family bike rides and hikes. Douthat State Park offers plenty of space for adventure on the trails and peace and quiet in the campgrounds and cabins. Head to the park’s 50-acre lake for trout fishing, boating, and swimming or hike and bike the 40 miles of trails. The Alleghany Highlands Blueway is comprised of two mountain lakes and two scenic rivers that offer great paddling, fishing, and boating opportunities. You can kayak or canoe on rivers with fun Class I & II rapids or leisurely explore miles of lakeshore. If you are looking for your next outdoor destination, look no further than Virginia’s Alleghany Highlands!

Spectacular views, mountain-top chalets, elegant dining, conference facilities and a wide array of recreational activities are available at Primland Resort.

Primland Resort Patrick County, Virginia

With a jaw-dropping range of outdoor activities, Primland beckons adventurers of all stripes to the Blue Ridge’s premier resort. Nestled on 12,000 acres amid stunning vistas in Patrick County, Virginia, Primland offers breathtaking experiences both indoor and out—all in a luxurious atmosphere that’s authentic to its mountain setting.

Go Outside and Play

Take an RTV out for a guided spin.

Primland’s Highland Course ranks among the best mountain golf courses in the U.S. Or check out the 18-hole disc golf course designed by game pioneer George Sappenfield.

Hit the trails on a mountain bike, on foot, or on horseback. Go tree climbing. Explore Talbott Reservoir in a kayak. Fly fish for wild brown, brook, and rainbow trout on the Dan River. Or catch trout, bass, and channel catfish from three stocked ponds. Enjoy shooting sports and archery. Go off-roading in a Recreational Terrain Vehicle (RTV). Try out tomahawk throwing. 

This isn’t even a complete list of Primland’s activities! Visit for an unforgettable experience.

Big Schloss Overlook

Shenandoah County Virginia

Shenandoah County calls you to breathe the mountain air and experience the thrill of summer outdoor recreation. Enjoy shady trails on foot or on horseback. Bike the mountains and scenic backroads, or float down the Shenandoah River in a canoe for great fishing or a leisurely paddle. Six charming small towns along Route 11 in the Valley between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains offer an essential hub of places to stay, eat and shop after a full day of river, sky and mountain adventures.

Go Outside and Play

Enjoy kayaking the Shenandoah River.

Shenandoah County has plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast whether by air, on the ground or along the river. 

• Hike, bike or horseback-ride through some of the 178 miles of trails through George Washington National Forest. You’ll find trails to suit every skill level.

• Enjoy the slow and lazy bends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River by canoe, kayak, or simply wade in and go fishing.

• Take your car or bicycle along the scenic country roads for pastoral views of farmland and mountains.

• Get a bird’s eye view of the valley with zipline adventures, skydiving or floating in a hot air balloon.

Grandview River

Southern West Virginia

Rolling hills, breathtaking overlooks and magnificent cascades await in Southern West Virginia. Whether you are in search of astonishing scenery, wooded treks, or an enjoyable driving tour, you’ll find plenty of places to escape to in the great outdoors.

Go Outside and Play

Enjoy some of the best whitewater on the East Coast!

Whether you’re looking for a non-stop adventure,  planning a relaxing getaway, or want to explore a little of both, you’ll find the perfect combination of activities during your Southern West Virginia vacation. 

Known as a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, Southern West Virginia is chock full of experiences. Scale the sandstone cliffs of the New River Gorge on a guided rock climbing adventure or tackle Class V rapids on the river below. Paddle along the flatwater of Summersville Lake or explore lush forest trails on a mountain bike. Adventure awaits in Southern West Virginia. 

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