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Discover fall in almost heaven.

Featured Destinations

From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

Featured Road Trip

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.

Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.

Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights

Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.

You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop

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Explore lodging.

Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.

Current Season

Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.

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West Virginia awaits your arrival with rich mountain culture, sweeping landscape views and unlimited outdoor adventure. Plan your trip with our exclusive Vacation Guides leading the way. Order a brand new 2024 Vacation Guide to start planning in style!

Welcome to West Virginia

The Mountain State is home to spirited small towns, undiscovered hidden gems and world-class outdoor adventures. In West Virginia, let country roads lead you far away from everything. And a little closer to heaven. Feel free to stay awhile.

Almost heaven in the news

West Virginia’s Blue Ridge peaks, dramatic gorges, and rushing rivers put it on the map for hikers, rafters, and rock climbers.

Perhaps one of the country’s most unsung – but most beautiful – destinations, West Virginia is a foliage fan’s dream.

West Virginia’s New River Gorge, encompassing more than 70,000 acres, became the country’s newest national park and preserve in December.

Whitewater rafting, a treetop obstacle course and the precarious Bridge Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge are particular highlights for families with big kids and tweens.

Although barely a five-hour drive from the Washington D.C. suburbs, this area is enveloped in enough national forest land to allow extra-clear skies.

West Virginia is a beauty queen of a state, with ragged mountains to hike or ski and white-water rapids to paddle. It’s also stuffed with Civil War history and charming small towns. To explore it all, you’ll need a home base.

Our collective obsession with the outdoors this past year turned out to be fortuitous timing for West Virginia.

West Virginia is home to breathtakingly beautiful small towns among its mountains—retreats with close-knit community vibes and natural surroundings.

After the discovery in Watoga, the Division of Natural Resources submitted a letter of support to the International Dark Sky Association, ultimately helping the park achieve its Dark Sky designation in 2021.

Located on more than 70,000 acres in the Appalachian Mountains of the state’s southern region, the park’s titular waterway snakes through densely wooded hills and imposing sandstone cliffs.

America’s newest national park is one of the world’s finest river-rafting destinations. The site protects a slice of the New River, one of the oldest in the world, as well as the 876ft-tall New River Gorge Bridge.

When it comes to our national parks, there's definitely something of a hierarchy not too unlike Hollywood.

Situated in the scenic mountains of West Virginia, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is home to more than 70,000 acres of public lands.

West Virginia has been getting the word out about all its spectacular nature of late—notably the churning whitewater, forested trails and sandstone cliffs of America’s 63rd national park.

The Ascend West Virginia initiative pays remote workers to move to one of five participating communities, with some extra perks aimed at attracting outdoor enthusiasts in particular

Two rivers border Harpers Ferry, a charming small town located between the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.

With five participating communities, Ascend West Virginia is a public-private initiative with an impressive pedigree: Its founders are West Virginia native Brad D. Smith, former CEO of software company Intuit, and his wife Alys.

One of West Virginia’s best treasures is New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, a 70,000-acre park where the world’s second-oldest river cuts through a vast valley of geological formations and ecological wonders.

Of the free, primitive campgrounds offered at New River Gorge National Park, we like Grandview Sandbar best for its easy river access, shady picnic tables, and designated fire rings.

New River Gorge, in West Virginia, became America’s newest national park in December 2020.

This former mining town has been reborn as an adventure hub with quick access to world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting inside the New River Gorge.

Not only is this new national park a hub for world-class rafting and rock climbing (visit in September or October for your shot at descending the notorious Gauley River), but it’s also home to some surprisingly beautiful trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Spring Into Almost Heaven

From scenic hikes between the mountains to charming small towns, West Virginia is sure to bring a new meaning to spring getaways.

Spring Inspiration

A Getaway Full of Spring Adventures

Let the warmth of spring air and cool mountain shade lead you to the getaway of your dreams. With everything from scenic trains and cozy cabins to world-class whitewater rafting, you are sure to find the adventure you are looking for here.

Cozy Cabins

Find More Inspo

Explore the West Virginia Waterfall Trail

Chasing waterfalls takes on a whole new meaning in West Virginia with the first-ever statewide Waterfall Trail. Download your virtual passport to start your waterfall hunt and earn exclusive prizes today.

Get Your Virtual Passport

Discover Featured Getaways

5 waterfalls to add to your spring bucket list in west virginia.

Nothing is quite like embarking on a spring adventure in Almost Heaven, and waterfall chasing is certainly a must-do when you’re here. All of these waterfalls are featured on the ...

These 6 Spring Glamping Sites in West Virginia Will Leave You Speechless

Imagine camping in the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia without compromising the comforts of home. From secluded tree houses to domes fit for avid stargazers, Almost Heaven crafts stunning ...

Plan Ahead: A Whitewater Rafting Getaway

West Virginia is home to the highest density of whitewater runs in the country. From family-fun to thrilling adventure, here, there is a river for everyone. Meander through nature while ...

Visit America's Newest National Park

The New River Gorge has always been a celebrated landmark in the Mountain State, but now it gets recognition as the country's 63rd national park. From action-packed adventures like whitewater rafting and rock climbing to the southern hospitality of uncrowded mountain towns, the New River Gorge is a must-visit.

Discover The New River Gorge

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Featured destinations and deals.

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• 6/10/24 – 6/17/24
• 20% off your campsite reservation
• Good for stays between now and August 31, 2024
• Only valid for campsites
• Offer excludes Stonewall Resort State Park

Promo Code: HAPPY

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Travel Alert

For health and safety updates and information about the free vaccine clinics at West Virginia’s state parks and forests, click here.

Take 20% off your campsite reservation with offer code HAPPY at checkout.

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State Parks

• Berkeley Springs
• Blackwater Falls
• Blennerhassett Island
• Camp Creek and Forest
• Canaan Valley
• Carnifex Ferry Battlefield
• Cass Scenic Railroad
• Cedar Creek
• Chief Logan
• Droop Mountain Battlefield
• Fairfax Stone
• Holly River
• Little Beaver
• Moncove Lake
• Pinnacle Rock
• Prickett's Fort
• Summersville Lake
• Tomlinson Run
• Tu-Endie-Wei
• Tygart Lake
• Valley Falls
• Watters Smith

State Forests

• Cabwaylingo
• Calvin Price
• Coopers Rock

Rail Trails

• Elk River Trail
• Greenbrier River Trail
• North Bend Rail Trail

Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations are maintained in consideration of our guests and to protect resources within West Virginia State Parks and State Forests. Please be sure that all members of your party are aware of these guidelines prior to arrival. While this abridged listing does not include all regulations pertaining to activities in state parks and forests, it does address some of the more common questions and concerns. Full lists of rules and regulations are posted at each park area.

Unlawful Acts in State Parks and State Forests include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Destroying, defacing, disturbing or removing any part of any building, sign, structure or equipment.
• Destroying, cutting, breaking, removing, defacing, mutilating, injuring, taking or gathering any tree, shrub, other plant or plant part, rock, mineral, or geological feature except by permit issued by the Division.
• Failure to pay for rental charges or other fees required for park and facility use.
• All fires must be confined to designated grills or areas.
• Note: Hunting and trapping are permitted in state forests.
• Feeding wildlife.
• Acting in a disorderly manner or creating any noise which would result in annoyance to others.
• Littering and/or dumping any refuse or waste, including grey water, from any trailer or other vehicle except in places or receptacles provided for such use.
• Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state parks and forests.  Pets must be leashed and restrained.
• Explosives, incendiaries, flammables and other dangerous substances are prohibited in state parks, state forests.
• Hawking, peddling, soliciting, begging, advertising, or carrying on any business or commercial enterprise is prohibited in state parks, and state forests without the written permission of the Director of the Division of Natural Resources.
• Operating vehicles in a reckless manner, or in excess of posted speed limits, or in areas other than those specifically intended for vehicular traffic.
• Quiet hours are observed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m

Download complete set of General Rules here .

Campground rules & regulations.

General Campground Policy

• Not more than 2 motor vehicles are permitted on a campsite at any time.  
• A non-family camping group may have only one camping unit (tent, trailer, motor home, camper van, etc).
• A family camping group, at the discretion of the area superintendent, may be permitted to have 1 or 2 small tents on a campsite in addition to the main camping unit, but in no case may the additional units damage the campsite, this must be approved prior to set up.
• A family unit is defined as parents or guardians and their dependent children.
• One person, 18 years of age or older, must occupy and be responsible for the rented campsite.
• Camping is only permitted at designated and numbered sites.

Written Cancellation Policy Reservations canceled at least 60 days prior to arrival may request a refund for the deposit paid.  Reservations cancelled within 60 days of arrival, the paid deposit will be refunded as a customer credit for a future reservation, provided the guest notifies the state Park about the cancellation more than seven (7) days prior to the reservation date.  Refunds will not be permitted for reservations cancelled within seven (7) days of arrival.

Written Deposit Policy Full payment is required at the time of booking.

Check In Check in is 1 p.m.

Check Out Check out is noon.

Download complete set of Camping Rules here and Swimming Rules here .

• Search All Parks
• Audra State Park
• Babcock State Park
• Beech Fork State Park
• Blackwater Falls State Park
• Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park
• Bluestone State Park
• Cabwaylingo State Forest
• Cacapon Resort State Park
• Camp Creek State Park and Forest
• Canaan Valley Resort State Park
• Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park
• Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
• Cathedral State Park
• Cedar Creek State Park
• Chief Logan State Park
• Coopers Rock State Forest
• Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
• Greenbrier State Forest
• Hawks Nest State Park
• Holly River State Park
• Kanawha State Forest
• Kumbrabow State Forest
• Little Beaver State Park
• Lost River State Park
• Moncove Lake State Park
• North Bend State Park
• Panther State Forest
• Pinnacle Rock State Park
• Pipestem Resort State Park
• Seneca State Forest
• Tomlinson Run State Park
• Twin Falls Resort State Park
• Tygart Lake State Park
• Valley Falls State Park
• Watoga State Park
• Watters Smith Memorial State Park
• Beartown State Park
• Berkeley Springs State Park
• Calvin Price State Forest
• Fairfax Stone State Park
• Prickett's Fort State Park
• Stonewall Resort State Park
• Summersville Lake State Park
• Tu-Endie-Wei State Park

West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful and remote areas in the United States. Be sure to download your Park Pack for maps and other park information.

West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) Policies

• State or Federal Requirements for Assessments, Professional Learning and Programs

Open for Public Comment

NOTICE: Comments, as submitted, shall be filed with the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office and open for public inspection and copying for a period of not less than five years.

WVBE Policy Waiver Procedures and Forms

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) provides procedures and forms to waive the WVBE's policies and administrative rules. The following procedure document is available to the public along with the following five types of waiver forms: County/School system, Local School Improvement Council, Advanced Placement, Higher Education and more recently, COVID-19 waiver requests. The educational organization reviews the procedures and selects the correct waiver form to complete and submit in an application to the Assistant Superintendent of Schools. The waiver requests are reviewed by WVDE staff and submitted to the WVBE for consideration and approval. The applicant is notified of WVBE approval or non-approval via a letter of to the applicant.

• Procedures for requesting Waivers of West Virginia Board of Education Policies
• County Waiver of WVBE Policies Request Form
• LSIC / Individual School: Waiver of WVBE Policies Request Form
• Waiver Continuation to Previously Approved WVBE Waivers
• Advanced Placement Training: Waiver of WVBE Policy 2510 Request Form
• Institution of Higher Education: Waiver of WVBE Policy 5100 Request Form

Year to Year Reports of WVBE Policy Waiver Requests

The WVDE presents annual reports to the WVBE and Legislative Oversight Commission on Educational Accountability (LOCEA). The reports provides the following information: Name of County/School Request; Policy #; Grade Level; Program Scope; Additional Information/Disposition regarding the administrative rule; and the Approval or Non-Approval Date.

• 2019-2020 Report of WVBE Policy Waiver Requests
• 2020-2021 Report of WVBE Policy Waiver Requests

Dual Credit Policy Template - ( DOC ), ( PDF ) Embedded Credit Policy Template - ( DOC ), ( PDF ) Virtual School Policy Template Instructional Resources Policy Template 2020 Instructional Support Professional Learning Forum Documentation of Participation

West Virginia State Board Policies

For more information, e-mail: Kelli Talbott, WVDE Attorney

Navigating Turnpike construction during travel season

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Summer travel season is off and rolling, but for a period of time Saturday morning southbound traffic was at a standstill on the West Virginia Turnpike.

Multiple motorists, including Bob and Kathy Morris of Barboursville, tell WSAZ NewsChannel 3 the slowdown started around the first toll booth in Chelyan.

“It was very frustrating, and we were trying to get in and out of traffic -- trying to get the fastest way to get to Winston-Salem,” Bob Morris told WSAZ. “We had left an hour early.”

“Throwing construction into dealing with the toll booths, which slow things down anyway, it was just bad timing, especially for what didn’t appear to be a lot happening,” Kathy Morris added.

The couple say they were stuck in traffic for more than an hour, making them late for a funeral.

A director with the the West Virginia Parkways Authority tells WSAZ an anti-skid project was moved from midweek to pre-dawn Saturday due to weather, but a broom malfunctioned causing crews to sweep road particles by hand and push the project past 7 a.m. Saturday and into summer vacation traffic.

“This was not an event that travelers should expect to occur throughout the summer,” he said.

So WSAZ went for a drive Monday and found three lane closures over a 20-mile stretch. The station found video of one of the slowdowns on a traffic camera, but WSAZ found none of the incidents prompted an alert to the state’s 511 social media account.

WSAZ reached out to Department of Transportation asking why are projects occurring during daytime travel hours, and where can motorists be alerted.

The Department said a weekly construction schedule is on its website , adding that much of the work involves just brief lane closures with hours-long projects and those in high-traffic areas performed at night.

Kathy Morris say notification can be crucial.

“I think especially on our Turnpike, it’s important to know it all the time,” she said. “It’s a more difficult road to travel ... so not knowing in advance can leave you in a pretty sticky situation.”

The Parkways Authority also tells WSAZ it has made the decision there will be no make up days for weather moving forward from Friday to Sunday night. The contractor will also be required to have additional equipment on site for any mechanical failure.

Copyright 2024 WSAZ. All rights reserved.

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Is it safe to go there? What State Department travel advisories mean for your vacation

If you're planning an international trip, you're probably researching the safety of your destination.

The U.S. Department of State offers guidance based on the most up-to-date information about potential hazards that can disrupt travel or threaten personal safety. The department issues advisories that classify how safe a place is to travel on a given moment.

Each country has an advisory level from 1 to 4, from lowest risk to highest risk. The most dangerous places to visit, including areas affected by war and unrest, are classified under Level 4, which means "do not travel." Some countries, including Mexico, have different advisory levels for different regions.

Here's what the State Department travel advisories mean.

What are the travel advisory levels in the US?

The State Department classifies how safe a place is to travel by assigning an advisory level, from Level 1 to Level 4. Here's what the advisory levels mean:

Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. This indicates the least risky places to travel to, but the State Department cautions that "there is some risk in any international travel."

Level 2: Exercise increased caution. Travelers should be aware of higher safety and security risks in their destination, and that conditions can change at any time.

Level 3: Reconsider travel. Serious safety and security risks exist and conditions can change at any time. The State Department provides more specific guidance for travelers in Level 3 areas.

Level 4: Do not travel. Level 4 countries represent the highest risk of life-threatening danger and little to no ability for the U.S. government to assist when an emergency occurs. The State Department advises travelers to avoid Level 4 countries, that Americans in those countries leave as soon as it's safe to do so, and to write a will and leave DNA samples before travel in case of worst-case scenarios.

Some countries have varying advisory levels with different guidance based on the region. This includes Mexico, where most states are under advisories ranging from Level 2 to Level 4.

Is there a worldwide travel alert?

Yes. The State Department issued a worldwide caution for international travel in October 2023, which was updated in May 2024, because of the "potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests."

The worldwide caution was first issued shortly after the Israel-Hamas war began, and was updated to warn travelers of "increased potential for foreign terrorist organization-inspired violence against LGBTQI+ persons and events."

What countries are on high alert for travel?

Any country classified with a Level 4 advisory is considered high risk for travel, according to the State Department. High risk means local conditions are very hazardous and/or the U.S. government has little to no ability to help travelers in trouble.

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

As of May 2024, these countries and regions are under a Level 4 advisory, meaning do not travel:

• The Gaza Strip
• Afghanistan
• South Sudan
• Central African Republic
• Burkina Faso
• North Korea

Six states in Mexico have a Level 4 travel warning: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

As of May 2024, these countries and regions are under a Level 3 advisory, meaning reconsider travel:

• Israel and the West Bank
• Mainland China and Macau
• Guinea-Bissau
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Trinidad and Tobago
• El Salvador

What level of advisory is Mexico?

Mexico has 32 federal entities: 31 states and the capital, Mexico City. Six Mexican states have a Level 4 travel warning:

Seven states in Mexico have Level 3 advisories:

• Baja California

Travelers to Puerto Peñasco , the popular Sonora resort town also known as Rocky Point, should follow safety precautions that include only using Federal Highway 8 via the Lukeville Port of Entry and only driving during daylight hours .

Mexico City is under a Level 2 advisory.

Where should Americans not travel right now?

Travelers should be cautious if planning to travel anywhere with a Level 3 or Level 4 travel advisory from the State Department.

The department does not restrict people from traveling to Level 4 countries, except for North Korea. Americans can only visit North Korea for limited humanitarian purposes and must apply for a special passport that allows this travel.

Is it safe to travel to Europe right now? 

It depends where you're going. Destinations such as Greece, Hungary, Norway, Portugal and Switzerland are under Level 1 advisories, the State Department's lowest level. Exercise normal caution when you visit.

France , Germany and the United Kingdom, the three European countries with nonstop flights out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, are under Level 2 advisories because of the risk of terrorist attacks. The State Department advises travelers to be aware of their surroundings when in crowded public spaces and follow instructions from authorities.

Visitors to France should also be aware that pickpocketing and civil unrest are also possible in their travels, according to the State Department .

Is it safe for Americans to travel to China?

Most of China, which consists of the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau, is under a Level 3 advisory.

The State Department advises travelers to reconsider travel to mainland China because of arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans that ensnared travelers in recent years , and the risk of wrongful detentions. Travel to Macau should be reconsidered because of the U.S. government's limited ability to provide consular services there.

Hong Kong is under a Level 2 advisory because of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

How to check for travel advisory? 

Visit travel.state.gov for detailed advisories on the country or countries you plan to visit.

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at  [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:  @salerno_phx .

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