Ecotraveler....

WEST VIRGINIA'S STATE PARKS:

WILD AND WONDERFUL

West Virginia is fast-becoming known as "the Colorado of the East" and the state park system is a big reason. Tourism (much of which is "ecotourism") is now one of the largest industries in the state and the activities available at state parks play a big part.

With more than 35 state parks spread throughout West Virginia, there is a wide variety of destinations featuring the great outdoors. From full-service resorts to completely wild natural areas, there's a state park for every traveler.

Accommodations options in West Virginia's state parks range from lodges to cabins to camping to nothing. Activities can include hiking, biking, boating, swimming, horseback riding, naturalist programs, fishing, rock climbing, skiing, museums, and many other outdoor options nearby, including world-famous whitewater rafting.

There are several major full-service resort state parks, all of which feature a lodge, cottages, cabins, and camping and a wide range of outdoors pursuits. Canaan Valley Resort (great skiing) and Pipestem Resort (a contemporary resort) are two of the top choices in the state.

Other popular parks offer fewer accommodations options, but just as many activities. Some favorites throughout the state include Tygart Lake (watersports), Hawks Nest (a mountaintop retreat near the state's best whitewater), Blackwater Falls (famous waterfalls), and Watoga (the state's largest park).

Many state parks have been left in their natural states, offering a complete outdoors getaway in the Mountain State. More unusual state park options include a spa and mineral springs at historic Berkeley Springs State Park and mountaintop train trips at the Cass Scenic Railway State Park.

West Virginia also features many national forests, wilderness area, trails, rivers, and parks. Tourism officials in the state recognize that the natural areas of West Virginia are its biggest assets and they welcome nature lovers with open arms. It's a wild, wonderful, and very friendly state.

For further information about this wild and wonderful state park system, contact the West Virginia Division of Commerce, 2101 Washington St. E., Charleston, WV 25305, 800-CALL WVA.