BEST PARK
WEST VIRGINIA lives up to its “Wild and Wonderful” slogan, and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve perhaps epitomizes this catchphrase most of all. Home to dense stands of old-growth forest, sky-high cliffs, and powerful river runs, it heralds a future that local officials hope will shift the area’s economy from mining and extraction to preservation and tourism. Since the designation of the national park in 2020, hundreds of new jobs have helped revitalize the region.
Situated where the churning New River cuts a groove of canyon 1,500 feet deep into slabs of shale and Nuttall sandstone, this is one of those rare gems that allows people to get their nature fix via a wide variety of activities. The ripply shoals and mellow Class III whitewater of the Upper New River let visitors paddle downstream on a guided rafting trip. For a bit more adrenaline, the Class IV New River Dries section rushes through soaring, narrow cliffs as rafters navigate tight boulder jams and giant waves. (Both trips can be booked with guides via Adventures on the Gorge.) Or enjoy the scenery from above on one of the region’s famed rock climbing routes. The certified instructors at New River Mountain Guides can set you up with a customized experience.
The New River Gorge Bridge boasts a slew of superlatives, notably for being the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the United States. Stroll past sugar maples and Eastern hemlocks on the 3.2-mile round-trip Long Point Trail for a panoramic view of the legendary structure. For thrill seekers, Bridge Walk offers a spine-tingling catwalk (harnesses included) across the underbelly of this metal rainbow.
A day at the New River Gorge doesn’t have to be wild, though. In a park this scenic, even a drive can feel adventurous. Fayette Station Road, a winding 100-year- old byway that meanders through hard- wood forest, provides vistas that are second to none. In the late afternoon, motor down this wooded detour to watch rafters float under the narrow Tunney Hunsaker Bridge in their neon polyvinyl boats for an epic photo op.
—Emily Pennington
BEST FOOD FESTIVAL WEST VIRGINIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL WHETHER YOU’D LIKE to celebrate pepperoni rolls, hot dogs, or buckwheat, the Mountain State has a food- focused gathering for you. One of the most popular is the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, a big, bursting extravaganza taking place May 11 through 19 this year, just as spring slides into summer. The inaugural event was held in 1936 in support of the state’s fruit growers. Now, activities include a ceremonial strawberry-torch lighting, an auction, a canoe race, and plenty of shortcake. Redheads, take note: There’s even an all-ages strawberry-blond hair competition. —Caroline Rogers
BEST BBQ JOINT
Rollin’ Smoke got its start as a roving operation, but eventually, the red trailer was parked permanently alongside the Elk River outside Charleston and a barbecue restaurant was built around it. Pulled pork and chicken are the headliners today along with brisket, ribs, and sausage. They are joined by a slate of barbecue-topped nachos and mac-and-cheese bowls. With big open-air decks overlooking the peaceful water, there’s no better place to enjoy a little slow-smoked mountain ’cue.—Robert Moss
2. Dem 2 Brothers and a Grill Charleston 3. Ridge View BBQ Institute
