It's true even if it's cliché. Spending time in the great outdoors can really change your…read moreperspective and give you a hopefulness that things will be alright. We decided to check out Paul's place because it was fairly close and he was so friendly on the phone when I called for more specific info. It's definitely a laid back and rustic environment but I was all in. Paul takes care of his customers and he was very adamant in teaching us the rules of the river before letting us launch. I had $60 in cash and he would only take $40 even thought the price was listed as $50. It's a great deal for you to kayak, paddle board and tube on the gorgeous river. We had it basically to ourselves that day and it was a revelation. The only thing I'd say is there needs to be upgrades to the life jackets. Most of them were child sized. However, all of the other equipment was well maintained. Please go and support this business!

Mr. Paul is just as good a person you would ever meet..... This is great for all ages and skill…read morelevels.... God Bless you Mr. Moody.

Very beautiful falls about 1hour and 30 minutes from Fayetteville, WV. But worth the drive. Decent…read moreparking available. Unless you are planning to do trail or jump in water, enjoying the falls shouldn't take more than 30 mins. A short video to see what kind of falls are those - Sandstone Falls | New River Gorge National Park | waterfall | West Virginia https://youtube.com/shorts/rmWsuQsRkjQ?feature=share

I highly recommend visiting Sandstone Falls if you are in the area. It has a handicapped accessible…read moreboardwalk trail and also an optional trail that while slightly rocky, is doable for most people. It's also pet friendly. Beautiful views of the New River.

Visiting from Fl with my fiancé and four young adult children. We did two half day floats and had a…read moregreat time! The owners Richie and Nancy have a great operation and really took care of us on our vacation. Beautiful place. Very accommodating and everyone is very friendly. We will be back for sure. Love the place.

Craig, the owner, is a prince. He was attentive, super kind, and patient. What a nice guy! We…read morerented three "duckies", inflatable kayaks, and paddle down the river. It was relaxing and delicious. Equipment was in very good condition. Great local business to support. Good option for a group with a variety of athletic abilities. Really beautiful day! Thanks, Craig! (His family runs the Cantrell Ultimate Rafting in Fayetteville. Craig also runs an outdoor adventure company! )

Took a Saturday afternoon drive out to Plum Orchard Lake with the fam in our Jeep. It's about 1.5…read morehours from us -- a mix of interstate, toll roads, winding turns, and peaceful backroads that made the ride feel like part of the adventure. When we arrived, the lake did *not* disappoint -- calm water, gorgeous scenery, and just a relaxed, welcoming energy. We didn't even try to explore the whole place (it's huge). We stopped at the first dock we saw, hopped out with our gear, and got straight to fishing. Mealworms on the hook, lines in the water, and good vibes all around. We saw fish swimming past and had a few nibbles, but no actual catches this time. Still, the whole experience was a win. It wasn't crowded at all -- just a few groups scattered around, everyone spaced out enough that it still felt peaceful. No loud music, no chaos, just people enjoying nature. **Pro Tips:** * Bring your own bait, drinks, and plenty of snacks (trust me, you'll get hungry). * There's a port-o-potty nearby *or*, you know\... nature works in a pinch (ask the boys ). * Sunscreen is a must and a hat, perhaps. We're already planning a return trip -- maybe with kayaks or to check out another part of the lake. If you're looking for a quiet, scenic spot to fish, chill, or just unwind without a crowd, Plum Orchard is a solid pick.

I was in the area and on a lark decided to check out the lake. It is truly a hidden gem in these…read morelovely hills! The southern part of the lake had a large layer of lily pads and the water caught the fall colors of the hills perfectly. I wish I had a boat there so I could go out on the water, it was a perfectly tranquil day.

Locally owned. They have a large selection of fishing…read moresupplies. Lots of live bait as well as lures, poles, line. Some clothing, boots and waders. They have kayaked, tubes and inflatable boats available for rental. Pick up and delivery service as well. Very knowledgeable owners and family. Know the area well. They also own Berry's Campgrounds. Ice is cheap and the beer is in the cooler.

We were in West Virginia for my husband's work and made it a little leaf peeping Excursion. Babcock…read moreis on the top of the list of places I like to go the mill and the lake plus the colors around the area are just gorgeous lots of Reds oranges and yellows. No fee to enter they have restrooms that are easy to access and flushy bathrooms. There is a Almost Heaven swing by the mill. But what the pictures don't show is the sound of the Rushing Water it's just all so beautiful. Recommend bringing snacks in a beverage have a little picnic. Fall is the prettiest time but I'm sure it's beautiful anytime of year I'm sure with some snow would be gorgeous but I'd be a little scared to tackle all the West Virginia curvy roads with some ice and snow. This year we had such a dry drought year that no one thought the fall was going to be worth seeing so we didn't make any Leaf peeping vacations. If he hadn't had this work trip we would have missed out on on this for the year. Considering the dryness the colors were doing pretty good around here we had went to other areas where the leaves were already down around black around Blackwater and Seneca Rock. But the bugs were quite annoying mainly lots of gnats that if you stopped moving they were really annoying. We've been here a few other times in other years and this is the only time that was an issue. At the lake they have porta potties and the moved them to block the lake view Which is unfortunate. Please move them. !!

Did a quick stopover on the way to Hawk's Nest SP, and wow, this place is beautiful! One of the…read moremost frequently visited state parks in WV and it's easy to see why! The grist mill is absolutely iconic, sitting atop a picturesque waterfall. The park has a mountain lake for water activities, plenty of trails, and even cabins for longer stays! There's an Almost Heaven swing right by the mill and visitor's center, and the CCC stonework is stunning. The New River Gorge bridge is about 20-30 minutes away depending on how well you drive on mountain roads, and there's plenty to do in the area for a fun weekend or even longer! I will definitely be back myself!

Such a beautiful place to picnic and enjoy the beauty of Brooks Falls. Some days you can even feel…read morethe mist from the rapids.

A very nice rest area on the West side of the river There…read moreare many sights to see in the New Gorge National Park like the Sandstone Falls, overlook, the New Gorge Bridge and others. To actually see either Sandstone falls or these falls, you have to drive down to the river, get on WV 20, go south through Hinton and then drive back up north on WV26 (New River Road). Sandstone falls, just to the north of this site, may be a better site to see but this roadside area is very nice and pleasant. It is easy off/on to the park with a restroom, rest area, plenty of parking, and a pleasant view of the falls/rapids that are in the river right next to the area. There were at least 2 picnic tables and one of them had a grill. There is not much shade over the tables or most of the parking but if you want a nice area for a break or to fish, this would probably be a good place for this. I recommend this area for all my fellow travelers to the area. It is not a massive set of falls but it is a gentle set of stepped falls over rocks over the width of the river. If you are adventurous, I would recommend continuing north and seeing the Sandstone falls.

This park is one of those ones that feels like a private to public site; the majestic house at the…read morelakefront has been turned into a visitor center. The visitor center has a room or two of exhibitions on hydrology and wildlife but is not anything big. I came seeking a New Year's hike and expecting some scenery while being unsure if the amount of trails available would be enough. I managed to spend a solid two hours circumnavigating the place. In summer, swimming and boating are more likely the activities du jour, and it appears to be an excellent place for such activities. While the park looks close to the highway on the map, it feels like being at a park and there isn't any road noise. Like most VA state parks, they do charge for parking (waived for New Year's Day).

Don't let all my NJ posts fool you. I was born and raised in southwest Virginia and most of my…read morefamily still lives there. Although I am forever grateful that my parents moved us out of the area when we were younger - especially when I get a peek at the local electoral maps - my heart remains in the mountains. Can't say my brains remain here though because it took until today to realize Claytor Lake was 1) a state park and 2) gorgeous and amazing. All these years I just thought it was nowhere special that my cousins would go fishing. And to think I road trip all the way to NH and Maine every year and could have just driven 7 miles from my grandmother's for an equally rewarding experience. I had cabin fever today at my granny's and caught the local Outdoors magazine write up about Claytor Lake. There's camping?? Swimming?? Trails?? I watched a few videos on YouTube then got in the car to see for myself. Need to know: -There's a booth at the entrance - closed after 4pm. $7 parking fee for most paid by the honor system with cash or check or by card through the QR code during after hours. There are 4 campgrounds - I only saw Campground D open and it was overwhelmingly being used by those with RVs, teardrops, and campers. These are NOT wooded lots, rather gravel pull-ins and you'll likely be very close to your neighbor. A lil too close for me but I can see it not being a huge deal since everyone had campers to sleep in. I took a drive through this campground to see if I would feel comfortable and I didn't see any displays that would make me think I wouldn't (you picking up what I'm putting down?) Trails and paved paths galore. I saw one trail today but didn't get to explore much. Apparently the only shoes I packed for this trip were Crocs. Paved paths snake through the park and are accessible for those with mobility devices. The "lake" was created by damming the river. The water is clear by the shore. We love clean river water! Tons of shelters, grills, benches. There is something for everyone! Not sure if shelters are first come first serve or if you need to book them in high season - check the website. There's a gift shop but it was closed. I was bummed because you know I love stickers! I am counting down the days until I can return in the warmer weather. I would not be opposed to camping here or swimming once they reopen the beach for the season. I also look forward to exploring the trails. Fantastic solo outing. What a gem in my little country corner of the world.