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Located just a couple of miles north of the Gauley River, Summersville, WV is a perfect base from where you can go on fun road trips to some of the most beautiful nature reserves in the region. Whether you are into hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, or any other outdoor activity, these are some fantastic destinations where you can have a memorable adventure with your family or favorite group of friends.
1. Monongahela National Forest
Spanning a territory of a little over 900,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountain Range, Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920 and features some of the highest mountain peaks in West Virginia. This sprawling nature reserve is a perfect destination for a road trip, with stunning landscapes, fantastic views of the area, and recreational spots that welcome thousands of visitors each year. Located 90 miles from Summersville, this place can be reached in about two hours by car.
Although exploring all the wonderful sites that Monongahela National Forest has to offer would take entire weeks, there are a few spots you should not miss during your visit. Among the most popular ones, The Roaring Plains West Wilderness is particularly beautiful, offering plenty of opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing during the winter months. Other popular attractions include Spruce Knob Lake, Seneca Rocks, Back Allegheny Mountain, Canaan Valley, and Cranberry Glades Botanical Area.
2. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Located about 40 miles south of Summersville, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a great destination for a short road trip through the beautiful scenery of the Appalachian Mountains. This nature reserve was established in 1978 by the National Park Service and welcomes over a million visitors each year from all over the country. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its stunning geologic features, which include house-sized boulders, creeks, and sandstone formations.
Home to several endangered mammals, birds, and amphibians, as well as hundreds of different species of the local flora, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is a true paradise for nature enthusiasts. Along with hiking, biking, and picnicking, this place is a popular spot for wildlife watching and photography. The waters of the New River are also perfect for advanced whitewater rafting, with strong currents and rapids passing by boulders and other natural obstacles.
3. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Covering over 1.8 million acres of territory in the Appalachian Mountains, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests feature some of the longest hiking trails in the entire region, the highest point in the state of Virginia, the ghost town of Lignite, and some of the most scenic viewpoints in the region. These national forests are located about 100 miles southeast of Summersville, making it possible to reach them in about two and a half hours by car.
Are you ready for a memorable road trip to one of these destinations? Before you set off, stop by Mid-State Ford and take a look at the new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles we have available for you.
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