West Virginia is filled with not only natural beauty but deep and rich history. Whether you have  one day or a week to enjoy some of the core things that West Virginia has to offer I would highly suggest making the trip to Droop Mountain and Beartown State Parks. Located in the Greenbrier River Valley, about 25 miles North of Lewisburg, these state parks have something for everyone and can be seen in a short amount of time. 

Starting the day at Beartown State Park, one is transported into a different world. As soon as you step onto the ½ mile boardwalk your imagination starts to run wild looking at the massive boulders, deep into their crevices and up to their overhanging cliffs. A simple park, the boardwalk is its main attraction but is extremely accessible. There is a specific portion of the walkway with wheelchair access, while the rest dips down with a few stairs into the depths of the rock crevasse. Even if you only have an hour to spend at this breathtaking park, you can easily fit the entire boardwalk into your timeframe.

Located 8 minutes down the road from Beartown is Droop Mountain Battlefield. Known as the location of West Virginia’s Last significant Civil War battlefield, this park was established in 1928 as West Virginia’s first state park! Today people from all over flock to this state park as a part of the Civil War Discovery trail which links over 300 sites in 16 different states. One of the main draws of Droop Mountain is the battle reenactment that occurs in the october of even numbered years. Although it was canceled in 2020, the park is planning to host the next reenactment in 2022 from October 7th to the 9th. 

If civil war battle reenactments don’t fit into your busy schedule, and you still crave some civil war history, the park has a museum featuring civil war exhibits and artifacts. The park also offers 8 different hiking trails, some of which double as cross country skiing trails! One of my favorite places here is the scenic overlook, which lets you see miles into the scenic Greenbrier River Valley and offers a breathtaking view all four seasons.

These parks can both be enjoyed over the course of a day, but if you have extra time, I would highly suggest spreading it out over the course of a week or weekend. These parks are both within a 30 minute drive  of  Watoga State Park where you can enjoy a cabin getaway or a fully equipt campground. Regardless of how much time you choose to spend at these parks, you won't leave disappointed. You’ll leave this area refreshed, feeling both intune with nature and more knowledgeable of this amazing state's history.