New River CVB

Right off Rt. 19 at Oyler Ave in Oak Hill, New River Gorge CVB is a great first stop to get info on what our area has to offer. 465-5617 or 1-800-927-0263

National Park Service Visitor Center

The Canyon Rim Visitor Center, a matter of minutes from OCR, is a great first stop to get oriented to the flora, fauna and history, both social and geologic, of the area. Check out the useful interpretive info, great maps, book store and friendly rangers. Be sure to stroll out to the New River Gorge Bridge overlook 465-0508

Fayetteville Town Park

This small but beautifully situated park shares a border with the National Park. Basketball courts, ball fields, an exercise par course and Play-itville, a terrific community-built playground, provide lots of play opportunities for kids. Great hiking and biking trails leave from the back of the park.

Sightseeing Flights

Five Dollar Frank pioneered the local barnstorming tradition and became an icon in the process. He died several years back but a Beckley outfit, Albatross Air, has continued the tradition of flying out of Frank’s airport. Prices are higher than Frank’s but still reasonable at $15 and $25. Located out Nickelville Rd. in Fayetteville. A great way to get the lay of the land. 255-2717

Historic Fayette Theatre

This charming small theatre presents a full calendar of Appalachian Music and drama. In Fayetteville. 574-4655

Family Raceway and Fun Valley

This funky little zone features putt-putt, a batting cage, bumper boats and several go-cart tracks. Goofy fun. Across the four lane (as we call it) from the New River Inn in Oak Hill. 574-2611

White Oak Bowling Lanes

The only bowling alley in Fayette County. 465-5626

Golf Courses

Bring your clubs along and give one of our local courses a try. Bridge Haven is closest and may well prove to be the steepest course you’ve ever played… 574-2120. Other 18 hole public courses include Grandview State Park 763-2520, and Briar Patch 253-4653. For a much nicer course try Glade Springs Resort. Semi-private. 763-2050

Mystery Hole

A nutty tradition. See the laws of gravity defied! Don’t miss this West Virginia cultural icon. Open April-Oct. On Route 60. 658-9101

Summersville Lake

A recreational paradise. Clean, undeveloped and under used! Go to Battle Run Recreation Area (North on 19, left on 129, past the Dam on right.) for a swimming beach, or better yet check out other great swimming, climbing and jumping spots. For the scoop on where to find them stop in at Water Stone Outdoors in Fayetteville. 574-2425. You can rent pontoon boats, sit-on-top kayaks, and canoes from Steve and Donna at Summersville Lake Retreat. 872-5975. Believe it or not there is a full service dive shop located at the marina. Sarges’s Dive Shop offers snorkeling charters and boat rentals. 872-1782.

Carnifex Ferry State Park

This was the site of the only Civil War Battle in Fayette County. Good historical info. The super-steep Fisherman’s Trail provides access to Pillow Rock rapid on the Upper Gauley, a primo spectating spot during Gauley season.

Gauley River National Recreation Area

It is interesting to check out the huge earthen dam that controls the flow of the legendary whitewater of the Gauley River. If you happen to be here in early fall and you are looking for a BIG adrenaline rush, book an Upper Gauley trip with a local outfitter.

Babcock State Park

Twenty minutes from Opossum Creek Retreat. Great hiking and some of the best single track mountain biking around (though not all legal), tennis courts, swimming pool, fishing lake, great family fun spot. Never crowded! 438-3003

Hawks Nest State Park

Great views of the river. Trails, golf course, museum. Ride the Tram! Lodge and restaurant. 658-5212

New River Jetboats

Take a jet boat up the river. More fun than you might think! Go to Hawks Nest State Park and head down to the river. 469-2525

Disc Golf Course

Located at Songer Whitewater a few miles from OCR. 9 holes. Free. 356-7238

Fayette County Park

The park has a playground, trails, a fishing pond and ball fields but we go because we love the swimming pool. Set among the trees, it is huge, underused and great for swimming laps. Baby pool too! They do have some goofy rules but it is worth putting up with them. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. 574-1111

African American Museum

This small but interesting museum located in Ansted illuminates the history of African Americans in Fayette County. 658-5526

Good Evening Ranch

A zoo? Yep, and a full on rodeo arena, this place is fascinating and a bit bizarre but our kids always enjoy heading up there.