This Lakeside Oasis Is America’s Most Enticing State Park For Spring

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With new attractions, virtually no crowds compared to popular lake towns, and cozy cabins for a homey stay, we at Travel Off Path are planting our flag to claim America’s most enticing state park for spring.

Not only will you find a tranquil oasis inviting for swims, kayaks, and boat rentals, but a lush forest connected by scenic trails to explore.

As winter’s grip shifts to springtime blooms, this park pops with color and dense greenery, becoming an unmissable nature playground no matter if you prefer calm days spent lakeside or getting your hiking shoes dirty as you weave through Appalachian backcountry.

Pipestem State Park: West Virginia’s Hidden Lakeside Oasis

At first glance, pulling into Pipestem State Park (also known as Pipestem Resort State Park, but we at Travel Off Path prefer saving syllables), you’ll hardly find a lake atmosphere.

Actually, you may feel like you’ve entered a wormhole and transported to the Pacific Northwest as the forestry is so thick you might question your Bigfoot beliefs after all…

But within the towering tree lines and rhododendron thickets lies Adventure Lake, an expansive body of water that lives up to its name for all ages.

In fact, West Virginia State Parks recommends bringing the kiddos along for a full-fledged family vacation.

There’s giant inflatable mountains to climb, a slide, and trampoline to make a splash in the lake. But they also encourage grown-up kids like me with a few gray hairs to do the same (c’mon, you know you want to!).

There is no minimum age to join in the fun, but all must wear a life jacket, even though waters are generally calm.

Splash Park & Adventure Lake are open seasonally beginning in late spring from May 20 to September 4.

Pricing:

• All-Day Pass: $21 per person
• Half-Day Session Pass: $16 per person
• Full/Half Day Non-Swim Beach Pass: $10 per person

Absorb Astounding Views From New Aerial Tram

We know what you might be thinking — “This is an uncrowded Appalachian state park. Of course there are great views”.

You’re right, but Pipestem leveled up from whoever they consider to be their direct competition, which is likely Bluestone State Park just 20 miles away.

Last September, Pipestem unveiled the new aerial tram, taking visitors into the beautiful Bluestone Gorge.

Better yet, random bad weather days shouldn’t stop you either. These bad boys can handle up to 54 mph wind gusts, unlike the past renditions where if a child blew out their birthday candles your ride might be cancelled.

This ride seriously provides some of the best views in all of West Virginia, one of America’s most scenic, yet underrated places to immerse in nature.

Unfortunately, Pipestem has yet to update the tram’s spring schedule. Their last fall update states operating times are 7:30am-2:30pm, but no restart date has been provided.

There’s no official word on the park’s popular zip-line tours either, but they hold rave reviews too.

‘Til then, go exploring on your own and find flowing waterfalls, cliffside overlooks, and serene wooded trails.

Forget Expensive Resorts! Pipestem Has 26 Cozy Cabins & Lodges

Resorts can be amazing when you’re lost in the moment, but then reality sets in when you check your bank account.

Trust us — we’ve all been there…

But guess what, there’s something about waking up to the soundtrack of nature without a rowdy foam party in sight that makes swapping posh amenities for homey digs.

Pipestem offers guests 26 cozy cabins to choose from — and they won’t break the bank, especially being so family-friendly.

Lodging options include pet-friendly McKeever Lodge or the seasonal Mountain Creek Lodge, accessible only by tramway

Cabins can be booked separately directly through the state park website — all of which have 2 to bedrooms, wi-fi, laundry service, and heating and air conditioning.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.