There are two directions to go when you travel in West Virginia: uphill and downhill. Its well deserved nickname is “The Mountain State,” as it is located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain Range. The rugged, natural playground of the peaks and rivers is paradise for hikers, rock climbers, bicyclists, rafters and general outdoor enthusiasts.

In addition to deep Appalachian heritage, the state features strong histories of both Union and Confederate armies of the Civil War. As a Civil War border state, West Virginia broke away from Virginia in 1863.

For a change of pace, the cities and resorts of West Virginia boast live horse and dog racing, slots, table games and casino-style entertainment. There are many forms of fun in this state, although you’ll almost always find yourself returning to the swirling rivers, mountain vistas and country roads that take you home. Here are some suggestions to inspire you eastward.

The Great Outdoors
With the highest elevation east of the Mississippi, it’s no surprise mountain bikers claim West Virginia as their eastern headquarters. Races occur almost every weekend, and there are plenty of trails to explore throughout the state (www.wvmountainbike.com).  

Rock climbers flock to the New River Gorge, Potomac Highlands and Seneca Rocks. Located about five hours from Columbus, the sheer rock faces of Seneca Rocks tower nearly 900 feet above the valleys below. There are more than 375 major mapped climbing routes of various difficulties. Try your hand at rock climbing school at Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides (www.senecarocks.com) or explore the underground wonderland of Seneca Caverns (www.senecacaverns.com). Be a spelunker and take a 45-minute guided tour 165 feet below ground in West Virginia’s largest caverns.

White water rafters can choose relaxing fish and float tours or high adventure rides. First class resorts can customize your experience according to the age and skill/comfort level of the rafter. Ace Adventure Resort (www.aceraft.com) operates on both the New River and the Gauley, and is surrounded on three sides by the New River Gorge National River Park.

Kayaking and rafting memories can be photographed and videotaped. As a resort, Ace also offers access to its private lake, with zip lines, water slides and giant inflatable attractions. Horseback rides, canopy zip line tours and ATV trips are also available to add to your adventure.

Fall Foliage
When the leaves begin turning breathtaking shades of red, yellow and orange, go to West Virginia’s parks and forests for one of the best displays of autumn’s artistry. Coopers Rock State Forest in Bruceton Mills is recommended for hiking and biking your way through nature’s glory. Also, visit the small town of Harper’s Ferry, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac. Follow hiking trails up the mountainside for the best views of fall colors at the point where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia all meet.

Visit www.wvforestry.com for weekly fall foliage reports, maps of autumn color by county and a foliage coloration guide by tree species.

Snow Sports
Snowshoe Mountain (www.snowshoemtn.com) is approximately five hours from Columbus and well worth every minute. The mountain has a 4,848-foot elevation and a 1,500-foot vertical drop. There are 60 slopes and trails with the longest run stretching 1.5 miles.

Snowshoe Resort has a kids ski school, tubing park, terrain parks, night skiing and many lodging options. In the warmer weather, Snowshoe also attracts mountain bikers, hikers and golfers.

Berkeley Springs
A historic art and spa-filled town nestled in the West Virginia mountains, Berkeley Springs (www.berkeleysprings.com) has world class dining, unique shops and elegant bed and breakfast spots. It is also the country’s first spa, with a fountainhead of warm mineral waters that flow at a constant 74 degrees from the base of Warm Spring’s Ridge. While you’re there, you may drink freely, fill your jugs at Lord Fairfax’s public tap and wade in ancient stone pools.

At the Baths at Berkeley Springs, reserve a Roman Bath for 15 to 20 minutes in a ceramic tile walk-in private tub. You will enjoy 750 gallons of spring water heated to 102 degrees.

There are many full service spas in the area with the latest and greatest treatments on the spa circuit, including Atasia Spa (www.atasiaspa.com) and the Bath House Health Center (www.bathhouse.com).  

Stonewall Resort
Located at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park near Weston, Stonewall Resort (www.stonewallresort.com) sits amidst a stunning backdrop. Stay in lakeside lodge rooms or in a private cottage and enjoy the 1,900 acres of parkland. It includes a spa, fitness center, two swimming pools and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer signature golf course. The lake offers boat launch, rentals and fishing. Four hours from Columbus will get you luxury and relaxation at this Four Diamond-rated resort.

Charleston
If you’re not much of a nature person, Charleston – West Virginia’s state capital and largest city – is rich in history and culture. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences (www.theclaycenter.org) and the Beckley exhibition coal mine and museum (www.beckleymine.com) are worth a stop. Class A baseball, quaint cafes and specialty shops fill the tree-lined downtown area.

The Kanawha River winds through the city and divides it into the business district on one side and the large expanse of forest and Allegheny Mountains in the background. The river is used commercially to transport coal daily, but also recreationally with regattas and Jet Ski races.

Mountaineer Casino
Located in Chester, only three hours from Columbus, Mountaineer Casino (www.mtrgaming.com) is both a racetrack and a resort. Stay at The Grande Hotel and enjoy live year-round thoroughbred racing, video poker and daily poker tournaments. Mountaineer has more than 3,200 slots, table games, a full service spa and a picturesque golf course.

Wheeling Island
Get away from it all and beat the odds at Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack (www.wheelingisland.com). Greyhounds compete at speeds up to 40 mph, and you can also try your luck at the slots, roulette or blackjack tables before the two-hour drive home to Columbus.

Colleen D’Angelo is a contributing writer for CityScene.