A national forest adventure

Seneca Rocks (Photo courtesy West Virginia Tourism Office)

Five hundred seventy miles of road. 825 miles of trails. 23 campgrounds. The Monongahela National Forest is home to some of the most incredible places the Mountain State has to offer. Make your way to the eastern mountains of West Virginia for the adventure of a lifetime.

Seneca Rocks is arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the state. The rocks rise roughly 900 feet above the confluence of the Seneca Creek and the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. If you visit, you have access to a 2.6 mile out-and-back trail that leads to one of the most jaw-dropping views the state has to offer.

Located in Davis, Blackwater Falls State Park is an Appalachian oasis filled with jaw-dropping views, outdoor recreation, lodging, dining and so much more. The falls from which the park received its name draws visitors from around the world, but the park is also home to several other waterfalls like Elakala Falls.

If you’re looking to truly go off the grid, there aren’t many places better than Green Bank. The residents of the cozy mountain town of Green Bank live within the National Radio Quiet Zone, which means radio transmissions are heavily restricted by law. Located within Green Bank is the iconic Green Bank Observatory, which is home to the 485-foot Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope — the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope.

West Virginia is full of outdoor wonders. Where will you venture to first?

What’s happening in September around the rest of the Southeast?

Sept. 10-11: Historic Morganton Festival, Morganton, North Carolina

Sept. 16-19: Mississippi Songwriters Festival, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Sept. 30: Downtown Art Walk, Columbus, Mississippi

Sept. 30 – Oct. 2: Hahira Honey Bee Festival, Hahira, Georgia