WEST VIRGINIA - Last minute travel specials to Charleston, Huntington, Berkeley Springs, and Ashland.

West Virginia offers unique travel opportunities that are closer than you imagine. Consider these suggestions about where to go and what to do during your Mountain State visit. Discover West Virginia’s raging rivers and serene mountains, its rich and engaging history, and its friendly people.

Some folks think West Virginia should be one giant national park, a natural playground for kids of all ages. In a way, it is. Eighty percent of the state is forested. Almost a million acres in the Potomac Highlands lie within the Monongahela National Forest. Another 200,000 acres are state parks, forests or wildlife management areas with great opportunities for camping, hiking and other pursuits. Visit West Virginia and experience for yourself the wild and wonderful natural resources that people living here experience every day.

Visit a West Virginia State Park. Step back in time and take a ride on Cass Scenic Railroad which is offering some new and exicting activities for 2004. Make your lodge and resort park reservations online or choose a simpler style of lodging in a cabin or campground. And if you need something special, Shop in the Park "online" for unique state park gifts.

Last minute travel to West Virginia - GoWild! Hunting and Fishing in West Virginia is easy. Order your license online to give you more time to shop for your hunting and fishing gear at one of our many outdoor stores.

West Virginia, AMERICA'S BEST WHITEWATER, offers nearly 2,000 miles of mountain streams coursing through the fabled Appalachians. Our rivers are unbeatable for beauty, history, excitement and accessibility to anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. No experience is necessary, as guides direct the paddlers through foaming whitewater, steering between rocks and over splashing waves. Abandoned coal mining towns, scenic waterfalls and tall tales from your guides are among the extra added attractions.

The Mountain State is dotted with nearly 50 unique state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas, which are considered among the best in the nation. Few places offer a better way to experience nature firsthand and to revel in the solitude of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. All park guests can enjoy free nature and recreation programs, so even those not accustomed to the great outdoors will find it easy to explore the woodlands.

Park activities are virtually endless. Golf at any of five resort parks. Fish for the elusive brook trout along a secluded stream or let the kids in on the fun at a bluegill fishing rodeo. Swim in a natural swimming hole or count laps in an indoor pool. Soothe your muscles and awake your senses with a luxurious spa treatment in the same place George Washington bathed or round up the gang for a half-day horseback journey on hidden trails. Bicycle from charming rural town to town, through eerie tunnels and scenic bridges on West Virginia's award-winning rail-trail systems. Learn a new craft from a talented West Virginia artisan. Take part in a senior fling or dinner theater program. These are just a few ideas of year-round fun available at various state parks in West Virginia.