This lakeside oasis is America’s most alluring state park for spring

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Don’t fool yourself. You don’t need swaying palms and a salty breeze to enjoy a wonderful day on a beautiful waterfront.

While it is certainly true that some lakes are not worth visiting, that is not the case one state park touted by its own state as the next big hot spot of spring.

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 attractive state park for the spring.

Not only will you find a peaceful oasis that invites swimming, kayaking and boat rentals, but also a lush forest connected by scenic trails to explore.

As the influence of winter shifts to spring blooms, this park bursts with color and dense greenery, becoming an unmissable nature playground whether you prefer to spend quiet days by the lake or get your hiking boots dirty as you meander through the Appalachian backcountry.

Pipestem State Park: West Virginia’s hidden lakeside oasis

Withdrawn at first glance Pipestem State Park (also known as Pipestem Resort State Park, but we at Travel Off Path prefer to save syllables), you’ll hardly find a lake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

In fact, you may feel like you’ve entered a wormhole and been transported to the Pacific Northwest, because the forestry is so dense that you might still question your Bigfoot beliefs…

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

West Virginia State Parks even recommends taking the kids for a full-fledged family vacation.

There are giant inflatable mountains to climb, a slide and a 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 (come on, you know you want to!).

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

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

Prices:

• Day pass: $21 per person
• Half-day session pass: $16 per person
• Full/half day beach pass without swimming: $10 per person

Absorb stunning views from the new aerial tram

We know what you might be thinking: “This is a quiet Appalachian state park. Of course there are great views.”

You’re right, but Pipestem has reached a higher level than the one they consider their direct competition, which is probably Bluestone State Park, just 20 miles away.

Last September, Pipestem unveiled the new aerial tramwhich takes visitors to the beautiful Bluestone Gorge.

Better yet, random bad weather days shouldn’t hold you back either. These bad boys can handle wind gusts of up to 90 km per hour, unlike the previous versions where if a child blew out their birthday candles your ride might be cancelled.

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

Unfortunately, Pipestem has yet to update the tram’s spring timetable. Their latest fall update states that hours are 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM, but no restart date has been provided.

There is no official word on the park’s popularity zipline tours neither, but they also receive rave reviews.

‘Until then, explore on your own and find rushing waterfalls, clifftop views and serene forest trails.

Forget expensive resorts! Pipestem has 26 cozy cabins & Lodges

Resorts can be great 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 trades luxurious amenities for homey digs.

Pipestem offers guests 26 cozy cabins to choose from — and they’re inexpensive, especially since they’re so family-friendly.

The accommodation options are pet-friendly McKeever Lodge or it’s seasonal Mountain Creek Lodgeonly accessible by tram

Cabins can be booked individually directly via the state park website – all with 2 bedrooms, wifi, laundry service and heating and air conditioning.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.