Relays, races, marathons and hikes are always in abundant supply in this mountainous region. The landscape guarantees beauty as well as varying degrees of difficulty. Also, our state parks and hidden trails provide runners, bikers and hikers with a safe place to enjoy the almost heavenly forests, lakes and rivers these events provide for them.
Cass, WV is one community that has year-round opportunities to explore their region with regularly scheduled hikes. These hikes, at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, provide guests with an experience rich in local history and tourist attractions. Snowshoe is another West Virginia treasure always open for business. Don’t let the name fool you; winter-time fun is not the only entertainment available. Coming in August is Pickin’ & Pedalin’, a two-day biking event that includes musical acts, craft brew tastings and a race through the Western Territory.
Along with the purely recreational outdoor activities, there are also marathons and races organized to raise funds and awareness for issues plaguing Appalachia. Two examples would be the Color Dash for Hope held at the ACE Adventure Resort and Relay For Life of Alleghany County in Covington, both scheduled for August 5th. The Color Dash for Hope will benefit Hope in the Hills, an organization dedicated to ending the opioid crisis, and the Relay for Life was organized to continue the fight against cancer.
These hikes, races and relays are hardly the only ones scheduled this summer. Don’t miss your chance to explore the mountains, test your endurance and take advantage of some of the most beautiful state parks this country has to offer. Visit wvtourism.com for information about the outdoor experiences available in this breathtaking region.