Hitting the trails in Berkeley Springs
From river expeditions to adventures on horseback, Berkeley Springs has an outdoor activity for every traveler.
By WP Creative Group
June 13, 2022
Founded centuries ago as a spa town for its mineral-rich spring waters, travelers who come to Berkeley Springs, West Virginia have discovered that simply being here is — in itself — therapeutic. At Berkeley Springs State Park, visitors can soak in the 200-year-old Roman Bath House and, in the evening, listen to free concerts held in the park where rousing performances range from bluegrass to folk music. Located less than two hours from Washington, D.C., the town features a thriving arts community, gourmet restaurants and charming, eclectic businesses like Star Theatre, one of the oldest movie theaters in the country where patrons kick back with a bucket of popcorn on cozy loveseats.
Yet for many, the biggest draw remains Berkeley Springs’ natural splendor. Boasting two rivers and two state parks with ample hiking trails and peaceful lakes, urban families and outdoor lovers alike travel here to look for their own idyllic corner of paradise nestled in the ridge and valley section of the Appalachians. Following adventure this summer can take many forms — and paths. Here’s how to find it.
Float on
For a town made famous by its healing spring, it only makes sense to start your visit exploring its waterways.
“The Cacapon River is one of the last non-polluted rivers in West Virginia,” says Ken Craft, owner of Cacapon River Outfitters, which offers two-to-six-hour tubing trips down its namesake. On the shorter tubing run that surrounds the town of Great Cacapon, travelers meander with the current for a mile and a half, stopping at a picturesque local swimming hole to sunbathe, grab a snack, or take a quick dip in the river. While most of the float is best suited to doing absolutely nothing, a couple sections of fast-moving water provide adrenaline-seekers a thrill. “A lot of people will actually go back and ride that part again; it’s a lot of fun,” says Craft.
Those looking to spend more time out on the water can rent a kayak, canoe or pedal boat to take in the stunning mountain views and abundant wildlife around Coolfont Resort’s 13-acre spring-fed lake. An excellent site for bass fishing, the lush waterfront is also home to turtles, ducks, geese, egrets, huge carp, and other easy-to-spot fish. Meanwhile, swimming can be found on the sandy shores of the lake at Cacapon Resort State Park. “It’s a great family atmosphere for kids,” says Kelly Smith, Cacapon Resort State Park Assistant Park Superintendent. “It’s like a beach away from the ocean — with no jellyfish.”
Blazing trails
To tour Berkeley Springs on land, try meeting up with a local—perhaps even one with four legs. Connie Hastings and her husband Matthew originally opened Good Luck Stable as a community spot for horseback riding lessons. Yet each summer, they find the number of seasonal trail rides creeping up as tourists return to the area. “They love Berkeley Springs,” she says. “It has a great small town feel, and horseback riding is a nice way to cap off your visit.” Many guests also stop by the stable, which doubles as an animal rescue, to say hello to its furry residents, including a miniature cow, pygmy goats, sheep, alpacas and, according to Hastings, “too many pigs.”
After paying your respects to the menagerie, head out on a peaceful, guided walk through meadows on the Hastings’ scenic farm at the base of Short Mountain. Whether you’re an accomplished rider or a total novice, you’ll be in good hands. “We specialize in one-on-one lessons and rides that take you winding through the woods and trees,” says Hastings. “Somebody who wants something a little more exciting can go across the creek and up the mountainside.”
Those looking for an even more ambitious journey might consider scheduling an offsite ride to Sleepy Creek Lake or the C&O Canal, with a break in the middle for a home-cooked barbeque dinner. Nearby in Cacapon Resort State Park, Triple C Outfitters offers an overnight trek through the moonlight to the top of Cacapon Mountain where you can camp under some of the darkest skies in the country before heading back to civilization.
Mountain biking, hiking and more
Horseback riding isn’t the only summertime adventure available in Cacapon Resort State Park. Thanks to recent grants from organizations like the West Virginia Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails Program (TARTP), the park boasts about 20 miles — and counting — of single-track mountain biking trails, ranging from beginner (Rock & Roll) to the most technical (Middle Fork).
“We were awarded the International Mountain Biking Association Trail Accelerator grant, which provided us with a wonderful master plan to build and enhance some of these trails,” says Smith. “Now we’re looking forward to adding up to an additional 30 miles of mountain bike trails here at Cacapon. For this summer, we’re working on our Signature Trail, which will travel from Cacapon Mountain Overlook all the way down to Batt Picnic Area.”
According to Smith, the area’s rocky terrain makes the park a natural fit for mountain biking, driving up demand from enthusiasts of the sport. “When the builders come in they get a big smile on their face. Cacapon Mountain has wonderful sandstone ridge lines and rocks that make for incredible, challenging trails.”
Yet with over 6,000 acres to roam, travelers will discover more than one way to explore Cacapon Resort State Park. In addition to horseback riding, swimming, and biking, outdoor lovers can fill their days golfing, fishing, and hiking along 23 miles of trails, from easygoing Piney Ridge to the more strenuous Ziler Loop overlooking three surrounding states. After a day of trekking, guests can stay onsite and indulge in a treatment at the new Healing Waters Spa, dine at Prospects Restaurant, check into Cacapon State Park Lodge or even go glamping.
“We’ve got you taken care of,” says Smith. “Whether you’re looking to go out on the trails and get dirty or you’d rather pamper yourself a little bit at the spa, we’ve got it all.”
Plan your trip to Berkeley Springs, WV.
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