West Virginia
Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

Enjoy A 25-Minute Sleigh Ride Through A Winter Wonderland In White Sulphur Springs In West Virginia

Experience a magical horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow at The Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia.

Updated Nov 16, 2019

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

There's nothing like making it through that first winter storm each year to remind us there are some upsides to winter in the Mountain State that are actually enjoyable. Skiing, snow tubing, sledding, and generally anything that involves getting outside to enjoy the winter wonderland while it lasts, make winter in West Virginia even more special. And one of the most magical ways to experience winter in our state is to enjoy a sleigh ride in West Virginia.

This year, don't pass up the extraordinary opportunity to take an old-fashioned horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow.

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Facebook/The Greenbrier

The magic of the winter season as seen from a cozy sleigh is an experience that will create a memory to last a lifetime. And with no age limit, the fun can be shared by everyone in the family.

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The Greenbrier

For 25 minutes, you'll pass through some of the most beautiful snow-covered winter vistas in and around The Greenbrier Resort, on one of the most enchanting winter outdoor activities in West Virginia.

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Flickr/Jim Stepp

Perhaps you'll even get to take that ride when it's snowing! What fun! Bundle up with a cup of hot cocoa and then crawl under a warm blanket while enjoying the ride.

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Facebook/The Greenbrier

If you're the sort that loves creating special moments that loved ones will always cherish, then this is the year to take this enchanting sleigh ride through the snow. You may even feel like you're riding through a living Norman Rockwell painting.

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Facebook/The Greenbrier

Get a short glimpse of the fun in this Facebook video from The Greenbrier Resort:

Snowy day activities in West Virginia like this one are few and far between. Ready to check it out in person? The winter sleigh rides are available at The Greenbrier Resort. Sleigh rides last 20-25 minutes and cost $49 for adults, $24.50 for children 9-12, kids under 9 are free. For a large party, you can book a private sleigh for $250. Learn more at this link on the official website. (If no snow is on the ground, you can opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride instead; however carriage rides are longer and cost a bit more.)

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The rides are available during daylight hours. For reservations, call 855-453-4858 (select Option 1 from the voice menu). Rides depart from Kate's Mountain Outfitters located at the North Entrance of The Greenbrier Resort. Lap blankets are provided so you can snuggle up and keep warm on this magical sleigh ride in West Virginia.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

This Scenic 55-Mile Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In West Virginia

Updated Jun 25, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Webster County, West Virginia is home to the scenic Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway. This underrated West Virginia scenic drive takes travelers through the mountains, valleys, and small towns of Webster County, offering stunning views of the landscape and a fascinating glimpse into mountain life, both past and present. The byway is also home to a number of different attractions, including Holly River State Park. If you love scenic drives in West Virginia, the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway should definitely be on your list!

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What is the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway? The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is an underrated, 45-mile scenic loop through Northern Webster County, West Virginia, with several additional "spurs" that either shorten or lengthen the adventure along this scenic route.

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Brian Powell/Flickr

The byway starts and ends in either Webster Springs, which is the county seat, (traveling north), or at the Randolph County line (traveling south). It winds its way through the scenic mountains and valleys of the region.

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Webster County Tourism

The byway (the easier drive) mostly follows WV Route 20, while the backway (a more difficult route) forms the drive's loop along County Road 3.

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Doug Kerr/Flickr

As you cruise this scenic route, you'll see along the way many hidden historical sites and attractions, including but definitely not limited to Hacker Valley, McCray Rocks, Mount Zion Church, and Mollohan Mill.

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jamiev_03/Flickr

The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is a great way to explore the beauty of Webster County and get a taste of West Virginia's history.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

This WV byway offers drivers stunning views of the rolling green hills of West Virginia, as well as connecting several area attractions, including overlooks, historical sites, parks, and trails that offer drivers the chance to explore the area.

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Apartment Showcase/Flickr

For the best experience on the Mountain Parkway, plan ahead, take your time, and expect to make multiple stops to explore the attractions found along the way.

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With its beautiful views and historic attractions, this underrated scenic drive through Webster County, West Virginia is not one to miss!

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

And you might discover an unexpected surprise or two along the way.

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Along the Mountain Parkway route, you will encounter many scenic and historic attractions, including the enchanting Holly River State Park and the uniquely historic Mollohan Mill. What are your other favorite pretty drives? Please let us know in the comments section! We would love to hear your recommendations. While preparing for your road trip, be sure to take a look at The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState so you will have everything you need! Get ready for a fun and one-of-a-kind vacation.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Scenic Train Ride In West Virginia That Runs Year-Round

Amtrak's Cardinal train offers a scenic year-round journey through West Virginia, showcasing the state's beauty across all seasons.

Updated Apr 29, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Our state is a train lover's paradise. We've got scenic train rides in West Virginia galore, from the Greenbrier and Durbin trains to the Potomac Eagle to the Ridge Runner and more. And while several of these trains operate almost all year round, they seem to shut down for at least a few months in late winter. All, that is, except for the Amtrak Cardinal Amtrak, the only truly year-round Amtrak train in West Virginia.

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Amtrak's Cardinal train runs all the way from Chicago to New York City three days per week.

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Amtrak

The West Virginia portion of the route is considered one of the most scenic areas along the entire 26.5-hour trip.

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Steve5863 / Tripadvisor

You will definitely need to fit in some sleep, so we recommend packing this tiny, portable white noise machine to make getting some z's much easier.

The train's first stop in West Virginia from the east is White Sulphur Springs, with additional stops at historic depots in Alderson, Hinton, Prince, Thurmond, Montgomery, Charleston, and Huntington before exiting West Virginia bound toward Chicago.

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Amtrak / Facebook

If you're at all familiar with West Virginia's geography, you've already realized that this train ride passes right through the New River Gorge National Park. It goes through West Virginia's capital city. It follows the curves of the Ohio River over the Big Sandy into Kentucky.

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Amtrak / Facebook

What a way to explore the Mountain State!

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Wikipedia/Coyote Reyne

It's a trip worth taking more than once, as each season brings its own take on the beauty and grandeur of the age-old Appalachian Mountains.

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Amtrak / Facebook

A winter trip highlights the rugged spine of these mountains, quiet and slumbering. A spring or summer trip sees them awake and full of life and vigor. A fall trip finds them robed in a splendor of vibrant hues.

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AdamIsovitsch / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

To learn more about this scenic train ride in West Virginia, check prices, and scheduling, and book a trip, visit the Amtrak Cardinal Train website. Have you ever ridden the Amtrak train in West Virginia? What time of year did you make the trip?

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