Hiking opportunities in and around Snowshoe are plentiful. Snowshoe encompasses 11,000 acres that includes numerous backcountry trails. Recommended hiking trails include Enchanted Forest, The Airport, The Fire Tower, and the Lake Trail. You can also view the beauty of Snowshoe via ski lift! While there (most likely) won't be any snow on the ground in early October, you can ride the ski lifts up and down to take in the fall foliage and mountain views all while sitting down. It's a fun way to get a feel for the area!
Several iconic natural areas are relatively near Snowshoe. Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, the largest area of protected bogs in West Virginia, is one hour from Snowshoe. These acidic wetlands are typically found in Canada and northern areas of the United States, so this is a very unique opportunity in West Virginia where many unusual plants are found. Walking trails go over the bogs.
Seneca Rocks, an iconic, stunning rock formation rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, has a hiking trail that begins at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and culminates at the top of the formation with beautiful views. Rock climbing is also very popular at Seneca Rocks. There are over 375 climbing routes at Seneca Rocks. Two climbing schools are in the area. There are also wildlife viewing opportunities; bald eagles and other birds of prey are frequently spotted near the river. Seneca Rocks is one hour and twenty minutes away from Snowshoe by car.
We plan on hiking at Seneca Rocks on Sunday afternoon the day after the wedding. All are welcome to join us!
Spruce Knob, the highest elevation point in the state, is one and a half hours from Snowshoe. Spruce Knob has an observation deck at the top. You can drive up to the top of Spruce Knob, and the observation deck is a brief walk from the parking area. The views are absolutely stunning. Spruce Knob offers day hiking trails, backpacking opportunities, picnic tables, and grills.
Explore West Virginia's beauty by train! Just twenty minutes from Snowshoe, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers train trips to different locations in the area. The most popular choice takes passengers to Bald Knob, West Virginia's third highest point, with a 4.5-hour round trip. Another option is a two-hour ride to Whittaker Station. The fall foliage seen from the train in early October should be magnificent!
Snowshoe has numerous dining options, although some restaurants are not open in the fall. Some popular choices that are open in autumn include Foxfire Grille, The Junction Ale House, Cheat Mountain Pizza, and Old Spruce Cafe and Tavern. Offerings at the Corduroy Inn and Lodge that will be available in October include Tuque's Bar and Grill and The Pizza Slice.
Located thirty minutes from Snowshoe in the National Quiet Zone, Green Bank Observatory focuses on the field of radio astronomy. Discover how radio astronomers research and learn about the universe through tours including behind-the-scenes site tours, high tech tours, SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) tours, and visiting the Exhibit Hall for interactive offerings and other learning opportunities. A restaurant, the Starlight Cafe, and the Galaxy Gift Shop are on site.