Handley West VirginiaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Handley, West Virginia.
1. Handley Wildlife Management Area
PRISTINE OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Handley Wildlife Management Area spans 784 acres near the Williams River in the Monongahela National Forest, offering 13 tent or trailer campsites with restroom facilities and drinking water. From March to May, Handley Pond provides fishing opportunities for bluegill, trout, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, specifically designated for Class Q anglers and children 14 and under. The area is also popular for hunting deer, bear, turkey, grouse, woodcock, and waterfowl in their respective seasons.
2. Kanawha Falls
STUNNING NATURAL WATERFALL
Kanawha Falls is a picturesque waterfall along the Kanawha River that offers visitors breathtaking views of cascading water. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty while taking photos or simply relaxing by the water. The falls are easily accessible and make for a perfect stopping point during a drive through the scenic region.
3. Cathedral Falls
MAJESTIC CASCADING WATERS
Cathedral Falls is one of West Virginia's most beautiful and accessible waterfalls, cascading down a series of rock formations that resemble a cathedral. The 60-foot waterfall creates a stunning visual display as water tumbles down the rock face into a clear pool below. Visitors can easily view the falls from a nearby parking area, making it a popular stop for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
4. Handley Pond
PEACEFUL FISHING DESTINATION
Handley Pond is a serene fishing location within the Handley Wildlife Management Area that's specially designated for Class Q anglers and children 14 and under during the spring months. The pond is stocked with bluegill, trout, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, providing excellent fishing opportunities in a tranquil setting. Non-motorized boating is also permitted, allowing visitors to enjoy the water from a different perspective.
5. Williams River
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURE
The Williams River flows through the heart of the Monongahela National Forest, offering pristine waters for fishing, swimming, and whitewater activities. The river corridor is surrounded by lush forests and mountains, creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and photography. Visitors can access the river at various points, including near the Handley Wildlife Management Area.
6. Tea Creek Backcountry
WILDERNESS HIKING PARADISE
Tea Creek Backcountry offers an extensive network of trails through the pristine wilderness of the Monongahela National Forest near Handley. Hikers can explore dense forests, mountain streams, and scenic vistas while immersing themselves in the tranquility of West Virginia's backcountry. The area is also popular for backpacking, with primitive camping opportunities available along the trails.
7. Cranberry Wilderness
VAST UNTAMED WILDERNESS
The Cranberry Wilderness is West Virginia's largest wilderness area, encompassing over 47,000 acres of pristine forest, streams, and mountains near the Handley region. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests, alongside crystal-clear streams, and past stunning mountain vistas. The wilderness area is home to abundant wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and numerous bird species.
8. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
HISTORIC GOTHIC LANDMARK
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a National Historic Landmark and former psychiatric hospital built in the Gothic Revival style between 1858 and 1881. Visitors can tour the massive stone structure, learning about its fascinating history, architecture, and the evolution of mental health treatment in America. The asylum offers various tour options, including historical tours and ghost tours that explore the building's alleged paranormal activity.
9. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park preserves the historic town of Harpers Ferry, situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The park commemorates significant events in American history, including John Brown's raid, Civil War battles, and the town's role in industrial development and civil rights. Visitors can explore restored 19th-century buildings, museums, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks that showcase the area's natural beauty and historical significance.
10. Mountain Biking Trails
THRILLING FOREST RIDES
The mountain biking trails near Handley offer riders of all skill levels exciting routes through the beautiful Monongahela National Forest. Cyclists can experience thrilling descents, challenging climbs, and flowing singletrack amidst stunning mountain scenery. The trail system is well-maintained and provides access to some of West Virginia's most beautiful backcountry areas.
11. New River Gorge
AMERICA'S NEWEST NATIONAL PARK
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve protects over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, featuring one of the oldest rivers in the world flowing through deep canyons. Visitors can experience world-class whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking, and mountain biking throughout the park's diverse landscapes. The iconic New River Gorge Bridge spans the canyon and offers breathtaking views, especially during the annual Bridge Day celebration.
12. Stone Cliff Beach
RIVERSIDE RELAXATION SPOT
Stone Cliff Beach is a scenic riverside recreation area within the New River Gorge National Park, offering a peaceful spot to relax by the water. Visitors can swim, fish, picnic, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding gorge and forest. The beach area is accessible via hiking trails and provides a perfect setting for cooling off during hot summer days.
13. North Bend State Park
RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE DESTINATION
North Bend State Park encompasses over 2,400 acres of stunning natural beauty, featuring a 72-acre lake, hiking trails, and access to the 72-mile North Bend Rail Trail. The park offers comfortable lodge accommodations, cabins, and campgrounds, making it an ideal base for exploring the region's outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, mountain biking, and horseback riding throughout the park's diverse landscapes.
14. Pipestem Resort State Park
ADVENTURE RECREATION RESORT
Pipestem Resort State Park is a 4,050-acre outdoor recreation paradise featuring dramatic gorge views, two lodges, and a wide array of activities. The park offers golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, hiking trails, horseback riding, and an exciting zipline course through the treetops. A unique aerial tramway provides access to the Bluestone River gorge below, where visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and additional accommodation options.
15. Monongahela National Forest
VAST MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
The Monongahela National Forest covers nearly a million acres across the Allegheny Mountains, offering some of West Virginia's most spectacular natural landscapes. Visitors can explore hundreds of miles of hiking trails, pristine streams for fishing, and diverse ecosystems ranging from high-elevation spruce forests to limestone caverns. The forest is home to numerous recreation areas, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing opportunities, including the chance to spot black bears, wild turkeys, and over 230 species of birds.