Hiking trails, lakes and cultural sites offer different ways to discover Raleigh. Experiences range from outings in nature to places that explore history and music. You can plan your trip around the topics that interest you most.
Hiking Trails, Lakes and Seasonal Offerings
Little Beaver State Park has nearly 20 miles of hiking trails and an 18-acre lake where fishing is permitted year-round. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats are available to rent seasonally. Fishing regulations and licensing requirements may change; check the current rules in advance.
Grandview offers six miles of hiking trails. Visitors may spot deer, foxes, bats, skinks, box turtles and numerous bird species along the trails; sightings are not guaranteed. The nature experiences differ: Little Beaver combines a more extensive trail network with a lake and seasonal boat rentals, while Grandview also offers wildlife watching. From Beckley, reach Grandview via I-64 East: travel five miles to Exit 129 B, then six miles along Route 9 North. Check your route and road conditions before setting out.
Lake Stephens encompasses a 272-acre mountain lake and 1,900 acres of hardwood forest. Lake Stephens Park is open for hiking, camping, fishing and boating from May 1 through October 31; confirm the dates before your trip. The timeframes differ considerably: fishing is permitted year-round at the lake in Little Beaver State Park, while Lake Stephens Park is open for the activities listed during this seasonal period.
In Beckley, Piney Creek Preserve covers 613 acres and is a developing recreation and conservation area. Waterfall Hollow Trail is the first of several planned trails and offers a glimpse into the area’s natural and historical significance. For winter sports, Winterplace Ski Resort is another attraction, with more than 90 acres of skiable terrain. Terrain and operations may change; check the latest information when making specific plans.
History, Exhibits and Music
The self-guided African American Heritage Auto Tour takes you to 17 historic sites in Raleigh County and the neighboring counties of Summers, Fayette and Nicholas. It explores the history and experiences of African Americans in these regions. This broad historical perspective complements the individual cultural sites.
The Lewis McManus Memorial Honor Trail follows the route of the former Piney River & Paint Creek Railroad, construction of which began in 1905. The main gallery at the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia consists of four railroad freight cars. The Mountain Homestead recreates a typical settlement on the Appalachian frontier. The two offer different ways to explore the past: a gallery housed in freight cars and a recreated settlement.
The planetarium’s seasonal programs at the Youth Museum cover constellations, visible planets and special celestial events; offerings may vary. Another collection awaits at the Raleigh County Veterans & First Responders Museum, which houses more than 30,000 artifacts.
Bill Withers Plaza features a statue of the young Bill Withers, information panels about his story and interactive outdoor musical instruments. The annual Bill Withers Memorial Festival is held there, with music, vendor booths and various activities. Dates and programming change from year to year, so it’s worth checking the latest schedule in advance.
The annual Beckley Honey Festival also brings together several themes. The program includes honey tastings and sales, agricultural education, live bee demonstrations and activities for children. Specific dates and programming vary each year. Raleigh offers discoveries in nature and culture, with activities that vary according to both personal interests and the season.
Discover more destinations: Rhodell, Beckley, Shady Spring, Lester, Crab Orchard, Daniels, Beaver, Boone County.
For the main travel overview: West Virginia.
