Beckley is a city in southern West Virginia and the county seat of Raleigh County. Before the city was established, the area was home to many different groups of indigenous people. Beckley was founded on April 4, 1838, by Alfred Beckley. He named the new community after his father, John James Beckley, who was the first Librarian of Congress and the first Clerk of the House of Representatives. In 1850, the Virginia legislature created Raleigh County and named Beckley the county seat. For much of its early history, Beckley was known for its prominence in the coal mining industry. At times, the city has even been referred to as the "Smokeless Coal Capital."
Nowadays, Beckley has an approximate 2023 population of 17,200. The Beckley area is surrounded by natural beauty and offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. While you're in town, consider visiting Grandview State Park for a day of hiking the scenic trails or partaking in other fun activities. You could also enjoy an afternoon of fishing at Bluestone State Park or rent a boat at Little Beaver State Park. For something much different, you could make your way to the Winterplace Ski Resort for an exhilarating day of skiing or snowboarding.
Beckley is also home to a variety of fascinating educational centers. There's the Wildwood House Museum, which is located in a historic home and is a great place to learn about the history of the area. Other interesting museums to check out include the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Another popular attraction is the Beckley Arts Center, which is a great place to view beautiful artwork and attend live performances. You could also catch a musical or a play at Theatre West Virginia. When your stomach starts rumbling, a couple of excellent restaurants to sample in Beckley are Dobra Zupas and Calacino's Pizzeria.
Campgrounds Near Beckley, West Virginia
One lovely place to camp in the Beckley area is Kanawha State Forest, which offers 46 RV campsites with 30 and 50-amp electrical hookups. During your stay, you'll be able to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the surrounding area, including hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and geocaching. Additionally, every campsite features a picnic table and a fireplace, and the campground offers laundry facilities and two bathhouses.
Another great option is to rent a full-hookup RV campsite at the Huntington/Fox Fire KOA Park. The park offers a variety of amenities, including a dog park, a fishing pond, cable television, firewood, propane, bike rentals, and Wi-Fi. The campground is also located quite close to many of the most popular attractions in the area.
The Rippling Waters Campground is a lovely campground to consider. There, you can stay in one of the 27 full-hookup RV campsites for $40 per night or $240 per week. Guests at the park have access to a bathhouse, pavilions, a conference center, a kitchen, and a playground. Plus, there's an on-site lake that's great for fishing, and you can even purchase bait and tackle at the campground.
State Parks Near Beckley, West Virginia
Little Beaver State Park is primarily known as the home of the Little Beaver Dam, which was built between 1938 and 1940 and holds back the water of a small reservoir. The small, peaceful natural haven is a popular destination for family gatherings, picnicking, fishing, swimming, hiking, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The area is also known for its exceptionally clear skies, and if you visit at night, you'll have a great chance to enjoy a clear view of the Milky Way Trail.
Camp Creek State Park comprises 550 acres and is home to Camp Creek, which is known as one of the region's purest streams. The creek is stocked with trout twice per year, making it a wonderful angling destination. There are also several lovely nature trails running through the park, most of which offer access to the nearby Camp Creek State Forest. Additionally, the state park features some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state and offers excellent stargazing opportunities.
Twin Falls Resort State Park is a scenic natural area named for the two majestic waterfalls it contains. The gorgeous waterfalls are located near Cabin Creek, and they can be accessed via one of the park's hiking trails. The state park has several other notable features as well, including a restored farm, a nature center, a volleyball court, an 18-hole golf course, a basketball court, a tennis court, and an indoor pool. Plus, the park is a great place to enjoy activities like hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
National Sites Near Beckley, West Virginia
The Gauley River National Recreation Area is a national site containing 25 miles of the Gauley River as well as six miles of the Meadow River. Situated within a massive gorge, the area is home to a diverse collection of flora and fauna. Although the recreation area is a great fishing destination, it's mostly known for its whitewater rafting. The Gauley River drops over 668 feet over 25 miles and offers some of the most exhilarating whitewater rafting in the country.
If you enjoy outdoor recreation, another national site worth visiting is the Bluestone National Scenic River. The site contains the lower 10.5 miles of the Bluestone River in the southern Appalachians of West Virginia. There's a lot to do and see around the river. For example, you could hike the Bluestone Turnpike Trail, discover artifacts from the area's earliest settlers, or go fishing or paddling in the scenic river. You can also stop by the ruins of the Lost Town of Lilly, which was one of the very first settlements in the region.
History buffs should take some time to explore the Booker T. Washington National Monument. The site, which is located in Franklin County, VA, preserves the birthplace of famous civil rights leader Booker Taliaferro Washington. Washington was born into slavery, but he would go on to become influential and achieve many amazing things. At the site, you can check out several historic buildings and many exhibits relating to Washington's fascinating life. You can also browse the visitor center and explore both the Plantation Trail and the Jack-O-Lantern Branch Heritage Trail.
National Forests Near Beckley, West Virginia
Spanning 10 different counties in the highlands of West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest encompasses over 900,000 acres and is known for its diversity. Because the elevations of the forest vary so much, different sections of the forest feature very different ecosystems. As a result, you might see extremely different flora and fauna depending on which area of the forest you're exploring. The forest boasts a network of multi-use trails and also offers superb opportunities for fishing, hunting, stargazing, geocaching, and birdwatching.
Wayne National Forest is located in southeastern Ohio and comprises over one million acres of land. The vast forest features woodlands, foothills, and wetlands, and while exploring the area, you might glimpse white-tailed deer, box turtles, beavers, wild turkeys, and a variety of unique bird species. Hiking enthusiasts should make a point to navigate excellent routes such as the Covered Bridge Trail and the Archers Fork Trail. Many of the forest's 400 miles of nature trails also provide opportunities for horseback riding, biking, and even off-highway vehicle riding.
Cherokee National Forest is a 655,598-acre natural haven known for its beauty and significant landmarks. The forest is home to Big Frog Mountain, a large stretch of the Appalachian Trail, the Ocoee River, and two large reservoirs. The area features mountainous terrain, deep valleys, lush woodlands, and interesting wildlife species, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and bobcats. During most of the year, the forest is a great destination for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, and hunting. And during the winter, many visitors partake in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.
