Destinations & Things To Do
3 Days of Adventure, 100 Miles
The Mountain State, Almost Heaven, Wild and Wonderful, West Virginia has a few different reputations, all of which hint at the goods sandwiched inside this small state’s borders. And the state of adventure in West Virginia just seems to keep getting better with the addition of new public lands and fresh trail systems.
I recently spent three days driving through the mountains of West Virginia, combining the state’s newest adventures with some of its classics for the perfect summer road trip full of cold lakes, fast bike descents, waterfalls, and towering peaks that rise above the heat. The best part? This itinerary is short on miles, so you can spend less time in your car and more time on the trail and in the water. That’s the beauty of West Virginia; it packs a big punch in a limited footprint, with a lifetime of rugged terrain to explore in one of the smallest states in the country.
Follow my route for a weekend trip designed for summer fun—especially for those who want to be on their bike more than in the car.
Road Trip Odometer
Total Miles: 100
Duration: Three days
Highlights: Brand new singletrack, multiple lakes, lift-served bike park
Day One: Lake Day in Summerville State Park
New River Gorge National Park is the obvious draw to West Virginia these days (and I love it) but the first leg of this trip is focused just north of that impressive chasm on Summerville Lake, a 2,700-acre reservoir that has Caribbean-blue water and gray sandstone cliffs rising from its shores. It also sports a brand new state park, Summerville Lake State Park, that makes for the perfect basecamp for exploring the water and the surrounding trail systems.
The park opened this May and was created in part to protect a massive climbing crag with more than 200 established routes, most of which are bolted for sport climbing. There are also plenty of single pitch top rope options and boulders as well. The short Climbers Trail is worth exploring, even if you don’t wanna send any rock. It passes through a thick rhododendron forest before dropping into a boulder field with a small waterfall and delivers you to the base of a tall sandstone cliff on the edge of the lake. It’s a quiet cove, surrounded by cliffs that makes for a good place to swim.
Climbers should definitely bring their gear, though. Fall is prime climbing season in this area, but I found some cool shaded routes at this crag that you could climb during the summer, and spent some time working my way through a few easy boulder problems near the edge of the water. If you get too hot, you can always jump in the lake.
But the water is the real pull here, so grab your paddle board or kayak and head to Summersville Lake Wildlife Management Area’s Salmon Run Put In ($5 day use fee), just a mile up the road from the state park. Lakeside Outfitters has rentals if you don’t have your own boat (from $50). From Salmon Run, you can launch your boat and paddle a half-mile long protected cove with a no wake zone that has several small inlets with rock outcroppings that offer great places to swim. I found a bunch of different places to park and lounge without losing sight of the boat launch. If you’re looking for a bigger adventure, paddle a mile up the lake, hugging the line of cliffs on your left, until you reach Pirate’s Cove, a large sandstone alcove where a waterfall drops directly into the edge of the lake.
If you’d like to burn more calories, the Lakeview Trail makes for a fun, rolling run through a hardwood forest that delivers you to a quiet portion of the lake after two miles. On my run I saw wild blackberries and a handful of deer.
Where to Stay: Eventually, Summersville Lake State Park will have cabins and tree houses, but right now the park offers a mix of open RV sites and more secluded tent sites. The Overlook RV campground has plenty of amenities, even a coin-operated laundry room, and full hookups (from $82 a night), but I recommend grabbing a tent site, which are tucked into a shaded grove and will give you immediate access to the Climber’s Trail (from $42 a night).
Where to Eat: The town of Summersville is sleepy, but I like Maloney’s Pub downtown, which is a local hotspot with good wings and burgers. Appalachian Coffee House has really creative lattes and solid organic coffee. If you’re looking for more options, the lake is just 20 minutes north of Fayetteville, a bustling adventure town on the edge of New River Gorge.
Day Two: Backcountry Biking on Monday Lick Trails
Leave the lake and drive across the Gauley River through a quiet section of Monongahela National Forest. You’re heading to Marlinton and the brand new Monday Lick Trail System, but you should make time for a couple of detours. The 42-acre Summit Lake is tucked into the mountains and makes for a secluded paddle or spot to fish for bass. Or if you’re looking to stretch your legs, hike this short trail through the Cranberry Glades, where a boardwalk traverses a high elevation wetland that supports wild cranberries. The surrounding forest has a Jurassic vibe to it with lush ferns, mosses and huge elephant ears sprouting from the wet earth below.
Just make sure you have enough energy for the 30 miles of purpose-built trails at Monday Lick, a trail system designed for mountain bikers on the edge of downtown Marlinton. It’s backcountry flow at its finest, with half a dozen trails beginning on a ridge and dropping in sinuous fashion down to the edge of Greenbrier River. A gated gravel road climbs to the top of the system, making it relatively painless to knock out laps here. As for what to ride, I really like Lens Ridge, which is a big descent with big, sweeping berms that lead into beautiful sections of rock armoring, dropping more than 1,200 feet in five miles of pure joy. Messier is more of a cross country effort, playing out like a 2-mile long pump track full of rollers and optional jumps. Monday Lick is the signature trail, and it’s more technical than the others, dropping 1,000 feet of elevation in just three miles of tight bench cut singletrack with plenty of root gardens and off-camber rocks.
You could spend an entire day wearing yourself out on this system like I did. If you’re more interested in a pleasure cruise, you can pick up the paved Greenbrier River Trail at the same trailhead, which runs for 77 miles along the river between the small towns of Cass and North Caldwell.
Where to Stay: Head 28 miles up the mountain to the Corduroy Inn, on the edge of Snowshoe Resort’s mountain-top village, which has well-appointed one-bedroom suites with plenty of room to stretch out and easy access to the bike lift (from $168 a night).
Where to Eat: Don’t leave Marlinton without getting a meal at Dari Land, an old-school drive-thru that has awesome smash burgers and milkshakes. When you make it up to Snowshoe’s village, head to the Junction Ale House for a good selection of local beers and hearty entrees.
Day Three: Downhill Day at Snowshoe Mountain
Snowshoe Mountain Resort is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It’s crazy to think I’ve been skiing this mountain for almost half of that existence. In the last several years, Snowshoe has become as much of a destination during the summer as it is in winter thanks to its ever-expanding downhill bike park (day lift passes from $45). This mountain now boasts one of the best lift-served bike experiences in the east, hosting two UCI World Cup events in recent years. There are 40 trails to choose from, traversing a mountain that drops 1,500 feet in vertical from top to bottom. I’m not a huge downhill biker, but there’s something for every level of rider. On my most recent day on the hill, I saw groups of armor-clad dudes sending big jumps, and families cruising down mellow green trails. I found a happy medium in the middle, focusing on the bevy of intermediate trails that drop from the mountaintop village down to the edge of Shaver’s Lake.
If you want the most open terrain, show up on a weekend when lifts on both sides of the mountain (the Basin and Western Territory) are running. Western Territory has the hardest trails, but the Basin has more variety. I really like Dream Weaver, a double track blue trail with pumpy rollers and optional B lines if you want to get rad. On the Western Territory side, which has its own lift, check out Skyline that takes you deep into the evergreen forest away from the ski slopes.
The thing about lift-served mountain biking is it’s easy to convince yourself to do one more lap, but this is just a weekend trip. If uou’re like me, you have work tomorrow, so you save some energy for the drive home. Make sure you have enough time to take a swim in Shaver’s Lake and maybe grab a cold beverage and burger at the Boat House, at the bottom of the lift, before heading back into the real world.
Graham Averill is Outside magazine’s national parks columnist, but he loves a good road trip most of all. He recently wrote about the art of survival and the best swimming holes in our national parks.
Destinations & Things To Do
Through my eyes: Dani Wilson Naqvi shares her favourite travel destinations
From staycation spots to bucket list family trips…
Each month, we ask a local UAE legend about their favourite places to eat, shop and explore around the emirates. But for this travel special, we’re going global. So we’ve tapped Dani Wilson Naqvi (@daniwilsonnaqvi), luxury travel designer and founder of Unique Family Travels (@uniquefamilytravel) for her favourite spots worldwide. As a travel specialist who’s ticked 55 countries off her bucket list, she’s well equipped to share the best places on the planet for all vacation styles.
Top staycation spot
I love the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert for family trips as we enjoy the desert activities and get to explore RAK with unique experiences such as the Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and zipling across Jebel Hafeet. A definite favourite of my family is Atlantis The Royal, as the family can enjoy Aquaventure from morning to night, there’s an endless choice of mouth-watering restaurants, and lots of water activities.
@ritzcarltonalwadidesert, @atlantistheroyal
Bucket list family trip
A safari in Africa is a must for all families. The most incredible safari experience I have had was in Botswana in the Okavango Delta where we canoed in the Okavango and witnessed many truly wonderful sights. For first-timers, I would recommend Kenya. I work with many luxury lodges that are more private and located in private conservancies, so you get to escape the crowds and have a more up-close experience.
A must-try meal
One of my best memories was at the 3 Michelin Star Mirazur in Menton on the border of France and Italy. We were staying in Monaco and drove to the restaurant, which took 30 minutes. All the ingredients served are grown on the side of the mountain around the restaurant, perfectly encapsulating the farm-to-table experience.
Favourite hotel
Bisate Lodge (pictured above) in Rwanda is one of the most incredible hotels – so much so that it actually made me cry. The story behind it is very empowering as it was built by the local villagers, it’s located in Volcanoes National Park, close to where you can trek with the gorillas. Aside from that, I love Nihi Sumba on Sumba Island in Indonesia, Soneva Jani or Soneva Fushi in the Maldives for the Robinson Crusoe experience, Gleneagles for a country retreat in Scotland, and Belmond Splendido in Portofino for a romantic couples’ break.
@bisatelodge, @nihi, @soneva, @thegleneagleshotel, @belmondsplendidomare
A destination everyone should visit
cape town whatson.ae, South Africa. There is something magical about this city. From the amazing hikes to the spectacular vineyard Estates, driving the Garden Route to Hermanus to whale watch, and visiting the penguins at Boulders Beach – the vibe in Cape Town is unmatched.
Under-the-radar destination
Raja Ampat in Indonesia, known as The Last Paradise on Earth. We went as a family sailing around the islands for 10 days. From diving and snorkelling with manta rays, to hiking the untouched islands, it was raw and beautiful. The team set up beach days and dinner on private sandbanks, we kayaked around islands and relaxed on the most incredible boat, which had 15 staff to assist with every need. Easily one of my bucket list moments.
Images: Unsplash, Supplied
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Saturday, July 19, 2025
Hidden in the jagged mountains of Andalusia, Ronda is a tranquil antidote to the tourist honeypots of Spain. Known to many as the “City of Dreams”, this scenic town is situated precariously on top of a ravine, making it one of the most beautiful towns in the nation. Only 100km from Málaga, Ronda is the new darling of those looking to fit in some history, culture and authenticity without diving into the suffocation of humanity.
The beauty of Ronda lies in the strong presence of ancient history and cultural traditions. Ronda’s beauty isn’t just about views and scenery, but about its preservation of old world Spain, untouched and untouched by mass tourism. Unlike many of Andalusia’s coast-lying towns, here you will find no massive high-rises, just the sound of heels click-clacking on cobblestone streets and bright white houses stacked on a hill overlooking a lazy plaza – the sound of the real Spain.
Whether it’s the tranquil atmosphere or the literary ties to famous writers like Ernest Hemingway and Orson Welles, Ronda continues to captivate visitors looking for a unique experience. After spending a weekend in this idyllic town, I’ve found myself enchanted by Ronda’s beauty and its welcoming charm. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to this hidden Andalusian gem.
Capture the Iconic Puente Nuevo
Ronda’s most famous landmark is undoubtedly the Puente Nuevo, a stunning 18th-century bridge that spans the deep gorge dividing the old and new parts of the town. Despite its name, the bridge is far from new, having stood the test of time for centuries. Its dramatic location over the Guaddalevín River offers visitors some of the most iconic views in Spain, with photographers flocking here to capture its magnificence.
A visit to Ronda wouldn’t be complete without snapping a few photos of the Puente Nuevo. The best spots are up on the cliffside or by descending the 200 steps to the river below for a closer view. Once you’ve captured the perfect shot, you can relax with a refreshing jug of sangria at one of the nearby bars, taking in the view of the bridge and the surrounding landscape.
Explore Ronda’s Tapas Bars and Local Cuisine
For food lovers, Ronda offers a unique culinary experience that blends the flavors of its diverse cultural history. The town’s cuisine has been shaped by centuries of invasions and occupations, from the Celts to the Romans. Dishes such as oxtail stew, fried aubergine with honey, and gazpacho reflect this rich history, and they can be best enjoyed at one of Ronda’s many traditional tapas bars.
One of the most enjoyable activities in Ronda is hopping between its small tapas bars, where you can sample local delicacies in a casual and friendly atmosphere. The Balcon del Tajo, a viewpoint located near the Puente Nuevo, is home to several charming eateries where you can enjoy tapas under the arches. Make sure to try a bocadillo, a local sandwich filled with Iberian ham, or enjoy a chilled glass of local wine at Pura Cepa, a refined wine bar with a terrace that’s perfect for watching the sunset.
Wander Through Ronda’s Old Town
One of the best ways to explore Ronda is on foot. The town’s compact size makes it perfect for wandering through its narrow, winding streets. Starting from the top of the town, work your way down through the La Ciudad (Old Town), where you’ll encounter beautiful plazas, quaint shops, and historic landmarks.
A stroll through Ronda’s Old Town feels like stepping back in time. You’ll pass through sleepy squares, admire the whitewashed buildings, and perhaps catch the sound of flamenco music drifting through the streets. As you explore, take a moment to stop for a souvenir, or simply sit in one of the town’s many peaceful spots and take in the surroundings.
Visit Ronda’s Historical Bullring
While controversial, bullfighting is an integral part of Spain’s cultural history, and Ronda holds a significant place in this tradition. Considered one of the cradles of modern bullfighting, Ronda’s bullring is one of the oldest and most iconic in Spain. Although bullfights rarely take place here nowadays, it remains an important symbol of the town’s heritage.
The bullring is home to a small museum where you can learn about the history of bullfighting, from its origins to its role in Spanish society. The complex also includes stables and stockyards, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the tradition of bullfighting. Tickets are reasonably priced at €9 (£8), making it an affordable cultural experience for visitors interested in Spain’s rich history.
A Great Base for Exploring Andalusia
Ronda’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the wider Andalusia region. The town is well-connected to major cities like Malaga, Granada, and Seville, with frequent train services and local buses. For just £13, you can easily catch a bus from Ronda to Seville, making it an excellent day trip destination for travelers staying on the Costa del Sol.
The Best Time to Visit Ronda
The best time to go to Ronda is during spring and fall, between April and June or September and October. The weather at these months is warm and ideal for hiking, so you can visit the town, not experiencing the heat of summer. Fewer tourists clog the streets in these months as well, so you’ll have a quieter experience.
Ronda: Spain’s Hidden Gem
Ronda is one of those rare treasures of Spain, a place where authentic culture and traditions have survived through the centuries and take centre stage in an off the beaten track destination. Boasting some breath-taking scenery, an intriguing history, and a laid-back vibe, Ronda is where visitors can get a flavor of the “Old Spain” without the crowds and the commodification of its coastal neighbours. Ronda For an authentic Andalusian vibe If you are seeking total immersion in all things Andalusian, Ronda won’t let you down.
Source:
- Government of Spain (official tourism websites)
- Andalusia Tourism Board (official regional tourism source)
- Ronda City Official Website (municipal tourism source)
Day 88-19 Miles today from Mark Noepel Shelter to Seth Warner Shelter, 4,800 Feet Up, 4,800 Feet down, 1609 AT Mile Marker (MM)
Too Much Time on my Hands
I stared at the logistics last night. I did it again this morning. With designated camping spots the logistics of the daily hike including the miles and the elevation make it difficult to plan ahead.
I really wanted to make it three more miles yesterday but I didn’t want to pay $175 for a bed at the lodge on Greylock. So I had plenty of time yesterday at the shelter by myself but didn’t want to use my phone battery because I need to stay out in the woods several more days. At 7:30 I decided I would just lay on the mattress. It didn’t take me long to get to sleep. It is a bit odd being by yourself for the first time in a while. And I’ve spent many nights in the woods by myself.
I woke up a few times last night sometimes hearing noises. I kept thinking some kind of critter was going to try to get into my pack and find some wrapper I forgot to remove and put in the bear box.
Logistics Just Don’t Work
The sun started to slowly diminish the night sky sometime before 5:00. At 4:55 I woke up and knew it was time to start my day. I once again stared at the logistics.
I think I was hoping I had missed something. But it just doesn’t make sense for me in the next day. I have a 3 mile climb remaining up to the top of Mount Greylock. Then a steep 6 mile descent into town. The town has a few hotels but I really don’t see a need for a hotel tonight.
This morning I put on a clean hiking tight and clean hiking shirt. In addition I still have plenty of food left over for several more days of hiking. My options however are limited.
I could push my longest ever day to get to a shelter. My other option besides a hotel in town is to go only 12 miles today to a campsite. That seems the most logical destination. My mind tells me that is a better option than pushing hard today. But is it?
Lonely
It is still sad to know that Knockerz is no longer hiking with me. That is compounded by the fact that I have jumped ahead of the Nobos I was hiking with and had become friends with. I probably won’t see them again. I suspect many of the people I had been hiking with are at least three weeks behind me now.
I see very few people on the trail now and last night I was the only person in the very large nice shelter. I don’t want to say I’m lonely but I have to believe that I am feeling alone.
No Fun Being Wet
This morning started out as a cool morning probably in the mid-60s. Low lying clouds dampened everything. My socks actually feel wetter than when I laid them out to dry last night.
My bedding, sleep clothes, and sleeping pad felt moist. Not wet just moist. I just feel wet all over not soaking wet sweat just annoying dampness. Being wet this long starts to wear on you.
The final climb up Mount Greylock went quickly. Unfortunately the clouds had set in below the summit. Above the summit it was clear but the clouds shrouded the views. The forest is a spruce Forest that has a lovely Christmas tree scent to it.
Background Noise
I’m also acting as Spider-Man this morning because I’m the only one out here. I am capturing all the webs recently laid across the trail. It’s kind of like the circling gnats on my head, just something that is background noise continuously tickle my face.
The only thing I really watch out for is an ambitious spider that actually put a web across the trail and it’s hanging out waiting for a treat. You can tell when you run into those fully formed webs because they give you a little bit of resistance. And it’s more of a net across your face as opposed to a single tickling strand.
Happiness Only Counts When it is Shared
Yesterday I finished the book Into the Wild about Christopher McCandless and his fateful expedition into the backwoods of Alaska. I should have been listening to something more uplifting but I watched the movie at Angels Rest hostel many moons ago and I thought it would be good to listen to the book on trail.
In the end McCandless, who tried to escape society by heading out into the wilderness realized that we are wired as humans for connection.
His final quote in his journal was “Happiness only counts when it’s shared” suggests that while individual joy is important, its true meaning and impact are often amplified when shared with others (AI quote). I feel that quote now as I hike alone.
Quick View Below
Although Mount Greylock was above the clouds and the views were mostly shrouded, there was a short break in the cloud ceiling. I was able to catch a quick glimpse of the valley below. I was shocked at how far down it was.
It has been since the Roan Highlands I have seen such a dramatic elevation change between the summit I was on and the valley below.
“Mount Greylock is a the highest point in Southern New England. Greylock rises above the surrounding Berkshire landscape for views as far as 90 miles”, but not today. The trail then then descended off Mount Greylock.
Another Mountain to Climb
The next climb up to Mount Prospect ledge from the trail junction was only two tenths of a mile but it was at an elevation of 1,000 ft per mile. That slowed me down tremendously. Then there was a 2 mile long, 750 feet per mile descent into the town of Williamston which also slowed me down.
One of the first things I always notice about approaching the developed world is the sound of lawnmowers. As I’m descending down this deep drop I am now starting to hear lawn mowers off in the distance.
Trail Magic
It was 11:30 when I rolled through the little town of Williamsburg. I had not seen a single soul on the trail since yesterday.
Then at the old Greylock school was trail magic! Lisa walked by and explained about the different people in town who donate to these five coolers.
I was able to grab some food for lunch, cold drinks, and a few supplies. It was so well appreciated. I was just thinking about how I haven’t really had a lot of trail magic lately.
1,600 Miles
After Williamston the trail went over an old AT crossing from 1958 over the river and then even higher up to cross railroad tracks. A short road walk later and the trail then basically went up somebody’s driveway.
The trail continued to climb the next two miles over a thousand feet in elevation. I passed the 1600 mile from Springer mark. That means less than 600 miles to the big K.
Fell In A Creek
The trail meandered next to a really nice creek with lots of little waterfalls. The water also made it to where the woods were really heavy with gnats now buzzing my head.
I stopped at the creek to rinse off and I slipped on a rock and fell in. I was in waist deep water.
Soaking wet from the waist down, I continued to climb when I saw Pete’s spring. I have been walking on a lot of walk boards lately through swampy areas so seeing a good cold mountain spring was too much to pass up.
It was then that I ran into Weedingit is traveling with Mrshorty. Knockerz and I had seen them several days ago near Upper goose pond.
After continued climbing the trail then climbed up a very steep rock scramble called the Rock Garden. I hiked on until I got to the shelter. It was my longest miles and most elevation I’ve done in one day . I was exhausted.
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