Beaver: Nature, Water and Open-Air Theatre

Beaver combines diverse nature experiences with water, expansive views and summer culture under the open sky. Those looking for a holiday apartment here as a base for their trip can choose between active days at the lake, hikes of varying difficulty and special experiences in the Grandview section of the park. The landscape can be discovered through its views as well as through specific activities.

Water Experiences at Little Beaver State Park

An important point of interest is the 562-acre Little Beaver State Park, which offers opportunities for outdoor recreation. Its 18-acre lake is open for fishing year-round. This makes the body of water suitable both for a quiet part of the day and for travellers who want to spend their time outdoors actively. Families can combine different interests without every day of their holiday having to follow the same rhythm.

Seasonal rental services are among the possible activities at the lake. Stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats are available. Those who choose Beaver for a longer stay can therefore choose between fishing and different forms of paddling, depending on the season. The specific services remain tied to the respective time of year. When choosing your accommodation, it makes sense to first consider whether the focus of your trip should be on water experiences, hiking or a mixture of nature and culture.

Hiking Trails and Views in Grandview

Grandview has six miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. This range allows for different types of day planning: you can choose an easier route or consciously opt for a more demanding trail.

A prominent viewpoint is the Main Overlook in Grandview. It is 1,400 feet above the river. In clear conditions, the view extends directly into the centre of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and encompasses seven miles of the New River and its watershed. This viewpoint offers a different focus from a day at the lake: instead of water activities, the emphasis is on the landscape, elevation and views into the river region.

The season can also change how the landscape is experienced. Catawba rhododendrons bloom in Grandview every spring. In the Grandview section of the park, ranger-led walks and talks are also offered. This means a stay can be shaped not only by your own routes and viewpoints, but also complemented by guided encounters with the surrounding area.

Summer Culture at the Cliffside Amphitheatre

In addition to nature experiences, Grandview offers a distinctive cultural attraction. The Cliffside Amphitheatre at Grandview was built in 1961 and continues to serve as the summer venue of Theatre West Virginia. Every summer, Theatre West Virginia stages historical dramas there under the open sky. This creates a clear transition in your travel planning between daytime activities in the landscape and an evening cultural programme. As the performances are tied to summer, this experience belongs in a suitably planned season.

Beaver as a Base for Varied Days of Travel

The places and activities mentioned support looking for accommodation where not only the place to stay but also the desired mix of days plays a role. Fishing, seasonal boat rentals, hiking trails, viewpoints and open-air theatre each create their own focus. A holiday apartment in Beaver may therefore be particularly appealing if you would like to divide your stay flexibly between nature and culture. As you continue planning, consider which of the experiences mentioned should be the focus of your trip and in which season you would like to visit Beaver.

A route from Beckley to Grandview is described for travelling there: From Beckley, take I-64 East to Exit 129 B; then follow Route 9 North for six miles to Grandview. From Beckley to the exit is five miles. This information can help you fit a day in Grandview into your own travel plans.

More Places for Your Travel Planning

If you would like to compare other destinations in addition to Beaver, you can also include Rhodell, Beckley, Lester, Shady Spring, Crab Orchard and Daniels in your search.

For the higher-level travel overview: Raleigh.