Summary
Here’s how to plan your trip in any season.
The gravel road that takes visitors to West Virginia’s Cacapon Mountain Overlook looks like something out of a fairy tale. A thick tunnel of towering trees lines the route, only letting through a few golden rays along the way. The road ends with a makeshift parking lot to the left and the overlook, which sits at 2,285 feet above sea level, to the right, treating visitors to spectacular panoramic mountain views. A sign proclaims it “one of West Virginia’s best-kept secrets.” However, the overlook and the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia it sits in deserve to be discovered.
The overlook is part of the 6,000-acre Cacapon Resort State Park, located in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, about two hours from Washington, DC. It encompasses charming small towns such as Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Harpers Ferry, and Berkeley Springs and is a year-round playground for nature lovers due to its stunning fall foliage and mineral springs. Here’s what you need to know to plan the perfect weekend in the area.
Visit Berkley Springs, Following in the Footsteps of George Washington
When George Washington first visited Berkley Springs in 1748, the quaint town was known as Medicine Springs, named after its healing mineral waters. The future president kept returning to bathe in the warm hot springs and even renamed it Bath, referencing England’s renowned spa town.
Today, the town continues to attract visitors with an eclectic mix of businesses, including clothing and jewelry stores, food shops offering artisanal cheeses and oil, and delightful coffee shops (including Fairfax Coffee House). Moreover, two local breweries contribute to its vibrant dining scene, notably Lot 12 Public House, which is led by James Beard Award–nominated chef Damian Heath.
Soak in the Area’s Mineral-bath Spas
The main attraction in Berkley Springs is undoubtedly its mineral-bath spas, particularly those at the Old Roman Bathhouse. This newly renovated facility offers saunas, baths, and various healing massage treatments for individuals seeking a fully immersive experience.
For additional relaxation, the Atasia Spa boasts its own mineral whirlpool baths, a eucalyptus steam room, and a comprehensive menu of face, body, and beauty treatments.
Stay at the Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge
Travelers seeking a comprehensive experience should visit the nearby Cacapon Resort State Park Lodge in Berkeley Springs. With a full spa, a large indoor heated pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness center, it promises the ultimate West Virginia wellness escape.
The 124-room lodge was renovated in 2021 and sits on a hill overlooking the property’s 18-hole golf course. After a day spent outdoors, guests can unwind in the lodge’s elegant, family-friendly restaurant or gather around its fire pit or in the indoor lounge areas.
Outside the lodge, guests will discover the surrounding state park, which features 20 miles of hiking trails. The park is also home to a small swimming lake complete with a beach and boats available for rent in the summer, a children’s playground, and a Nature Center offering year-round programming for guests of all ages.
Visit Harpers Ferry, Where 8 National Parks Converge
No visit to this part of West Virginia is complete without a stop at the town of Harpers Ferry, which sits at the converging point of eight national parks and historic sites, and undoubtedly one of the most charming small towns along the Appalachian Trail.
Harpers Ferry, home to fewer than 300 full-time residents, is also where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers merge before flowing towards the Chesapeake Bay. A viewpoint with an observation deck located in the historic downtown area allows visitors to admire the breathtaking landscape and view three states—Virginia, Maryland, and West Virginia.
This hidden gem is a treasure trove of picturesque mountain vistas, scenic trails, heritage sites, museums, and beautiful waterways. Even the town itself is distinct, designated a National Historic District by the National Register, immersing visitors in the history of the 1800s with its restored Victorian buildings and neo-Gothic cathedral.
Explore the National Parks
Travelers who possess a National Parks annual pass can use a convenient parking lot just off the main street in downtown Harpers Ferry, with additional parking available a short five-minute drive away. Non-passholders can still enter the park but need to find a different parking location.
For those looking to reconnect with nature, there are plenty of options here. As the mid-point of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Harpers Ferry area boasts about 22 miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels (the Visitor Center at 171 Shoreline Drive has trail maps available).
Weekend family trips here seamlessly blend nature with history and truly offer something for everyone. Consequently, gather your friends, family, or travel partners and make your way to this enchanting destination.
