Two hours might get you into the Canaan Valley area. Seneca Rocks and Blackwater Falls. Others would know more about what is offered in the area. Would say restaurant options and movies would be questionable.

For a really long weekend, shoot for Fayetteville. Longer drive but you would have whitewater rafting, hiking, biking and horseback riding and rock climbing to choose from. No need for movies.

Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls are closer to 3 hours away. Very nice drive and worth it in my opinion. We also like Dolly Sods. Unless you are a camper, you'd want to stay over in Canaan or someplace and drive up for the day.

Look at www.AlandSueJohnson.com and select

Almost Heaven, WV from the menu. We got pictures from a few areas in the state. Might help you pick some spots.

I like Franklin, WV, farther than 2 hours, but a jumping off point for Spruce Knob (highest pt. in WV), Seneca Rocks. Nice small town. Charles Town is also close in to DC and quaint. Shepherdstown is wonderful, a pretty little college town, that has been gentrified by DC expats in the last 10 years, has nice stone buildings. It's the oldest town in WV.

We stayed at Watoga State Park (about 4-5 hours away, I think), near Cass Scenic RR, rails-to-trails 76-mile long (mostly flat) bike trail (Marlinton--quaint town), Snowshoe ski resort, cool Beartown State Pk., and Cranberry Glades. +Watoga has 1930s CCC-built cabins, lake, pool, bike riding, hiking. Great place. We had a family reunion, with ages from baby to 80 and there was always tons to do for a whole week. We didn't want to leave. I think it's 10,000 acres.

My husband and I spent a weekend in Berkeley Springs, which was a disappointment. It's close to DC, and all the license plates were DC/Md./Virginia. +Traffic. If you go, make dinner reservations WAY in advance. Everything is city-priced. Coolfont resort is nice, but pricey. We stayed in the state park lodge, which was fine.

Harpers Ferry National Park is great for all ages. It's close to DC. Plenty of hiking (take the Md. furnace trail, across the trestle), and strolling around the old town. Plus tubing on the river in summer. There's a historic inn on the hilltop which has a patio w/great views.

I also loved Blackwater Falls, also Fayetteville (very outdoors-oriented). Lewisburg is also a nice town. I've never been to Canaan Valley, but friends tell me it's a nice getaway.

You almost can't go wrong anywhere in the big mountains of WV. I'm from WV, and I'm so happy my father used to drive us around to see everything. Enjoy my home state!

All good advice above. West Virginia is an outdoor adventure paradise. My personal favorite areas have been mentioned. Seneca Rocks provides an easy to moderate hike to the top with beautiful views. And the view of the Rocks themselves from the bottom is beautiful. There are longer and more remote hiking trails nearby in that general area at Dolly Sods and at Spruce Knobb. You can get more information at the National Forest Service website, I believe. Autumn is my favorite time to hike as the skies are clear and the trees are colorful. Not much in the way of movies or "decent restaurants" in that area, but there is good pizza at a place in Seneca Rocks.

Great food at a quirky cross country skiing place called White Grass, between the Canaan Valley and Timerbline downhill ski areas. I have also cross country skied several times at Dolly Sods, but you need a 4-wheel drive. They only plow part of the way up the hill, so if the snow is deep, even a 4-wheel drive might not get you to the top. You may have to ski uphill a bit, but once you get to the top you can ski for miles along the ridgeline with fantastic views on both sides. I have been up there and not seen another sole other than the people I was with.

Here are a couple of websites to get you started: http://www.grantcountyguide.com/

http://www.canaanvalley.org/

As others have mentioned, all of this is 3-4 hrs. away from Silver Spring, but the extra time is well worth it, especially if you are an outdoor enthusiast.

With the help of Senator Byrd, WVa has received hundreds of millions of federal dollars to build a new highway to this wonderful part of the state. (Actually, the new highway is replacing some existing narrow and winding roads). Portions have already been built, and the new highway will eventually bring more tourists. While I am pleased the good folks there will benefit (at least I hope they do), the selfish part of me wants that part of WVa to remain the "undiscovered" gem that it is.

The best whitewater rafting on the East Coast is the Gauley River near Summersville, during the fall dam release season. It's quite a drive (5-6 hrs), but what a great experience. Prior whitewater experience is recommended. You can do a google search to get more information. There are many other whitewater options in WVa as well.

There is an excellent rail to trail in southeast Wva: greenbrierrailtrailstatepark.com/location.ht…

I am a D.C. native who enjoyed my first WVa trip as a young lad in the early 1960's, and I have remained a frequent visitor since. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

Would Watoga State Park be a good place for a high school church youth group of about 70 people? Sounds like there would be a lot to do during our down-time. We are planning a whitewater rafting trip on Sat. on the New River. Is that nearby? We will stay there for the weekend, then leave for a service project in Smithers during the week.

Snorkel,

Have you taken a look at http://www.wvstateparks.com/ or

www.wvtourism.com/planner.aspx?pgID=57.

Are the kids staying at the Park while "working" in Smithers? Staying in cabins, tents, or what? Reason I ask is I'm trying to get a feel for which Park is best for you.

Watoga is near Marlinton which is near Snowshoe. Friends of mine really like Watoga, I have never been there. I'm not sure, but I think Watoga is a pretty good haul from Smithers.

Smithers is near Montgomery, WV (WV Tech div of WVU is there). It is in Raleigh County but barely over the Kanawha County border (Charleston - state capitol - is in Kanawha County).

If the kids are staying at the Park while working in Smithers, you may want to look at Hawk's Nest or one of the other State Parks, perhaps even Babcock, I think you will find they are a lot closer and easier access. The road to Marlington and Snowshoe is a two lane and pretty curvy.

Now id you are not staying at the park while working, that is a whole different story.

You may even want to start a new thread asking about this. Others may be able to give you better info than I can.

We will be staying at a high school in Smithers during the week, but looking for a half-day excursion from there one day. From this site, I thought maybe the Hawk;'s Nest area might be interesting for the teenagers and adults in our large group? Is it a reasonable distance from Smithers? any other ideas?

Snorkle......In another thread you mentioned staying in Bradley. I threw out a few suggestions for up that way. If you're staying in Smithers those are still possibilities. Only you'll be to the west of them now. Would drive east on Rt 60 to get to them. Lewisburg and Grandview State Park would be longer drive from Smithers but still possible.

Smithers is small town that straddles Rt 60. Across river from Montgomery. Sounds like you'll be staying at Valley High School. Not much to do in Smithers or Montgomery.

Several chain fast food places within walking distance of the high school. Rt 60 is two lane. Not real busy and low speed limit through town and very well enforced. Micky D's right across Rt 60. Wendy's, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut a little farther to the east. Little diner called Burger Carte. Used to have great burgers. If same menu, check em out.

From Smithers you're only about 20-30 minutes from downtown Charleston. Could do tour of State Capital and Cultural Center. Coonskin Park is few miles from Capital building. Public swimming pool there.

Not sure of your schedule or ball schedule but we have minor league baseball team in town. Two year old ball park. Might take in ball game on Wed. I didn't support the building of new park but after attending a couple games last year it isn't a bad way to burn some time.

Yes, I think you can find fun things to do at Hawk's Nest (or any of the state parks).

Do take the kids to the Mystery Hole. It is real close to Hawk's Nest.

It doesn't take long to do it but it is a blast - very unique.

http://www.mysteryhole.com/

Another interesting thing may be the Coal Mine Exhibition in Beckley. You actually go down into the mine. If this is too peicey - you may email them and ask if they have even lower rates for groups like yours.

http://www.beckleymine.com/:

GROUP RATE ADMISSIONS

ADULTS: $12.00 (18 and over)

CHILDREN: $7.50

GROUNDS TICKET ONLY - underground tour exclude $8.00

Groups must consist of 10 or more people to qualify for a group rate. Reservations are required for group tours. If you have scheduled a group tour and less than the required 10 people arrive, regular admission fees will apply.

For reservations, call 304-256-1747 or e-mail info@beckleymine.com

Be sure to bring a jacket: the temperature in the mine is a chilly 58-degrees year-round. Underground tours last 35 - 40 minutes. Please allow another 45 minutes for your tour of the coal camp.

PS. Hawk's Nest and/or Beckley are reasonable drives from Smithers.