SPRING IN SUMMERS COUNTY: A Guide to the Southern Gateway of the New River Gorge National Park (and when to come)
- Apr 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 16
3 CAN'T MISS SPRING WEEKENDS
Three completely different ways to experience the New River Gorge.
Planning a trip to the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve this Spring? Just minutes away, at the Southern end, Summers County offers a quieter, more relaxed way to experience the region, especially before peak summer crowds arrive. From scenic state parks (Yes! We have 2!), and small town charm to unique river events, spring is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway. Here are three of the best weekends to visit this Spring, and what to do while you’re here.
3 Spring Weekends to Visit The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
MOTHER'S DAY SPRING WEEKEND at
PIPESTEM RESORT STATE PARK
Make Pipestem Resort State Park your home base for a spring weekend that blends nature, relaxation, and a little something special for Mom.
Each year, Pipestem hosts the Three Rivers Avian Center’s Migration Celebration, a free to the public, family-friendly event where visitors can experience birds of prey, including resident raptors like Regis the Bald Eagle and Myrtle the (UN)common Raven. The weekend also features kids activities, guided birding walks, storytelling, and tips for helping wild birds and pollinators, making it both a fun and meaningful way to connect with nature.
The weekend naturally builds into a full experience:
Friday & Saturday evenings – Live music at the Black Bear Grill and Lounge
Saturday, May 9th 9am-5pm – Migration Celebration programming and birding experiences at the Arboretum
Sunday, May 10th – Mother’s Day buffet at Bluestone Dining Room (perfect way to wrap up the weekend)
What makes this weekend especially easy to plan? You don’t have to leave the park to enjoy your time.
Fill your weekend without ever leaving the park:
Hiking scenic trails and taking in overlooks
Relaxing at the indoor pool or lodge amenities
Playing a round of golf
Exploring the park by horseback
And if you want to explore beyond the park, you’re just a short drive from waterfalls, the New River, and the shops and restaurants in Historic Hinton.
MEMORIAL DAY SPRING WEEKEND in THE NEW RIVER GORGE | HISTORIC HINTON
If you’re looking for a livelier spring weekend, Memorial Day is one of the best times to experience Summers County.
Downtown Hinton comes to life as the season kicks off. Wild Water Express pool officially opens May 23rd, making it a go to spot for families and visitors looking to enjoy the holiday weekend.
This is the weekend where everything starts to feel like summer:
Spend the day at our local pool, Wild Water Express or along the New River - Visit our "On the Water" page for ideas!
Walk through Hinton's National Historic District - (grab your free walking guide)
Enjoy local shops, food, and a more active atmosphere - visit our Hinton businesses!
Because this is one of the busiest weekends of the year, lodging fills up quickly. If you’re planning to visit, it’s best to book early to secure your stay.
Browse our Lodging Page. and get started today!
Whether you’re planning a family trip or a quick holiday getaway, Memorial Day weekend is one of the best times to experience Summers County as the season begins to pick up.
COLOR the RIVER: FLOAT the GREENBRIER RIVER
If you’re looking for a spring weekend that’s completely different from anything else in the region, plan your trip around Color the River happening June 13th this year.
Each year, more than 1,000 paddlers and floaters take to the Greenbrier River, creating a colorful, high-energy experience you truly have to see to believe.
This isn’t just an event, it’s a full weekend experience:
Spend the day floating or paddling along the Greenbrier River
Join one of the most unique and social outdoor events in the region
Relax and recharge with scenic views and quiet moments throughout Summers County
Whether you’re participating on the water or just taking it all in from the banks, the energy is contagious and the setting is unforgettable.
Check out our local stays and book early to secure your spot for the weekend.
If you’re looking for something fun, different, and uniquely Appalachian, this is the weekend to plan around.
PLAN YOUR TRIP AROUND EVEN MORE EVENTS
From small town festivals and live music to seasonal celebrations and outdoor adventures, there’s always something happening in Summers County.
READY TO PLAN YOUR SUMMERS COUNTY GETAWAY?
From waterfalls and hiking trails to small-town charm, Summers County, West Virginia offers outdoor adventures, scenic drives, and authentic Appalachian experiences year-round
Create your own river adventure - connect with local outfitters for fishing, kayaking, boating, and more!
Explore more things to do - parks, museums, river activities, outfitters, and historic sites
Plan your stay - find cabins, campgrounds, and unique places to unwind
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Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Summers County always has one more great memory waiting to be made.