Want to get away for a long weekend in the winter and go somewhere off-the-beaten-path and AMAZING? Look no farther than Wyoming. When you think of Wyoming, places like Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons and Jackson Hole might come to mind. However there is a lot more to Wyoming than just the famous places! We’ve got the perfect winter road trip in Wyoming planned for you below.

Here are a few reasons why you should consider a winter trip to Wyoming:

• Small, charming towns that make you feel as though you’ve stepped back into time to the Wild, Wild West
• Fascinating museums such as the National Museum of Military Vehicles (more on that later)
• Home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring (and many other hot springs)
• Far less crowds compared to other neighboring states in the Winter
• One of the best winter destinations for outdoor adventures from downhill skiing, to dog sledding, to snowmobiling, to fat tire biking, to snowshoeing
• Impressive wildlife like bison, bears, moose, wolves, elk, deer, coyotes, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, wild horses and bald eagles
• Breathtaking landscapes covered with snow including mountain ranges, forests, hot springs, rivers, lakes, caves, and plains. Truly a winter wonderland!

Two national parks, five national monuments and recreation areas and 12 state parks. Although Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are a must, there are many other incredible parks that can’t be missed!

Day 1: Lander, WY

Start your trip by flying into Casper, Wyoming the day before. That is the closest major airport to Lander, which is approximately a 2.5 hour drive away. Alternatively if you’re driving to Wyoming from a neighboring state, you would want to Google directions to Lander. This small, charming town located near the Wind River Range is a great starting point for a winter road trip.

In addition to being accessible to so many outdoor destinations, this city also has a great restaurant scene. There are plenty of lodging options too, such as The Mill House. We loved the modern rustic loft at The Mill House which included 2 bedrooms, a living space, kitchen and beautiful vaulted beam ceilings.

Make sure to eat at Cowfish (an amazing dinner menu), the Lander Bake Shop (lots of yummy pastries and sandwiches), The Middle Fork (awesome for breakfast or brunch) and Mulino Bistro (another great dinner option).

Assuming you arrived in Lander the day before, spend the first day exploring Sinks Canyon State Park, a short 15 min drive from town. Located on the eastern slope of the Wind River Range, this canyon is named for a unique geologic formation, “The Sinks” where the river vanishes underground near the mouth of the canyon. It’s also home to several caves.

There are a few different outdoor activities you can enjoy in Sinks Canyon State Park. Fat tire biking is one option and loads of fun! With several groomed trails to explore in Sinks Canyon, this is one activity the entire family will enjoy. You can rent fat tire bikes in Lander at Gannett Peak Sports or The Bike Mill.

Snowshoeing or Nordic skiing are other options in Sinks Canyon. You can rent equipment in town before hitting the trails. Just make sure to stop at the ranger station in Sinks Canyon to get a list of trails before you go. The Popo Agie trail, Sinks to Rise trail, and the North Slope trail are all good options and fairly easy and short.

In the afternoon, go spelunking in the Boulder Choke cave in Sinks Canyon State Park. Take a 2 hour guided tour through the cave and learn about its history and features.This cave requires a ranger, however as of 2023, this guided tour is still FREE. It will require climbing, shimmying, rappelling and crawling at times, however it’s quite the adventure and very beautiful once you descend deeper into the large chambers of the cave.

Finish the day staying in a cozy yurt for the night at Sinks Canyon State Park. There are several campgrounds that offer yurt rentals, and the best part is that they are heated! The yurts don’t come with a kitchen or bathroom, however there are bathrooms at the campgrounds you can use. Grab dinner back in Lander (or bring it back with you!) before snuggling up for the night.

The yurts are located near the river and the surrounding landscape is gorgeous, so it’s definitely worth the experience of staying in a yurt for a night!

Day 2: Moran, WY

Leave Lander fairly early to make the two hour drive east to Togwotee Lodge, a beautiful lodge nestled in the Bridger-Teton National Forest about 40 min from Jackson Hole, WY. The drive is breathtaking and will take you all the way to the legendary Togwotee Pass (an area covering 2.5 million acres). The snow is bountiful and so are the views of the Absaroka, Gros Ventre, and Wind River Mountains. You will quickly see why people say this area is some of the best snowmobiling in the world.

Spend the day with a guide on snowmobiles exploring over 600 miles of trails all over Bridger-Teton National Forest. They know the terrain like the back of their hand and offer outings for all skill levels. If you’re looking for a self-supported adventure, you can count on well-marked trails and help from outfitters in the area.

From the amazing scenery to the unbelievable powder, snowmobiling here is the perfect mix of adrenaline and serenity that keeps people coming back for more, and dreaming of Togwotee Pass all year long. And trust us, you will want to return!

Stay in one of the rustic cabins at Togwotee Lodge for the night. They have several different options to fit your budget and even a couple of restaurants on site!

Day 3: Dubois, WY

Before leaving Togwotee Lodge, go dog sledding in the morning. This adventure is something the whole family will be talking about for a long time! Togwotee Mountain Lodge works closely with Jackson Hole’s Continental Divide Dog Sled Adventures providing tours to lodging guests. There are over 170 sled dogs whom are eager to whisk into the woods in this experience of a lifetime. Guides will teach you how to guide the dogs yourself – or, you can just sit back and enjoy the views.

After you return from dog sledding, head to Dubois, WY located about 45 minutes and tour the new National Museum of Military Vehicles, a fascinating museum with tanks and other military vehicles. This award-winning military history museum opened in 2020 and has nearly 500 fully restored military vehicles, artillery pieces, naval vessels and aircraft dating from 1897 to the present with a current emphasis on the American experience in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.

The focus of the museum is to tell the stories of how these vehicles were used and to remember the valor of service members who fought, and sometimes died, in them. The museum also houses a large, historically significant, firearms collection. This museum is extremely well done and definitely worth spending a couple of hours in!

After you finish at the museum, drive two hours to the town of Thermopolis and stay at the Best Western, a beautiful, historic hotel located near hot springs. Thermopolis is best known for Hot Springs State Park, a Wyoming state park that features natural hot springs at a temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit. The park offers several areas where you can see the colorful mineral water that pours from these hot springs and its effects on the landscape.

Day 4: Thermopolis, WY

In the morning drive through the park to spot bison grazing in the pastures. During the late fall and winter months, the park bison are fed a daily supplement. This feeding usually occurs at 8:30 a.m., so if you’re driving through the park at this time, you will have this unique opportunity to view the “Monarch of the Plains,” up close. Please remember that bison should be viewed only while you remain in your vehicle.

Later in the morning, explore the boardwalks and the rainbow-colored mineral terraces of Hot Springs State Park. There are several viewpoints and a suspension footbridge that crosses the Bighorn River that you can walk across known as the “The Swinging Bridge.” In the Winter, the mineral terraces above the river can freeze creating this frozen waterfall look. It’s quite magnificent!

In the afternoon go visit the Wyoming Dinosaur Center in town, a great place to see real dinosaur fossils. This world-class facility displays one of the largest and most unique fossil collections in the world and their dig sites have some of the richest fossil-bearing strata in the western United States! Definitely worth spending an hour or two.

Grab lunch at the One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Co in Thermopolis and then make a pit stop at Merlins Hideout, a famous leather shop that has created fur jackets and leather goods for movie sets, such as Quentin Taratino’s film, “The Hateful Eight”.

Finish off the day relaxing in some hot springs, such as Star Plunge Hot Springs, a must while visiting Thermopolis. These hot springs feature several pools, a few slides (indoor and outdoor), and even a steam cave! If you have more time, you can also visit the other hot springs in town–Hellie’s TePee Pools and Spa or The Hot Springs State Park Bath House (which is free).

If you have extra time, you could extend your road trip and spend a few days in Jackson Hole (ideally after Day 2) and then head to Yellowstone. One thing is for certain–you will not only have an unforgettable winter trip, you will want to come back to Wyoming again and again.

After all, it really is the perfect winter road trip in Wyoming.

Patagonia is one of those bucketlist destinations and for good reason. It’s incredibly breathtaking, rugged and remote. I mean, who wouldn’t want to visit what is consistently ranked by travel publications worldwide as one of the most beautiful places on earth? Planning a trip to Patagonia can be intimidating, which is why I’ve put together the most epic 10 day Patagonia itinerary.

For this trip, we partnered with Say Hueque, an award-winning boutique travel agency based in Buenos Aires that specializes in sustainable travel in Argentina, Chile and parts of Brazil. Say Hueque creates and puts together customized itineraries for their guests which include unique and immersive cultural and nature experiences so you have the most memorable trip. All of the details are taken care of for you, so you don’t have to plan the trip yourself! The amazing team at Say Hueque will craft the perfect trip for you based on your interests and budget, so all you have to do is show up and be ready for an adventure of a lifetime.

One thing that sealed the deal for us in working with Say Hueque for this trip is their commitment to sustainability and being carbon negative, climate positive. Compensating carbon emissions, operating plastic-free trips, and committing to local communities is how they are creating a more responsible and meaningful way of exploring Argentina and Chile. We also love that Say Hueque plants one tree for EVERY traveler in a region of the Andes where deforestation is a big issue.

How to Get to Patagonia

Patagonia is a vast region in the Southern Andes between Chile and Argentina that stretches over 1,000 kilometers. Needless to say, you’ll want more than a few days to see it all. To get the most out of your experience, plan on at least 7-10 days. That will give you enough time to explore two different regions, visit glaciers, and enjoy rewarding views through the region’s most famous national parks.

Depending on how much time you plan to spend in Patagonia and where you decide to go (Argentina, Chile or both), you will want to arrange your international flight to either Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina. Since this specific itinerary is focused on the Argentina side of Patagonia (with the option to extend into Chile), you will fly to Buenos Aires and then book a direct flight to El Calafate via Aerolineas Argentinas. This is the quickest and easiest way to get to the “hub” of Patagonia in Argentina.

Once you arrive, you can either rent a car, take a bus, or arrange for a private transfer. Another reason we recommend booking a trip with Say Hueque is they take care of these details for you, so you don’t have to research or book the transfers yourself.

The Best Time to Visit Patagonia

The most popular time to visit Patagonia is the Summer season, which in the Southern Hemisphere is between December and March. This is also the high season, so expect prices to be higher and more tourists, however the Summer offers the best weather overall. Another plus for visiting Patagonia in the Summer is there are more things you can do.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid Peak season (like we did), go in the shoulder season which is either October-November (Spring) or March-April (Fall). This is a great time to experience Patagonia with mostly good weather, lower prices, and less tourists. Having been to Patagonia both in Spring and Fall, we can vouch that these months are often ideal for most people.

The Most Epic 10 Day Patagonia Itinerary

As stated above, this 10 day itinerary will be focused in Argentina, however you can shorten or lengthen your trip according to your liking. If you have the option to spend at least a couple of days in Buenos Aires before heading to Patagonia (or on your return), definitely consider it as Buenos Aires is a wonderful metropolitan city with so much to offer.

Day 1: Arrival to El Calafate

From Buenos Aires to El Calafate, it’s roughly a 3 hour flight. Upon arrival, spend the remaining part of the day exploring the town of El Calafate or catching up on sleep. The town of El Calafate is quaint and catered towards tourists, so there are plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you occupied for several hours. You will definitely want to try the local Argentine fare–known best for its parrilla (grilled meat), and in Patagonia, lamb is especially common and popular. Some of the best restaurants to try in El Calafate include:

• La Tablita
• Parrilla Puma
• Kau Kaleshen
• La Posta
• Pura Vida Resto Bar
• Tango Nuestro
• Mi Rancho

There are lots of lodging options in El Calafate from hostels, to 5-star luxury hotels. We especially loved staying at Los Ponchos Hotel Boutique because it was charming and beautiful, and the staff was super helpful and friendly. The accommodations were clean, modern yet rustic (with Argentine decor), and the setting was peaceful. The food was amazing too!

Other great lodging options in El Calefate include: The Esplendor, Blanca Patagonia, La Cantera Boutique Hotel and Kau Yatun Hotel & Estancia. Some of these are centrally located, while others require a shuttle (often provided for free by the hotel) to get to town. You can also rent a car, if you prefer, however a car is not necessary if you are doing guided tours since they include transportation.

Day 2: Trekking on Perito Moreno Glacier

Kick off the most epic 10 day Patagonia itinerary trekking on the famous Perito Moreno Glacier! This glacier is only a finger of the much larger South Patagonian Ice Field, yet it’s mind-boggling HUGE. In fact, Perito Moreno is one of only 2 glaciers in the world that is actually growing faster than its receding! Ideally you want to spend 2 days here so you aren’t rushing it and so that you can fully experience how incredible this glacier is.

The most common glacier trekking tours you will find are the Mini-trekking and the Big Ice tour. The main difference is the Big Ice tour is longer and more rigorous, however your time on the glacier is longer. One thing to note about the Big Ice is that only adults 18 years and older and participate, so if you have younger kids, this option won’t work. Transfers to/from your hotel are included.

With the Mini-trekking tour, anybody over the age of 10 can participate. You start the day by spending a couple of hours exploring the many trails and boardwalks which offer different viewpoints of the glacier. You don’t want to rush this because the glacier calves (breaks off) quite often, so being patient and watching the glacier closely pays off. Later, your guide will take you in a boat across the lake to the far south side of the glacier where you will disembark and get ready to walk on the ice.

Once you have crampons on your shoes, it’s time to step foot on the glacier! For a couple of hours, you will get to explore some of the wonders of this marvelous natural wonder–witnessing the “blue ice”, the crevasses and caves, and puddles. Your guide will educate you on the history of this glacier, and you’ll get to drink the water too! Getting up close and personal with Perito Moreno is the best way to experience this glacier.

Day 3: Visit an authentic rural estancia

You can’t visit Argentina without getting a glimpse of rural life on an estancia. You might ask, “What is an estancia?” Basically an estancia is a ranch where gauchos (cowboys) tend to the cattle, herd the sheep, and take care of the other animals. Southern Argentina has plenty of estancias you can visit and we highly recommend adding this to your epic 10 day Patagonia itinerary.

We loved spending the day at the Niepbo Aike Estancia, just outside of El Calafate (and technically inside the national park) and witnessing first-hand life as a gaucho. Our guide took us on a tour of this ancient estancia providing us with the fascinating details and historical account of this ranch. We also got to watch a lamb being sheared, saw the gauchos herding the cattle, and went on a walk around the property. This was all before lunch!

Once it was time for lunch, we were ushered into the dining hall/restaurant where we ate the most delicious meal of BBQ lamb (a Patagonian staple!), salad, potatoes, and other veggies. After lunch, it was time to go horseback riding! We saddled up on the horses and a gaucho took us on a 2 hour ride through the most beautiful scenery overlooking lakes, forests, and mountains. Definitely the highlight of the day!

If you want an authentic Argentine experience, this is it. Trust us, you won’t be disappointed. 😉

Day 4: Kayaking at Perito Moreno Glacier

Trekking on the glacier is one thing, but getting to experience it from below in the water is whole different experience! Most people take a boat ride on the lake up to the glacier, but I’m telling you, kayaking provides a unique perspective that only a few people get to witness. Say Hueque booked this tour for us and it was beyond incredible!

Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and transport you to Los Glaciares National Park, where Perito Moreno is located. For the first couple hours in the morning, you will be on your own, free to explore the trails in the park like you did on the Mini-trekking tour. We actually loved having an extra day to do this for two reasons: one, in case the weather is less than ideal the first time, you have another opportunity to see the glacier with better weather. And two, you can hit the trails you missed the first day!

There are a few different trails and viewing the platforms that overlook Perito Moreno glacier. When we visited, we explored the trails we missed the first day and loved the views even more. There were also less people which made for better photos. Once we finished in the morning, we met up with our guides again and had lunch before getting geared up to go kayaking.

Don’t worry, you will have proper drysuits on, in the rare case, you tip out of the kayak. After receiving instruction from the guides, you will embark in the water with your kayaks and begin paddling towards the glacier. The water on the lake is turquoise blue, making the backdrop of the mountains and glacier even more dramatic. It really is a sight to behold. Of course, you can’t get too close to the glacier in the kayaks (in case they calf), so you will watch them from a safe distance. And the best part? Likely it will only be your group on the water, making it all the more special and memorable.

Day 5: Transfer to El Chalten

It’s time to depart El Calafate and head to El Chalten, the “trekking capitol” of Patagonia. This is roughly a 3-4 hour drive, so depending on when your transport departs, you might have some extra time in El Calafate in the morning. Or alternatively, if you leave in the morning, you can spend the remainder of the day in El Chalten strolling through the town (which is adorable, by the way!).

There are several ways you can get to El Chalten. The first option is to take the bus. This is the most economical way. A second option is to arrange for a private transfer. This is what we did with Say Hueque. We loved this option because we had our own shuttle and could stop if we want. For example, there are some amazing views of the mountains just a few miles before you arrive to El Chalten that make a good photo opp!

The last option is to rent a car. This might give you the most freedom, however, we found that you don’t really need a car once you get to El Chalten since it’s such a very small town and many of the hikes start from town. Also, if you do any guided tours, they include transportation.

El Chalten is very walkable once you’re there. This makes it easy to navigate and get around. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and hotels. One word of advice–if you are here in the busy season, get restaurant reservations ahead. Many of the best restaurants in town are small and fill up fast. Some of our favorites and recommendations are:

• La Cerveceria
• Maffia Trattoria
• La Tapera
• La Zorra Taproom
• Chaltenos (get the alfajores!)
• Parrilla Argentina
• La Wafleria

As far as lodging, there are lots of options for different budgets. We loved staying at Senderos Aparts & Suites because each room is an apartment, complete with a kitchen, dining and living rooms. This makes it an especially great option for families. Senderos is also centrally located near downtown, making it easy to walk to restaurants and shops. Other good accommodations in El Chalten include: Senderos Hosteria, Chalten Suites Hotel, Patagonia Travelers Hostel, and Destino Sur Hotel.

Day 6: Hiking to Laguna do Los Tres

If there is only ONE thing you do in El Chalten it is the Laguna de Los Tres hike. It’s the most famous hike in the area for good reason–epic views of the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy, Cerro Torre, and the surrounding peaks. Plus, add in some glacier lakes and you’ve got yourself one of the most beautiful trails in the world. There are a few ways to do this hike–either as a multi-day or all in one day.

We chose the latter and while I wouldn’t recommend this option for just anybody since it makes for a very long day, it is doable. Laguna de Los Tres is roughly 14 miles (23 kilometers) round trip. Total elevation gain is a little less than 3,000 feet, with most of it the last two miles to the lake. There are two different ways to do this hike, either out-and-back via the main Laguna de Los Tres trail (otherwise known as the Sendero Al Fitz Roy), which you can catch from El Chalten, OR via the El Pilar trail which is about the same distance.

The main advantage of taking the El Pilar trail is you get different scenery for the whole hike since it’s not an out-and-back route. You take the El Pilar trail to Laguna de Los Tres (which meets up with the main trail eventually) and then on the way back, you take the main trail back to town. The one issue with taking the El Pilar route is you need a shuttle to take you to the trailhead since it’s not close to town, but there are shuttle services in town you can book when you arrive (just ask your hotel). Alternatively, you can just do a guided hike to Laguna de los Tres.

However, it’s totally worth it. We loved taking the El Pilar route because we saw some pretty spectacular views of a couple of glaciers, plus walked through a beautiful forest. A couple pieces of advice–weather can be very unpredictable in Patagonia–even in Summer–so if you have some flexibility in your schedule, that can be to your advantage. When you get to El Chalten, look at the forecast and plan your hike on the best day for weather. Wind is also very common in Patagonia, so bringing layers is vital.

One more important tip for this hike–when you get to Laguna de Los Tres (the alpine lake at the base of Mt. Fitz Roy), on the far left side of the lake, there is a short rock hill. Climb up the hill and you’ll be rewarded with a SECOND lake called Laguna Sucia. This lake is equally as beautiful, yet smaller, with views of Mt. Fitz Roy from the other side. This section adds on another mile to your hike, but it’s worth it! Make sure to start your hike early, as this trail can take 10-12 hours with stops.

Day 7: Mountain bike Lago del Desierto

Ready for a unique adventure of epic proportions? Go mountain biking from Lago del Desierto back to El Chalten. This roughly 30 mile (40 kilometer) downhill ride is an experience you will never forget! You can book your excursion directly with Patagonia Travelers Hostel and arrange for a shuttle service to drop you off at Lago del Desierto where you will begin your downhill descent.

Don’t worry, it’s not a steep descent and you’re basically on a dirt road the entire time. The scenery is amazing the entire road and there are lots of noteworthy detours along the way, so take your time. You will pass by rivers and lakes, cross bridges, and see breathtaking views of Mt. Fitz Roy along with the whole valley. When the shuttle drops you off at Lago del Desierto, a guide will hand you a map which shows different places to stop.

There are waterfalls (such as Chorrillo del Salto) you can hike to and even a single-track trail you can take if you choose. We loved the detours and would recommend making a whole day of this adventure so you’re not rushing it. *Note: This experience isn’t suitable for young kids as there are no smaller bikes for rent, so make sure if you have kids that they can ride an adult-size bike comfortably and safely.

Day 8: Rest or free day

After the last two days hiking and biking all day, you might want a rest day (I know we did). Plus, with another big hike to gear up for tomorrow, taking a day off and recovering is a good idea. There’s a few things you can do around El Chalten that don’t require much leg power or activity that we wanted to mention. There are a couple of spas in town that you can book a massage with, do a yoga class, or soak in a jetted hot tub to help your muscles recover. Spa Yaten is the main spa in town, but you can also get a massage at Destino Sur Hotel.

Some other things to do in El Chalten are shop and eat at some of the cafes in town (see the list above). We especially loved the La Wafleria! You can also go to the Visitors Center and read all about the fascinating history of this mountain town. Another option is to take a boat ride across Lago del Desierto, where you will also take a short walk to a glacier viewpoint! Make sure to book in advance as it sells out fast!

*One last thing to note, if you have a day or two shorter than what this 10 day itinerary recommends, use this “rest day” to go whitewater rafting (see Day 10 for details).

Day 9: Hike Laguna Torre

The second most popular (and equally epic) hike in El Chalten is the Laguna Torre trail. This 11 mile (18 kilometer) round trip hike is quite a bit easier than Laguna de los Tres and home to the amazing view of Laguna Torre, Glacier Grande, and Cerro Torre. However it is still a long day, so plan on 7-9 hours total with stops. For those who don’t want to hike the entire trail, you can choose to only hike to the Torre Viewpoint which is only 2 miles from the start of the trail.

Just like the Laguna de Los Tres trail, you can catch the Laguna Torre trail right from town. You can also do a guided hike to Laguna Torre if you choose. Even though this hike is beautiful, if you only have time for ONE hike in El Chalten, I would do Laguna de Los Tres over Laguna Torre.

Day 10: Whitewater rafting + transfer back to El Calafate

On your final day, it’s time to get the adrenaline pumping! Whitewater rafting is a bucketlist experience n Patagonia and what better of a backdrop than El Chalten! Rio de las Vueltas is a river belongs to glacial origin, partly from the melting of the glaciers in the northern area of Los Glaciares National Park. It is born in Lago del Desierto and flows into Lake Viedma. This makes it the perfect river for consistent Class 3-5 rapids all year long.

Most tour operators in town offer a 2 or 3 hour tour, so book this in the morning if you are transferring back to El Calafate in the afternoon (to depart). They will provide you with drysuits since the water is cold and also include transportation to and from your hotel. The views along the entire canyon are breathtaking, making this rafting trip the perfect combo of adrenaline and natural beauty.

Optional Add-on Itinerary

If you decide to add extra days to your itinerary, we recommend upon returning to El Calafate to head to Torres del Paine, Chile (alternatively, you could do the extra days at the beginning of your trip). Torres del Paine National Park is only a few short hours away from El Calafate. You will get a taste of both the Argentine and Chilean Patagonia this way which are equally epic and breathtaking.

If you have a few days in Torres del Paine, spend it along the most famous multi-day hike, the W Trek. This route takes 4-5 days to complete and runs from the park’s southwest to the northeast in a “W” formation (hence the name). On this trail, there are many stunning landscapes that folks on a day tour rarely see.

In Conclusion

That concludes the most epic 10 day Patagonia itinerary, a bucketlist trip to one of the most amazing destinations in the world. Planning a trip to one of the most remote places on Earth is not easy, so we hope this guide helps. If you’re like us and don’t have the time to plan all the details of the trip (to include booking hotels, transfers, excursions, etc), Say Hueque is the travel agency to take care of that for you.

Not only do they make all the arrangements, they also carefully customize the trip for YOU by taking into account your budget, interests, abilities and ages. They also know all the best things to do and are known for planning unique and authentic experiences for their clients! Trust us, booking a trip with Say Hueque will likely be the best trip you’ll ever take!

West Virginia might not be what comes to mind when you think of taking a “Fall road trip”. However, this highly underrated state is a sight to behold, especially come autumn. Known as the “Mountain State”, West Virginia is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain range and the third most forested state in the U.S., making it the perfect place to take the ultimate Fall road trip.

West Virginia is also home to America’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, plus 35 state parks, 9 forests, 5 rail trails, 1.5 million acres of parks and public land, and over 1,500 miles of hiking trails. Not only that, West Virginia is world-renowned for ATVing and off-roading and whitewater rafting (the Upper Gauley River boasts the second best rapids in the U.S.)!

Basically, West Virginia is an outdoor lover’s paradise spanning gorgeous mountains, rivers, forests and waterfalls. For this reason alone, we recommend coming here in the autumn when you can experience the beautiful Fall foliage and experience some of the best outdoor adventures West Virginia has to offer!!

If you’re looking for the ultimate Fall road trip in West Virginia, we’ve got you covered. *Please note that this itinerary focuses on the Southern part of West Virginia, however there are many amazing places to visit in the state in the Fall. Also, this itinerary is only 4 days, however, you could extend your stay and see more of the state. Thank you to the West Virginia Department of Tourism for inviting and hosting us on this paid partnership.

Day 1: Hike in New River Gorge National Park

After arriving in Charleston at the West Virginia International Yeager Airport and renting a car, head south towards Beaver, which is located right outside New River Gorge National Park. There are some great lodging options around here, but we recommend the Cabins at Pine Haven. They offer charming cabins of different sizes, complete with a kitchen and all the amenities you need for a cozy night stay.

Later in the day, head out for a hike in New River Gorge National Park to enjoy the scenic views and the Fall foliage along this incredible river gorge. Take the Grandview Rim trail to Turkey Spur Rock, which is the perfect, easy hike to soak in the views along this trail. Make sure to enjoy the sunset at Grandview Overlook.

Other notable trails located in the national park if you find you have the extra time, include the Endless Wall trail and the Long Point trail, both of which showcase some of West Virginia’s most spectacular mountain landscapes, especially in the Fall.

Day 2: Explore the Hatfield-McCoy trails by ATV

In the morning, head to Ashland Resort, located about an hour away from Beaver in Northfolk, West Virginia. This resort is also a campground and is situated near the award-winning Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. Featuring lodges, rustic cottages, and basic camping cabins plus a variety of RV and tent camping facilities, Ashland Resort offers convenience and comfort. It’s also the perfect location for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. For ATV/UTV rentals, you can go to the nearby Ashland Company Store.

Spend the majority of the day on an off-roading adventure riding the world-famous @hatfield.mccoy.trails trail system. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails cut and wind through the beautiful mountains of southern West Virginia to create one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world! These trails are open to ATV’s, UTV’s and dirt bikes. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails have something for every skill level rider, from the scenic mountain views to the forested, windy trails, many of which connect to small ATV-friendly towns. These trails are stunning!

Later in the day explore the charming, historic town of Bramwell and stop at The Corner Shop (make sure to get one of their famous milkshakes!) and head to Pinnacle Rock State Park nearby for sunset. The Pinnacle Rock Overlook, located a short walk from the parking lot, provides a view of the surrounding mountains and forest, a sight to behold during the peak of Fall!

Day 3: Spend a day in Pipestem Resort State Park

Drive to Pipestem Resort State Park in the morning and get ready for an epic day of adventure. This park is absolutely gorgeous in the Fall! Pipestem Resort State Park is West Virginia’s premier family adventure resort. Sitting along the Bluestone River Gorge, Pipestem offers something for everyone including exhilarating zipline tours, guided fishing trips, mountain bike excursions, hiking trails, golfing and more. During the warmer months, you can even spend some time at the park’s lake and new adventure splash park. In addition, you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, or go on a tubing or whitewater adventure on the Bluestone River.

One of our favorite family activities offered in Pipestem is mountain biking. You can rent regular mountain bikes or e-bikes from Pipestem Adventures and ride the many trails and/or roads in the park or even take a guided mountain bike tour. If you have the time in the afternoon, you can also go ziplining on 12 cables that take you over the gorge and through the trees–a total rush! Spend the night in the lodge or one of the cabins at Pipestem Resort. It’s the perfect location for all the action!

Day 4: Kayak on the New River

On the last day, drive to the quaint town of Hinton, a short drive from Pipestem Resort State Park. Hinton is known as the gateway to the New River Gorge National River, and is also in close proximity  to Bluestone State Park. Situated right on the New River, this charming community is known for its yearly Railroad Days Festival, which happens in October.

Our recommendation is to rent some kayaks from Can Outdoors, a short drive up the river from Hinton. Paddle down the New River for a few hours and then get picked up at the end by the owner of the shop. Here you will enjoy the scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscapes in full Fall display. It’s truly spectacular! Once you’re finished kayaking, head back to Hinton to grab a bite to eat at The Market on Courthouse Square. The burgers are excellent!

Later in the day, head to Sandstone Falls, an amazing 1,500 ft long waterfall in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The best time of day is sunset here, so get here a little early to explore some of the different trails and vantage points of these beautiful waterfalls. It will be the perfect way to end your day on the ultimate Fall road trip in West Virginia!

Ready for your own Fall West Virginia getaway? Head to WVTourism.com to learn more and start planning your next family road trip to the Mountain State!