All Trips > West Virginia > West Virginia Winter Weekend West Virginia Winter Weekend View Dates & Book Your Spot AT A GLANCE West Virginia 14 Explorer Chicks Hotel Cross Country Skiing, Hiking, Multisport, Snow Shoeing, Snowy Adventures, US-Based, Weekend 4 Days 2 - Moderately Active Physical demand level for this trip The Sisterhood of the Traveling Parka Photos Itinerary Logistics Activity Level What's Included View Dates & Book Your Spot Book a Call Share The Sisterhood of the Traveling Parka Hike the best trails by day and glamp with your gal pals by night on this long-weekend women’s hiking trip through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy four days of sweeping mountain vistas, forest hikes, whitewater rafting, and glamping near Gatlinburg, TN. Your hiking adventure has been carefully (okay, obsessively) curated by the Explorer Chick team after countless in-field tests. Only the top treks made the cut. Expect a challenge and serious OMFG-level payoffs. Trip Highlights Climb to one of only three remaining fire towers in the park on the strenuous Mt. Cammerer hike Stand on a bald rock outcropping at Charlie’s Bunion for panoramic views Hike to a beautiful waterfall inside the National Park Trek sections of the legendary Appalachian Trail Raft Class 3–4 rapids on the Pigeon River with your estrogen-powered crew The Vibe Stride through sweet-smelling pine forests with a girl gang you trust more than Paul Bunyan. Laugh yourself silly as you crash through whitewater waves. Collapse into Pinterest-worthy glamping digs with WiFi, AC, and freshly prepared meals. This is real life with WILD women—no filters needed. Photos Itinerary Expand All Days Day 1 - Blackwater Falls Welcome It’s the best day ever because YOU’RE HERE! Away from your needy boss and elderly dog with two teeth! Arrive at your cozy wintery lodge for check-in by 4pm. Blackwater Falls State Park lodge nestles on the edge of Blackwater Canyon’s South Rim with views of a GORG gorge right outside the front door. Heck yeah! Once you’ve kicked off your airplane shoes and slid into your Crocs, you’ll meet your Explorer Chick Guide in the lobby for introductions and a tasty Welcome Dinner in the lodge. After we chow down, we’ll prune up in the hot tub before we switch off for bed. Meals: D Day 2 - Cross Country Skiing 101 Keep those Nature’s Valley crumbs SEALED. You’ll enjoy a hearty, sit-down breakfast at our lodge before we load up our daypacks. Today we take on West Virginia’s disco-bright snow trails! Even if you’ve spent your entire life in Phoenix, you’ll be cross-country skiing like a champ after our demo. Just show up with a can-do attitude and some padded buns in case of falls. We’ll start on a beginner bunny trail for a vibe check before breaking for lunch at the on-site cafe, featuring local and organic goodness. After we get our carb fix, we’ll tackle a more challenging trail. Depending on how the group’s feeling (no woman left behind!) we have our choice of over 48 trails on one of the best cross-country ski networks in the Eastern US. Along the way, we’ll take in views of the surrounding West Virginia high country while stopping at cozy ski shelters to warm those fingies and toes by the fire. After a full day of skiing, we’ll head back to our cozy lodge to get cleaned up for dinner and an evening of live music in town. Davis is a postcard mountain town that will give you instant Virgin River vibes. Situated at 3,250,’ Davis is the highest incorporated town in West Virginia. Explore tasty restaurants, darling artisan shops, and thriving microbreweries in a town of only 580ish people. Cross Country Skiing: 3-5 miles. Minimal elevation change Meals: B-L-D Day 3 - Snowshoeing at Canaan Valley Get another hot breakfast in your belly before stepping into your snowshoes. If you can walk, you can snowshoe! After everyone gets fitted, we’ll hit an easy trail until lunch. (Notice how everything revolves around food. You’re welcome.) We’ll hit a more moderate trail after we eat in the snow-covered Allegheny Mountains with nothing but trees and quietude all around. We’ll return to our lodge to change for another dinner together in town. You and your Explorer Chicks are probably already the talk of Davis! Snowshoeing: 3-5 miles. Minimal elevation changes Meals: B-L-D Day 4 - Sledding and Hike to Blackwater Falls Why do the eggs gotta taste so much better at the last breakfast? *Tear. We’ll enjoy our last morning meal together before we flip out your inner child. IT’S SLEDDING DAY! Lucky for us, the longest sled run on the East Coast is directly outside our lodge. Prepare for cackles galore as you relive some of your best sledding memories with your new Winter Girl Gang. After sledding, we’ll take a short, scenic hike to the waterfall that gives our lodge its name: Blackwater Falls. Depending on the weather or if Elsa stopped by to hang, we may see it frozen in time. Either way, it’s a beautiful 57’ cascade that is one of West Virginia’s most photographed spots. After snapping a million pictures, we’ll enjoy our last lunch in a local cozy hangout to reminisce about our snowglobe weekend. We’ll head home by 2pm today and will dream of all the braless snow angels we made. Hiking: .5 miles. 121’ elevation gain Meals: B-L *Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, availability, or other unforeseen incidents. Explorer Chick cannot guarantee snow for your trip. Alternative no snow itineraries are in place. Logistics What to Pack Check out our recommended hiking gear for all trips. You’ll receive a complete packing list in your Travel Guide upon booking; note that winter trips may require additional specialized items, although we provide all technical gear for activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Arrival Airport City: Washington Dulles (IAD) or Pittsburgh (PIT). Approximately 3.5 hour drive. Meeting Location: Black Water Falls Lodge Meeting Time: 5pm on Day 1. Departure Airport City: Washington Dulles (IAD) or Pittsburgh (PIT). Approximately 3.5 hour drive. Depart Location: Black Water Falls Lodge Return Time: Plan to depart by 1pm on Day 4. Optional Add-Ons: Limited Single Room Upgrades are available at booking. You will receive a Travel Guide with all the campground, packing, and additional information you’ll need to prepare for your epic trip. We require a minimum of 5 Explorer Chicks for this trip. Please confirm your trip is guaranteed before booking airfare. Activity Level Rated 2 – MODERATE ACTIVE This winter adventure is rated moderate and focused on a variety of outdoor, winter activities. We’ll be outside every day in a variety of winter elements snowshoeing and cross-country skiing while exploring Canaan Valley. You should train your body to be outside for hours at a time bundled up and staying active. Daily Activities: Day 2: Cross Country Skiing. 3-5 miles. Minimal elevation change Day 3: Snowshoeing. 3-5 miles. Minimal elevation changes Day 4: Hiking. .5 miles. 121’ elevation gain Please consider your ability to meet the physical demands very seriously. It is for the safety of both you and our group. All Explorer Chicks will be required to sign an Acknowledgement of Physical Demands as part of their waiver upon booking. Read more about our Activity Levels. What's Included Lodging 3 nights in a State Park Lodge with views of Blackwater Gorge, Wi-Fi, indoor pool, fitness center, cozy social areas, and restaurant on site. Rooms will be shared, double occupancy Activities Entrance and commercial permit fees to all parks and public lands All activities as outlined in the itinerary and technical gear like snowshoe and cross-country skiing rentals Gratuities for all excursions Meals All meals as indicated in itinerary: B-3, L-3, D-3 Gratuities for included meals Practical Professional leadership team with an Explorer Chick Guide. Gratuities for local guides A detailed Travel Guide with everything you need to know for your trip The freedom to enjoy your vacation and mindlessly wander! Not Included Airfare Airport Transportation Alcoholic beverages Travel Insurance (Learn about our preferred insurance provider) Meals exclusive of itineraries Costs for additional activities Gratuity for your Explorer Chick Guide (read our tipping guidelines here) Explorer Chick reserves the option to modify trip itineraries at the discretion of your tour director as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents. More from West Virginia We had the BEST time on our first 2025 trip! ❄️A group of 12 adventurous women took this tiny mountain town by storm, and let’s just say—shenanigans were the name of the game. The weekend was filled with laughter, a little mischief, and a whole lot of memories! 🤪It all kicked off with some serious XC ski lessons at the world-renowned White Grass. The snow was pristine, the scenery looked straight out of a winter wonderland movie, and our skills? Well, let’s just say we kept the instructors on their toes—mostly trying not to fall over. But hey, we had fun (and at least we all stayed upright… most of the time).After finally getting the hang of it, we took on the longest sledding run in the East. We screamed, we laughed, and we may have yelled some inappropriate phrases along the way, but we all agreed—it was the ultimate winter adrenaline rush.🛷When we finally shook off the snow, we headed to the Purple Fiddle, where we danced our hearts out to the soulful tunes of Driftwood. If you haven’t twirled and two-stepped under the glow of string lights in a packed mountain venue, you are missing out on life-changing fun.But it wasn’t all adventure. When the snow turned to rain, we embraced Small Business Saturday in the best way, starting with private tastings at Vic Bob’s Distilling. The whiskey (and maple syrup!) flowed, the laughter echoed, and let’s just say we all gained a very deep appreciation for craft spirits. Blown Glass by Scott gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the art of creating glass masterpieces, and we all left with a little piece of Davis to take home—literally. 🥂We wrapped up the trip with hikes to some of the area’s most famous spots, including Lindy Point and Blackwater Falls. The views were absolutely breathtaking (cue the group photo ops and the “I swear I’m not cold, but I can’t feel my toes” faces).A weekend of laughter, friendship, and adventures we’ll remember for a lifetime. And next time? We’re definitely packing more ponchos and hand warmers. 😉Want to find your next adventure crew? Comment “TRIP” and I’ll help you find the perfect trip for you 🫶🏽#grouptravel #explorerchickwvwinter #womenwhohike #hiking 57 1 Open 57 1 Still scrambling for Galentine’s plans? ❄️ Well, you’re in luck! With only 2 spots left, you won’t want to miss snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sledding, and more on our West Virginia Winter Weekend!🛷✨Who doesn’t love an epic weekend filled with snowy adventures, cozy lodging, a group of spectacular women, and local guides who love Explorer Chick?! 💗Comment “WINTER” below, and I’ll send you the details so you can secure your spot before it’s gone! 💌#GalentinesDay #WinterAdventure #Snowshoeing #CanaanValley #explorerchickwvwinter #WinterGetaway #AdventureWithFriends #CrossCountrySkiing #SnowFun #OutdoorAdventure #WomenWhoAdventure #WinterVibes 26 8 Open 26 8 Load More View Dates & Book Your Spot Let's Do This Starting from $1,699 Book Now Save $200 with our Early Bird Discounts! Just book at least 6 Months in Advance! Discount is automatically applied. Non-Refundable Deposit: $200 due at booking to secure your spot Questions About WV Winter? Book a call with our Destination + Guest Experience Manager, Amy, or fill out the form below. LinkedInThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name(Required) First Name Last Name Email(Required) Enter Email Confirm Email Send us your WV Winter questions!(Required) In Her Words Ashley D.Had an amazing time with friends old and new and made memories that will last a lifetime. Explorer Chick guides think of everything. We had great accommodations, lots of delicious food. Turned out better than I could have imagined.Barbara W.This was my first Explorer Chick trip and it exceeded all of my expectations. We went on the 4 day hiking trip in Moab with our fantastic guides, Mary and Christina. Everything was thoughtfully arranged and organized, right down to the morning coffee. They took tremendous care of us, and we wanted for nothing. The selection of hikes was perfect, just strenuous enough to make you feel challenged and invigorated, but not too much to wear you down. I loved this trip and cannot say enough wonderful things about Explorer Chick! They are the BEST!!!Robin Lee H.Jordan exceeded all expectations. Felt at all times safe, comfortable, challenged, welcomed by all Jordanians/Bedouins. The trip had challenge, learning, taste experiences & a close bond among our team. Jordan is a diamond in the rough that you won’t be disappointed you said YeS to Explorer Chicks.MicheleFor my first Explorer Chick adventure, I went to Moab in September with Jeannie P & Keziah P, & I had the best time! I don’t have much free time or extra money, but I’m so glad I signed up for this trip. I honestly can’t write anything that does it justice. If you're thinking about a trip, just go!!! You will not be disappointed.Jeannie & Keziah created a relaxed, fun, adventurous, & welcoming group environment. The atmosphere couldn’t have been better!! They helped us step out of our comfort zones & be our best selves. I really hope to go on more of their trips. I put short trips together myself & I know how much work it is. But they made it seem effortless. Not only were the big things safe, organized, & smooth, but there were tons of surprising touches like girls night face masks, hidden hike treats, & lemon washclothes to cool down after a long hot hike. I would give these 2 guides 10 stars out of 5 if I could.I’m a vegetarian (& I think I was the only one), so food is usually a challenge on group trips. Jeannie was so kind & thoughtful! The food was healthy & kept us hiking, but also really tasty & varied, with plenty of vegetarian options. She even brought dried cherries from her home!Keziah was such a patient & skilled driver in that huge van. She made all the driving look easy.Moab was gorgeous, & the mix of activities & experiences was perfect for me. We learned a lot about the habitats & geological history.The condos were super comfortable & clean, with a nice balance of privacy & shared spaces for hanging out.The community made this trip extra special too. I met amazing women & we quickly gelled. We were all storytellers, comedians, cheerleaders, adventurers, sisters. This trip became so much more than hiking & sightseeing!Deep appreciation to Explorer Chick, Jeannie, Keziah, & all my travel buddies. This trip exceeded every expectation & became one of my favorite travel experiences.(Explorer Chick booking & communications are also awesome. Great experience with you folks! Photos by Keziah.)AK P.This female only travel group is top tier. I recently went to Zion and Bryce Canyon with a group of 10 other women (2 of which were our guides). I didn’t know anyone when I showed up, but left with 10 new friend/travel buddies!I really can’t say enough about this company. Their trips accommodate all levels of ability and are both CONUS and international!Darcy G.Just returned from an amazing experience on the 4 days Moab multi sport Explorer Chicks trip! Our guide, Katie, was solo and did a fabulous job for each and every one of us. I loved doing the various activities, especially repelling four times, complete with a fantastic female canyoneering guide named Ellie! Robby was great leading us through Dead Horse Canyon in the UTV’s - definitely the banks bumps and ledges were the best there. Katie lead us through several hikes in national parks, complete with a grand charcuterie board at Delicate Arch. Breakfasts, lunches and snacks were all well crafted by Katie too! So much food, no decisions to make, no driving or reservations to handle. Just plain adventure based fun with a great group of new friends.If you are on the fence about joining one of these trips, just DO IT! You will not regret it! Book with Confidence Your wanderlust doesn’t have to wait. Our payment plans make booking your dream trip easier than ever. The best part? Zero additional fees. Payment Plans We want nothing more than for you join us. However, we understand emergencies do occur that may cause you to cancel your reservation. Cancellation Policy To protect your travel investment and your hide, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Receive a no-hassle, online quote with our trusted insurance partner. Trip Insurance Endless Wanderlust Banff Winter Adventure Weekend 4 DAYS, CANADA Cross Country Skiing, Dog Sledding, International, Multisport, Snow Shoeing, Snowy Adventures, Weekend Hotel, Mountain Huts Alaska Hiking, Kayaking, and Glacier Tour 7 DAYS, ALASKA Bucket List, Glacier Trek, Hiking, Ice Climbing, Multisport, National Park, Paddling, US-Based, Water Sports, Wildlife Hotel, Locally Unique Iceland Northern Lights and Hot Springs Adventure Tour 7 DAYS, ICELAND Bucket List, Glacier Trek, Hiking, Hot Springs, Ice Climbing, International, Multisport, Off Roading, Snowy Adventures Hotel Great Smoky Mountains Hiking, Rafting and Glamping Weekend 4 DAYS, TENNESSEE Glamping, Hiking, National Park, Smoky Mountains, Weekend, White Water Rafting Glamping Las Vegas Climbing and Overnight Kayak Weekend Adventure 4 DAYS, NEVADA Camping, Climbing, Multisport, Paddling, Water Sports Hotel, Camping San Juan Islands Kayaking and Camping 5 DAYS, WASHINGTON Glamping, Hiking, Multisport, Paddling, US-Based, Water Sports, Wildlife Glamping, Camping Zion and Bryce Hiking and Glamping 4 DAYS, UTAH Glamping, Hiking, Multisport, National Park, Rappelling, US-Based, Weekend Glamping