Nature
Go Outside and Play!
Choose your adventure.
Around here, being in nature is in our nature. Berkeley County is filled with beautiful fields, forests, lakes, and mountains. The perfect place to play outside.
We’ve got trails for hikers, bikers and geocachers, rivers, lakes and streams for paddling and fishing.
So many ways to play
Hiking
Berkeley County is blessed with many great hiking opportunities. Here you can hike the Tuscarora trail and many others. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk in the woods, or a challenging climb to a mountain overlook there’s a trail for you.
Biking
From backroad pavement to backwoods trails we’ve got many places to explore by bicycle. For those who prefer pavement without traffic, the Route 9 bike path offers 10+ miles of rolling hills to explore. If you prefer to get dirty, the mountain bike trail at Poor House farm and the many rugged trails in Sleep Creek WMA are waiting to challenge you.
Birding/Wildlife viewing
If you rather watch, then birding is enjoyed at Stauffer's Marsh Nature Preserve or Yankauer Nature Preserve, both managed by the Potomac Audubon Society. There is also great seasonal bird watching at Sleepy Creek WMA.
Geocaching
Explore our wonderful area on a modern-day treasure hunt. Whether it is a site found wearing your fancy clothes, or one where you have to wear spelunking gear, there is’s something for every adventure level. Click here to learn all about the world-class geocaching in Berkeley County.
Golfing
We’ve got world class links at The Woods Resort and family friendly disc golf courses at Poor House Farm.
Paddling, Kyaking & More
If you’re looking for a spot to put your kayak, canoe or boat in the water, you’ve got options around here. The Potomac River, Back Creek, and Opequon streams, along with the 205-acre Sleepy Creek Lake, offer numerous opportunities to get wet and have fun. Kayaking and canoe rentals are available for use on the Potomac or other streams. For even more exhilarating family water fun visit River Riders and River & Trail Outfitters.
Fishing
Has your local fishing hole dried up or been developed? We’ve got you covered. Sleepy Creek Lake, the Potomac River, and other freshwater locations are where you can find your new favorite spot to cast a line. Download the Berkeley Outdoors Fishing guide.
Hunting
The 23,000-acre Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area is popular with hunters seeking deer, turkey, squirrels, black bears, and more. For more information on local hunting opportunities, download the Berkeley Outdoor hunting guide.
Places to Explore
Local Parks
Our local Parks and Recreation organization offers many clean, safe, and genuinely amazing places to play within our community. With a variety of facilities spread throughout the county, everyone can find their ideal spot to enjoy a day outdoors.
Head to Poor House Farm for mountain biking, disc golf, fishing, and more.
Visit the Parks and Recreation website to see a full list of facilities and amenities.
Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
The 28,000 acre Sleepy Creek preserve offers miles of scenic hiking, mountain biking, geocaching, hunting, fishing, camping and boating. The 205 acre lake provides opportunities for boating (electric motors only), canoeing, kayaking and fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, northern pike, and channel catfish.
Stauffer's Marsh Nature District
This 45 acre preserve includes shallow ponds, marshy areas, woods and edge lands, and 780 feet of Back Creek Frontage. To date, 150 species of birds have been observed in this rich and diverse habitat. While the ponds can be seen from the road, the preserve also features two walking trails. potomacaudubon.org/stauffer.
Yankauer Preserve
Located on Whiting’s Neck Road in Berkeley County, the 104-acre preserve includes gently rolling farmland that is gradually returning to its natural, forested state. Visitors can view a constantly changing blend of fast-growing shrubs and trees, red cedar glades, and emerging oak forest. The preserve also includes a section of wooded, high limestone bluffs overlooking the Potomac River. At least 105 different species of plants that have been identified.
Route 9 Path
For power walking or biking, you have the option of the Route 9 Path, which follows the busy thoroughfare from Martinsburg to the Charles Town/Ranson area. While the southern portion of the trail is fairly flat, the northern half is somewhat hilly. Stops along the way highlight points of interest.
Other Places to Play
Golfing at The Woods
The Woods is a popular getaway destination and golf community situated approximately halfway between Martinsburg and Berkeley Springs, just off WV Route 9. This quiet retreat boasts two golf courses including the Golf Digest rated Mountain View Course, the Sleepy Creek Spa, a golfing sports center, grill and pub, two outdoor pools, tennis, and direct access to over 70 miles of hiking trails in the adjoining Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. Vacation rentals include one-to four-bedroom cabins, cottages, and villas. Complimentary WiFi is provided in most accommodations.
North Mountain Paintball
North Mountain Paintball offers hills, trees, barricades, and obstructions, making it a great place to play. Equipment rentals are available. Learn more.
Peacemaker National Training Center
Peacemaker National Training Center is the east coast’s largest shooting complex. With over 17 fully supervised ranges, Peacemakers supports every type of shooting, including recreational shooting, competitions, and world-class training across all disciplines.
Tomahawk MX Track
Tomahawk MX Track features four tracks of varying riding levels and terrain on a 110-acre site near Hedgesville. On-site are the main motocross track, a supercross track, and two different tracks for beginners and advanced beginners. There are national races as well as practice days. Primitive and RV camping are available on-site for guests.
Tango Down Range
Tango Down Range has 20 lanes for shooting pistols and rifles, ranging from 10 to 100 yards in distance. Steel Action Targets, paper targets, and ammunition are available on-site. The range also includes Trex Construction Benches, a 90-foot concrete pad, and a covered pavilion waiting area. NRA Certified Range Safety Officers on duty. Membership is Limited, but Not Required.