There’s something magical about turning a year older surrounded by nature, laughter, and people you love. This year, I decided to escape the everyday and head into the peaceful mountains of West Virginia. Just a few hours from York County, Cacapon Resort State Park turned out to be the perfect place to celebrate my birthday, with stunning views, cozy cabins, and good old-fashioned fun.
The Road to Cacapon: A Scenic Route With Spectacular Views
My road trip began early Saturday morning. With five of my close friends packed into two cars, we hit the road from York County, Pennsylvania, heading southwest toward the town of Berkeley Springs, WV. The drive was around 2.5 hours, filled with winding back roads, scenic farmlands, and small Appalachian towns. As we crossed the state line into West Virginia, the rolling hills gradually gave way to the rugged beauty of the Cacapon Mountain range, and excitement built as we approached our weekend retreat.
Home for the Night: “Mayapple” Cabin at Cacapon State Park
Nestled deep within the park’s forested grounds, we checked into the “Mayapple” cabin, a rustic and charming wood-paneled hideaway that immediately felt like home. It had all the essentials: a hot tub, cozy beds enough for 06 people, a full kitchen, an electric BBQ, and a large porch perfect for stargazing.
That night, we turned the cabin into our private birthday bash spot, complete with grilled food, cake, a Bluetooth speaker pumping our favorite tracks, and the peaceful hush of nature all around. No traffic noise. No screens. Just good vibes and the warmth of friendship.
Exploring the Park: Trails, Views & Waterfall
Before starting our exploration, we had a take-away lunch from The Naked Olive Lounge, located in downtown Berkeley Springs. With food packed and hearts full of enthusiasm, we set out to explore Cacapon State Park, which spans over 6,000 acres of natural beauty. Here are the highlights from our adventure:
🌊 Cacapon Lake
We started with the Cacapon Lake, which is tranquil and photogenic. It is perfect for relaxing or doing recreational activities with a backdrop of blue water and green hills. In summer, there’s a public beach area for swimming. We, however, opted for a relaxing lakeside picnic and spent time skipping rocks. Also, there’s a boathouse where you can rent a paddle boat or kayak to enjoy water activities on the lake.
🥾 Ridge Trail Hike
We then headed to the Ridge Trail, a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the valley below. The fresh mountain air, bird songs, and occasional deer sightings made the effort well worth it.
⛳ Bonus: Golf & Horseback Riding
Though we didn’t get to it this time, the park also offers golf, horseback riding, and even skeet shooting for those looking to extend their adventure.
Where to Eat: Local Flavors Near Cacapon
For lunch, we headed to downtown Berkeley Springs, famous for its mineral springs and quirky, artsy vibe. We did a take-out from The Naked Olive Lounge, a cozy spot offering seasonal American cuisine.
For quick, casual Mexican food near Berkeley Springs, try Mi Ranchito, great comfort dishes and friendly service.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Whether you’re planning a birthday like mine or just a weekend escape, here are some helpful tips:
- Book early: Cabins, especially unique ones like “Myapple,” fill up quickly during weekends and holidays.
- Pack layers: Even in summer, mountain mornings and evenings can get chilly.
- Bring food and drinks: The cabins have kitchens, but the nearest grocery store is about 20 minutes away.
- Cell service is limited: Download maps or trail guides beforehand.
- Leave no trace: Respect nature and keep the park clean for the next visitors.
Final Thoughts: A Birthday to Remember
Whether you’re looking for a quick nature fix, a place to reconnect with friends, or a scenic drive, this hidden gem in West Virginia is well worth the drive.
