There’s something about the Midwest that surprises folks who only know it from highways and fast-food billboards. Strip away the interstates, and you’ll find rolling prairies, quirky small towns and landscapes that make your jaw drop if you slow down enough to notice. This isn’t the kind of road trip that hits the usual tourist traps—it’s about those tucked-away spots that feel like they were waiting just for you.

If your idea of adventure involves rivers, parks and trails that move at their own pace, then let’s head to West Virginia.  Here’s a look at six counties that make the state a top choice for hiking and outdoor trips. 

In the heart of Eastern Kentucky, where coal once fueled the region’s economy, a new kind of energy is taking over—one fueled by passion, persistence and a whole lot of elbow grease.  Welcome to Sugarcamp Mountain Trails, a rugged, hand-built trail system that’s quickly putting Prestonsburg on the national mountain biking map.