We can only think of one: the almost heavenly state of West Virginia.

Outdoor Activities
West Virginia is one of the most densely forested states in the country, and one of the most outdoor-oriented, as well. The small state has 50 state parks, and 200,000 acres of protected land for public enjoyment. The West Virginia hills offer skiing in the winter, spectacular foliage in the fall, and hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and whitewater rafting in the spring and summer.

Rafting. West Virginia boasts the best whitewater rafting in the United States, and we're not going to dispute that claim, especially after the International Rafting Federation choose West Virginia as the site of the 2001 whitewater rafting championships--the only North American site ever chosen for the competition. West Virginia's mountains harbor 2,000 miles of streams, making for a huge variety of whitewater to choose from. First-timers out for an afternoon float and experts looking to lose themselves for days among class V rapids all flock to the state for rafting getaways.

Hiking. The hills that provide winter skiing and fall foliage become an outdoor playground during the warm-weather months. More than 800 miles of trails criss-cross the state. Most trailheads are close to main roads and camping grounds (or within an easy drive of a hotel!), but you can also choose to backpack in many parks. (Click here for more camping information.)

Biking. Those famous country roads provide mile after mile of scenic biking. Or you can venture into the Potomac Highlands for more strenuous trips of any length.

ATVs. West Virginia has over 250 miles of all-terrain vehicle trails for those who'd rather take it easy on the quads. Beginners and experts alike will find terrain to suit them--often on different parts of the same trail.

Historic Sites
If you prefer strolling through history to backwoods pursuits, West Virginia will suit you well. Some to consider:

• Grave Creek Mound Museum. The history of the state goes back much further than the day in 1861 when West Virginia split off from Virginia. In Moundsville, you can visit the Grave Creek Mound Museum, which details the history of West Virginia's first native inhabitants. A highlight of a museum visit is the nearby Adena burial mound, where the state's first residents are buried.

• Booker T. Washington Boyhood Cabin. The original home where Booker T. Washington moved with his family after the Civil War no longer exists. But a replica of the cabin where the boy grew up can be visited in Malden. While you're there, consider a walking tour of the town, where you'll also visit Washington's school, and the African Zion Baptist Church. Textile lovers should visit Cabin Creek Quilts.

• Harper's Ferry. At Harper's Ferry, just across the Potomac River from Maryland, you'll find a lot of history packed into one small town. The area is most famous for having been the site of John Brown's raid in 1859. On October 16 of that year, the abolitionist Brown led a raid on a Harper's Ferry weapons stash. The plan failed and Brown was hanged, but the bloody raid brought national attention to the abolitionist cause. Today you can visit the National Historic Park in Harper's Ferry. The Lower Town Historic District is worth a visit as well--here you'll find sights such as John Brown's fort, as well as many museums.

• Hatfield Family Cemetery. The Hatfields and the McCoys were real-life West Virginia families who really did stage a blood feud over a pig (although proud descendents will tell you that's a gross simplification of the story). Hatfield family patriarch William "Devil Anse" Hatfield is buried under an imposing stone in his family's plot in the town of Sarah Ann.

• Nellis National Coal Miners' Memorial. The history of West Virginia cannot be told without mentioning coal mining, and this museum,opening soon, will pay tribute to the 127,000 Americans, many of them West Virginians, who have lost their lives mining coal. This unique site is the only underground memorial in the country. A nearby church will serve as a museum chronicling the history of coal mining in West Virginia.•