The West Virginia town of Berkeley Springs gets its name from a series of mineral hot springs prized for their healing properties. A longtime wellness destination, these waters have hosted the likes of George Washington himself. But there’s much more than that to this famed place.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the important information on the warm springs, with additional notes on when to visit and what else to do here in town. Book your trip with Blue Maple and read on to learn what you should know about the natural hot springs of Berkeley Springs.
Getting to Know the Berkeley Springs State Park
- 2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV
- wvstateparks.com/park/berkeley-springs-state-park
- The park grounds are free to enter, though you must book a spa treatment to use the springs.
The town of Berkeley Springs is centered around Berkeley Springs State Park, where visitors will find the namesake mineral baths. These waters have served as a healing center since time immemorial—Native American travelers once bathed in the springs, as did the nation’s first president. In fact, Berkeley Springs is widely known as America’s first spa.
Over time, infrastructure has sprung up around the springs. The park’s beautifully groomed grounds feature cherry trees, a museum dedicated to the town’s history, and a gazebo perfect for photo ops. But the main attraction, of course, is the springs.
The Old Roman and the Main Bathhouse both offer a wide variety of treatment options, from sauna sessions to massages. Or, you can take notes from George Washington and book a bath in the springs, where you’ll enjoy the soothing effects of minerals like calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and more.
Best Time to Visit Berkeley Springs
Visitors can experience the springs all year round, but the town’s other activities vary from season to season. To make sure you can see and do everything you want in Berkeley Springs, keep the following information in mind as you plan your itinerary:
Winter in Berkeley Springs
Thanks to the town’s relatively high elevation, winters in Berkeley Springs can get chilly. Lows fall in the 20s for much of the season, dipping into the high teens in January. Meanwhile, highs rarely get above the low 40s. Snowfall is also a common sight at this time of year.
Chilly, though it may be, winter in Berkeley Springs presents an unparalleled opportunity to take a warming soak in the mineral waters. If you ask us, there’s no better way to heat up after a few hours outside—especially after attending one of these fun events:
- Winter Festival Parade (December)
- Bath Christmas Market (December)
- Spa Feast, also known as Renewal Festivals (January)
- Water Festival (February)
Spring in Berkeley Springs
Spring comes slowly to the region surrounding Berkeley Springs. You’ll start to see flowers and new greenery appear over the hills while temperatures climb gradually—from highs in the 50s and lows in the 20s during March to highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s during May. Come prepared for spring showers, especially in May, the rainiest month of the year.
Naturally, Berkeley Springs State Park will be gorgeous at this time, filled with new blooms and fresh breezes. You can also check out several springtime events, including:
- George Washington’s Bathtub Celebration (March)
- Uniquely West Virginia Wine and Food Festival (April)
- Bringing in the May (May)
Summer in Berkeley Springs
Though warm, summer in Berkeley Springs is relatively mild due to our high elevation. Highs generally stay in the mid-80s or below, while lows typically range between the 50s and 60s at night. If you need to cool off during our warmest days, you can go for a swim at the State Park’s seasonally open pool, which is also fed by the natural springs.
Besides the pool and the springs, you may want to add these summertime events to your schedule:
- Girlfriend Weekend (June)
- Morgan County Expo (July)
- Concert in the Park (July through August)
Fall at Berkeley Springs
When fall comes to Berkeley Springs, the foliage changes color in a jaw-dropping display of oranges, reds, and yellows. Temperature-wise, you can expect highs between the 50s and 70s, with lows ranging from the 30s to the 50s depending on when in the season you visit.
Of course, that may also depend on which fall events you want to see. Keep these in mind as you select your trip dates:
- Berkeley Springs Fall Birding Festival (September)
- Apple Butter Festival (October)
- Berkeley Springs Studio Tour (October)
- Festival of Light Psychic Fair and Alternative Healing Expo (November)
Things to Do in Berkeley Springs
Though the hot springs are, naturally, the main attraction here at Berkeley Springs, you can find countless other things to do in and around town during your visit. We’ll start with the springs and work our way up to other activities that you won’t want to miss.
Indulge in a Spa Treatment
America’s first spa town won’t disappoint, as visitors can choose from a wide variety of treatments right at Berkeley Springs State Park. Between the Old Roman and Main Bathhouse, there are massages, body treatments, facials, and much more to be had at budget-friendly prices. To top it off, you can soak in whirlpool baths filled with mineral spring water.
If just one spa session isn’t enough, nearby Renaissance Spa and Atasia Spa also boast expanded treatment menus. Both are just a few minutes’ walk away from the state park.
Visit an Old Roman Bathhouse at the Museum of the Berkeley Springs
After your spa services, head upstairs from the Old Roman Bathhouse to the Museum of the Berkeley Springs. Exhibits here detail the town’s fascinating history, all the way back to its earliest days. Best of all, the museum is free to enter, so you can learn about Berkeley Springs throughout the decades while saving money for another spa treatment or two.
Shop for Souvenirs Downtown
After a day of pampering, a brisk stroll is in order to stretch those newly rejuvenated muscles. Head through Berkeley Springs’ downtown area and peruse goodies at one-of-a-kind stores like Sage Moon Herb Shop, Inspired Chaos, and Berkeley Springs Antique Mall. After your retail adventures, you can stop by one of the town’s top restaurants for hearty meals and light snacks alike.
Go for a Hike
For a slightly longer trek, you may want to hit the trails. Luckily, Berkeley Springs is surrounded by gorgeous hikes that present year-round exploration opportunities.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- Cacapon Ridge Trail (moderate, 1.2 miles)
- Zapoleon Trail Loop (moderate, 1.7 miles)
- Paw Paw Tunnel Trail (moderate, 4.9 miles)
- Ziler Trail (difficult, 3 miles)
Play a Round of Golf
Just a 15-minute drive from Berkeley Springs, Cacapon Resort State Park provides even more hours of entertainment. In addition to another on-site spa, Cacapon has an 18-hole championship golf course with panoramic mountain views.
Book your tee time on these impeccably manicured greens, and keep an eye out for West Virginia wildlife while you play. After your round, refuel with a meal at Getty’s Grill, a comfortable eatery overlooking the course.
Where to Stay in Berkeley Springs
No matter what you want to do in Berkeley Springs and when you hope to visit, this guide should help you get started. The hot springs, though fascinating, are just the start of the fun here. You might even find that you want to schedule your whole trip around one of our annual events.
Regardless of your exact itinerary, you’ll want to book your trip with a Stay Blue Maple vacation rental. Our properties are located within a short drive of Berkeley Springs, allowing you to explore the area with ease.