Discovering the Best Places to Visit in West Virginia

West Virginia, often referred to as the "Mountain State," is a haven for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers. Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, this state offers a unique blend of scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. From the rugged landscapes of the New River Gorge to the historic streets of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Here's an in-depth guide to some of the best places to visit in West Virginia.

1. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Adventure and Natural Beauty

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of West Virginia’s premier outdoor destinations, offering stunning scenery and a wealth of recreational activities.

Key Attractions

New River Gorge Bridge

One of the most iconic landmarks in West Virginia, the New River Gorge Bridge stands 876 feet above the New River, making it one of the highest vehicular bridges in the world. The bridge offers breathtaking views and is the site of the annual Bridge Day festival, where visitors can participate in base jumping and rappelling.

Fayette Station Road

For a closer look at the New River Gorge, take a drive along Fayette Station Road. This historic route winds down into the gorge, offering spectacular views of the river, bridge, and surrounding cliffs. It’s a great way to experience the area’s natural beauty from a different perspective.

Whitewater Rafting

The New River is renowned for its excellent whitewater rafting opportunities. From calm, scenic floats suitable for families to adrenaline-pumping rapids for thrill-seekers, the river offers something for everyone. Several outfitters provide guided trips, ensuring a safe and exciting adventure.

Hiking and Rock Climbing

The park features over 100 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. The Endless Wall Trail and Long Point Trail are particularly popular for their stunning views of the gorge. Additionally, the area is a top destination for rock climbing, with hundreds of established routes on the region’s sandstone cliffs.

2. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

A Confluence of History and Nature

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is a place where history and natural beauty intertwine.

Key Attractions

Historic Town

The town of Harpers Ferry is a beautifully preserved 19th-century community with cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and museums. Visitors can explore the town’s rich history, including John Brown’s raid on the federal armory in 1859, a pivotal event leading up to the Civil War.

Jefferson Rock

A short hike from the town center leads to Jefferson Rock, named after Thomas Jefferson, who visited the site in 1783. The rock offers panoramic views of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers and the surrounding mountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for reflection and photography.

Appalachian Trail

Harpers Ferry is a significant milestone on the Appalachian Trail, often considered the psychological halfway point of the 2,190-mile-long trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s headquarters is located in the town, where hikers can learn about the trail’s history and the challenges of thru-hiking.

Outdoor Activities

In addition to its historical significance, Harpers Ferry offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, kayaking, and zip-lining. The nearby Maryland Heights Trail provides a challenging hike with rewarding views of the town and rivers below.

3. Seneca Rocks

A Natural Wonder and Climbing Destination

Seneca Rocks is one of the most prominent and recognizable landmarks in West Virginia, attracting rock climbers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Key Attractions

Seneca Rocks

Rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks is a dramatic formation of Tuscarora sandstone. It is a premier destination for rock climbing, with over 375 established routes of varying difficulty. The rugged terrain and breathtaking views make it a favorite among climbers.

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center

The Seneca Rocks Discovery Center offers exhibits on the area’s geology, history, and natural environment. It’s a great starting point for visitors looking to learn more about the region before embarking on their outdoor adventures.

Hiking Trails

The Seneca Rocks Trail is a popular hike that leads to an observation platform with stunning views of the rock formation and the surrounding landscape. The trail is moderately challenging, with a steady ascent through forested terrain.

Spruce Knob

Nearby Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet, offers additional opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Spruce Knob Observation Tower provides panoramic views of the Allegheny Mountains, and several trails wind through the dense spruce forests and highland meadows.

4. Blackwater Falls State Park

Cascading Waterfalls and Scenic Beauty

Blackwater Falls State Park, located in the Allegheny Mountains, is named for its iconic 57-foot waterfall, where the Blackwater River tumbles over a sandstone ledge.

Key Attractions

Blackwater Falls

The park’s namesake waterfall is a must-see attraction. The dark, tannin-stained water plunges into a deep gorge, creating a stunning visual contrast with the surrounding green forest. Several viewing platforms provide different perspectives of the falls, and the area is particularly beautiful during the fall foliage season.

Elakala Falls

In addition to Blackwater Falls, the park is home to the lesser-known but equally beautiful Elakala Falls. A series of four waterfalls along Shays Run, the first of which is easily accessible via a short hike from the park lodge.

Lindy Point

Lindy Point offers one of the most breathtaking overlooks in the park, with panoramic views of the Blackwater Canyon. The short trail to the overlook is well worth the effort, especially during sunrise or sunset when the canyon is bathed in warm light.

Hiking and Winter Sports

The park features over 20 miles of hiking trails that explore the diverse landscapes of the Allegheny Mountains. In winter, the park transforms into a winter sports destination, offering cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing.

5. The Greenbrier

Luxury and History in the Allegheny Mountains

The Greenbrier, located in White Sulphur Springs, is a world-renowned luxury resort with a rich history dating back to 1778. The resort offers a wide range of activities and amenities, making it a premier destination for relaxation and recreation.

Key Attractions

Historic Hotel

The Greenbrier’s main hotel is an architectural masterpiece, blending classic Southern charm with modern luxury. The resort has hosted numerous U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities over the years.

The Bunker

One of the most intriguing features of The Greenbrier is The Bunker, a top-secret Cold War-era fallout shelter built to house the U.S. Congress in the event of a nuclear attack. Today, guided tours of The Bunker provide a fascinating glimpse into this hidden piece of American history.

Outdoor Activities

The Greenbrier offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including golf on its five championship courses, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing. The resort’s grounds are meticulously maintained, providing a beautiful backdrop for these activities.

Spa and Wellness

The Greenbrier’s world-class spa offers a variety of treatments and therapies designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The mineral springs that first drew visitors to the area are still a focal point of the spa experience.

6. Canaan Valley

A Year-Round Outdoor Playground

Canaan Valley, located in Tucker County, is a high mountain valley known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, stunning scenery, and vibrant wildlife.

Key Attractions

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Canaan Valley Resort State Park offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. In winter, the park is a popular destination for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, with over 40 slopes and trails. In summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and swimming.

Dolly Sods Wilderness

Adjacent to Canaan Valley, the Dolly Sods Wilderness is a unique high-altitude plateau known for its wind-swept heath barrens, stunted trees, and expansive vistas. The area offers challenging hiking and backpacking opportunities, with trails that traverse rugged terrain and provide breathtaking views.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

The Canaan Valley is home to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which protects a diverse range of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. The refuge is a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous species of migratory birds passing through the area.

Timberline Mountain

Timberline Mountain is another popular ski resort in the Canaan Valley, offering a variety of slopes and trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The resort also features a terrain park, tubing park, and scenic chairlift rides.

7. Snowshoe Mountain

Premier Ski Resort and Year-Round Adventure

Snowshoe Mountain, located in Pocahontas County, is one of the premier ski resorts in the Mid-Atlantic region. The resort offers a wide range of winter and summer activities, making it a popular destination year-round.

Key Attractions

Skiing and Snowboarding

Snowshoe Mountain features over 60 trails spread across three distinct areas: Snowshoe Basin, Silver Creek, and Western Territory. The resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from beginner slopes to challenging black diamonds.

Snowshoe Village

Snowshoe Village, located at the top of the mountain, offers a charming alpine-style village with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. The village is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes.

Summer Activities

In the summer, Snowshoe Mountain transforms into an outdoor adventure playground. The resort offers mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining, and scenic lift rides. Shavers Lake, located at the base of the mountain, provides opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Events and Festivals

Snowshoe Mountain hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including music festivals, craft beer festivals, and holiday celebrations. These events add to the resort’s vibrant atmosphere and provide additional entertainment options for visitors.

8. Charleston

The Capital City

Charleston, the capital of West Virginia, is a vibrant city with a rich history, diverse culture, and a variety of attractions and activities.

Key Attractions

State Capitol

The West Virginia State Capitol is an architectural masterpiece, featuring a stunning gold dome that rises 292 feet above the ground. Visitors can take guided tours of the Capitol building, which includes the Governor’s Reception Room, the State Legislature chambers, and the Capitol grounds.

Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences is a cultural hub in Charleston, featuring an art museum, a performing arts center, and an interactive science museum. The center hosts a variety of concerts, theater performances, and educational programs throughout the year.

Capitol Market

Capitol Market, located in a historic train station, is a bustling marketplace where visitors can find fresh produce, local meats and cheeses, specialty foods, and artisan crafts. The market also features several restaurants and a seasonal outdoor farmers’ market.

Kanawha State Forest

Just a short drive from downtown Charleston, Kanawha State Forest offers over 9,300 acres of scenic woodlands, hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and campsites. The forest is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.

9. The Greenbrier Valley

History and Outdoor Adventure

The Greenbrier Valley, located in southeastern West Virginia, is known for its historic towns, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities.

Key Attractions

Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a charming town with a rich history, vibrant arts scene, and a variety of shops and restaurants. The town’s historic district features beautifully preserved buildings, including the Carnegie Hall, one of only four Carnegie Halls in the world.

Lost World Caverns

Located near Lewisburg, Lost World Caverns offers guided tours through a stunning underground landscape of stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. The caverns provide a fascinating look at the natural history of the region.

Greenbrier River Trail

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile rail trail that follows the course of the Greenbrier River, offering scenic views, wildlife watching, and opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and provides a peaceful escape into nature.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers a unique glimpse into the region’s logging history, with vintage steam locomotives that take visitors on scenic rides through the mountains. The park also features historic buildings, a museum, and hiking trails.

10. Berkeley Springs

A Historic Spa Town

Berkeley Springs, located in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, is known for its natural mineral springs and historic spa facilities.

Key Attractions

Berkeley Springs State Park

Berkeley Springs State Park is centered around the natural mineral springs that have attracted visitors for centuries. The park’s historic Roman Bathhouse offers mineral baths, massages, and other spa treatments. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s outdoor pool, picnic areas, and walking trails.

Museum of the Berkeley Springs

The Museum of the Berkeley Springs, located in the park’s historic bathhouse building, offers exhibits on the history of the springs, the town, and the surrounding area. The museum provides a fascinating look at the region’s past and the role of the springs in its development.

Cacapon Resort State Park

Just a short drive from Berkeley Springs, Cacapon Resort State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, golfing, fishing, and horseback riding. The park also features a lodge, cabins, and a lake with a beach area for swimming.

Art and Culture

Berkeley Springs is home to a vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries, studios, and cultural events throughout the year. The town’s arts scene includes visual arts, music, theater, and more, making it a great destination for culture lovers.