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Are you planning a visit to West Virginia? Listed here are a few of the most enjoyable, thrilling, and adventure-filled issues to do in West Virginia. These breathtaking landscapes, nationwide parks, and charming cities are positive to make for an unforgettable journey.
Contemplating a visit to the Appalachian area? In that case, you’re in for a deal with! West Virginia, sometimes called the “Mountain State,” is a hidden gem in america that provides distinctive and thrilling experiences. From its wealthy historical past and tradition to its gorgeous pure landscapes, West Virginia is a vacation spot that guarantees an unforgettable journey with an unbelievable array of issues to do for everybody to take pleasure in.
West Virginia is famend for its out of doors adventures. Its rugged mountains, lush forests, and speeding rivers present the right setting for climbing, biking, rafting, and even mountain climbing. However that’s not all. The state’s historical past as a pivotal participant within the coal business has left a legacy. This may be explored in its fascinating museums and historic websites.
From the charming streets of Harpers Ferry to the awe-inspiring fantastic thing about the New River Gorge, there’s no scarcity of issues to do in West Virginia. That will help you plan your journey, I’ve compiled a listing of a few of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia. So, whether or not you’re an adrenaline junkie, a historical past buff, or somebody who merely appreciates the fantastic thing about nature, there’s one thing for you within the Mountain State.
West Virginia is a vacation spot that deserves to be on each traveler’s bucket checklist. So let’s prepare to find the perfect issues to do in West Virginia!
Greatest Locations to Go to in West Virginia
Are you prepared to find the perfect issues to do in West Virginia? As beforehand talked about, there’s one thing for all to take pleasure in in West Virginia. Maintain studying to find why it’s one of the crucial underrated states to go to in america.
If you happen to’re searching for the perfect nature spots and thrilling out of doors actions, West Virginia can cater to your wishes. Moreover, if you happen to’re trying to find family-friendly sights and picturesque cities, the state has a lot to supply. Listed here are all the perfect locations to go to in West Virginia that it is best to find out about!
1. Discover the New River Gorge Nationwide Park
Nestled within the coronary heart of West Virginia, the New River Gorge Nationwide Park is likely one of the greatest issues to do in West Virginia for out of doors lovers. The park is residence to the New River, one of many oldest rivers on the continent. The river has carved a spectacular gorge famend for its white-water rapids and rugged cliffs.
For these looking for journey, the park gives a plethora of actions. You may arrange camp beneath the celebrities, solid a line within the river, or embark on a climbing path that winds via the luxurious panorama. If you happen to’re a thrill-seeker, you may even strive your hand at white-water rafting.
The crown jewel of the park is undoubtedly the New River Gorge Bridge. This marvel of engineering stands 876 toes above the river. It’s the most photographed website in all of West Virginia. The bridge gives phenomenal views of the encircling panorama. In consequence, it is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia.
Whether or not you’re searching for adrenaline-pumping actions or simply need to soak within the pure magnificence, New River Gorge Nationwide Park is a vacation spot that shouldn’t be missed when visiting West Virginia.
2. Calm down in nature at Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park
Steeped in historical past and surrounded by pure magnificence, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park is one other must-visit vacation spot in West Virginia. The park is positioned on the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Due to this fact, it gives gorgeous views and a wide range of out of doors actions.
Harpers Ferry is greatest identified for its wealthy historical past. It was the location of a well-known abolitionist rebellion led by John Brown in 1859. This occasion performed a major function in sparking the Civil Warfare. At this time, you may discover the historic district. It options well-preserved Nineteenth-century buildings, museums, and displays that inform the story of the city’s previous.
However historical past isn’t the one draw right here. The park’s location gives loads of alternatives for climbing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Appalachian Path additionally passes via Harpers Ferry, making it a well-liked spot for long-distance hikers.
With its mix of historical past and pure magnificence, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park gives a novel and enriching expertise for all guests. It’s simple to see why this attraction is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia!
3. Uncover the fantastic thing about Blackwater Falls State Park
Named for the amber-colored waters of the Blackwater River, Blackwater Falls State Park is a sight to behold. The park’s essential attraction is the Blackwater Falls, a cascading waterfall that plunges 5 tales into the river under. The “black” water is a results of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and pink spruce needles. This provides the falls a novel and mesmerizing look.
For nature lovers, the park gives a community of climbing trails that cater to all talent ranges. Some trails result in vantage factors providing gorgeous views of the falls. Others wind via the park’s various panorama of wetlands, forests, and high-altitude bogs. Within the winter, the park transforms right into a snowy wonderland, with alternatives for cross-country snowboarding and sledding.
For many who want to prolong their keep, the park gives a lodge and cabins for in a single day lodging. With its awe-inspiring pure magnificence and array of out of doors actions, Blackwater Falls State Park is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia that nature lovers gained’t need to miss.
4. Climb the well-known Seneca Rocks
West Virginia gives a few of the greatest locations to go to in america for out of doors lovers, and this vacation spot is not any exception. Towering above the North Fork River, Seneca Rocks is likely one of the best-known landmarks in West Virginia. This imposing formation of Tuscarora quartzite is a sight to behold, rising almost 900 toes above the encircling panorama.
Seneca Rocks is a paradise for rock climbers, providing over 375 mapped climbing routes. The South Peak is especially notable. It’s the solely peak east of the Rockies that’s accessible solely by mountain climbing.
Nevertheless, if mountain climbing isn’t your factor, you may nonetheless take pleasure in the fantastic thing about Seneca Rocks from the bottom. There’s a 1.3-mile path that results in an commentary platform with gorgeous views of the rocks and the encircling valley.
The close by Seneca Rocks Discovery Heart gives displays on native historical past and nature, and the realm can also be widespread for fishing, with the North Fork River identified for its wonderful trout fishing.
Whether or not you’re an skilled climber, a fishing fanatic, or only a lover of pure magnificence, Seneca Rocks is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia.
5. Uncover the Stunning Monongahela Nationwide Forest
Spanning over 900,000 acres, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest is an enormous expanse of pure magnificence that provides a wealth of leisure alternatives. The forest is residence to a few of the most various natural world in West Virginia, making it a haven for nature lovers and wildlife lovers.
The forest gives over 800 miles of trails, catering to hikers of all talent ranges. These trails wind via scenic landscapes, from high-altitude wetlands to spruce forests. The forest can also be residence to a number of wilderness areas, providing a extra rugged and distant climbing expertise.
Along with climbing, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest gives alternatives for fishing, searching, and tenting. The forest’s rivers and streams are teeming with trout, whereas its huge panorama is residence to deer, turkeys, and different wildlife.
If you happen to’re trying to embark on a difficult hike, solid a line in a pristine stream, or just immerse your self in nature, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia that guarantees a memorable out of doors journey.
6. Discover the Charming City of Lewisburg
Named “the Coolest Small City in America” by Funds Journey, Lewisburg is an enthralling city that provides a mixture of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence. Positioned within the Greenbrier Valley of the Allegheny Mountains, Lewisburg is thought for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and pleasant group.
Downtown Lewisburg is a delight to discover, with its well-preserved 18th and Nineteenth-century structure, distinctive outlets, and native eating places. The city can also be residence to Carnegie Corridor, one among solely 4 Carnegie Halls on the planet, which gives a wide range of cultural occasions and artwork displays.
Historical past buffs will recognize the city’s wealthy previous, which might be explored on the North Home Museum. For nature lovers, the close by Greenbrier River Path gives climbing, biking, and bird-watching.
With its small-town appeal, wealthy historical past, and exquisite environment, Lewisburg gives a novel and pleasant expertise for all guests. If you happen to’re searching for the best issues to do in West Virginia, a visit to Lewisburg is a should in your itinerary!
7. Take pleasure in a scenic prepare trip at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
Calling all prepare lovers! Step again in time with a go to to the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. This historic park is residence to the Cass Scenic Railroad, a former logging railroad that has been transformed right into a heritage railway.
The spotlight of a go to to the park is a trip on the historic steam-driven locomotive. The most effective issues to do in West Virginia, the prepare takes passengers on a scenic journey as much as Bald Knob, the third highest level within the state, providing gorgeous views of the encircling panorama.
The park additionally options the corporate city of Cass, which has been preserved because it was within the early twentieth century. Guests can discover the historic houses, the corporate retailer, and the museum, which gives insights into the city’s historical past and the logging business.
With its historic appeal and scenic magnificence, the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park gives a novel and pleasant expertise for guests of all ages. It’s simple to see why this is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia!
8. Uncover the Mysteries of the Mothman
In search of distinctive issues to do in West Virginia? Head to the city of Level Nice to discover the mysteries of the Mothman. This legendary creature, stated to be a harbinger of catastrophe, was reportedly sighted within the space within the Sixties.
The Mothman Museum gives a deep dive into this native legend, with displays that includes newspaper clippings, pictures, and eyewitness accounts. You’ll additionally discover a variety of Mothman merchandise and memorabilia.
Only a quick stroll from the museum, you’ll discover the Mothman Statue, a stainless-steel sculpture that stands over 12 toes tall. This spectacular statue is a well-liked photograph spot for guests.
Whether or not you’re a fan of folklore, a lover of mysteries, or simply searching for a novel expertise, the Mothman Museum and Statue are price a go to in your subsequent journey to West Virginia.
9. Discover the Depths of Seneca Caverns
Delve into the depths of the earth with a go to to Seneca Caverns. Positioned in Riverton, these caverns are one among West Virginia’s hottest pure sights. The caverns have been found in 1742 by German settler Laven Teter, though they have been utilized by the Seneca Indians lengthy earlier than that.
A guided tour of the caverns takes you thru a collection of chambers, the place you may marvel on the stalactites, stalagmites, and different mineral formations. The caverns keep a continuing temperature of 54 levels Fahrenheit, making them a cool escape on a sizzling summer season day.
Above floor, the caverns supply gemstone mining, the place guests can sift via mining tough to search out gems and fossils. There’s additionally a picnic space and a present store, making it one of the crucial enjoyable and academic locations to go to in West Virginia for households.
10. Go to the Cultural Oasis of the Huntington Museum of Artwork
For a dose of tradition throughout your West Virginia go to, be certain to cease by the Huntington Museum of Artwork. As the most important artwork museum within the state, it homes a formidable assortment of artwork and artifacts.
The museum’s collections span a variety of artwork kinds and intervals, from American and European work and sculptures to glass items, vintage firearms, and people artwork. The museum additionally includes a conservatory with a tropical and subtropical plant assortment.
Along with its everlasting collections, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions, artwork courses, and particular occasions. Whether or not you’re an artwork aficionado or an off-the-cuff customer, the Huntington Museum of Artwork gives a wealthy and various cultural expertise. As such, I like to recommend this factor to do in West Virginia to everybody I meet.
11. Journey into the Previous at Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
If you happen to’re searching for distinctive issues to do in West Virginia, this attraction is likely one of the greatest. To really perceive West Virginia’s historical past, a visit to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is a should. This historic coal mine gives a captivating glimpse into the state’s mining historical past and the lifetime of coal miners.
A spotlight of the go to is the underground tour, the place you’ll board a mine automotive and journey again in time. Guided by veteran miners, you’ll study concerning the mining strategies, the equipment, and the day by day lifetime of the miners.
Above floor, you may discover the coal camp, which features a college, a church, and miner’s houses, every furnished to signify a distinct decade within the twentieth century. The location additionally includes a museum with displays on coal historical past, mining artifacts, and a set of coal-related artwork.
12. Expertise the Appeal of the State Capital, Charleston
Because the capital and largest metropolis of West Virginia, Charleston gives a mix of city appeal, southern hospitality, and wealthy historical past. Nestled alongside the banks of the Kanawha River, Charleston is thought for its vibrant arts scene, historic landmarks, and out of doors leisure actions.
The town’s downtown space is a hub of exercise, with a wide range of outlets, eating places, and cultural sights. The Capitol Market, a year-round farmer’s market, is a well-liked spot for locals and guests alike.
Charleston can also be residence to a number of notable landmarks, together with the gold-domed West Virginia State Capitol and the Governor’s Mansion. The town’s cultural choices embody the Clay Heart for the Arts & Sciences, which homes a live performance corridor, a planetarium, and an artwork museum.
Whether or not you’re exploring town’s historical past, having fun with a efficiency, or just strolling alongside the riverfront, Charleston is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia for households and {couples}.
Incessantly Requested Questions (FAQ) concerning the Greatest Issues to Do in West Virginia
In search of extra info on the perfect issues to do in West Virginia? Listed here are some widespread questions (and solutions) I get that may assist you plan your journey to West Virginia:
What’s the most visited place in West Virginia?
Probably the most visited place in West Virginia is the New River Gorge. Designated as a Nationwide River in 1978, it’s celebrated for the New River Gorge Bridge, which is likely one of the longest metal span bridges on the planet and the centerpiece of the annual “Bridge Day” pageant. Each third Saturday in October, the bridge turns into a hotspot for BASE leaping, rappelling, and different adrenaline-pumping actions, attracting 1000’s of spectators.
Past the long-lasting bridge, the New River Gorge gives many different leisure actions. The New River itself is a well-liked location for white-water rafting, boasting each light flows and difficult rapids. Mountaineering, climbing, tenting, fishing, and chook watching are different beloved actions within the space. The gorge’s gorgeous vistas, dense forests, and various wildlife make it a main vacation spot for each journey seekers and nature lovers. I first visited there again in 2020 earlier than it turned a nationwide park. At this time, it’s extra widespread than ever earlier than! What’s to not love about WV!
What’s West Virginia identified for?
West Virginia is thought for its gorgeous pure magnificence, wealthy historical past, and out of doors leisure actions. It’s sometimes called the “Mountain State” as a consequence of its location within the Appalachian Mountains. The state is known for its coal mining historical past and can also be residence to a number of notable landmarks, together with the New River Gorge Bridge and the historic city of Harpers Ferry.
What out of doors actions are you able to do in West Virginia?
West Virginia gives a wealth of out of doors actions, together with climbing, biking, fishing, white-water rafting, and mountain climbing. The state’s quite a few state parks, forests, and rivers present the right setting for these actions. Within the winter, areas like Snowshoe Mountain Resort supply snowboarding and different winter sports activities.
What’s the greatest time to go to West Virginia?
The most effective time to go to West Virginia depends upon what you need to do. For out of doors actions, the spring and fall seasons supply gentle climate and exquisite surroundings. The autumn foliage in West Virginia is especially gorgeous. If you happen to’re all for winter sports activities, the perfect time to go to is from December to February.
Is WV price visiting?
Completely! West Virginia, sometimes called “Nearly Heaven,” has a novel mix of pure magnificence, cultural heritage, and out of doors actions. This makes it a worthy vacation spot for a wide range of vacationers. Right here’s why:
- Gorgeous landscapes: West Virginia is famend for its breathtaking mountains, dense forests, and picturesque rivers. The state gives a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city areas.
- Outside adventures: For these looking for adrenaline, the state is a haven for white-water rafting, particularly within the New River Gorge. Moreover, there are ample alternatives for climbing, mountain biking, mountain climbing, fishing, and tenting.
- Wealthy historical past: The state performed a pivotal function in the course of the Civil Warfare and has deep coal mining roots. Locations like Harpers Ferry, with its preserved historic buildings, inform tales of great moments in U.S. historical past.
- Cultural festivals: West Virginia hosts a myriad of festivals that remember its distinctive Appalachian tradition, together with music festivals, arts and crafts gala’s, and heritage occasions.
- State parks and forests: With dozens of state parks and forests, together with Blackwater Falls State Park and Seneca Rocks, there are numerous pure wonders to discover.
- Thermal springs: The city of Berkeley Springs is famend for its heat mineral springs, providing a rejuvenating expertise for guests.
- Scenic drives: Routes just like the Highland Scenic Freeway present fascinating views, particularly in the course of the fall when the leaves change colours.
- Cave exploration: With quite a few caves, together with the Organ Cave and Seneca Caverns, spelunkers and curious vacationers can delve into the underground fantastic thing about the state.
In all, West Virginia gives a mixture of historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence that may enchantment to historical past buffs, nature lovers, journey seekers, and people merely searching for a peaceable retreat. It’s undoubtedly a state price including to your journey itinerary.
What are a few of the greatest locations to go to in West Virginia?
Some must-visit locations in West Virginia embody the New River Gorge Nationwide Park, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Seneca Rocks, the Monongahela Nationwide Forest, and the state capital, Charleston.
What distinctive experiences does West Virginia supply?
West Virginia gives a variety of distinctive experiences, from exploring historic coal mines and driving on a heritage railway to mountain climbing at Seneca Rocks and white-water rafting within the New River Gorge. The state’s wealthy historical past and tradition might be skilled via its museums, historic cities, and cultural occasions.
Uncover the Mountain State: Wrap Up Your West Virginia Journey
West Virginia, with its gorgeous landscapes, wealthy historical past, and pleasant folks, is a vacation spot that provides one thing for everybody. Whether or not you’re an out of doors fanatic, a historical past buff, or somebody who merely appreciates the fantastic thing about nature, you’re positive to search out one thing to like within the Mountain State.
So why wait? Begin planning your West Virginia journey as we speak and uncover why it’s probably the greatest locations to go to in america!
