West Virginia

Outdoor adventure abounds in the Mountain State. From whitewater rafting on the Cheat, New and Gauley rivers to hiking the state parks dotting the state, there are opportunities for all ages and activity levels. The state’s streams and rivers draw fisherman, while the state’s lush forests attract leaf peepers once the season begins to change each autumn. Those looking for history will find it along the state’s Civil War Trail or in the National Coal Heritage Area that tells the story of an industry that shaped the state.

This take-out only spot in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, serves up several bread varieties, including ones made using a 45-year-old sourdough starter, to hungry tourists.

This island park in Parkersburg, West Virginia, showcases its ties to American history through a re-created mansion and museum.

The Mountain State offers some of the best stargazing in the eastern United States. A photographer shares his experience capturing the night sky at five incredible spots.

Visit Oak Hill, West Virginia, for exciting white water rafting experiences for all ages, plus rock climbing, zip lining and more.

Exterior of The Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Blennerhassett Hotel & Spa)

Located near the ferry to Blennerhassett Island, this historic hotel in Parkersburg, West Virginia, offers spa services and dining options.

Via ferrata at NRocks Outdoor Adventures in Circleville, West Virginia (photo courtesy of NRocks Outdoor Adventures)

Embrace the high life — be it navigating the via ferrata route or zip-line course — at this destination near Monongahela National Forest in Circleville, West Virginia,

Fruit pie with whipped cream at Vagabond Kitchen in Wheeling, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Vagabond Kitchen)

This restaurant in Wheeling, West Virginia, showcases chef Matt Welsch’s unique approach to some of the Mountain State’s favorite dishes.

Sandwich from Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville, West Virginia (photo by J. Young of Iron Arch Photo)

This inventive restaurant in Fayetteville, West Virginia, pays tribute to former U.S. presidents and first ladies by way of sandwiches bearing their names.

Pepperoni roll from the Marion County Pepperoni Roll Tour in Marion County, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Marion County Visitors Bureau)

Take a bite out of this Marion County, West Virginia, food trail that celebrates an Italy-meets-Appalachia specialty that originated as lunch fare for 1920s coal miners.

People on zip line at Treetops Zipline Canopy Tour in Lansing, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Treetops Zipline Canopy Tours)

Take to the trees at this Lansing, West Virginia, guided experience that offers scenic zips near New River Gorge National Park.