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.

Fisher animal at the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek, West Virginia (photo courtesy of West Virginia Wildlife Center)

Lean about the native fauna of the mountain state at this 330-acre French Creek, West Virginia, destination that is home to over 30 species of animal. 

Night sky reflected in lake at Watoga State Park in Pocahontas County, West Virginia (photo by Jessie Thornton)

Go stargazing at this state park in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, that is home to the largest designated dark-sky zone east of the Mississippi River. 

People hiking on rock overlooking mountains in Dolly Sods Wilderness in Davis, West Virginia (photo courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism)

This Mountain State treasure spanning portions of Grant, Randolph and Tucker counties in West Virginia covers 17,000 acres filled with panoramic views and miles of trails to explore. 

 

People looking out of Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Waiteville, West Virginia (photo by Sharyn Ogden)

This former fire tower located on a mountaintop in Waiteville, West Virginia, is now a scenic lookout point along the Appalachian Trail where volunteers track the migration of raptors. 

The Greenbrier’s bunker in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia (photo courtesy of The Greenbrier)

in 1962, a top-secret government bunker was completed deep underneath this White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, resort. Today, visitors can tour the 12,000-square-foot facility. 

Illuminated trees and path at Oglebay Resort’s Festival of Lights in Wheeling, West Virginia (courtesy of Oglebay Resort)

Since 1985, this seasonal attraction in Wheeling, West Virginia, has wowed families with its 6 miles of dazzling installations. 

Blackwater Falls in Davis, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center)

Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, West Virginia, gets its name from the dark-hued water flowing over its 57-foot main waterfall, but that is just the beginning of its natural beauty. 

Stand-up paddleboarders on Summersville Lake in Summersville, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Visit Southern West Virginia)

Chock full of recreation, from rock climbing to scuba diving to swimming, this Summersville, West Virginia, offers plenty of adventure. 

Family at Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB)

Larger-than-life rock formations are plentiful in Lewisburg, West Virginia, at this destination for adventurers and families alike. 

View from Spruce Knob in Riverton, West Virginia (photo by Kelly Bridges)

The highest point in the Mountain State is found in Riverton, West Virginia, and showcases natural beauty as far as the eye can see.