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.

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.  

West Virginia Hot Dog Festival in Huntington, West Virginia (photo courtesy of iHeart Media)

Huntington, West Virginia’s wealth of hot dog emporiums is celebrated each July at a tasty food event. 

Kenova Pumpkin House in Kenova, West Virginia (photo by Jennifer Morrison)

Each autumn this home in Kenova, West Virginia, hosts an incredible pumpkin display that draws locals and travelers alike. 

Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley, West Virginia (photo courtesy of Tamarack Marketplace)

This building, located just off the highway in Beckley, West Virginia, showcases works from artisans representing all 55 counties in the state. 

A Mountain Rail Adventures train excursion through West Virginia (courtesy of the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad)

Mountain Rail Adventures offers train excursions from depots in Cass, Durbin and Elkins, West Virginia

Autumn scene at Babaock State Park (photo by Regis Mahoy)

The rustic structure built within the park in Clifftop, West Virginia, is one of the most photographed locations in the state. 

A fall landscape at New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia (photo Doug Lemons)

Head to Lansing, West Virginia, to explore one of our nation’s newest national parks in all its autumn glory as fall color arrives.