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Welcome to West Virginia

With more than 226,500 acres of state parks, forests and recreation spots, it’s no wonder West Virginia is considered the outdoor adventure capital of the east. Home to rugged mountains, ancient caverns, lush forests and roaring rivers, the Mountain State’s varied and spectacular landscape offers fun in abundance year-round. So whether you’re a hiker, angler, hunter, rock climber or adrenalin junkie, know you’ll find something that excites you in wild and wonderful West Virginia.

The Mountain State is also home to charming towns and villages that preserve the dyanamic history  Appalachian culture. From Harper’s Ferry to Charleston, you’ll discover warm hospitality and delightful local custom.

Backdrop for Outdoor Excitement

As one of the oldest waterways in North America, the New River Gorge National River is perfect for tubing, rafting, and canoeing. More than 70,000 acres of land along the river are ripe with hiking, hunting, birdwatching, camping, biking and rock climbing opportunities.

For spectacular waterfalls, make your way to Blackwater Falls State Park. Viewing platforms are open all throughout the year and allow you to see the amber-coloured water cascade over 60 feet of sandstone ledges. Other waterfalls in the park include Elakala Falls and Pendleton Falls.

Forest Fun

Reconnect with Mother Nature at the Monongahela National Forest. Spanning 900,000 acres of diverse terrain, the forest is a great place to come face-to-face with wildlife, as 225 bird species and 70 fish species call the area home.

You can also dive deep beneath the Earth at Lost World Caverns and Seneca Caverns. Formed millions of years ago, these subterranean chambers transport visitors to an enchanting realm of stalactites and stalagmites. Nestled at the confluence of the Shenandoah River and Potomac River is Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Walk along its legendary trails to see Civil War sites or begin your Appalachian Trail journey here.

Hip and Historic Charleston

When your outdoor escapades come to a close, it’s time to visit the state capital of Charleston for history lessons. Get a blast from the past as you stroll through the West Virginia Capitol Complex. Here, you’ll find the Capitol Building, which sports a 300-foot dome covered in 23.5-karat gold leaf and the governor’s elegant Georgian-styled mansion. Get a feel for old-time Charleston by gazing at historic buildings on Capitol Street or uncover the state’s rich history through immersive exhibits at the West Virginia State Museum.

A vibrant cultural hub, Charleston buzzes with activity year-round thanks to several festivals and events dedicated to the arts. Enjoy free concerts during the summer at Haddad Riverfront Park, head to the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences for an incredible symphony, opera, ballet or theater performance, or gaze at almost 800 American art pieces at the Avampato Discovery Museum.