Welcome to West Virginia

Welcome to the Mountain State. Lying entirely within the Appalachian Mountain system (the only flat land you’ll find here is alongside one of the state’s scenic rivers), this is one of the most overlooked vacation destinations in the country. It’s also one of the most rewarding—especially if you’re a fan of rugged geography.

One of the smallest states in the country, West Virginia is easy to explore town by town and city by city. In Charleston, the state capital, you’ll find an idyllic riverside city center and attractions like the Avampato Discovery Museum, Haddad Riverfront Park and the West Virginia State Museum. Charles Town, a small historic community founded by George Washington’s brother, is a popular spot for history buffs. Over in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, you’ll find Civil War sites and one of the most incredible locations in the country.

No matter where your interests lie, a trip down underground to the 120-foot deep Lost World Caverns is a must (unless you’re a wee bit claustrophobic). Similarly, at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum, visitors can ride through the passageways of a defunct coal mine.For a offbeat adventure, tour the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston.

Adventure

While it may be small in size, West Virginia is positively packed with opportunities for outdoor adventure.

If you’re a hiker, you can trek a scenic slice of the legendary Appalachian Trail, which snakes along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Virginia-West Virginia border. The trail’s viewpoints overlook the Shenandoah Valley.

Black Water Falls State Park is another popular year-round destination for everything from hiking, fishing and camping to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding. The park is known for its set of scenic waterfalls (which tumble more than five stories) and its tannic-tinted river water.

In southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National River spans 70,000 acres and is home to 53 miles of whitewater river that carves its way through deep canyons. In addition to some of the finest whitewater rafting in the country, the park is a fantastic spot for hiking, canoeing, fishing, bird watching and biking.