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25 Best Day Trips in West Virginia

Last Updated By VI on April 9, 2024

The Greenbrier

Blackwater falls state park.

• Complete List & Map

101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, Phone: 844-837-2466

Thanks to the town's location in the mountains, it also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures like swimming, hiking, and even whitewater rafting.

More ideas: Best West Virginia Campgrounds

Free lemonade or not, make sure to visit the Bluefield City Park to take a ride on the Ridge Runner Train. More places to visit in West Virginia

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

242 Main St, Cass, WV 24927, Phone: 304-456-4300

Seven miles outside town is the Kanawha State Forest, where visitors can hike, bike, and birdwatch to their heart's content.

Coopers Rock State Forest

More ideas: Best West Virginia Lakes

Fayetteville

Perched on the rim of the New River Gorge, Fayetteville is a true outdoor paradise. The New River is only a few minutes away, offering incredible opportunities for fishing and whitewater rafting, but visitors who would rather stay on dry land can also head into the surrounding mountains to hike and mountain bike. However, if you'd prefer to stay in town, you certainly won't be bored. You can browse the local boutique shops, take a walking tour of the charming historic district, or settle in at the local brewery with a pint of craft beer.

Gauley River National Recreation Area

36 Fayette Station Rd, Victor, WV 25938, Phone: 304-465-0508

Harpers Ferry

Whether you're interested in history or nature, it's easy to spend an entire day here; the park's twenty miles of hiking trails lead across battlefields and up mountains, and visitors can also take guided tours or participate in fascinating living history workshops.

The town also boasts cultural attractions like the Greenbrier Valley Theatre and one of only eight Carnegie Halls still in continuous use, and if you're more interested in nature than culture, you can't miss the chance to tour the Lost World Caverns. More things to do in Lewisburg

Lost World Caverns

907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, Phone: 304-645-6677

New River Gorge National River

Glen Jean, WV 25846, Phone: 304-465-0508

Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge

St Marys, WV 26170

Set on the lovely Guyandotte River, Pineville was named for the peaceful pine forests that surround it. The town offers an inviting blend of Southern hospitality and exciting opportunities for outdoor recreation, and visitors come from all over the state to ride their ATVs on the wonderful Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. If you'd rather explore the area by foot, you can walk along the trail that starts at the 165-foot sandstone cliff known as Castle Rock or hike the trails in Twin Falls State Park. Other attractions in the area include the petting zoo at Pioneer farm, and the 630-acre R.D. Bailey Lake.

Seneca Caverns

Hidden underground in the Germany Valley, the Seneca Caverns are limestone caves full of spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations. The caves were discovered by humans as far back as the 1400s, when they were used for ceremonies by the Seneca Indians, and they've been open for commercial tours since 1930s. The standard guided tours lead visitors through the cave on a well-lit mile-long path, but if you have an adventurous spirit, you can take the Stratosphere Cavern tour instead, which goes through an unlit portion of the cave. After your tour, you can mine for gems, browse the gift shop, or enjoy a picnic.

Seneca Rocks and Monongahela National Forest

Protected by the Monongahela National Forest, the Seneca Rocks are easily one of the most iconic landmarks in West Virginia. Your visit should begin at the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, which offers stunning views of the Rocks and interpretive tours on a seasonal basis. This is also where you'll find the trailhead for the steep 1.3-mile trail that leads up to an observation platform near the top of the Rocks. Experienced rock climbers can also explore the hundreds of mapped climbing routes on the Seneca Rocks themselves, and if you like fishing, catch and release fishing is permitted near the visitor center.

Shepherdstown

Chartered in 1762, Shepherdstown is the oldest town in West Virginia, and it offers an appealing blend of Old-World charm and modern sophistication. Several of the town's restaurants specialize in gourmet contemporary cuisine, and the downtown shops sel everything from local artwork to used books. The town also has a reputation for being haunted, and you can learn about its dark and mysterious past by taking the Shepherdstown Mysteries Walk. If you'd rather learn about the less spooky side of the town's history, you can also visit the Shepherdstown Museum, which features Civil War artifacts and an elegant dining room with period furnishings.

Boasting more than 250 acres of skiable terrain, Snowshoe is a wonderful ski resort with two distinct mountains for visitors to choose from. There are trails for skiers and snowboarders of every level, including two black diamond trails with a 1500-foot vertical drop. Unlike many other ski resorts, the village is located at the top of the mountain rather than at its base, but it still offers an excellent selection of shops and restaurants. The resort is much more popular in the winter than in the summer, but the warmer months still brings opportunities to hike, mountain bike, and golf.

Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

149 State Park Trail, Roanoke, WV 26447

Grave Creek Mound

801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041, Phone: 304-843-4128

The WV Farm Museum

1458 Fairground Rd, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, Phone: 304-675-5737

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

71 Asylum Dr, Weston, WV 26452

Although its best known as the home of the infamous Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, the city of Weston has much more to offer. There are two distinct national historic districts for visitors to explore, one downtown and one in the city's residential area, and the childhood home of General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson can be found just a few miles outside of town. Another major attraction is the nearby lake that was named after General Jackson, and if you're in the mood for visiting a museum, you can check out the Mountaineer Military Museum or the Museum of American Glass in West Virginia.

The largest community in Mingo County, Williamson is a peaceful riverside town situated along the Tug Fork River. It boasts several surprisingly unique attractions, including a building constructed entirely from 65 tons of coal and a museum dedicated entirely to the feud between the Hatfield and McCoy families. If you want to learn even more about the feud and the town's history, you can also take a narrated airboat tour down the Tug Fork River. The town is also home to a large portion of the famous Hatfield-McCoy Trail, a popular destination for ATV riders and off-roaders.

Cathedral Falls

Cathedral Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in southern West Virginia. It is the result of a 60-foot drop of Cane Branch, a tributary of the New River, from the mountain ledge about a mile from Gauley Bridge. The small river starts its rapid cascade through a narrow canyon, dropping more than 100 feet in a series of small falls over Upper Nuttall sandstone ledges. The last 60 foot drop is the one that is the most dramatic, creating Cathedral Falls. It is easy to see from the Scenic Byway that runs from Charleston going east.

Monongahela National Forest

Located in the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia, Monongahela National Forest was established in 1920 to protect and manage 921,000 acres of federally owned land. The Monongahela is a multi-use,  ‘working’ forest . It is used for harvesting timber, water and minerals, for grazing and for pure pleasure of enjoying its spectacular beauty. The forest is one of the ecologically most diverse areas in the States, with elevation that ranges about 1,000 feet to 4,863 feet above sea level. There are about 75 tree species in the forest, but most of the trees are a second growth forest. These are the trees that have grown back after all the original, primary forests have been cut down. There are 230 bird species in the forest and large number of wild animals. The forest is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, hunting, trapping, fishing and nature observation.

The Greenbrier River Trail

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 78-mile long state park and a rail trail between Cass and North Caldwell in eastern West Virginia. The former railroad bed is now used for mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding. The longest rail trail in West Virginia, the Greenbrier River Trail runs through magnificent area with breathtaking views. It passes through small towns, across 35 bridges,  through two tunnels and through some really remote and rough parts of West Virginia. The Trail is one of 50 American Millennium Legacy Trails and Backpacker Magazine rated it as one of the ten best hiking trails in the country.

• 1. The Greenbrier
• 3. Blackwater Falls State Park
• 4. Bluefield
• 5. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
• 6. Charleston
• 7. Coopers Rock State Forest
• 8. Fayetteville
• 9. Gauley River National Recreation Area
• 10. Harpers Ferry
• 11. Lewisburg
• 12. Lost World Caverns
• 13. New River Gorge National River
• 14. Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• 15. Pineville
• 16. Seneca Caverns
• 17. Seneca Rocks and Monongahela National Forest
• 18. Shepherdstown
• 19. Snowshoe
• 20. Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
• 21. Grave Creek Mound
• 22. The WV Farm Museum
• 23. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
• 25. Williamson

More West Virginia Getaways:

Resources: West Virginia Tourism , Visit Southern West Virginia

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8 Fun West Virginia Day Trips You Won’t Want to Miss

By: Author Melody Pittman

Posted on Published: November 5, 2023  - Last updated: March 29, 2024

West Virginia, also known as the Mountain State, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, roadside attractions, history buffs, and foodies. With its natural beauty, interesting attractions, and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s no wonder that West Virginia day trips are a popular itinerary for tourists and locals alike. In this blog post, we’ll share 8 must-visit fun West Virginia day trips you won’t want to miss, including the top attractions and where you will want to grab some grub.

Table of Contents

1. huntington.

Over in the western part of the state, Huntington is home to Marshall University and boasts a lively arts and entertainment scene. For a family-friendly outing, check out the Huntington Museum of Art , which features a collection of American and European art and a gorgeous Chihuly glass sculpture. You have to see the exotic plants in the conservatory to believe they are in Huntington, WV!

Huntington is also home to Heritage Farm Museum , a living history museum that is one of the best around. During the holidays, it becomes an Appalachian Christmas Village the first two weekends in December. Heritage Farm Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate.

Two other great attractions are Camden Park, a 100+ year-old retro amusement park, and the Ritter Park Rose Garden , with over 3,000 roses in bloom during the summer months.

My go-to Huntington eatery is Bahnhof WVrsthaus & Biergarten , where you’ll find tasty German cuisine and honkin’ big cream puffs. Craving classic diner food? Check out Hillbilly Hot Dogs in nearby Lesage, which has appeared on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives.

Tip #1 : Huntington is six miles from Ceredo, where you’ll find Kenova’s Pumpkin House (a seasonal attraction), and Rocco’s Ristorante, an awesome Italian eatery.

2. Lewisburg

Lewisburg is a charming mountain town known for its historic downtown district and fine dining and shopping scene. Honestly, it’s fun to just wander the downtown area with no agenda and soak up the sights people-watching. Lewisburg is also home to the famous West Virginia State Fair .

Stop by the Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company for a local brew and then take a stroll around the town’s numerous boutiques. If you are a festival fan, visit Lewisburg in April for the Chocolate Festival, August for the Literary Festival, and October for A Taste of Our Town (TOOT).

For a special meal, enjoy Stardust Cafe’s farm-to-table cuisine in a cozy atmosphere or supreme vegetarian tacos at Thunderbird Taco. No matter which restaurant you choose, you truly cannot go wrong with the dining choices in Lewisburg.

To read more about how to spend more time in beautiful and historic Lewisburg , check out this post.

Tip #2 : Fifteen minutes away is the iconic Greenbrier Resort , a steeped in history and fame luxury resort decorated by Dorothy Draper, dating to 1778. Here, you’ll find a world-class shopping arcade, gambling, dining, year-round Christmas store, championship golf courses, and 55 other amenities.

3. Fairmont

Fairmont is a friendly city in north-central West Virginia with a rich history. A highlight of my visit to Fairmont was Prickett’s Fort State Park, which offers a glimpse into life on the frontier. Another must-visit is the East Marion Park, which has a splash pad and other activities for kids.

Feast on impeccable Italian food at Muriales Restaurant and Lounge, then grab a memorable dessert creation from Dairy Creme Corner or the Poky Dot . These three establishments alone are worth the trip. For those who remember crunch coat on dipped cones from their youth, Dairy Creme Corner has it.

Tip #3 : You have many choices for other areas to add on within 20 miles or so. First, Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, is only 14 miles away. Bridgeport is 15 miles, and Cheat Lake is 20. You’ll find an abundance of breweries in this area, as well as exploring the Core Arboretum and the fun offerings at Morgantown’s Seneca Center .

Grab a coffee and pastry from the delicious Almost Heaven Desserts & Coffee Shop , with locations in Bridgeport and Morgantown.

Found in the southern part of the state, Hinton, the New River Gateway, is famous for its coal-mining history and world-class fishing. Amtrak runs right through town (there is a depot!), and the downtown district is certainly creating a buzz.

Don’t miss the Hinton Railroad Museum (free admission!), Hinton Veterans Museum, and a fabulous lunch at Lucky Rivers Cafe .

You’ll also be in close proximity to both Pipestem and Bluestone State Parks. Pipestem’s Splash Park and Adventure Lake offers the cool lake inflatables for those who want to get out on the water. Bluestone is excellent for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Also at Pipestem are dozens of amenities and an aerial tram.

In Talcott, less than ten minutes away, you can pay homage to the WV folk legend, John Henry at the John Henry Historical Park.

Tip #4 : Twenty minutes away, you can snap your picture in one of the fun Almost Heaven swings at Bluestone Lake, or have a decadent meal in a stunning setting at The Oak in Pipestem.

5. Shepherdstown

Located in the Eastern Panhandle, 90 minutes from Washington, DC , Shepherdstown is a quaint town, again with lots of history and fantastic shopping. The main draw here is the Antietam National Battlefield , (the Bloodiest Day in American History),which is a short drive away in Maryland and is a must-visit for history buffs.

Pencil in a chance to see the James Rumsey (inventor of the steamboat) Monument overlooking the Potomac River.

I go to Shepherdstown for strolling around downtown and shopping in the local boutiques, as well as having a decadent coffee drink from Lost Dog. Don’t miss O’Hurley’s General Store, almost 100 years old and filled with room after room of general store mercantile-style items.

For a taste of the local cuisine, head to the Blue Moon Cafe (a casual eatery) or the Press Room , for a more sophisticated dining experience. Don’t skip the pâté appetizer.

Tip #5 : Ten miles away is Charles Town, WV, where you’ll find primo casino action, and also Boonsboro, MD, home to New York Times best-selling author, Nora Roberts, and also Washington Monument State Park, the first monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington.

Be sure to check out Nora’s Turn the Page Bookstore and Inn BoonsBoro, owned by she and her husband. Pick up bagels from Royalicious for the car ride.

This small town in central West Virginia is home to several unique attractions, including the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum , a former mental hospital that now offers multiple photography, history, and ghost tours. Prepare to be wowed and amazed at this cool offering, which has been featured on numerous TV shows.

Another must-see in Weston is the Museum of American Glass , a free attraction, where you can learn about the history of glassmaking in the tristate region.

For a bite to eat, check out the Thyme Bistro for a farm-to-table dining experience. For a quicker, more casual stop, consider Dave’s Famous T&L Hot Dogs, where you can sink your teeth into the state’s iconic dish.

Tip #6 : Need more? The darling town of Buckhannon is 13 miles away. If you go, my suggestions are Audra State Park , matcha from Stone Tower Brews, fried zucchini from C.J. Maggie’s, and a world-class pepperoni roll from The Donut Shop.

7. Wheeling

Wheeling is a city in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle, 45 minutes from Pittsburgh , PA, that is richly steeped in history. The main attraction here is Oglebay Resort , a wealth of offerings, such as the Good Zoo, Glass Museum, Mansion Museum, Bissonette Gardens, Schenk Lake, golf course, and the world-famous Oglebay Festival of Lights at Christmastime.

Be sure to explore downtown Wheeling’s Centre Market , from the 1850s, housing and surrounded by local shops, restaurants, and art installments and galleries. For more shopping around the Mountain State, here are nearly 40 you may want to consider, with Under the Elder Tree Apothecary & Healing Arts being one of them.

You will glimpse the Wheeling Suspension Bridge on your way, spanning the Ohio River. This important and gorgeous Civil War bridge linked the eastern and western sections of the National Road.

For classic pub fare, check out Generations Pub and Restaurant for the burgers, salads, and excellent appetizers. They have indoor and outdoor seating.

Tip #7 : Ten miles away is Moundsville, where you’ll find the fascinating Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold Hare Krishna attraction. There are several group tours each day; photos are not allowed inside the palace, but that is only one of the things to see and do at this property.

8. Fayetteville

Located in southern West Virginia, Fayetteville is a small town that boasts big outdoor adventure and part of West Virginia’s only national park. Without a doubt, the main attraction here is the New River Gorge National Park and Bridge , the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere offering spectacular views.

For an adrenaline rush, you can experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the New River or doing a bridge walk underneath the gorgeous New River Gorge Bridge. And you wouldn’t want to miss shopping in downtown Fayetteville, a treasure trove of shops, plus a darling local performing arts theater and coffee shop.

After a day of adventure, head to Pies and Pints for some of the best pizza and beer in the state.

The Mystery Hole, eight miles away in Ansted, is a quirky West Virginia attraction where the laws of gravity are defied. Water actually runs uphill due to a mysterious gravitational force. Take the tour to be amazed, but if not, at least enjoy the cheesy gift shop and photo-op of the VW stuck in the side of the building.

You can also enjoy Ansted’s cute little downtown area, park, shops, and Gran Robbie’s for great food and coffee.

Tip #8 : If you are driving from Charleston, a stop at the retro Burger Carte, a local eatery serving yummy burgers, fries, and milkshakes, is a must. Enjoy your meal outside on one of their picnic tables.

Tip #9 : Need more? Beckley is 20 miles away, where you can explore the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and shop Tamarack Marketplace, showcasing the best artisans in the Mountain State.

West Virginia: A Nature Lover’s Playground

West Virginia is a state you will want to visit again and again—especially after discovering the majestic mountains and friendly locals. You will be in awe of the natural beauty of the state and opportunities to be at one with nature. We hope you enjoy taking our “Country Roads” with these eight West Virginia day trips.

Drive safe.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tuesday 29th of October 2019

This is a really neat article, I love how you did a virtual tour and gave the history on the town. I always love learning new things and I certainly learned a lot.

Melody Pittman

Tuesday 12th of November 2019

Thanks for reading!

INSPO: 10 Places in the U.S. Every Writer Should See - Postcard Press

Thursday 25th of October 2018

[…] Social: Lewisburg is a good place to stop, with art galleries, specialty shops, and also great bars and restaurants if you want to amp up your festivities. […]

Monday 13th of July 2015

I just love these old American states! So much history and also amazing wilderness to explore too. The list of places to visit in the US just grows and grows!

MelodyPittman

Tuesday 14th of July 2015

I hope you make it over here soon! We need to visit Disney!

Anne @ Girl Chasing Sunshine

My heart is thumping and jumping with the thought of seeing the jumpers during Bridge Day! Must be a thrill! :)

They just started having to sign a waiver and be scheduled within the past few years. Before that, it was anyone that was brave enough. LOL

Sunday 12th of July 2015

So many nice ideas here! I would love to make it to the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival.. haha, it is so appealing!

I love Lewisburg regardless but stick chocolate in front of something and it takes on a whole new dimension. ;) Thanks for stopping by.

Protect Your Trip »

19 surprisingly cool things to do in west virginia.

From the newest national park in the U.S. to the Mothman Museum, West Virginia is increasingly intriguing.

The Top Things to Do in West Virginia

Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism

"Almost Heaven, West Virginia."

The state that inspired John Denver's now-classic American anthem, does, in fact, feel a bit like Heaven (or at least what we imagine it to be). Yet it isn't a destination at top of many bucket lists, if it even has a place on those lists at all. It's time to change your mind.

Read on to discover the top things to do in West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Glen Jean

Getty Images

If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Born out of a COVID-19 relief bill, New River Gorge became the nation's 63rd national park in December 2020. The area – which spans more than 70,000 acres – has long been a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its 53-mile stretch of the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers in the world) is famous for whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours and rapids up to Class V, widely considered some of the most challenging to navigate.

Of course, the park also offers other ways to take in its otherworldly landscape – think scenic driving routes, hiking, biking, climbing, fishing and free ranger-led activities including junior ranger programs. Accommodation options inside the park are limited to camping, but there are plenty of hotels and resorts within a short drive.

Bridge Walk: Lansing

Whatever you do in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, don't miss the one-of-a-kind Bridge Walk, where guided tours are offered on a catwalk beneath the famous New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge towers 876 feet above the New River, but don't worry – guests are securely fastened to a cable, and tours move at a relaxed pace so you can feel comfortable (and stop for scenic views and photo ops along the way). Previous visitors say the Bridge Walk is a must in West Virginia, with some calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Participants must be at least 8 years old.

If you're feeling extra brave after mastering this walkway, you can even come back for Bridge Day, West Virginia's largest single-day festival, where thousands gather every October to watch daredevils jump off the bridge into the gorge below.

Address: 57 County Route 85/9, Lansing, WV 25862

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

The infamously bizarre Hatfield-McCoy Feud that lasted nearly 30 years (and even inspired a dinner show in Pigeon Forge ) actually took place in West Virginia and Kentucky. Today, the region in which the feud took place is now the largest trail system on the East Coast, with 1,000 miles of wooded pathways, rolling hills and quintessential Appalachian towns to explore.

Waterfall Trail

In June 2022, West Virginia launched a statewide Waterfall Trail, allowing travelers to more easily navigate some of the state's 200-plus waterfalls with a free mobile passport – plus the chance to win prizes along the way. As of 2023, there are 38 trail stops in total. These include the famous Blackwater Falls, where the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles tints the water. Not surprisingly, it's one of West Virginia's most photographed destinations.

Read: The Best Places to Hike in the U.S.

Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park was named a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association in 2021, along with the adjacent Calvin Price State Forest and nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. Travelers who want to catch a glimpse of the nighttime light show can opt for tent camping or cabin accommodations, spring through fall.

Address: 4800 Watoga Park Road, Marlinton, WV 24954

Adventures on the Gorge: Lansing

Courtesy of Adventures on the Gorge

The ultimate experience in West Virginia, Adventures on the Gorge, is an award-winning adventure outfitter and resort on the rim of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The destination resort offers a dizzying array of outdoor activities, the most popular of which is whitewater rafting. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. Adventure seekers can also enjoy zip lining and canopy tours (including a nighttime MoonTrek), rappelling, mountain biking, guided hikes, horseback riding, cave tours, laser tag and paintball. On Summersville Lake (the largest in West Virginia), there's kayaking, standup paddleboarding and multi-sport excursions that include a little bit of everything.

After an action-packed day, visitors can grab a bite to eat at any of the three on-site restaurants and retreat to their choice of accommodations, which include everything from cozy cabins to glamping tents with views of the New River Gorge Bridge and surrounding forest.

Address: 219 County Route 60/5, Lansing, WV 25862

The Greenbrier: White Sulphur Springs

Courtesy of Greenbrier County CVB

A National Historic Landmark, The Greenbrier served as a hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and World War II. In 1778, it became "America's Resort," first hosting wealthy Southerners, then celebrities, U.S. presidents and even royalty. You don't have to be a guest of the luxury resort (or an A-lister) to get a glimpse of it – guided hotel tours are offered – but overnight guests enjoy upscale accommodations ranging from signature guest rooms to estate homes, a roster of activities for all ages, golf, a spa, restaurants, a casino, retail shops, seasonal events and more. Whether you splurge for an overnight stay or not, don't miss the Bunker Tour, where you'll discover a former emergency fallout shelter and top-secret government relocation facility for Congress from the Cold War period.

Address: 101 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg

Go 120 feet underground to explore stalagmites (some of which measure up to 80 feet tall) and stalactites at Lost World Caverns. Self-guided tours typically take about 45 minutes and are appropriate for all ages, while the Wild Cave Tour for ages 10 and up takes visitors to undeveloped parts of the caverns over the course of several hours. This attraction, which was first discovered in 1942, also includes a museum and gift shop. Previous visitors highly recommend Lost World Caverns, cautioning that the caves can be slippery and difficult to traverse in some areas, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket .

Address: 907 Lost World Road, Lewisburg, WV 24901

Harpers Ferry

Perhaps the most well-known destination in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is more than a quaint 19th-century town. It's a National Historic Park with Civil War sites including battlefields, remnants of campsites and, most notably, John Brown's Fort and the John Brown Museum. If you don't remember this one from history class, John Brown is the abolitionist credited with leading what's now known as the Harpers Ferry Raid, in which he attempted to start an armed revolt of enslaved people in 1859.

Harpers Ferry is also known as the psychological midpoint of the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail and, as such, attracts thru-hikers to the historic Lower Town's restaurants and nearby vacation rentals. Other highlights in Harper's Ferry include The Point, where you can see the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers; crossing the Potomac on a pedestrian bridge to access the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath; and, better still, getting out on the waters in a river tube, cold drink in hand.

Read: The Best Places to Celebrate Black History Month

Berkeley Springs State Park: Berkeley Springs

Soak in the soothing springs of this state park, known for its warm waters, which maintain a comfortable temperature of 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit, and its bathhouses, where available spa services include massages and mineral baths. The springs date back centuries, first flourishing as a health mecca for Native Americans, then drawing European settlers beginning in 1730. Several years later, George Washington discovered the healing powers of the springs and began visiting them regularly. It is largely because of him that the place now known as Berkeley Springs State Park remains the popular wellness destination it is today. Visitors praise the park and surrounding town, noting that you can see the historic Berkeley Springs Castle (reserved for private events only) from here.

Address: 2 S. Washington St., Berkeley Springs, WV 25411

Mothman Museum: Point Pleasant

In 1966, two grave diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported the sighting of a strange winged figure with red eyes. Shortly after the incident, local residents began to make similar claims, with many blaming the massive creature, nicknamed the Mothman, for the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse and subsequent death of 46 people. The story was so bizarre it captured the attention of Hollywood (resulting in "The Mothman Prophecies" movie, based on a book of the same name) and inspired the Mothman Museum in the town of Point Pleasant, where the mythical creature is said to reside. The museum features original newspaper clippings, handwritten police reports, props used in the 2002 film and more. The Mothman Statue stands 12 feet tall outside of the museum, and the Mothman Festival is hosted every September. Previous patrons of the museum say it's fun and interesting, and that admission – less than $5 for adults – is cheap.

After you explore this eerie museum, spend some time in Point Pleasant, an attraction in itself with great restaurants, shopping, seasonal events and the historic (and supposedly haunted) Lowe Hotel.

Address: 400 Main St., Point Pleasant, WV 25550

World's Largest Teapot: Chester

If you're road-tripping through West Virginia, consider making a stop at this quirky attraction, which measures 12 feet high and 44 feet wide. Before achieving fame, the "World's Largest Teapot" was created as a giant keg for Hires Root Beer and then installed as a snack stand at a mini-golf course in Pennsylvania. In 1938, a man named William "Babe" Devon brought it to Chester, West Virginia. He added a spout, lid and handle so he could use the newly revamped structure to promote the region's then-booming pottery industry, selling teapots and other souvenirs from its window. The teapot went out of business around 1980, was restored by the Chester City Council in 1990, and has sat at the junction of U.S. Route 30 and State Route 2 ever since.

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West Virginia Penitentiary: Moundsville

During its 100-plus years in operation, the West Virginia Penitentiary saw riots, homicides and executions including public hangings. So it's no surprise that when the storied prison decommissioned in 1995, former prison guards began offering tours to the public. Current tour options include a Public Ghost Hunt and Private Paranormal Investigations, as the prison is said to be haunted by former inmates. You can even try your hand at an escape room game. Previous visitors confirm the prison tours are all at once creepy, informative and enjoyable. The West Virginia Penitentiary is so spooky that it's been featured in Netflix's "Mindhunter" (along with the town of Moundsville) and Hulu's "Castle Rock," among other TV shows and movies.

Address: 818 Jefferson Ave., Moundsville, WV 26041

Read: Hauntingly Abandoned Places You Can Still Visit

West Virginia State Museum: Charleston

Located in the charming state capital of Charleston, the West Virginia State Museum features informative and interactive exhibits that pay homage to the culture and history of the Mountain State. Notable artifacts on display include a pair of Billy the Kid's leather chaps and the telescope George Washington used to survey the state's lands. Previous visitors say this Charleston museum is truly impressive, with some advising you'll need a few hours to see everything it has to offer. Bonus: As a state-operated attraction, the museum is free to enter. The West Virginia State Museum also manages a few historic sites throughout the state, including West Virginia Independence Hall and Camp Washington-Carver.

Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E #435, Charleston, WV 25305

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine: Beckley

Courtesy of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

A small, family-operated coal mine and camp from roughly 1890 to 1910 that later became a commercial endeavor until it closed in 1953, the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is now a highly rated attraction in West Virginia. Previous visitors say both kids and adults enjoy exploring the former coal mines with veteran miners, who lead guided tours in authentic "man trips," the cars used in mining operations. When you emerge from the tunnels, explore the Coal Camp, with restored original buildings including the Pemberton Coal Camp Church and the Helen Coal Camp School, then stop by the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, which features a planetarium and a recreated homestead from the late 19th century. Admission includes the tour and access to the camp and museum. The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine is open from April to November, but bring a light jacket no matter when you visit as the mines can get chilly.

Address: 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801

Twin Falls Resort State Park: Mullens

Escape to Twin Falls Resort State Park, a destination resort with more than 25 miles of hiking and biking trails (where you can see the park's namesake waterfalls), an indoor swimming pool, an 18-hole golf course and a restaurant. Overnight lodging options include camping (tents or RVs), cabins and hotel rooms. The park also features a reconstructed pioneer homestead, where guests can learn about frontier life at the attraction's working farm and gardens. Recent guests have left positive reviews of the resort, commenting that it's both beautiful and clean.

Monongahela National Forest

Another nationally protected region in West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest spans more than 919,000 acres in 10 counties over elevations that range from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Areas of interest include Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which features the highest peak in West Virginia, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness, notably the Bear Rocks trail. Both areas offer some of the best views in the state. Throughout the vast national forest there are ample hiking and biking trails, scenic driving routes, and places to stop for a picnic lunch. You can also go swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding and, if you'd like to stay a few days, camping in tents, RVs or on-site cabins. A visit in the winter affords opportunities for snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

NROCKS Outdoor Adventures

With so much rugged mountain landscape, it's no surprise that West Virginia has a Via Ferrata (a mountain route with permanently installed steel rungs and cables). Located near the Monongahela National Forest, NROCKS Outdoor Adventures offers guided rock-climbing tours of the Via Ferrata. Participants aged 13 and up gain 1,085 feet in elevation, cross a suspension bridge that is 150 feet high and 200 feet long, and reach exposed heights of 280 feet during the roughly 1-mile trek, which takes about 3.5 hours. Recent tourgoers say the experience is thrilling, though not for the faint of heart. For the ultimate adrenaline rush, nighttime tours are offered on select dates throughout the year.

Address: 141 County Route 28/5, Circleville, WV 26804

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Cass

A remote destination in Pocahontas County, Cass was once a company town for loggers, who transported lumber via what's now known as the Cass Scenic Railroad. Climb aboard a historic steam-driven locomotive (operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad) for a scenic ride to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia. The train ride , which affords panoramic views of the Appalachians, lasts about 4.5 hours round trip and includes lunch. For those visiting Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with kids, previous visitors recommend the two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a former logging camp. Some travelers also suggest a visit in the fall to enjoy the colorful foliage . Within Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, visitors can explore the former lumbering town as well as a gift shop, restaurant, museum and theater. Overnight cabin accommodations are also available.

Address: 12363 Cass Road, Cass, WV 24927

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Hotels in West Virginia
• The Top Things to Do in Virginia
• The Most Romantic Getaways in Virginia
• The Top Things to Do in Ohio

Tags: Travel , US Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

5 Charming West Virginia Mountain Towns Perfect For A Day Trip From Washington, D.C.

• Destinations
• United States
• West Virginia

There are so many charming towns to visit in the mountains of West Virginia. After 44 years of living there, I finally explored the state’s Eastern Panhandle. To say I was blown away is an understatement. Four to five hours from Charleston, 75 minutes from Washington, D.C., and an hour from Baltimore, this is one area you will want to take advantage of. 

I don’t recommend seeing each town on a separate trip, but instead, one trip to five exciting places that are all very different in flavor. I prefer to drive from Charleston, where my family lives, but you could fly into D.C. or Baltimore and rent a car.

Here are the five towns you need to visit on a day trip through the West Virginia mountains. 

1. Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is in the lower Shenandoah Valley in Jefferson County, West Virginia. It is a tiny town (population: 285) that swells to bursting year round as tourists stop here to learn about a staggering event that “ignited the Civil War.”

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

People flock to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park , and Lower Town is the heart of it. You can take the shuttle bus from the visitor center or try to land one of the few parking spots in Lower Town itself. Plan to spend 3–4 hours exploring on foot, and more if you wish to hike a bit on the Appalachian Trail or 22 miles of additional trails. In the historical park, I loved the Lewis and Clark Museum , White Hall Tavern, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, and Cannonball Deli for ice cream treats. 

The park sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, with spectacular views and different photo ops on land and on the pedestrian bridge. You will probably see tubers floating down the river and plenty of kayakers and boaters.

John Brown’s Fort

John Brown’s Raid occurred at Harpers Ferry, so to me, John Brown’s Fort was the do-not-miss point of interest. Brown was a well-known abolitionist willing to die to end slavery. Though it was part of Virginia at the time, Harpers Ferry was where he was hanged for leading enslaved people in an attempted revolt.

Rabbit Hole

There are several restaurants and shops in Lower Town, including the Rabbit Hole (a gastropub). Braised short rib routine and loaded pork barbecue fries caught my attention. However, I was also intrigued by Rabbit Hole’s CBD-infused cinnamon bun.

True Treats Historic Candy

True Treats Historic Candy is also in Harpers Ferry. It offers centuries of candy, from ancient candies to present-day sweets. It’s run by candy historian Susan Benjamin, who boasts that it is the world’s only historic candy store.

Pro Tip: Pop into the Bookshop for Harpers Ferry souvenirs, posters, books, and NPS Passport cancelation stamps. 

2. Shepherdstown

Did you know that Shepherdstown is also West Virginia’s oldest town? The Mountain State’s first settlement began before the Revolutionary War. It really got on the map when James Rumsey invented the steamboat here in 1787. Today, Shepherdstown is a college town, and Shepherd University recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. 

Editor’s Note: As our own Jeanine Consoli writes, some say Shepherdstown is the most haunted town in the U.S .

I like to eat at sophisticated restaurants and shop in Shepherdstown. Pop in the boutiques on both sides of German Street before grabbing dinner at the prestigious Press Room

At Press Room , the oysters are delicious, being so close to the coast. The house pâté pleases me to no end. Pasta carbonara and grilled sea scallops are excellent entrées, but save room for the desserts that Press Room is famous for, like lavender creme or panna cotta with fig vincotto. Reservations are recommended.

Shepherdstown Shopping

When it comes to shopping, Four Seasons Books and the On the Wings of Dreams gift shop are musts. Another popular place for is O’Hurley’s General Store , a treasure trove of “stuff” with an operational blacksmith shop.

Pro Tip: If you like some exercise, consider renting a bicycle from Shepherdstown Pedal & Paddle to cover more ground and enjoy the fresh mountain air. 

Bavarian Inn

Overnight in Shepherdstown at the Bavarian Inn . As the name implies, you’ll feel like you stumbled into Germany at this gorgeous place. The Bavarian Inn has choices of rooms and chalets overlooking the Potomac River, a wonderful restaurant, and Bavarian Brothers Brewery, which I have yet to try. The restaurant menu has classic dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as some German specialty items like Sauerbraten (my mouth is salivating!) and Jaegerschnitzel.

Splurge on a suite at the Bavarian Inn, with antique furnishings, lovely linens, Jacuzzi tubs, and a gas fireplace. 

Pro Tip: Any Nora Roberts (or J.D. Robb) fans? The home of the beloved best-selling author is 15 minutes away, in Boonsboro, Maryland. If you can, add a few hours to explore this delightful little town. Turn The Page Bookstore is owned by Roberts’ husband, Bruce Wilder, and has an incredible collection of her books. 

3. Charles Town

I always wanted to visit Charles Town to try my luck at the thoroughbred horse track. I finally got to do just that this fall. While Charles Town is a typical city with everything you need or want, I was there for the gambling options. 

Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races

Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offers live horse racing, 1,900 slot machines, table games, live poker, and sports betting. You can find hours of entertainment at this top-notch facility. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Hollywood Casino also offers a luxury hotel to rest your weary head. A free shuttle is included to the racetrack and casino.

Hollywood Casino features four restaurants, one being the high-end Final Cut Steakhouse. The menu features diver scallops, lobster, oysters, sea bass, juicy steaks, and more than 400 bottles of wine to choose from. You can also enjoy great entertainment at the casino, with 2023 performances including Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band, The Mavericks, Tesla, and Wheel of Fortune LIVE! .

4. Berkeley Springs

Berkeley Springs is one of the jewels of West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. This funky little mountain town, established in 1776, was the country’s first spa town.

Berkeley Springs Spas

Berkely Springs is known as the place George Washington “took in the waters,” and the warm, healing mineral waters are still available at Berkeley Springs State Park and other indoor venues with contemporary spas and historic Roman baths.

Berkeley Springs’ centuries-old mineral waters flow at a constant 74 degrees, produce 1000+ gallons per minute, and have sulfates, nitrates, and carbonates. Due to laws written as the town was established in 1776, anyone can drink the water and fill jugs at the public tap. Visitors can experience wading in the ancient pools in Berkeley Springs State Park, one of the nation’s smallest parks. 

Cacapon State Park

Yet another incredible year-round state park is tucked away in the mountainous parts of Berkeley Springs. Cacapon State Park offers a lake for swimming, fishing, and paddle boating, hiking trails, a golf course, and horseback riding.

Berkeley Springs Restaurants

The town has an arsenal of restaurants; you will find something for any taste here. Friday through Sunday, the Canary Grill has tantalizing salads, sandwiches, and pulled pork potato skins. Charlotte’s Cafe is a locals’ favorite, with gourmet French toast and scramble bowls for breakfast, soup, salad, and sandwiches for lunch. 

Beehive Cafe is another unique eatery in Berkeley Springs, with a menu made entirely of plant-based foods. Cacapon Mountain Brewing (open Thursday through Sunday) is another big draw that is family and pet friendly, with outdoor seating. 

Country Inn

There are two lodging standouts in Berkeley Springs. First is the well-known Country Inn , which conveniently sits beside the state park and within walking distance of many attractions. Its popular WV Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (I swear by the Asian Pork Dumplings). The quaint Rustic Morgan Tavern is great for date night or enjoying a cocktail, wine, or beer. Country Inn’s property has English gardens, a gift shop, a spa, and modern amenities.

White Pines Estate

The second is White Pines Estate , which I recently learned about. After reading every word on their website, I am sure this extraordinary property would have made my upcoming 100 Things to Do in West Virginia Before You Die book had I known about it before my deadline.

What piqued my curiosity about the 65-acre White Pines Estate is the stunning mountain setting, home-cooked breakfast, afternoon snacks, onsite library with a telescope, and Ellen’s Tea Room. Visiting tea rooms is one of my favorite things ever, and the King’s Tea from Ellen’s is on my next visit to West Virginia’s radar.

Berkely Springs Antique Mall

Shout out to the Berkeley Springs Antique Mall, a place I could get lost in for hours and hours browsing the cool and unique merchandise that is so well displayed and labeled. Though I have only shopped for antiques in Berkeley Springs, I know there are also numerous art galleries, studios, and classes.

5. Martinsburg

I was unfamiliar with Martinsburg until a quick visit this fall. I was there to check out the well-stocked antique shops: Queen Street Gallery and Creek Side Antiques . If you are an antique collector, you will have a ball here.

Other Martinsburg points of interest are: 

• De Fluri’s Fine Chocolate (heavenly sea-salt caramels)
• Wonderment Puppet Theater (bring the grandkids)
• Belle Boyd House , an 1853 home of a female Confederate spy, built in the Greek Revival style

FYI: Just In Time Seafood is the perfect place to purchase premium fresh-caught shrimp and crab. My friend Angie always makes it a point to pick some up to take home.

For more on the destinations in this article (and beyond), read:

• How To Spend A Perfect Weekend In Historic Berkeley Springs, WV
• How To Spend An Amazing Weekend In Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
• 10 Wonderful Hikes In West Virginia
• 9 Reasons This West Virginia National Park Is A Perfect Getaway For The Whole Family 

Melody and her daughter Taylor run both Wherever I May Roam and Travel The South travel blogs. She is a digital influencer, freelances for both print and online publications, and hosts an annual travel conference, Southern Travelers Explore. Melody has been traveling her entire adult life and has visited 49 states and 49 countries. She loves cruising, small towns, historical sights, and National Parks.

Spring Through Fall Reservations Now Open!

MOUNTAIN RAIL WEST VIRGINIA

Train rides in elkins & cass, wv, featured mountain rail adventures.

• Most Popular
• Train Steam
• Clock 4.5 Hours
• Users All Ages

Cass Bald Knob Trip

Take a journey to the second highest point in West Virginia! The steep climb of 2,390 vertical feet from Cass to Bald Knob (Elev. 4,842’) on Back Allegheny Mountain gives passengers breathtaking, panoramic vistas and a climate with plants and animals typically found in the far north.

• Waterfall Stop
• Train Diesel
• Clock 4 Hours

New Tygart Flyer

This wilderness excursion departs from Elkins and features mountain grades, an “S” curve tunnel, a high bridge and miles of unspoiled mountain views. Vintage diesel-powered locomotives climb along the cascading Shavers Fork of the Cheat River to the High Falls of Cheat. Enjoy the view relaxing aboard our comfortable climate controlled passenger coaches.

• Newest Excursion
• Clock 5.5 Hours

Greenbrier Express

The Greenbrier Express (GBX) train departs from the restored, historically important town of Cass and closely follows the clear, free-flowing Greenbrier River to the small mountain village of Durbin. Sightings of Deer, River Otters, and Black Bear along with Eagles, Hawks, Ospreys, and other species of birds are common.

• Most Economical
• Clock 2 Hours

Cass Whittaker Station

Experience this breathtaking trip to Whittaker Station in Cass, WV! Climb the lower slopes of Cheat Mountain along picturesque Leatherbark Creek. Stop at Whittaker Station, surrounded by green meadows and scenic countryside. This train ride is historic, authentic and a spectacular trip to the past!

About Mountain Rail

Discover west virginia by rail enjoy remote wilderness excursions on historic steam-driven locomotives and vintage diesel-powered passenger trains. get a first-hand look at the natural wonders that make west virginia a truly wild and wonderful vacation destination., other offerings, group tours, individual packages, castaway caboose, upcoming special events, elkins murder mystery wine train.

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Cass to Spruce

Journey to a logging Ghost Town

Elkins Ramps & Rails Festival

Cass parade of steam.

• Users Ages 21+

Join us on a rail adventure to help us figure out Whodunit in an exciting murder mystery! While the mystery unfolds, you’ll also be enjoying heavy hors d’oeuvres provided by the Railyard Restaurant in Elkins, WV and wine tastings provided by Lambert’s Winery of Weston!

• Clock 1 Hour

Cass Climax Special Caboose Rides

Join us on July 13, August 10 and September 7th for excursions behind Climax No. 9 along the Greenbrier River! Riders will enjoy the sights and sounds of the unique locomotive from inside one of three cabooses on the one hour round trips to Pine Flats and return.

A unique festival of steam for all ages! Attendees will have the opportunity to view a variety of our operable steam locomotives from the Cass parking lot as they move down the rails. Parade is free!

• Logging Ghost Town

Cass to Spruce Trip

Passenger service returns to ghost town of Spruce. Once known as the the highest and coldest incorporated town east of the Mississippi, accessible only by rail, Spruce has become a popular destination for those wanting to experience the notorious ghost town.

DISCOVER MORE

Cass scenic railroad.

Real Mountain Railroading

Freight Services

Cass scenic railroad state park, top-rated west virginia train rides.

The Greenbrier Express was a wonderful & relaxing trip. The beautiful scenery and wildlife was amazing. Staff was knowledgeable and very friendly. I was very impressed by the lunch that was included. I was pleasantly surprised that it was a fix your own sandwich and there were different meats and cheeses with all the condiments to make a delicious sandwich. It was quite an impressive spread put on by this small town. I would highly recommend going on this day trip and am planning on going again.

We did the 4-hour New Tygart Flyer trip from Elkins Depot. The depot was easy to find, and there is so much within one block of the parking lot. The train ride itself was lovely. We upgraded to the parlor car (which I would recommend). The food & drinks, service, and atmosphere were wonderful. The trip was relaxing and the fact that it only took four hours, left us the remainder of the day to do as we pleased. I would recommend this trip to anyone who appreciated trains, West Virginia, or who just likes to relax!

As a huge train fan, this was a ride on my bucket list. We ended up having perfect weather. The woods are very pretty and change quite a bit as you go up the mountain. The food they provided was great and the whole operation is very well maintained. We were impressed that they even had accommodations for those in a wheel chair. Our loco was built in 1923 in our home state of Ohio. It's coming up on being 100 years old, but you wouldn't know it! The 4 hours go by so fast. A memorable experience for sure!

In the late 1970s, I happened to drive through Cass and discovered the railroad. I tried to get tickets, but they were sold out. I decided that I would come back and ride it "some day". Life got in the way and I didn't get back until last month. The trip to the top of Bald Knob was everything I could have expected and more! Throughout the 4 hour trip, our conductor Josh regaled us with both history and anecdotes of the lumbering days. This train ride was wonderful, I'd highly recommend it to everybody!

We had such a wonderful time on the ride to Bald Knob- it was spectacular! The fact that it was a beautiful day helped in every way. The crew was great and very serious about their job. We heard all the information and local lore over the speakers. The lunch was more than enough and we were thankful for it. The kids enjoyed it and the adults did too! Very nice and knowledgeable guides. We enjoyed every moment we were there. Very thankful we went. Price is great for all we received. A wonderful day away from home!

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Home » Blog » West Virginia Waterfalls 3 Day Road Trip Itinerary

West Virginia Waterfalls 3 Day Road Trip Itinerary

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our Disclosure Policy  for details.

West Virginia is an incredibly underrated state for outdoor adventure lovers. The state is filled with an insane amount of roaring waterfalls, beautiful sunrise & sunset vistas, dark sky preserves, and even America’s newest National Park! 

While it is possible to accomplish exploring the highlights of the famous country roads of West Virginia in a day or two, you are definitely going to want to take your time exploring this insanely beautiful part of the United States. Our 3 day West Virginia waterfalls road trip itinerary is going to help you do just that! 

Disclaimer: This blog post is in collaboration with West Virginia Tourism . Some parts of the article also feature affiliate links, which means we get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways we can keep producing free guides and resources for our readers. Thank you for the support!

Planning Your Visit to West Virginia

Where to start & end your west virginia waterfalls road trip.

For your 3 Day Road Trip to some West Virginia Waterfalls, you’ll want to fly into Washington Dulles Airport. From there, you can rent a car or use Turo. Although it’s not necessary to rent a 4×4 vehicle, we always try to make it a habit of doing so just in case we find some cool hidden gems that require it throughout our trip. You can also jump on this itinerary at any stage of your West Virginia road trip and you may opt to start/finish in different spots.

With this itinerary, we are using our first-hand experience to help you put together an adventurous 3-day West Virginia Waterfalls road trip. This ultimate planning guide will also share some of our favorite scenic stops, hikes, suggestions of where to stay, and some of our favorite food options along the way.

Waterfalls in West Virginia

This 3 Day Road Trip itinerary around West Virginia is specifically going to be basing your trip around chasing gorgeous waterfalls all throughout the state. West Virginia’s tourism department actually just launched a brand new state wide Waterfall Trail which you can follow using their ultimate guide . 

West Virginia has over 200 waterfalls with a variety of difficulties to reach them. You can see them from drive ups, short hikes, or backpacking trips to get to these beautiful natural wonders. This short itinerary is focusing on waterfalls that are easier to get to to maximize time. This way you can hit 6 of them in a matter of a long weekend!

Where to Stay Along Your West Virginia Road Trip

We’d highly recommend staying at West Virginia’s accommodations at the state parks.We loved our stay at both the lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park as well as the cabins at Watoga State Park . 

When doing this itinerary, the newly renovated lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park is a perfect location as it’s central to most of the activities that you will be doing throughout the 3 days. It has a great buffet available, a gift shop, a pool, and WiFi available for its guests. 

Watoga State Park is a perfect home base for the latter half of your trip. The cabins offer a cozy, authentic outdoor experience. Not to mention, they are prepped with everything you could need as they are equipped with bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, and more!

When staying at Watoga State Park, keep in mind that the cabins are surrounded in wilderness. That means that there is minimal to no cell service throughout the park. If you need access to maps, we’d highly recommend downloading them ahead of time prior to your visit to the park. In the event that you need WiFi, the area does have it available at the main lodge for guests. 

Familiarize Yourself with Leave No Trace 

Make sure to brush up on the 7 Leave No Trace principles and recreate responsibly when enjoying all of the beautiful nature that West Virginia has to offer. 

West Virginia Waterfall Road Trip Itinerary 

Day 1: blackwater falls state park region.

Start your day by grabbing some breakfast at the restaurant at the lodge in Blackwater Falls State Park. Then it’s time to start the West Virginia Waterfall Trail! This is your most jam packed waterfall chasing day out of this 3 day road trip itinerary. 

Blackwater Falls

One of Almost Heaven’s tallest waterfalls, Blackwater Falls cascades a plunging 57 feet. We’d recommend hiking to this waterfall earlier in the morning to beat the crowds and the summer heat. 

The out and back hike down to the falls does require a ton of stairs. However, it’s a gorgeous hike and should take you about 10-20 minutes to complete depending on your fitness level. This is a great short hike for families and hikers of all skill levels. 

Elakala Falls

Next up, you’ll check out Elakala Falls . It’s super convenient as the trailhead is located right next to the lodge. The Elakala Trail is also fairly short and takes you across a wooden bridge that lies directly above the first falls. You can hike down to the falls, but make sure you have grippy hiking shoes on!

Albert Falls and Kennedy Falls

Your next two West Virginia Waterfalls are a short 15-20 minute drive from Blackwater Falls State Park to access. These waterfalls are on much more primitive land, so there are no bathrooms or trash cans available. Make sure to pack out what you pack in, and read up on how to properly go to the bathroom outdoors if necessary. 

Albert Falls

First, you’ll encounter Albert Falls which is right off the side of a dirt road! It’s a mini cascading waterfall that is super beautiful, but make sure to keep an eye out for it as you can definitely miss it when driving past it. There’s one pullout adjacent to the falls, but it only fits about 2 cars. 

Kennedy Falls

As you continue down the same dirt road, you’ll encounter another dirt parking lot area for Kennedy Falls. You want to make sure there’s enough parking and that it’s not incredibly packed. 

Once you visit Albert Falls, you have the option to continue on down to Kennedy Falls. Make sure you have the trail data for this waterfall downloaded ahead of time since it’s easy to get lost on your way to the waterfall. This waterfall has a much bigger swimming hole at the bottom compared to some of the other West Virginia waterfalls. Check out the trail data and hiking information here . 

In terms of photographing these falls, if you want even lighting you’ll want to make sure to arrive prior to 10am or much later in the afternoon so that they are all ideally lit for photos. 

Once you’re done enjoying these waterfalls, head on up back to your car and make your way into town for some lunch!  

Check out Davis & Thomas

We’d recommend heading into the town of Davis to grab a bite to eat. We had lunch at the Big Belly Deli and our sandwiches were fantastic. Other top recommendations are Hellbender Burritos and Sirianni’s Cafe if you enjoy Italian. 

Then head on over into the town of Thomas and explore the cute shops down the main street. We highly recommend checking out Macy Lou’s Gourmet Apple Co. – our favorite was the Apple Pie flavor. Also take a peak around Bloom, Riverfront Antiques , Creature, and Ella & Co. while you are there to see some beautiful art and knick knacks! 

Enjoy a Day Hike around Blackwater Falls State Park

Blackwater Falls State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, so there are a ton of different day hikes to choose from! Here are a few we’d recommend: 

Pase Point Trail

Pase Point Trail offers a similar view as Lindy Point with a beautiful overlook into a canyon down below. At 4.2 miles long out and back, this is the longest trail option we’d recommend in Blackwater Falls State Park. This trail is an extension of Dobbin House Trail that runs through hardwoods & rhododendron to Pase Point, overlooking the North Fork of the Blackwater River 

Balanced Rock Trail

The Balanced Rock Trail is a winding trail through the West Virginia forest that passes a large sandstone table rock. This trail begins at the main park road across from Elakala Trail, crosses Shay Trace and Red Spruce Riding Trails, continues to Balanced Rock Trail and ends near cabin 13.

Grab Dinner in Thomas

Head back into town for dinner! Two amazing options that are open are Farm Up Table , which offers southern style favorites, or Riverfront Woodfired Pizza which serves artisan-style pizzas using old-world, wood-fired brick ovens. We went to Riverfront Woodfired Pizza and got the Spaghetti Pizza and Hawaiian Pizzas and they were delicious! 11/10 would recommend.  

Watch the Sunset at Lindy Point

Lindy Point is one of the best sunset spots in all of West Virginia. Located in Blackwater Falls State Park, it’s a short drive from the lodge to a dirt parking lot. It overlooks a gorgeous canyon where you may be greeted with some low hanging fog or cloud inversion if you’re lucky! 

Don’t forget your headlamps for your way back to your car! 

Optional: Live Music & Beer in Thomas

If you’re not tired and are still itching for some fun things to do, you can head back into town and check out Stumptown Ales to try some local brews and/or listen to some live music at the Purple Fiddle .

DAY 2: Bear Rocks Preserve, Seneca Rocks & Spruce Knob

Bear Rocks Preserve

To start the day, head out for a sunrise in the Dolly Sods Wilderness area at Bear Rocks Preserve. This is about a 45 minute drive from Blackwater Falls State Park. 

There aren’t really any set trails over at Bear Rocks Preserve. Once you arrive, you’ll come up on a dirt parking lot and head over the opposite direction of the Dolly Sods Wilderness sign. From there, there’s a few foot paths that lead over to a set of rocks that are the iconic sunrise view at Bear Rocks Preserve. It takes about 2 minutes to see from the parking lot. 

Take in the gorgeous view as the sun rises above the mountains before heading out to breakfast! 

Spruce Knob

Spruce Knob is the tallest point in all of West Virginia! There’s a short trail that takes you around the top of the mountain where you can get up on an observation tower as well as other benches placed around the trail for some epic views. It’s about a 900 ft walk to the observation deck from the parking lot. From there, you can take a very easy ½ mile hike around the top of the mountain.

We’d highly recommend doing this hike if you are visiting for fall foliage – we wish we could go back to see this! The panoramic views of the tree lines are gorgeous. 

Seneca Rocks

West Virginia’s Seneca Rocks is a great area for hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts! The best time to visit Seneca Rocks is definitely at sunset, but it’s still absolutely beautiful during the day as well. The hike to get to the top of Seneca Rocks is about 3.6 miles round trip. You can find the trail data here .

After visiting Seneca Rocks, you’ll have a longer 1 hour 45 minute drive to check into your cabin at Watoga State Park for the night. 

Drive to Watoga State Park

Watoga State Park is actually an incredible area to stargaze and shoot astrophotography! As of 2021, the International Dark-Sky Association awarded Watoga State Park with official Dark Sky Park status. If you are into astrophotography or watching the stars, we’d definitely recommend staying up a little later to take advantage of the dark sky before heading to bed.

DAY 3: Watoga State Park & Waterfalls

Watoga State Park is one of West Virginia’s hidden gems! It is actually the largest state park in West Virginia. Watoga has a reputation for its vast wildlife and recreational activities like fishing, hiking, and swimming. Make sure to brush up on your bear safety as there are black bears located throughout the park – we ran into a mamma bear with some of her cubs. 

Once you’ve explored the park a little bit, it’s time to head over to your last waterfall of the West Virginia Waterfall Trail for this trip, Falls of Hills Creek. 

Falls of Hills Creek

The Falls of Hills Creek hike is a hike compiling of three different waterfalls that cascade over rock layers of sandstone and shale. Be warned, this 1.4 mile trail has over 400 stairs so although it’s easy on the way in, you’ll be working up a sweat on the way back to the trailhead. 

This trail provides paved access to the falls via a long boardwalk. A scenic forest trail leads into a narrow Gorge containing 3 waterfalls, the largest of which is 65 feet high, and is the second highest waterfall in West Virginia. Admittedly, the last waterfall on the trail was our favorite and reminded us of something straight out of Iceland! 

This was probably our favorite waterfall hike we did along the West Virginia Waterfall Trail and definitely recommend prioritizing this on your 3 day road trip itinerary! 

Finally, after your last waterfall hike of the trip, it’s time to head back to Washington Dulles Airport! We hope you enjoyed our West Virginia Waterfall itinerary for a 3 day road trip. Let us know which West Virginia waterfall is your favorite!

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45 Fun Things To Do & Places To Visit In West Virginia

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: June 21, 2021  - Last updated: May 27, 2024

With so many wonderful things to do in West Virginia, the task of narrowing down a travel itinerary may seem daunting.

However, no matter which of the nearly 50 attractions listed herein you choose to visit, there are no wrong choices.

To begin with, West Virginia is rich in history, culture, and loads of recreation.

Whether you prefer a camping trip with family or a girls’/guys’ weekend with your friends, there is something to do for everyone.

From scenic nature trails to astounding caverns and art museums to dinner theatres, West Virginia is fraught with vacation destinations.

If you find yourself asking the question of what to do in West Virginia, you’ve come to the right place.

Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of scenic places, famous places, points of interest, and things to see all within the confines of the 35th state.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of traveling to West Virginia, strap in and get ready for an exciting ride.

Table of Contents

1. New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge National Park

If you’re unsure of what to do in WV, New River Gorge National Park is a wonderful option with loads of outdoor possibilities.

Notably, New River is one of the continent’s oldest rivers and it’s surrounded by more than 70,000 acres of forestry and park.

The craggy, whitewater river flows through pitted canyons and is the scene of plenty of seasonal fun.

Like New River, the park itself provides limitless opportunities for scenic adventures.

If you’re interested in a more leisurely experience, you might consider camping, a scenic drive, fishing, or bicycling.

If you’re looking for more action-packed excitement, visitors are welcome to climb, hike, hunt, and even whitewater raft.

But no matter how you plan to spend your time here, the focal point for all visitors is always the New River Gorge Bridge, a structural masterpiece that is the most photographed site in all of West Virginia.

So, if you’re wondering what to do in WV, wonder no more; plan to spend some time in this magnificent park.

Address: Glen Jean, WV 25846, United States

2. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum ( henskechristine / flickr )

One of many unique things to do in WV is the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum .

During your coal mine tour, you will see the underground mine and visit an old coal camp.

This interactive and historical tour will give you a feel for life as a coal miner.

Riding the dark passageways of the old coal mine is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Notably, the tours are guided by veteran coal miners who share firsthand stories of their experiences and responsibilities as miners.

After your mine tour, you’ll also enjoy visiting the Youth Museum, which features interactive exhibits for children.

With exhibits on the solar system, the Appalachian frontier, and reconstructed historical buildings, your little one will love learning all about West Virginia history.

Knowledgeable tour guides excitedly share the significance of each building in an engaging and informative way.

What’s more, the property is situated upon a meticulously kept landscape; verdant lawns, colorful flowers, and picnic areas are the backdrop to your tour of the property.

Finally, there is also a wonderful gift shop on premises that sells souvenirs, West Virginia novelties, and homemade fudge.

Be sure to check out this top sightseeing attraction in WV.

Address: 513 Ewart Ave, Beckley, WV 25801, United States

3. Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall

Without a doubt, one of the coolest places to visit in West Virginia is Carnegie Hall where the arts come to life.

This esteemed venue hosts theatrical, musical, and dance performances on their main stage.

No matter the time of year, you can be sure Carnegie Hall is hosting some highly entertaining live performance.

In addition to the theatre arts, Carnegie Hall is also home to art and history exhibits.

Three galleries display artwork from local artists on a rotating basis.

One of the gallery rooms is even a board room wherein educational programming frequently takes place.

So maybe you’ll take an art class during your visit.

Additionally, Carnegie Hall also houses a dance and performance studio where children and adults alike can hope to participate in enriching classes.

Finally, the hall’s Ivy Terrace is the lawn space where the venue hosts free concerts and other live performances.

In a nutshell, Carnegie Hall is your one-stop shop for everything relating to the arts.

Whether visiting today or this weekend, Carnegie Hall is sure to wow you!

Address: 611 Church St, Lewisburg, WV 24901, United States

4. Appalachian Glass

Appalachian Glass

Home to three generations of talented glassmakers, Appalachian Glass is a fun place to visit in West Virginia.

Matt, Chip, and Todd Turner are the artists behind the beautiful glass pieces you’ll encounter during your visit.

This family of glassblowers has worked together, oftentimes learning from each other, to craft both beautiful and functional glass with more than 75 years of combined industry experience.

Because West Virginia is rich in the natural resources necessary to make glass, these fellows were lucky to find their calling where they did.

Of note, Appalachian Glass provides daily glass blowing demonstrations; if you’ve never seen this done in person, it’s a sight to behold!

The process roughly includes blowing air into a glob of molten glass while rolling it to the desired shape; this process is repeated until the final product is achieved and then it’s placed in a kiln for it to set.

The process is intricate, delicate, and requires the type of finesse that only many years of experience produces.

This West Virginia hot spot (pun intended) is a must see; you won’t be disappointed.

Address: 499 US-33, Weston, WV 26452, United States

5. Snowshoe Mountain

Snowshoe Mountain

Whether you’re looking for places to go when visiting West Virginia in the winter or summer months, be sure to visit Snowshoe Mountain .

This mountain resort couples action-packed snow adventures with posh comfort and luxury.

At Snowshoe Mountain visitors can ski, snowboard, snowmobile, and/or learn it all at ski school.

When the weather warms up, Snowshoe switches gears to all-terrain mountain adventures.

Visitors can mountain bike, hike, canoe/kayak on the lake, stand-up paddleboard, do Segway tours, golf, and more.

Thankfully, no matter the time of year, Snowshoe Mountain is ready to deliver big thrills.

Furthermore, when you’re ready to wind down for the day or night, the resort is ready for you.

With world-class dining options like a mountain-top restaurant and lakeside snack bar, you’ll be satisfied after every meal.

Moreover, Snowshoe’s nearby village is home to some of the most popular restaurants and shopping you can imagine.

This top vacation spot, no matter the season, is one of the top 10 things to do in West Virginia, so be sure to book your reservations now.

Address: 10 Snowshoe Dr, Snowshoe, WV 26209, United States

6. Cranberry Mountain Nature Center

Cranberry Mountain Nature Center

This destination is part of the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia and is one of the state’s top vacation spots .

The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center is home to an exhibit hall that features many hands-on displays.

Appealing to children and adults alike, the exhibits are fun, entertaining, and best of all educational.

The center’s auditorium shows engaging films on topics like Smokey the Bear, wildflowers, and more.

The center also hosts many-faceted events throughout the year like kids’ nights, live snake shows, wildlife demonstrations, and beyond.

What’s more, Cranberry Mountain Nature Center also delivers programs on topics important to the state like the differences between poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes and tours of the Cranberry Glades.

Finally, another of the center’s favored attractions is the nature store where visitors can purchase nature guides, folklore books, cookbooks, clothing, postcards, and more.

West Virginia, not short on places to see, is home to this must see nature center.

Address: Intersection of Rt 39/55 and, WV-150, Hillsboro, WV 24946, United States

7. Governor’s Mansion

Governor’s Mansion

One of the most beautiful places in the USA , the West Virginia Governor’s Mansion is a wonderful sightseeing destination.

This landmark is situated in the state’s capitol and has been home to West Virginia governors since 1925.

Beyond housing the state’s most esteemed official, the mansion has also welcomed foreign and domestic dignitaries alike.

But beyond the high-profile mansion residents and guests is the architecture, decor, and landscape of the mansion; these are the real draws for visitors.

Some notable design features include a marble checkerboard foyer floor, drawing-room walls painted in a unique optical illusion, and incredible landscaping.

Touring the West Virginia Governor’s Mansion is an excellent attraction for both history and architecture enthusiasts.

The well-cared-for property and history-rich design features make the mansion one of the coolest places to see in the state.

Although tours are free, they do require a reservation as tours are only given on Thursdays and Fridays.

Address: 1716 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305, United States

Planning a trip to Charleston? Why not check out some of the things to do in Charleston, WV ?

8. West Virginia Mine Wars Museum

West Virginia Mine Wars Museum

Home to a slice of unsettling American History, the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum preserves artifacts surrounding one of the largest civil uprisings since The Civil War, the Mine Wars.

Essentially, the Mine Wars were turf wars between unionized miners and coal mines.

The purpose of the museum is to uphold the voices of those involved, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the triumphant.

Inside the museum is the country’s largest collection of Mine Wars memorabilia.

Visitors are given guided tours of things like life in coal camps, local coal strikes, and coal miners’ tools and lifestyles.

Notably, through these artifacts, the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum celebrates a frightening yet triumphant time in American history.

Once you’ve completed this interesting tour, be sure to check out the museum’s gift shop which sells apparel and nifty souvenirs.

Finally, if you’re traveling with history buffs, they’ll certainly enjoy this interesting West Virginia attraction.

Address: 401 Mate St, Matewan, WV 25678, United States

9. The Museum of American Glass

The Museum of American Glass ( Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr )

As noted earlier, glass is one of West Virginia’s richest resources.

As such, The Museum of American Glass celebrates the region’s rich glass heritage.

Established in 1933, the museum aims to share glass pieces and artist stories specific to West Virginia.

In addition to seeing an assortment of unique early period pieces, kitchen glass, lamps, novelties, and hundreds more, the vast museum collections are astounding.

The museum also hosts ever-changing traveling exhibits that are sure to wow you.

Furthermore, the museum frequently hosts special programming like glass collecting clubs and specialty glass shows.

Be sure to check out the museum’s calendar of events to see if anything special is happening during your visit.

Following your tour of this comprehensive homage to the West Virginia glass heritage, the museum gift shop welcomes you to peruse monographs, catalogs, and collectibles.

If you’re looking for unique places to go in West Virginia this weekend, be sure to give The Museum of American Glass a gander.

Address: 230 Main Ave, Weston, WV 26452, United States

10. Mothman Museum

Mothman Museum

Probably one of the creepiest things to do in WV, the Mothman Museum pays tribute to a series of strange events that afflicted the small town of Point Pleasant.

With the commencement of strange sightings like disturbing lights in the sky, peculiar “men in black,” and a red-eyed life form now known as Mothman, residents of the small town were mystified.

The museum pays homage to these strange occurrences.

Notably, the museum shares expertly displayed cases of news articles, photographs, recordings, and more surrounding the incidents.

Additionally, the museum houses Mothman art, comics, costumes, replicas, and a wide array of artifacts.

Whether you’re familiar with the strange story of Mothman or you’re just fascinated by oddities, you’re sure to love your visit to Mothman Museum.

Best of all, the museum’s gift shop has the world’s largest and most eclectic collection of Mothman souvenirs and memorabilia.

Lastly, there are still so many questions surrounding who or what Mothman is/was, but there’s no question that you’ll love visiting this strange West Virginia attraction.

Address: 400 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, United States

11. Charleston Capitol Market

Established more than 20 years ago, Charleston Capitol Market is a West Virginia institution.

A once modest farmer’s market, today the market is an indoor and outdoor shopping and social scene.

Now one of many premier tourist attractions, Charleston Capitol Market is home to indoor merchants specializing in such things as cheese/wine, fine chocolates, sushi, Italian delectables, coffee specialties, and so much more.

You’ll find purveyors of farm goods, botanicals, landscaping, and produce galore in the outdoor market.

Beyond all of the wonderfully delightful merchants and goods you’ll encounter, the market frequently hosts special events like Market Mixers, cook-offs, and more.

Best of all, the market is open year-round selling seasonal goods to locals and visitors alike.

Finally, seasonal events like Christmas tree and pumpkin picking, garden planning, and picnic shopping are other lovely market features.

If you’re looking for amusing things to see in West Virginia, make sure to stop by Charleston Capitol Market.

Address: 800 Smith St, Charleston, WV 25301, United States

12. Mountain Rail Adventures

Mountain Rail Adventures

If you’re looking to enjoy the best of scenic West Virginia and the historic lore and charm of classic trains, this top attraction is for you.

Things to do in West Virginia aren’t hard to come by, but this top experience is one of the best.

Upon the Cass Scenic Railroad, visitors ride old-timey steam locomotives.

During their ride on the Shay Locomotive, passengers delight in the increasing speed of the engines against the backdrop of scenic and remote expanses of West Virginia.

Notably, passengers will choose from one of two awesome rail rides.

During the Bald Knob tour, guests will basque in the 4-hour ride to Bald Knob, the second highest peak in WV.

The Whittaker Station tour is only a 2-hour ride, though equally picturesque to the latter tour.

No matter the tour you choose, both are thrilling and unforgettable.

One of the coolest West Virginia attractions, a ride with Mountain Rail Adventures is a truly memorable experience that you’ll never forget.

Address: 315 Railroad Ave, Elkins, WV 26241, United States

13. West Virginia State Museum

West Virginia State Museum

Located within the West Virginia Cultural Center, the West Virginia State Museum retraces and shares the unique history of the state as a whole.

Housing such artifacts as antique hats to a telescope used by an American president, this unique look at the 35th state is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia.

Of note, the chronological layout of the museum’s exhibits allows visitors to conceptualize the state’s evolution.

Essentially, the special exhibits recreate the state’s history through narration, sounds, illustrations, descriptions, and most importantly significant artifacts.

Furthermore, through the thought-provoking displays visitors will have a better understanding of West Virginia’s cultural, industrial, and natural histories.

West Virginia State Museum is a unique lens through which to experience the state.

Best of all, tours are free to the public and one of many cool places to visit with friends and family.

Address: 1900 Kanawha Blvd E #435, Charleston, WV 25305, United States

14. Grandview State Park

Grandview State Park

If you’re unsure of where to visit when in West Virginia, be sure to spend some time in Grandview State Park .

One of the most beautiful places to visit in the state, the park is the perfect setting for sightseeing, leisure, and outdoor activities.

One of the park’s most popular places of interest is a scenic overlook that looks upon the outstanding sights of New River, an active railway, and the verdant landscape of the park.

To reach the overlook, hikers will traverse through gorgeous rhododendrons and other colorful plant life.

In addition to the beautiful views at Grandview State Park, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

For instance, the park has five hiking trails which may be followed alone or with a ranger-led guide.

In the summer, the park hosts outdoor theatre productions.

Finally, any time of year is a good time to picnic or visit the park’s playgrounds.

With so many outdoor attractions in one place, Grandview State Park is a great place to visit during your stay in West Virginia.

Address: Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813, United States

15. Green Bank Observatory

Green Bank Observatory

Located in a national quiet zone, the Green Bank Observatory provides access to cutting-edge telescopes and facilities for the astronomical community.

Notably, the observatory is an internationally recognized leader in research and education.

When astronomers come to Green Bank Observatory, they listen to the “remote whispers of the universe.”

Green Bank Observatory provides them with the facility and technology to successfully do so.

The observatory is open to the public for special private tours but reservations and screenings are required.

If you successfully pass the site’s screening protocol, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tour the facility’s private laboratories, see the most technologically advanced telescopes, and check out fabrication spaces.

The observatory also hosts public tours of the facility wherein you can check out the popular Catching the Wave Exhibit Hall or catch an educational flick in the auditorium.

Finish your day off with a bite to eat in the Starlight Cafe and some light shopping in the gift shop.

This must do experience is a fascinating West Virginia activity for the whole family.

Address: 155 Observatory Rd, Green Bank, WV 24944, United States

16. Lost World Caverns

Lost World Caverns

Situated 120-feel beneath the earth’s surface is the Lost World Caverns in West Virginia.

Probably one of the most magical places to visit in West Virginia, the caverns are home to astounding rock formations.

Visitors are welcome to explore the formations in self-guided tours that lead tourists through a half-mile circle.

Throughout the tour, you’ll come face to face with some of the world’s largest and most magnificent stalactites and other crystal formations.

One of this attraction’s most popular features is the “Bridal Veil” which is a 28-foot stalagmite that you have to see in person to believe.

Thankfully, photography is permitted in the caverns because there are many amazing photo opportunities.

In total, the tour lasts about 45 minutes, but the memories will certainly last a lifetime.

In addition to the cavern tour, you may also peruse the property’s natural history museum to learn about interesting prehistoric cave-dwellers.

Lost World Caverns also hosts gem mining tours where you’ll have the opportunity to find and keep semi-precious gemstones, arrowheads, ancient fossils, and other unique treasures.

The sights at this West Virginia attraction make it a place you’ve got to see during your trip.

Address: 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901, United States

17. West Virginia Botanic Garden

West Virginia Botanic Garden

One of many scenic things to do in West Virginia, this garden is an amazing sight to behold.

Situated on the picturesque Tibbs Run Preserve, West Virginia Botanic Garden is home to verdant and bright vegetation and botanicals by the mile.

The beautiful plant life surrounds and reflects off the property’s glassy pond around which trails of flowering meadows entwine.

Weaving in and out of the woodland and around streams, visitors love to stroll, observe, and contemplate.

The more than 80-acre reserve is still developing which means as time goes on, the already gorgeous landscape of West Virginia Botanic Garden will only get better.

Although visitors are welcome to tour the grounds individually, group-guided tours are available upon request.

In addition to the botanicals you’ll see during your tour, the garden also has other lovely features like a fairy garden, a wetlands boardwalk, a rock outcropping, and a dam.

Finally, West Virginia attractions like this one are a must do for visitors to the state.

Address: 1061 Tyrone Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508, United States

18. The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier

If you’re looking for top-notch vacation ideas in West Virginia, look no further.

This magnificent resort is one of the most beautiful to visit in West Virginia.

Situated on a verdant and beautifully landscaped expanse of property that encompasses activities and luxury for days, The Greenbrier is home to marvelous accommodations like cottages and historical suites.

Included in your stay are world-class amenities like overflowing welcome baskets, in-room hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and more.

Essentially, you’re given the royal treatment as a guest of the resort.

In addition to the luxurious accommodations, the resort has tons of fun activities.

Within the hotel is an epic spa, dining options for every palette, bowling, an arcade, an indoor pool, an escape room, and so much more.

Outside, there are even more exciting activities like a beautiful pool, golf, an adventure course, bike rentals, canopy tours, geocaching, and the list goes on.

The Greenbriar is truly a religious experience and one of the many wonderful sites to see in West Virginia.

Address: 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, United States

19. Heritage Farm Museum and Village

Heritage Farm Museum and Village

If you’re interested in fun stuff to do in West Virginia, Heritage Farm Museum and Village has something for everyone.

Situated upon the property are 15 log structures, one of which is an event space, while the others are log cabin inns, seven outstanding museums, an artisan center, and other attractions.

Although lodgings are reminiscent of pioneer life in early Appalachia, they are equipped with all the bells and whistles.

Whether staying on property or not, visitors have so many options concerning things to see and what to do.

Some of the property’s most beloved attractions include visiting unique places like maker spaces, a blacksmith shop, a log church, an interactive animal habitat, a nature center, many adventure experiences, and more.

Moreover, the seven museums recount the history of Appalachia through interestingly themed displays.

Finally, vacations can be hard to plan, but Heritage Farm Museum and Village is a no-brainer with so much to do in one space.

Address: 3300 Harvey Rd, Huntington, WV 25704, United States

20. Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry

The quaint town of Harpers Ferry is situated amid the national park of the same name.

This historic West Virginia village is a step back in time.

The picturesque streets of the village sit along a stretch of water where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet, providing views of Maryland and Virginia .

Whether visiting today or this weekend, Harpers Ferry has something for everyone; the town is home to tourist attractions galore.

For instance, the village is home to interesting exhibits, museums, historic battlefields, and more.

Furthermore, there are many fun activities for children, hiking trails (trails range from easy to difficult), camping areas, rock climbing, and other fun outdoor adventures.

Additionally, there are many cool historical sights to see like Jefferson Rock, a church built in the 1800s, John Brown’s Fort, and a historic tavern built in the 1800s.

With so much beautiful scenery and awesome tourist attractions in one place, you won’t be disappointed in your visit to Harpers Ferry.

Address: WV 25425, United States

21. Blackwater Falls State Park

Blackwater Falls State Park

West Virginia is not short on tourist attractions with splendid scenery.

One of the best places to visit in West Virginia, Blackwater Falls State Park is situated in the Allegheny Mountains and is a fun sight to see.

The falls themselves are so-named for the 57-foot cascade of stunning amber waters.

Along with some other epic sights within the park, the falls are one of the most photographed points of interest in West Virginia.

The falls can be visited all year long by hiking to scenic overlooks or viewing platforms scattered throughout the park.

In addition to the magnificent scenery, Blackwater Falls State Park has over 20 miles of hiking trails, an awesome sledding trail accessible in winter weather, and even a cozy lodge to relax in after a long day of adventure.

Finally, the park also has camping areas that include log cabins, as well as many other fun outdoor adventures.

Of outdoor West Virginia attractions, Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-see place.

Address: 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, United States

22. West Virginia Penitentiary

West Virginia Penitentiary

One of the most interesting places to visit in West Virginia, the state’s penitentiary is sure to leave you chilled to the bone.

Situated on a 10-acre expanse of land, the cold and gothic building, which was erected in the late 1800s, was home to thousands of prisoners more than a hundred of which were executed on the premises.

Architecturally speaking, West Virginia Penitentiary is a gothic stone building bedecked with turrets and battlements.

Themed tours are available to the public throughout the year.

Visitors may opt for the historical day tour, a 90-minute tour that shares the penitentiary’s history, lore, art, and insight into the criminal justice system.

Moreover, the Mystery Monday tours are a little more action-packed with climbing and exploring features.

Finally, the attraction also hosts ghost hunts, spooky night tours, and an escape from the prison tour that’s like an escape room but on a larger scale.

One of the most unique points of interest in WV, this attraction is highly recommended.

Address: 818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041, United States

23. Greenbrier State Forest

Greenbrier State Forest

The Greenbrier State Forest is one of the most stunning West Virginia attractions.

Situated on more than 5,000 acres of undeveloped forestry, it’s a wonderful place to visit with family, friends, or even alone.

With miles upon miles of secluded natural beauty lined with hiking trails, biking trails, and more, the forest permits loads of other recreational attractions like fishing and swimming.

Best of all, you could spend a night or a few days at the forest’s campgrounds.

This forest system is most popular for its hiking trails.

Most notably, the trails run between Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs, a distance of more than five miles.

Besides covering a vast distance, the trails will weave you in and out of some of the most beautiful landscapes West Virginia has to offer.

Address: 1541 Harts Run Rd, Caldwell, WV 24925, United States

24. ACE Adventure Resort

ACE Adventure Resort

If you’re heading to West Virginia in search of high-octane adventure, then be sure to book an appointment with ACE Adventure Resort .

This adventure resort has all the excitement you need in one central location.

The resort’s property has wonderful accommodations like cliffside chalets, log cabins, and tent and RV sites for rental.

The resort is home to five restaurants, three retail locations, and even fun nightlife.

But best of all, the resort has tons of adventurous attractions for visitors to partake in.

Notably, the resort’s biggest attraction is whitewater rafting.

They offer full-day, half-day, and even overnight trips along different stretches of the Gauley River.

Beyond rafting though, the resort also has an awesome waterpark, ziplining, an aerial park, a mud obstacle course, ATV tours, and more.

In the water, you can canoe, kayak, swim, fish, and more.

Undoubtedly, ACE Adventure Resort is a one-stop shop for all the excitement and adventure you’re looking for.

Address: 1 Concho road, Oak Hill, WV 25901, United States

25. Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks , one of many awesome West Virginia attractions, is one of the state’s most popular natural landmarks.

Of note, the rocks are a scenic locale that is popular with locals and travelers alike.

Beyond the beautiful backdrop for photo opportunities, the rocks set the stage for thrill-seekers too.

Each year, hundreds of rock climbing enthusiasts travel to Seneca Rocks to try their luck at this unique and challenging rock formation.

Astoundingly, the rocks climb 900 feet above the picturesque North Fork River, another beautiful sight to see.

Besides rock climbing, Seneca Rocks is also a destination with lots of other wonderful things to do.

Visitors can river or stream fish, hike, observe nature/wildlife, learn about the area at the discovery center, and enjoy an alfresco lunch at the picnic area.

Seneca Rocks is one of West Virginia’s beautiful natural gems; be sure to check it out during your stay in the state.

Address: WV 26884, United States

26. Seneca Caverns

Seneca Caverns

If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind things to do in West Virginia, look no further.

Seneca Caverns provides a unique hands-on cavern experience.

Remarkably, this 450 million-year-old cavern is full of jaw-dropping features like stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone, rimstone pools, and more.

The sights you’ll see during a tour of the cavern are like nothing you’ll ever see on land.

Cave tours are guided, stunning, and provide wonderful photo opportunities.

Beyond simply touring the cave visitors can also participate in gemstone mining.

You’ll have so much fun sifting through mud, dirt, and sand to discover cool minerals and gems.

Best of all, you can keep what you find.

This is an awesome activity for adults and children alike.

Finally, Seneca Caverns has a cool gift shop, picnic areas, and an awesome restaurant too.

Seneca Falls is a great experience for all; be sure to give it a top spot on your itinerary.

Address: 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814, United States

27. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park

If you’re in the market for something a bit off the beaten path, be sure to visit Lake Shawnee Amusement Park.

This abandoned attraction is spooky and unsettling but an altogether fun sight to see.

Local legend asserts that the park is haunted by unnatural spirits, yet visitors come from near and far nonetheless.

Situated on a Native American burial ground and the site of all too many violent deaths, there may be something to the idea that it’s haunted.

Abandoned though it is, visitors can arrange private tours with ghost hunters to decide for themselves.

If you’re into creepy, paranormal, and the altogether inexplicable, you’ll love this attraction.

In addition to merely touring the property, the park also hosts fun seasonal events.

If you happen to be in WV in October, you won’t want to miss the “Dark Carnival,” when you can hear park legends, hang by a creepy bonfire, play with freaky clowns, and more.

You can even camp out in the park if you’re brave enough.

Address: 470 Matoaka Rd, Rock, WV 24747, United States

28. Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold

Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold ( Jon Dawson / flickr )

This magnificent church is one of the most beautiful in the country.

Named for a famous and revered Hindu scholar and teacher, Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold was erected in the early 1970s as a place for him to write, worship, and preach.

Built of marble, precious metals, teak, and other lavish materials, the palace was a labor of devotees’ love for Srila Prabhupada.

During guided tours of the palace, visitors are treated to the decadently gilded interior and captivating and glimmering exterior as well as the history of its patron.

Included in your tour of the palace is a look at the award-winning Rose Garden whose bright colors and aromatic flowers draw you to its center.

Astoundingly, the garden is home to more than 3,000 bushes and 150 varieties of roses.

The spectacular and vibrant colors of the roses offset the shimmer and gleam of the palace in the background.

This highly recommended attraction should be on the top of your list.

Address: 3759 McCreary’s Ridge Rd, Moundsville, WV 26041, United States

29. Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum

Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum

Housed in the building of an old elementary school, the Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum , built in 1906, is situated on a historic site.

One of the museum’s quirky but affable features is the resident cat, Loo, who saunters about in costume as if he owns the place.

The museum’s biggest collection and draw though is the astonishing toy collection housed therein.

Remarkably, toy exhibits are arranged thematically as follows: transportation toys, miniatures, dolls, and games.

Enjoy this step back in time with the nostalgic toys of your youth.

Train-wise, the museum’s most popular attraction is a restored caboose that once belonged on the B & O Railroad.

Moreover, the museum houses a train exhibit that boasts Lionel, American Flyer, and even Lawrence Liner trains.

For added fun, the museum’s lobby doubles as a small arcade.

Be sure to hit up the gift shop on your way for fun novelties and souvenirs.

Address: 144 Kruger St, Wheeling, WV 26003, United States

30. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area

Dolly Sods Wilderness Area

Sprawling across more than 17,000 acres of forestry, the Dolly Sods Wilderness is an epic natural preservation that draws visitors from far and wide.

Located across two West Virginia counties, it has a blended eco-type, elevations of nearly 5,000 feet, and best of all many wonderful natural features that serve as a backdrop of loads of fun recreation.

Notably, Dolly Sods is home to almost 50 hiking trails suitable for all experience levels.

Some of the trails run adjacent to old railroads and logging roads making for an even more scenic hike.

In addition to loads of hiking trails, visitors to Dolly Sods Wilderness Area can also fish, swim, hunt, and horseback ride.

Throughout the year, you can even plan a few days and nights at the available camping grounds.

In the winter months, visitors may also partake in cross country skiing and/or snowshoeing on the many trails.

No matter the time of year, Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is an excellent West Virginia attraction.

Address: WV, United States

31. Coopers Rock State Forest

Coopers Rock State Forest

Founded in 1936 this astonishing park boasts some of the most glorious sights in all of West Virginia.

Serenely situated amid the aptly named town of Almost Heaven, Coopers Rock State Forest is a favorite of locals.

Some of the park’s many stunning features include canyon overlooks, historical areas, and more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails.

Other natural features include sandstone cliffs and epic boulders for rock climbing, terrain suitable for cross country skiing, and more.

In addition to these land features, there’s also a central lake that visitors love to use for fishing, swimming, rafting, and other water sports.

Other outdoor adventures at Coopers Rock State Forest include golfing, hunting, and geocaching.

While visiting the park, visitors love to enjoy alfresco meals in the lovely picnic pavilions.

Finally, if you prefer to stay in the park for an extended period, there are camping accommodations as well as convenient pre-set canvas tent sites.

Address: 61 County Line Dr, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525, United States

32. Appalachian National Scenic Trail

Appalachian National Scenic Trail ( anokarina / flickr )

This famous American trail is a rite of passage for outdoor enthusiasts, so if you’re planning a trip to West Virginia be sure to bookmark time to check it out.

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail consists of more than 2,000 miles of footpath.

The trail is scenic, serene, pastoral, and altogether amazing.

Built by private citizens and opened in 1937, the trail has been a national attraction since.

Notably, the trail runs through 14 US states, beginning in Georgia (depending on where you begin), passing through West Virginia, and ending in Maine .

Although the WV leg of the trail is short, it is the most popular.

Along the WV leg of the trail, hikers pass through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the campus of Storer College, and other historic landmarks.

Significantly, the WV portion of the trail is considered its halfway point, and it’s also where you’ll find the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, a popular resting point.

Address: Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

33. Archive of the Afterlife

This “National Museum of the Paranormal” is a great spot to check out if you’re into frightful and brain-tickling sights.

The Archive of the Afterlife , established in 2011, houses many vexing artifacts.

For instance, during a tour of the museum, you’ll see such things as haunting photographs, spooky dolls, frightening weapons, and inexplicable objects.

The collection of artifacts has come from all over the world; the museum will even take “haunted” items off your hands if you’d like.

Guests of the Archive of the Afterlife may book private tours that allow them sole access to the museum for an entire day, brief public tours, and even bone-chilling ghost hunts.

Remarkably, the museum has been featured on many syndicated television shows.

Finally, the goal of Archive of the Afterlife is to share and research paranormal activity.

This West Virginia attraction is a unique but amusing place to visit during your stay in the state.

Address: 86 Railroad St, Cameron, WV 26033, United States

34. Wonderment Puppet Theatre

Wonderment Puppet Theatre

The Wonderment Puppet Theatre is a wonderful attraction for children and kids at heart.

Essentially, the theatre provides a unique and interactive outlet for both performers and patrons.

Throughout the year, the theatre runs six different and wildly entertaining shows that audiences rave about.

Before and after performances, guests can enjoy creating their own unique shows with the hands-on puppets.

Other fun features at the Wonderment Puppet Theatre include balloons for every child, a photo booth, an art gallery, and more.

The theatre’s proprietor is uber accommodating and will host performances on off-days if you’re not available to see a regularly scheduled show; if you’re running late to your performance, give a call and he’ll hold the show.

Also, be sure to bring your appetite to the theatre’s snack bar.

The theatre is truly one-of-a-kind and worth a visit especially if you’re in town with children.

Address: 412 W King St, Martinsburg, WV 25401, United States

35. Ken Sinsel’s Metal Sculptures

Ken Sinsel, Sculpter & Artist

California native Ken Sinsel has turned his West Virginia yard into a sculpture park, open to the public, of his edgy artwork.

Remarkably, Sinsel owns two adjacent properties, both of which serve as galleries for this artwork.

Essentially, his yards are a gallery for the wildly eclectic artwork crafted of scrap metal.

Significantly, Sinsel’s penchant for sculpting unique animal pieces is ever-present in his exhibits.

However, other muses take shape in his yard as well.

Sculptures like a life-sized bull, a Black Beauty-esque horse, and a dragon guarding a minion all take shape here.

From afar, the sculptures seem fairly unassuming, but when you take a closer look and note the medium with which they are crafted, you begin to see the genius of Sinsel.

Materials like shovels, knife blades, car parts, a bevy of tools, hubcaps, and more can all be spotted in his sculptures if you look closely enough.

Ken Sinsel’s Metal Sculptures are a highly recommended, free sight to see.

Address: 1110 Ridge Avenue, New Cumberland, WV 26047, United States

36. Arthurdale Historic District

Arthurdale Historic District

Established in 1933 through President Roosevelt’s New Deal Legislation, the community of Arthurdale provided a fresh start to WV residents who suffered during The Great Depression.

Historically, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt was the town’s benefactress and the town became colloquially known as “Eleanor’s Little Village.”

Today, the same charm that existed nearly 90 years ago remains.

The town remains virtually untouched by modernity while remaining open for historic tours.

During a tour of the area, visitors can learn about the town’s rich heritage, view photo galleries, hear local stories, visit shops, and more.

The district’s central feature is the New Deal Homestead Museum which is filled with artifacts from the town’s early beginnings.

One of the museum’s most popular exhibits is the Craft Shop which displays and sells crafts made by local artists.

If you’ve got space on your itinerary, be sure to schedule a tour of this history-rich West Virginia locale.

Address: 13272 N Mountaineer Hwy, Reedsville, WV 26547, United States

37. Mountwood Park

Mountwood Park

This amazing park is a beautiful site for all things outdoors including epic camping.

At Mountwood Park , guests can rent lakeside campsites, a lake house, and cabins each of which is equipped with many convenient amenities.

Although the beautiful park backdrop of the campsites is a wonderful draw for guests, the bigger draw is all of the awesome recreation opportunities.

Situated on a 50-acre lake and surrounded by more than 50 miles of hiking trails, the opportunities for action-packed fun are endless.

Of note, the park is home to gorgeous wooded picnic areas, an archery range, birdwatching, disc golf, a dog park, fishing and boating, and beyond.

Additionally, the park is home to a legendary ATV park where visitors rip around the 600 acres of trails on dirtbikes and quads.

Moreover, a park museum sits at the center of the park housing historical artifacts associated with the park.

Address: 1014 Volcano Rd, Waverly, WV 26184, United States

38. Tygart Lake State Park

Tygart Lake State Park

Tygart Lake State Park may be one of the most stunning tracts in all of West Virginia.

Beautifully, the park sits upon the 10-mile long and 1,750-acre breathtaking lake which visitors ogle at.

Notably, the park has camping accommodations as well as the ever-popular 20-room lodge.

The lodge sits upon an elevated peninsula overlooking the shimmering lake.

The lodge has a delicious full-service restaurant, a marina, and a nature center.

The extraordinary lake serves as the template for tons of adventurous recreation.

Upon the park’s property, recreational activities include geocaching, swimming, boating, hiking, and fishing.

The aforementioned lodge provides kayak and canoe rentals for guests.

Off property, just a stone’s throw away, visitors can bike, golf, and hunt.

Finally, the lake’s epic inflatable lake park is an exciting way to spend the day for both children and adults.

No matter the season during which you’ll visit, Tygart Lake State Park is a great time waiting to be had.

Address: 1240 Paul E Malone Rd, Grafton, WV 26354, United States

39. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

This national historic site is both mysterious and interesting.

Formerly known as the Weston State Hospital, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum began serving the mentally ill in the mid-1800s.

However, more than that, the asylum has been the site of many historical events like a Civil War raid and a gold robbery.

Today the asylum hosts both historical tours and paranormal tours.

The asylum’s Heritage Tours explore pioneering methods in the humane treatment of the mentally ill, a peek at patient wards, the medical suite, and a geriatric building.

If you’re looking for something a little more thrilling, the asylum’s Ghost Tours are an interesting attraction.

Some believe the decommissioned asylum is haunted; are you brave enough to decide for yourself?

Visitors have reported strange sightings, spooky noises, and altogether creepy occurrences.

During an asylum Ghost Tour visitors step back in time to see how patients lived and died (and may continue to live on in spirit).

By the end of a ghost tour, you’ll have to decide for yourself if the property is truly haunted.

Address: 50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452, United States

40. Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre

Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre

This awesome theatre is just the touch of ebullient entertainment you’re looking for on your trip to WV.

As its name suggests, along with a show, visitors can enjoy a lovely dinner with options like Chicken Cordon Bleu, steak, and more.

If you’d rather skip dinner, you can also just opt for the show.

Notably, Gandy Dancer Dinner Theatre features highly talented professional performers including musicians, singers, and dancers.

Woven into the theatre’s shows are touches of humor, but best of all: passion!

Throughout the year the theatre provides amazing premier shows, tribute shows, and specialty shows.

No matter the show, the fine craftsmanship of the performers will have you looking forward to your next Gandy show.

The glitzy costumes are beautifully made and eye-catching.

The high-energy performances entice audiences to get to their feet and cut a rug with the dancers which is highly encouraged behavior.

The shows are high-energy, crazily entertaining, and best of all, fun for the whole family.

Address: 359 Beverly Pike, Elkins, WV 26241, United States

41. Oglebay Resort

Oglebay Resort

This awesome West Virginia resort is home to luxury, relaxation, and excellent recreational activities.

Oglebay Resort , located in Wheeling, WV, is a picturesque backdrop to a verdant golf course, horseback riding, hiking, a gorgeous lake, an aerial obstacle course, and more.

Also housed at the resort is the extraordinary Wheeling Park which has an Olympic-sized pool, tennis courts, a waterpark, and even an ice skating rink.

In addition to all of the recreational opportunities at Oglebay Resort, there are many relaxing features too.

The West Spa provides luxurious spa services in the 5,000 square foot facility.

Moreover, there are 10 on-site restaurants specializing in an array of cuisines.

On top of all of this, the resort is also home to the Good Zoo which cares for more than 50 species of animals like hogs, bobcats, pandas, cheetahs, leopards, and more.

Remarkably, the Oglebay Resort is a one-stop vacation destination that has tons to do in one central location.

Address: 465 Lodge Dr, Wheeling, WV 26003, United States

42. Mountaineer Field

Mountaineer Field

West Virginia University’s Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium is the high-energy home of the Mountaineers football team.

Once football season gets underway in the fall, Mountaineer Field is the place to be.

Before fans enter the stadium, the tailgate game is like none other.

But as fans enter the stadium, which can seat 60,000 fans, it erupts with excitement when the team takes the field.

Cheerleaders get the crowd going with world-class routines and the electricity that travels through the stands is palpable.

At kickoff, the real enthusiasm kicks into high gear and doesn’t relent until the final whistle.

In addition to the action of the awesome games, the stadium is also rich in history.

As visitors stroll through the corridors they are treated to a history of players, games, and stories of yesteryear.

Whether you’re a college football fan or not, the good times and history are worth a visit to Mountaineer Field.

Address: 1 Ira Errett Rodgers Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States

43. Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences

Analogue Kid at English Wikipedia , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences was established in 2003 as a forerunning arts center.

The nearly 250,000 square foot center is home to performing arts productions, visual arts exhibits and education, and science programs.

The center’s vision is to advance and inspire creativity, discovery, and learning through arts and science.

Situated in the WV capital of Charleston, the center houses a discovery museum, an art museum, and a performance theatre.

The Juliet Art Museum accommodates traveling exhibits from all over the country as well as art from an astounding permanent collection.

Avampato Discovery Museum is three floors of hands-on activities suitable for inquisitive children.

The Caperton Planetarium and Theatre hosts daily intergalactic showings, while the theatre hosts concerts and theatrical performances.

Most notably, however, the center is the home base for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Finally, this is a superb attraction to visit if you happen to be in the state’s illustrious capital.

Address: 1 Clay Square, Charleston, WV 25301, United States

44. Forks of Cheat Winery

Forks of Cheat Winery

Tucked snugly in the heart of West Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains sits the lovely Forks of Cheat Winery .

Producers of award-winning wines, the winery has been a premium vintner for nearly 20 years.

Remarkably, Forks of Cheat Winery produces over 20,000 gallons of wine each year.

If you’ve ever wanted to tour an exceptional winery without having to travel to the west coast or out of the country, this winery comes highly recommended.

In addition to fine wines, Forks of Cheat Winery is also a purveyor of exceptional moonshine.

Visitors to the winery can enjoy a leisurely tour of the property, dine in the world-class restaurant, or simply enjoy wine tastings with friends and family.

Following your well-spent time at the winery, be sure to purchase a few fine varietals for home.

Whether visiting with friends or family, this lovely winery is sure to please your palette.

Address: 2811 Stewartstown Rd, Morgantown, WV 26508, United States

45. John Brown Wax Museum

John Brown Wax Museum

Located in the heart of Harpers Ferry sits the John Brown Wax Museum .

Housed in a building at the center of the historical John Brown raid of 1859, the museum is a neat place to visit.

Notably, the wax pieces on exhibit at the museum replicate Civil War-era scenes and people.

The craftsmanship of the wax figures is remarkable and the scenes and poses are extraordinary.

Visiting the museum is a new lens through which you’ll learn about the history of Harpers Ferry and John Brown.

Moreover, the museum tells the story of John Brown’s historical raid through the use of graphics, animatronics, and voice narration that enhances the overall experience.

The museum houses more than 80 life-size figures that leave visitors gobsmacked.

If you’re traveling with history enthusiasts, this exceptional museum is a must-see attraction.

It’s highly educational with a flair for the arts.

Address: 168 High St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To West Virginia

If you are planning a trip to the Mountain State, you can rest assured that there are plenty of things to do in West Virginia.

With an extraordinary abundance of beautiful, natural, outdoor attractions like hiking trails, mountain climbing, and more, the nature lovers in your group will adore this trip.

If, however, you prefer a more relaxed vacation, there are many resorts, theaters, museums, and more that will suit those desires too.

Essentially, no matter your vacation speed, West Virginia has you covered.

There is so much to do against the backdrop of one of the most scenic and beautiful states in the country that you can be certain your trip will be incredibly memorable.

If you only have the opportunity to visit a handful of the suggestions listed above, you will certainly not be disappointed.

West Virginia delivers on all fronts so plan wisely.

Happy travels.

Five Amazing Day Trips: West Virginia

Nov 14, 2020 | South , General Travel

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the beautiful state of West Virginia has an almost endless list of reasons to visit. The southern state, with its deep roots in Appalachian culture, is divided into nine travel regions, each with unique points of interests. A great way to explore the mountains and valleys is a scenic road trip, stopping in cities and towns along the way to visit historic districts, museums and attractions, unique shops and galleries, and enjoy the local culinary scene. West Virginia is a year-round destination with something for everyone. The 45 state parks and forests attract thousands of outdoor enthusiasts to hike, bike, swim, and stay in the lodges and campgrounds. The small towns that are dotted across this wild and wonderful state host annual festivals and events, celebrations that have become local family traditions. Our day trip recommendations start in Charleston and highlight many of the area’s great destinations.

Here are five great day trips in The Mountain State:

Fayetteville (The Outdoors)

About 60 miles northwest of Charleston, the New River Gorge Bridge is one of the most photographed places in all of West Virginia. Gain a different vantage point of the bridge on a tour from Adventures on the Gorge , a premier adventure resort. There are many tour options to consider; however, the whitewater rafting trips are extremely popular and range from mild to menacing. For the adrenaline junkie, the infamous Upper Galey River Trip traverses one of the top five stretches of Class V whitewater in the world. The most popular trip is on the Lower New River with Class IV whitewater and stretches of calmer water between the excitement of the rapids. Check with the tour company— there are plenty of options, including half-day trips, overnight excursions, and great family rafting experiences to appreciate the scenic landscape on the calmer sections of the river. For an incredibly unique experience, attend the annual Bridge Day celebration (every third Saturday in October) and watch daredevils BASE jump into the Gorge below. You can also participate, if you dare!!

Lewisburg (Small Town Experiences)

Located 100 miles southeast of Charleston, the charming small town of Lewisburg offers a unique blend of arts and culture and a vibrant downtown area packed with galleries, boutiques, and an outstanding culinary scene. This is an excellent day trip while staying at the nearby Greenbrier Resort , one of the best resorts in the United States. To experience everything Lewisburg has to offer, plan your visit around a live performance at historic Carnegie Hall or the highly regarded Greenbrier Valley Theater . Prior to the performance, visit the Greenbrier Historical Society to see the museum exhibits focused on life in the Greenbrier Valley and a tour of the historic North House. Choose from casual to fine dining for lunch or dinner at The Asylum , The French Goat , Stardust Café . After the show, you’ll agree that Lewisburg is one of the best small towns in the country.

Parkersburg (Parks & Recreation)

Located on the Ohio River, about 75 miles north of Charleston, the small town of Parkersburg is home to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park . Start your day trip to the unique state park at the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History (located on Juliana Street) to purchase tickets before boarding the Island Belle Sternwheeler for a quick ferry trip from Point Park to the island. Spend the day exploring the state park, the highlight of which is the reconstructed 18th century mansion that was owned by Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett. In 1789, the home was considered the most beautiful in the entire West. Guided tours are provided by staff dressed in period clothing and offer guests a glimpse into life on the island over two hundred years ago. The interesting stories cover a wide range of topics, including political persecution, treason, and conspiracy— yes, it all happened on this little island in the middle of the Ohio River! After the comprehensive tour, take a horse-drawn wagon ride around the island or rent bicycles and explore the trails and other points of interest. This is one day trip that you will be telling your friends about for years!!

Snowshoe (Sports & Sporting Events)

The world-class Snowshoe Mountain Resort is located 150 miles east of Charleston, near the Monongahela National Forest. The resort is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 11,000 acres and dozens of activities. During the summer months, visitors flock to the resort to enjoy the Appalachian Mountain landscapes while ascending over the forest on a scenic lift ride, playing a round of championship golf, and mountain biking on one of the most extensive trail systems in the United States. Once the snowmaking begins and winter sets in, the resort offers over 60 trails across three unique mountain areas and bike trails, as well as other winter activities like snowmobiling, tubing, and snowshoeing. Extend your trip with an overnight stay in one of the many lodging options with spa services and restaurants to include on your classic West Virginia getaway.

Weston (Tours & Experiences)

Located about 100 miles northeast of Charleston, the small city of Weston has two designated historic districts: the Weston Downtown Historic District and Weston Downtown Residential Historic District. Our day trip takes you to the former Weston State Hospital, more commonly referred to as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum . The impressive main hospital building designed in the Gothic/Tudor revival style is one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the country. Today, tours of this national landmark detail the history of the facility, medicines and humane treatment available for the mentally ill, and paranormal activity. Choose between the Heritage and History Tours or Paranormal Tours, both of them have 160 years of unbelievable stories to share. There are also special tours, available on a seasonal basis— a few of the popular include Asylum After Dark, Bedlam, and Flashlight Tours.

**Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have travel restrictions and attractions may be temporarily closed or have limited hours. We direct you to their websites for updates and add them to your list for future travels!

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The Best Day Trips from Morgantown, West Virginia

West Virginia is filled with small towns that have a lot to offer, from outdoor activities to art galleries to breweries. At the intersection of the two major highways in the state, Morgantown is a great starting place for day trips in the region.

Canaan valley.

If you’ve had a taste of outdoor activities around Morgantown and are craving more, Canaan Valley offers excellent adventures year-round just two hours south. In the summer, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area and Canaan Valley State Park offer short and long trails for hiking and mountain biking. In the winter, Canaan Valley State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort offer downhill skiing, and you can snowshoe or cross-country ski at Whitegrass. In nearby Davis, you can rent mountain and fat-tire snow bikes, get a giant burrito at Hellbender’s , or grab a freshly brewed beer at Stumptown Ales .

Close to Canaan Valley and the town of Davis is Thomas, West Virginia. For an easy walk to a beautiful view, drive to Blackwater Falls State Park and take the stairs down to the overlook of the 57-foot (17.5-meter) waterfall. Although the water might look dirty, the dark color is actually from natural tannins in decaying leaves from tributary streams. In Thomas, you can grab a drink at the Mountain State Brewing Company , the oldest micro-brewery in West Virginia. Along the waterfront, you can check out local artists at The White Room , catch a live band at the Purple Fiddle , or warm up with a latte at TipTop .

About an hour south of Morgantown, Buckhannon’s claim to fame might be the amazing donuts and pepperoni rolls at The Donut Shop , open 24 hours for whenever you get a craving. Main Street has antique shops and art galleries, and if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday night or a Sunday afternoon, catch a movie at the Lascaux Micro-Theater , a tiny basement venue that shows documentaries and independent films you can’t see in many other places in West Virginia. Just south of town, you can visit Ron Hinkle Glass and the showroom and glass-blowing studio, or you can explore the West Virginia Wildlife Center , a zoo run by the Department of Natural Resources that showcases local fauna.

Fallingwater

Fallingwater is an iconic piece of American architecture. Located in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, about an hour north of Morgantown, the house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright has served as a museum since 1964. Tours are offered every day from 10 am to 4 pm, except for Wednesdays, and tickets must be reserved in advance.

Drive into the town of Helvetia , West Virginia, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a village in the Swiss Alps. Settled by Swiss immigrants in 1869, this village of about 50 people is worth a visit at the beginning of Lent for the Swiss carnival celebration known as Faschnacht, when everyone makes paper-mache masks, dances to the Helvetia Star Band, and burns Old Man Winter in effigy. If you miss the carnival, you can visit during other Swiss-inspired fairs or get a meal at the Hutte restaurant anytime.

Spruce Knob and Seneca Rocks

Deep in the Monongahela National Forest, Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area offers two of the most scenic views in all of West Virginia. About 2.5 hours south of Morgantown, the Seneca Rocks visitor center serves as the starting point for a 3.4-mile (5.5-kilometer) hike to the top of the rock formation. You can also rent climbing gear or get a climbing lesson to scale the rocks. A little farther south is Spruce Mountain, the tallest mountain in West Virginia. You can drive your car to the top and get an expansive view of the 1,500-square-mile (3,700-square-kilometer) national forest.

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Places to Stay

The best hotels to book in west virginia.

This West Virginia Observatory Lets You Listen to Outer Space

This West Virginia Town Is Where the Real John Henry Died

The Best Places to Go Camping in West Virginia, USA

A Guide to Skiing in West Virginia

The Best Hotels to Book Near the New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia

The West Virginia Roadhouse That Inspired Patsy Cline

Guides & Tips

Places to visit in west virginia's monongahela national forest.

Rare Toys Are Hidden in This West Virginia Town

The Best Hotels to Book Near Camden Park, West Virginia

The Best Hotels to Book Near Mount Saint Joseph, West Virginia

The Best Hotels to Book Near White House Farm, West Virginia

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Calling all veterans and active duty military personnel! West Virginia State Parks thanks you for your service. To show our appreciation, we’re offering 10% off all lodge room, cabins and campsites. Every day. Just use code VETS10 when you make your reservation and present a valid military ID at check in.

*Some exclusions apply.

*Offer is not available at Stonewall Resort State Park. A valid military ID must be presented at check in. 

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For health and safety updates and information about the free vaccine clinics at West Virginia’s state parks and forests, click here.

Veterans Salute Discount: Take 10% off your entire stay with offer code VETS10 .

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Day trip guide to west virginia state parks.

Overnight stays and summer vacations are a great way to enjoy West Virginia’s state parks and forests, but don’t forget about all of the great things our day-use parks have to offer. From picnic facilities to hiking trails and fishing lakes, there’s plenty for your family to enjoy on a day trip to one of these parks. Here are a few day-use parks you should visit this summer.

Beartown and Droop Mountain Battlefield state parks

Kids will love the half-mile boardwalk (there are some steps) that winds through the moss-covered boulders of  Beartown State Park . If you use your imagination, you can almost picture a bear slumbering in one of those caves or crevasses. While you’re in the area, plan a stop at  Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park . This site of a famous Civil War battle features a lookout tower, historic artifacts, and some hiking trails easy enough for the little ones.

• Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park

Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park  is the ideal spot for a family get-together. Not only does it offer picturesque views of the Gauley River, but the road to the park also passes a scenic overlook of Summersville Lake. This important Civil War site features the restored Patterson house and museum, picnic facilities with playground equipment and game courts, and easy to moderate trails, winding through the park and along the canyon rim above the river.

• Cathedral State Park

Stroll through towering old-growth forest at  Cathedral State Park . The kids will be so enthralled they might not even realize they’re learning science: Aside from its natural beauty, Cathedral offers an opportunity to observe one of the largest strands of virgin hemlock in West Virginia. The park has a picnic area with a playground and several easy to moderate trails.

• Pinnacle Rock State Park

The highlight of  Pinnacle Rock State Park  is the 3,100-foot sandstone formation that juts out through the trees. A scenic overlook rewards the visitor who climbs the steps to the top of the rock. With hiking trails, picnic areas and a playground, this roadside park makes a great place to stop. But the hidden gem here is its 15-acre Jimmy Lewis Lake, which is seasonally stocked with trout for anglers (proper fishing license and stamps are required and may be purchased online at  www.wvfish.com ).

• Watters Smith Memorial State Park

A visit to  Watters Smith Memorial State Park  is like traveling back to the late 18th century, when Watters Smith and his wife Elizabeth settled the land. Today, a reconstructed, hand-hewn log cabin serves as one of two museums depicting pioneer life in Almost Heaven. The park is a popular spot for birdwatching and mountain biking. It has a large picnic area equipped with game courts.

Follow these tips for a great  experience!  

Help keep our parks safe and clean! Dogs are welcome in state parks and forests, but please leash your pets and clean up after them. If you’re looking to stay longer than a day, you’re sure to find a park that offers overnight lodging nearby. Start planning your Almost Heaven getaway today! 

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West Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful and remote areas in the United States. Be sure to download your Park Pack for maps and other park information.

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The Best Day Trips In Southern West Virginia

Snowtubing at Winterplace

Here’s a nice way to get out and around in the winter:  Plan a West Virginia Day Trip.

Here are two suggestions for taking mountain state tours.  One’s a north/south itinerary, and the other is an east/west itinerary.

See West Virginia in the winter, South To North

-Soon after you cross the state line, head into Bluefield to have an early lunch at Gary Bowling’s House Of Art .  It’s filled with unique, beautiful pieces from floor to ceiling.  And the food is as good as the art.

-Take another detour to go snowtubing at Winterplace Ski resort .  Tickets are sold in 2 hour blocks, and there are no special skills or equipment you need.  Gravity + snow + an intertube = fun!

-Keep heading north, stopping in Beckley at the always wonderful Tamarack .  Even if you’re just window shopping, there’s still plenty to see.  Oh, and you’ll want to eat there too.  All the food is done by the Greenbrier- don’t miss it.

-Once you cross the New River Gorge Bridge, take a winter zip line tour at Adventure West Virginia Resort.  It’s kind of a cross between being Santa Claus and Tarzan.  If you’ve never done it, go.

– Bed down in a cabin near the Gauley River in Nicholas County.  Perfect Day.

See West Virginia in the winter, East To West

-Start at the Virginia state line, and leave that place behind.  Head straight for the lap of luxury at the Greenbrier Resort and take a tour of the once secret underground bunke r that was built to keep the president and congress safe.  Amazing.

-Head to the Monroe County line, near Lewisburg, to head underground once more to tour the Organ Cave . It’s a pretty good mix of natural and human history- not only do bats hide there, but about 3000 confederate soldiers hid out there during the civil war.

-Beckley again?  Try checking out some minor league Basketball at the Civic Center.  Seeing a West Virginia Blazers game is a great way to spend an afternoon.

-Head to Pineville and get out on the Hatfield and McCoy ATV trails .  Outfitters in the area have everything you need to get out and ride.  Talk about your winter wonderland.

-Finish up your day with some skating at the South Charleston Me morial Ice Skating Rink .  That’s right, skating.  You know you want to.

Those are a couple of seriously full days.  Whoever said there’s nothing to do in West Virginia during the wintertime just didn’t take the time to look.  Enjoy!

Categorised in: Things to Do , West Virginia Travel Information

This post was written by lisastrader

• 7 Serene Towns in West Virginia for a Weekend Retreat

The forested state of West Virginia is a wonderful option for a quiet escape. From its lush woodlands to rolling green hills, it is an oasis of natural beauty. There are also many adorable towns and villages perfect for a weekend escape. Slip away to one of these serene small towns. From the historic Barboursville to idyllic Harper’s Ferry, each town offers a place to slow down and escape it all. Take a break from the hustle and bustle and walk the downtown streets of Buchannon, or hike among the trees and meadows. Those looking for a tranquil weekend away will love these small towns in West Virginia.

Barboursville

Barboursville, West Virginia, is a great place to enjoy a tranquil holiday. With a population under 5,000, it is a quiet option away from the fast-paced city lifestyle. Still, it is conveniently located only a 2-hour drive from Lexington, Kentucky , and 2.5 from Columbus, Ohio , making it perfect for a weekend trip. Soak up the small town charm, including the historic district on the National Register of Historic Places with buildings ranging from the 1830s to the 1930s. Visitors particularly enjoy the Civil War Era Toll House. The center of the downtown area includes a scenic gazebo, perfect for relaxing and people-watching, and The Barboursville Park, a 750-acre park including outdoor sports fields, trails for walking and horseback riding, an amphitheater, and fishing ponds.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a perfect place to enjoy West Virginia’s serene vibes. Located in the eastern panhandle, it is an excellent weekend trip from Washington, D.C . or Baltimore, Maryland . This quiet town of roughly 300 people offers a calm and tranquil option for a weekend retreat. Enjoy scenic views of the Shenandoah River and Potomac River . Explore the Appalachian Trail hiking paths and beautiful nearby wilderness. Visitors can also enjoy the rich history of the harbor port. Tour the Harpers Ferry National Park, also home to John Brown’s Fort, the old armory and arsenal. Harpers Ferry also has a Civil War Museum, which further dives into the town’s role during the Civil War.

Bramwell, West Virginia, is a gorgeous little town on the Bluestone River. Though the area was once a booming coal mining town with a large population of millionaires, the end of the mining industry has seen the town transition into a peaceful village of less than 300 residents. Many old historical buildings remain, including the Perry House, Hewitt House, and Thoms House. Visitors can also experience the olden days at the Coal Heritage Trail Interpretive Center or the Bramwell Depot. The town is also a great place to escape into nature. Explore the many miles of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, one of the longest off-road trail systems in the world. The system’s Pocahontas trailhead starts just outside of town. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy Pinnacle Rock State Park with its grand sandstone rocks and scenic, tranquil views.

Another serene river-side town is Clay. Like Bramwell, it has a particularly small population of around 400 people, making it a perfect place to escape it all. Clay sits on the Elk River amidst stately forests and majestic trees. Visitors can enjoy some of the best fishing opportunities in west Virginia, as well as hiking, biking, and recreational activities in the gorgeous surroundings. The Elk River Trail State Park and Buffalo Creek Recreational Trail are excellent options for those who want to venture into the serenity of West Virginia's wilderness. Escape into the lush green hills and mighty forests, and let cares fall away. For those who want to experience the heart of the village, consider visiting during one of Clay’s many festivals, like the Elk River Festival or the Golden Delicious Apple Festival.

For those looking for somewhere even more remote than Clay or Bramwell, Helvetia is the perfect destination. It has a population of less than 100 people, making it one of the quieter places to escape to in West Virginia. This little gem of a town was originally founded by German and Swiss settlers and has a distinctly European feel. Get away from it all and indulge in traditional German and Swiss food, music, dancing, and festivals. The buildings and town streets reflect traditional European and Scandinavian architecture that will transport visitors to another world. Like Clay, Helvetia is also a warm and friendly town that has several festivals that draw visitors from all over the state and country. Check out the Follow Your Bliss Festival and Helvetia Community Fair, or visit during a Swiss holiday to get the most authentic experience.

New Martinsville

New Martinsville is another West Virginia town perfect for a weekend retreat. It is tucked in the mid-Ohio valley region along the edge of the Ohio River . This serene landscape makes for a perfect escape from the bustle of a bigger city or the noise and hassle of the day-to-day. Escape from it all into this cute little town full of charm and artsy vibes. Check out the “Art in the Park” summer events, including live concerts and shows, or visit the historic Lincoln Theater. This picturesque town has a little bit of everything, perfect for a quick trip away. Soak up the natural beauty of West Virginia, stroll the quaint streets, or window shop through downtown.

Take a trip to West Virginia’s panhandle and visit the town of Thomas. Like Bramwell, it is also a former coal mining town that has transitioned into a quiet little village of around 600 people. The area around Thomas is full of scenic views and natural phenomena ideal for anyone looking to get away from the noise and hustle of a larger city. Spend the weekend hiking the trails and hills, including the beautiful Albert Falls. After a day in the peaceful wilderness, browse the shops and galleries that line the town’s main streets. Though small, Thomas oozes charm from the Purple Fiddle cafe and bluegrass venue to the Mountain State Brewing Company. Thomas has a little bit of everything, making it an ideal location for a weekend escape. Enjoy the views, shop, and relax with a good evening meal and drink.

From old coal mining villages to historical landmarks, each of these West Virginia small towns offers somewhere to retreat for a weekend away. Close to major cities but with a vibe all of their own, they are easy to get out for a weekend trip or short stay. Stay riverside in a cute bed and breakfast, walk the scenic trails, or enjoy an excellent meal at a local hot spot. There is so much to see and do in these serene small towns of West Virginia.

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• Guided Trips

Guided Day and Weekend Trips

Get out outside to explore new places, gain skills, meet new people and have fun. A wide range of trips focusing on beginner opportunities in backpacking, kayaking, climbing, camping, hiking, bicycling, skiing and more.

Let us guide you!

West Virginia boasts some of the most impressive natural resources in the nation —like the highest density of whitewater miles and over 500 climbing and bouldering routes within a 10-mile radius of Morgantown. Let us organize the logistics so you can enjoy the sites and connect with other students!

International Student?

In partnership with the Office of Global Affairs, we are excited to offer WVU international students a scholarship for our day and weekend trips!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of trips are there.

Adventure WV will guide you on hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, camping, cycling, skiing (downhill and cross country) and other activities. Trips take place within driving distance from campus—transportation is provided. Some trips are local to Morgantown, while others are a few-hour drive.

How do I sign up?

Visit the Registration Link above to see what is offered this semester and to register.  You will need to sign in to register using your WVU Credentials.

What does it cost?

Cost varies from trip to trip. Your fee covers instruction, equipment, transportation and food (if relevant). Payment is via credit card on the online system unless otherwise indicated.

Refunds will only be given to those who give notice more than one week prior to the trip that they cannot attend. Extended trips that require more planning must be canceled 45 days in advance and may include a non-refundable deposit. A refund may be given after this time if a replacement can be found from the trip’s wait list.

How long are trips?

Trip length varies from a partial day to multi-day.

Who is eligible?

Guided trips are open to all SRC members. Trips are designed for WVU students as the primary audience. Sponsored guests may be able to attend at the discretion of Adventure WV management. All participants must meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Do you have equipment? Can I use my own?

Adventure WV has all the equipment you’ll need except for personal clothing. You will receive information detailing what to bring on your trip after registration.

Who are the leaders?

Leaders are typically Adventure WV Student staff. Staff will hold a Wilderness First Aid certification, leadership training and training specific to the activity they are leading.

Are there other rules?

Yes, please refer to our Guided Trips Policies page.

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Discover fall in almost heaven.

Featured Destinations

From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Rest and relax at a world-class resort or head out for a waterfall hike. It’s all waiting for you this summer in Almost Heaven.

Chase stunning fall foliage this season aboard a scenic train ride or ATV excursion. Reconnect with friends and family in a cozy cabin. From charming small towns to flavorful farm-to-table dishes, an autumn adventure awaits in Almost Heaven.

Featured Road Trip

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route.

Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Shaped by the famous New River Gorge, you’ll find plenty of riverside activities, outdoor adventures and some of the most extraordinary views. Pair that with the region’s compelling historical past and vibrant small towns, and you’ve got one very memorable trip....

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Culture & Lifestyle

Check Out These Charming Small Towns in Almost Heaven

Get a true taste of west virginia along this memorable route, a memorable trip through the potomac highlands.

Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation.

Explore Some of West Virginia's Most Stunning Sights

Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway.

You Can Take a Drive and a Dip Along This Historic Loop

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Explore lodging.

Whether you prefer a luxury retreat at a world-class resort or a rustic campsite stay under starry night skies, West Virginia has accommodations for every type of traveler. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The peace and solitude of Almost Heaven is just an overnight stay away.

Current Season

Blooming rhododendrons. Wildflower hikes. Rushing waterfalls. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive.

Escape the churn and burn of the daily routine and hit the road this summer. Explore wide open spaces with plenty of room to roam.

Nature works her magic every autumn in West Virginia. As the third most forested state, our country roads are vibrant with color and a sight to behold in the fall.

The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe.

Plan your  scenic train ride  around several other activities in the area to make the most of your Almost Heaven getaway. Here are a few trip suggestions:

The  Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad  is best known as the bald eagle train, and with good reason: The train travels through a nesting area for the American bald eagle, and passengers on nearly every trip report numerous eagle sightings. The 3-hour  Trough Trip  boards in Romney and travels through the Trough of the South Branch Potomac River to Sycamore Creek and back. The 8-hour Petersburg trip includes the Trough and includes a layover at the South Side Depot, where passengers can disbark and enjoy the shops and restaurants. Major travel publications like Southern Living and Travel + Leisure recognized these train rides for their spectacular scenery all-year-round. Celebrate the holidays in style with a ride on the Potomac Eagle’s North Pole Express, which will leave you feeling more festive than ever.

Fall train rides at Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad earned recognition from Southern Living for having some she south’s best train rides for fall foliage. offers several tourist train rides, including dinner trains and holiday-themed trips. For some jaw-dropping scenery, board the vintage  New Tygart Flyer , which departs from Elkins and climbs through unspoiled mountain wilderness along the cascading waters of Shavers Fork. The ride features mountain grades, an S-curve tunnel and a high bridge crossing.

The 46-mile round trip leads to the spectacular High Falls of Cheat and includes an all-you-can-eat cold sandwich buffet. The cars have comfortable seating and are climate-controlled, but you can upgrade to the Parlor Car for more legroom and adult beverages. Elkins has been identified as one of the 100 best small art towns in the United States and it is a West Virginia Certified Arts Community. With art, fine dining and beautiful scenery the Elkins Welcome Depot can become the hub of all of your rail adventures.

The steam engines of  Cass Scenic Railroad   State Park  once hauled lumber off the mountain to the mill in Cass. Those days are long gone, but the antique Shay locomotives remain, this time hauling passengers up Cheat Mountain to the 4,842-foot high overlook at Bald Knob, where on a clear day you can see into two states. Major travel publications like Travel + Leisure , Condé Nast Traveler , Thrillist and AARP praised Cass Scenic Railroad for its dramatic mountain vistas. The 4.5-hour round trip includes a box lunch and a stop at the old Whittaker Station logging camp.

Ride a vintage locomotive for the year’s most magical Christmas tradition!

Starting in late November, the romantic age of steam travel whisks you to enchanted destinations around the state. Durbin & Greenbrier’s Christmas adventure captures every beloved detail. Wear pajamas, get your ticket punched by the conductor and watch elves jig down the aisle! Listen to a live reading of “The Polar Express” while your family sips hot cocoa, too. Best of all, you’ll receive a silver bell from Santa.

Although not a recreational scenic train ride, you can still hop on the Cardinal Amtrak and catch some scenic views if you’re just passing by. You’ll see gently rolling horse country, the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the wild white-water rivers of West Virginia as they can only be seen by train.

Find a scenic train ride

Rail explorers.

874 Buffalo Creek Road

Buffalo Creek, West Virginia 25043

Phone: (877) 833-8588

Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad

315 Railroad Ave

Elkins, WV 26241

Phone: (304) 636-9477

Castaway Caboose

315 Railroad Avenue

Phone: (877) 686-7245

Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad

149 Eagle Drive

Romney, WV 26757

Phone: (304) 424-0736

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

12363 Cass Road

Cass, WV 24927

Phone: (304) 456-4300

Trip Inspiration

These 4 Train Rides Will Leave You Speechless

Explore Almost Heaven in a whole new way during a scenic train ride! Sit back and relax while taking in some of the most beautiful views fro…

The Rail Ride of a Lifetime

There are a lot of ways to experience the 1000-foot deep New River Gorge. Glance from side to side as you drive over its arch bridge, which…

Turn your scenic train trip into a weekend excursion

Everyone loves a train ride, and West Virginia has quite a few of them—each one offering spectacular scenery and a comfortable place to r…

These 7 near-forgotten modes of transportation will whisk you away on a wondrous journey

While many old rail lines in West Virginia have been re-purposed into rail trails, a few of the vintage cars are still steaming down the tra…

Best of November in WV

As crisp fall days slowly creep into winter, the mountains of West Virginia come alive with festive fun. Here are the best events to hol…

The totally last-second guide to a great family vacation in WV

Escape any time with a spontaneous mountain trip the family will never forget. The best vacations are the ones where you stumble across odd…

Happiness Is A Summer Day Trip To This Little-Known Lake In West Virginia

F or me, a perfect summer day includes two things: mountains and water. Give me a West Virginia creek, a West Virginia river, a West Virginia lake! Perhaps that’s why I’m so eager to share with you what I’ve learned about Charles Fork Lake, a beautiful reservoir located near Spencer, West Virginia . Nestled in the rolling hills of Roane County, this serene lake offers visitors like you and me a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking. Anglers will find a variety of fish species in the lake, including walleye, musky, and bass.

Boaters can explore the calm waters and soak up the stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges (only electric trolling motors are permitted on charles fork lake, making this a popular destination for paddlers with their kayaks, paddleboards, and more)., there's also a picnic area and a campground. all in all, it is the perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day by the water., for those who prefer to stay on dry land, there are hiking trails around the lake that offer a chance to admire the local flora and fauna., the charles fork lake outer loop trail, for example, is a moderate seven mile hike that circles the lake. bird watchers will particularly enjoy the diverse bird species that call the area home., charles fork lake also hosts the tour de lake mountain bike race and various fishing tournaments each year..

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful fishing spot, a tranquil paddle on the water, or a scenic hike in nature, Charles Fork Lake near Spencer, West Virginia, has something to offer for everyone . So pack a picnic, grab your fishing gear, and head to this hidden gem in West Virginia for a perfect summer day filled with relaxation and outdoor fun. And tell me, what’s your favorite way to spend a summer day in Almost Heaven, West Virginia?

The post Happiness Is A Summer Day Trip To This Little-Known Lake In West Virginia appeared first on Only In Your State ® .

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7 Day West Virginia Road Trip Itinerary: New River Gorge, Canaan Valley, Spruce Knob, & more!

Last updated on September 30th, 2023

Going on a West Virginia road trip? In this guide we’re sharing a West Virginia road trip itinerary, plus where to stay, when to visit, and more! Until a few months ago, we didn’t know much about West Virginia. And it wasn’t really on our radar of places to visit. But after our plans to visit New England in the fall fell through, we started researching a good Plan B. Our criteria was: lots of hikes, beautiful fall foliage, and ideally, not super busy. We somehow stumbled upon a blog post about West Virginia. And we saw the gorgeous nature in the state and we were sold! We spent about a week going on a West Virginia road trip and stopping in cool small towns, hiking, chasing waterfalls, learning history, seeing mountain views, and freaking out over fall foliage. It was one of the best surprises we have had since hitting the road in our van almost a year and a half ago! We loved how natural and remote West Virginia felt. Most of the roads we drove on were country roads (“ take me homeeee! ”), we didn’t see many people on hikes (well, minus the Dolly Sods 😅), and it felt like everywhere we looked, we saw mountains (they don’t call it the Mountain State for nothin’!).

After sharing our adventures on YouTube , we learned that we weren’t alone in not knowing how epic West Virginia is! So we are especially pumped to share this West Virginia road trip itinerary with some of our favorite stops during our adventures so you can recreate it for yourself! This West Virginia itinerary is for 7 days, which will give you enough time to see most of the spots we visited (and spend more time in some of them), but if you have more time, we’re including some other spots at the end that you should check out as well. We hope you enjoy wild and wonderful West Virginia as much as we did!

Before embarking on your adventure, please review the  Leave No Trace principles  to ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come! These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in!), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 

About West Virginia

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As we mentioned above, West Virginia is nicknamed “The Mountain State” because not only is the state home to many mountains and is the third most forested state, it’s the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain range. With mountains, rivers, lakes, valleys, gorges, small and medium towns, skiing and winter activities, and interesting history, the state is home to about anything you could possibly want, minus maybe a professional sports team and the ocean.  Despite being located within a day’s drive from 75% of the US population, it doesn’t feel crowded or over developed. And you’ll experience much more solitude compared to neighboring states.

This West Virginia road trip route is almost identical to our trip. But with a little bit more time in some places and without one stop that is a bit more out of the way. Want to see our exact trip? Watch our road trip here . While this West Virginia itinerary isn’t an exhaustive list of all of the best things to do in West Virginia, as there are some amazing spots we missed, it is a great starting point if it’s your first time in the state!  In this West Virginia road trip we’re including:

• Blackwater Falls State Park
• Canaan Valley (Read our Canaan Valley guide !)
• Dolly Sods Wilderness
• Seneca Rocks (or our favorite…NROCKS!)
• Spruce Knob
• The New River Gorge

This itinerary is meant to be super modifiable to make the trip perfect for you! We’re including a variety of options for restaurants and activities so you can customize it to fit your tastes and preferences.  And if you have less than 7 days, you can cut down the itinerary to just visit the spots that excite you the most. Have more than 7 days? We’re including a few extra options at the end that you can check out too!

While the weather varies a little bit across the state, West Virginia is a state that you can visit year-round and still have a great time! The winters are cold (but not horrible ) and there are lots of winter activities across the state. Like skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and sledding, which makes the colder weather a lot more fun! You also may have the chance to see frozen waterfalls, which are magical! In the spring , the temperature starts to warm up a bit. Wildflowers will pop out. And the waterfalls will also be especially raging this time of the year due to the snow melting. This is also a quieter time of the year to visit. So if you dislike crowds, this may be a good season to go! During the summer , the temperatures are pretty mild compared to some parts of the United States, but it can be humid. The crowds may also be higher during this part of the year due to summer vacations. But if you want to hike and be out on the water, this would be a great time to visit! We visited in the fall , during the end of September and early October. And not only was the weather incredible, minus a rainy day or two, but we got to see a lot of fall foliage across the state! The peak foliage varies depending on what part of the state you’re in. But the late September to mid-October time frame will give you a chance to see some areas at their most colorful. We didn’t think the crowds were too bad during the fall. But we definitely noticed more people at some of the popular spots and in areas with lots of foliage. This West Virginia road trip itinerary is geared more towards warmer weather activities. Like hiking and rafting instead of snow sports. So to enjoy this itinerary to its fullest, we’d suggest visiting between May and October !

With West Virginia being within a day’s drive to 75% of the US population, it is pretty close to many major cities. However, the state is only home to one major airport, Yeager Airport in Charleston, WV (the state capitol). American Airlines, Delta, United, and Spirit fly in and out of this airport. With non-stop service from Charlotte, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Myrtle Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The Yeager Airport is 2.5 hours from the starting point of this guide. Which is Morgantown, WV, but super convenient to the ending spot of this guide, which is Charleston. So it is a pretty good option if you’re flying into West Virginia! You could also fly into the Morgantown Municipal Airport , which has non-stop flights to Baltimore and Pittsburgh. This would be a convenient airport for the start of your West Virginia road trip. But your flight options will be very limited. If you want more flight options, we’d suggest flying into the Pittsburgh International Airport in Pennsylvania. This is the largest airport nearby and you’d have a higher chance of getting a non-stop flight or a more affordable flight. The Pittsburgh airport is only 1.5 hours from Morgantown, WV, but it is 3.5 hours from Charleston, the ending point of this guide.  Live nearby and want to drive to West Virginia? Here is how long the drive is from some nearby major cities.

• Pittsburgh, PA : 1.5 hours from Morgantown, 3.5 hours from Charleston
• Cleveland, OH : 3 hours 15 minutes from Morgantown, 3 hours 45 minutes from Charleston
• Columbus, OH : 3.5 hours from Morgantown, 2 hours 45 minutes from Charleston
• Washington, DC : 3.5 hours from Morgantown, 5.5 hours from Charleston
• Baltimore, MD: 3.5 hours from Morgantown, 5.5 hours from Charleston
• Cincinnati, OH : 4 hours 45 minutes from Morgantown, 3.5 hours from Charleston
• Richmond, VA : 5 hours from Morgantown, 5 hours from Charleston
• Philadelphia, PA : 5 hours from Morgantown, 7 hours from Charleston
• Lexington, KY : 5 hours from Morgantown, 2 hours 45 minutes from Charleston

To experience all of the best things to do in West Virginia, including the items on this road trip, you’ll definitely want to rent a car if you’re flying in so you can properly explore!  We tried to group the days together on this road trip so some days you’ll drive 1-3 hours and some days you won’t drive at all. But even on the days you do have to drive, the views from the car make it pretty enjoyable!

There are two main areas we would suggest staying while on your West Virginia road trip to limit how often you have to move accommodations: Canaan Valley (Davis & Thomas) and the New River Gorge (Fayetteville) . These two areas are convenient to almost everything on this West Virginia road trip itinerary. So you’ll be able to spend more time adventuring and less time packing and unpacking. We’re listing a variety of accommodations for both areas below. And we will include what area you should stay in each night under each day of the itinerary.

Canaan Valley

From lodges to campgrounds to vacation rentals, there are quite a few options when it comes to where to stay in Canaan Valley. Here is a list of some of the best places to check out for your visit!

Want the comforts of a home, but tucked into nature? The cabins at Blackwater Falls, as well as the neighboring Canaan Valley Resort, offer a mix of cabin types and amenities to choose from! Blackwater Falls State Park Cabins Blackwater Falls State Park is home to 39 fully-furnished cabins. Ranging from classic cabins to vacation cabins, 10 of which are pet friendly. The 26 classic cabins have various room arrangements. And all have water, electricity, a TV, WiFi, kitchens, linen service, and private bathrooms with showers. The 13 vacation cabins have 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, making them great for larger groups. These are a bit higher end and nicer than the classic cabins. And come with a full kitchen and dishwasher, washer and dryer, a gas fireplace, and a porch. Canaan Valley Resort Cabins Canaan Valley Resort also offers cabins and cottages, ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms. All of these cabins or cottages include furnished kitchens, wood burning fireplaces, TV, internet, and even a BBQ grill and fire pit! However, there is no air conditioning in the cabins or cottages, but you will also have access to the other amenities at the resort.  Traveling with your dog? Pets are allowed in 11 of the cabins and cottages for a fee depending on what size room you book.

Canaan Valley is home to two lodges. Which will give you lots of amenities, while still having a rustic, nature-y vibe. Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge is located in the state park, on the southern rim of Blackwater Canyon. The lodge was built in the 1950s and there are 54 rooms, a restaurant on site, fitness center, tennis courts, a game room, and more! While we were not guests at the lodge, we walked inside of the lodge and checked out the views of the canyon from the large back patio! Canaan Valley Resort Lodge This lodge is a much larger and luxurious lodge than Blackwater Falls. With 160 rooms and even nicer amenities, including granite countertops and more room options.  Along with the lush accommodations at the resort, it is also close to some of the top golfing and skiing in the region. The resort is also home to an outdoor pool, which sounds like a nice, relaxing activity after a day full of hiking and adventuring.

Campgrounds

Looking to spend as much time as possible in nature? There are many campgrounds to choose from! Blackwater Falls State Park Campgrounds The campground at Blackwater Falls State Park is open from late April to October 31, weather permitting. There are a total of 65 total tent and trailer sites and 30 of the sites include electric hookups. Normally starting November 1st, the non-electric sites (31-65), as well as the shower house, close, while sites 1-30 stay open. However, the campground is 100% closed for the 2020-2021 winter season. Keep in mind that when booking for Friday and Saturday nights, you must book at least two consecutive nights. Canaan Valley Resort Campground This campground has 34 campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as 3 primitive tent sites. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table, and the campground has shower and laundry facilities, which are open year-round. There is also WiFi, although it may not be strong. Restrite Campground The Restrite Campground is located close to the entrance of the park, in Davis, WV.  This campground has full electric and water hookups for RVs and trailers and they also have tent camping sites. Almost all of the most recent Google reviews say the campground is very well maintained and the bathrooms are nice and very clean. They don’t seem to have a website, but you can reach them at (304) 259-5569 for reservations and more information. Five River Campground The Five River Campground is about a half an hour drive from Blackwater Falls State Park. They have 160 RV and tent sites with full hookups and dump stations. Amenities include hot showers, restrooms, and a laundromat. While the campground is open year-round, the bath house is only open from April until the end of October. Horseshoe Recreation Area This campground is open from mid-May until mid-September and has both RV and tent sites available for $22/night. It’s also located in a valley along the Horseshoe Run River, where you will find great fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities!

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Vacation Rentals

Want something a little more homey and closer to restaurants? Both Davis and Thomas, two cute towns in Canaan Valley, have a handful of vacation rental options to choose from! Davis Adorable Tiny Home: This 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom tiny home is so incredibly unique!! Charming Loft Cabin: A cute 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit that sleeps 4. 2 Bedroom Townhouse : This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath townhouse sleeps 6.  Thomas Tiny Home in Thomas #1 : A beautiful brand new 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom tiny home near the Purple Fiddle in Thomas. Don’t let the tiny home notion scare you away, this place has everything you’ll need, including a gas fireplace, BBQ, deck, and washer/dryer! Tiny Home in Thomas #2 : This tiny home technically has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 4 people! House in the woods: A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with lots of privacy and is only 1 mile from Thomas! 2 bd, 2 bth: A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house right in Thomas

The Billy Motel (Davis): This motel looks SO cool! Bright Morning Inn (Davis) Cooper House Bed & Cocktail (Thomas)

New River Gorge

The best area to stay in the New River Gorge is near Fayetteville, which is in the center of all of the action, has some solid restaurants, and is super charming!

Adventures on the Gorge This spot has a variety of cabins, ranging from small to large, as well as basic to more luxurious, all located right by the New River Gorge! Ace Adventure Resort Ace Raft offers 50 different cabin options, all of which look a bit different from one another!  Their options can sleep anywhere from 3 to 16 people, so they have an option for almost any size group. The property also has a few restaurants and a water park, so you can stay fed and entertained while staying there.

Hawk’s Nest State Park Lodge   This state park, which is right by the New River Gorge, has a 31 room lodge. There is also a restaurant on site, a pool, and mini golf!

New River Gorge Campgrounds The NPS has 9 FREE campgrounds around the New River Gorge. These are all primitive campsites, without water or hookups, and limited restroom facilities. These are all first-come, first-served campgrounds and you can stay up to 14 days. Ace Adventure Resort Ace Adventure Resort also offers campsites in addition to their cabins. There are both tent campsites (starting at $15 per person/night) and RV sites (starting at $49/night). The tent camping is mostly in just an open field, so there is no privacy and not all sites have a table and fire pit. You can also rent tents ($10) and sleeping gear ($5), which is a really cool feature we have never seen at a campground before! American Alpine Club Campground This campsite has 40 private campsites, each with a picnic table and elevated tent platform, which cost $30/night if you are not an American Alpine Club member. They also offer communal campsites, which are in an open area, for $12/night for non members. The campground has coin operated showers, communal fire rings, communal grills, and a climbing wall!

New River Tiny House: A cute tiny home that sleeps 4 and is just minutes away from the river adventures. Newly Built Home: This brand new 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home has a huge deck with a grill! New River Gorge Cabin: A 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom cabin that sleeps 6 and is pet friendly! The Steel Caboose: It’s a train car turned into a house!! There’s 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a kitchenette. Perfect Basecamp: This is a super cute 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom historic home in downtown Fayetteville.

To be honest, not many of the hotels have great reviews, so the options are a bit more limited. But The Histor ic Morris Harvey House Bed & Breakfast is a cool spot with lots of historic charm.

Now that you have a better idea of when to visit West Virginia, your options of how to get there, and where to stay, it’s time to start planning what you’ll do on your West Virginia road trip! In this 7 day itinerary below, we’re sharing some of the best things to do in West Virginia. While this list doesn’t include all of the amazing things you can do in the state, it’s full of tons of the must-see highlights if it’s your first trip. And if you have more than 7 days, we’re including some extra ideas at the end too. Ready to see West Virginia? Let’s hit the road!

Day 1: Morgantown, Coopers Rock, & Local Eats

Day 1 of your West Virginia road trip will kick off in Morgantown, which is probably best known for being home to West Virginia University. You’ll enjoy some scenic views and some iconic local West Virginia foods!

• Start your morning with breakfast in downtown Morgantown! A couple good options are The Grind and Blue Moose Cafe .  
• Raven Rock Trail : 2.5 miles, 433 ft of elevation gain. This super rocky trail leads to an amazing overlook of the river! 
• Coopers Rock State Forest Loop : 4.7 miles, 600 ft of elevation gain. Along this trail you’ll see cool rock formations, an old iron furnace, and a pond. This trail is a series of trails, so we recommend using AllTrails to make sure you don’t get lost!  
• Head to Fairmount , a small town just south of Morgantown to try one or two local food specialities !  
• First up: pepperoni rolls ! If you google iconic foods in West Virginia, pepperoni rolls are pretty much always the first to show up. They are basically just rolls with sticks or slices of pepperoni inside and they originated when Italian immigrants worked in the coal mines. Miners would work long hours, and they needed a filling, simple lunch they could take with them into the mines. And in the 1920s, an Italian coal miner named Giuseppe Argiro noticed his coal miner friends eating a stick of pepperoni in one hand and bread in another, so he married the two and created pepperoni rolls. They became so popular that he quit the coal mines and started Country Club Bakery in Fairmont in 1927. We tried our pepperoni rolls at the original spot, Country Club Bakery , which are pretty simple, just pepperoni and bread, but very tasty! We hear Colasessano’s also has amazing pepperoni rolls, but with sauce and cheese in them too!  
• Next, try a West Virginia hot dog ! Similar to pepperoni rolls, hot dogs also became popular in the 1920s around the time of the Great Depression. Hot dogs were cheap and easy to eat when working in the coal mines. And they are now a staple in the state! In West Virginia there is a specific style of hot dog, which includes mustard, onions, sauce (which is basically chili without beans), and slaw. However, there is a bit of a line across the state when it comes to the slaw. In the north, they do not put slaw on them and the focus is more on the sauce, but in the south they put slaw. Since you’ll be in the north, slaw dogs are less common. But if you want to try the slaw dog, head to Woody’s , where you can ask for slaw on top. If you want to try a dog without slaw, head to Yann’s . This is an iconic local spot that is only open Tuesdays-Fridays from 8:30 AM-1:30 PM (or until sold out) and is known for having some spicy sauce. Don’t ask for ketchup or slaw here, it’s strictly mustard, onions, and sauce. And make sure to get chocolate milk! We preferred these over the slaw dogs.  
• Head to the Canaan Valley , where you’ll call home for the night and start exploring tomorrow!    Where to sleep: Canaan Valley

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Day 2: Canaan Valley- Blackwater Falls, Douglas Falls, & Thomas

On day 2 of your West Virginia road trip you’ll begin to explore the Canaan Valley (pronounced “kuh-nayne”), which is located in Northeastern West Virginia in Tucker County. The valley is nestled among the Allegheny Mountains and is 13 miles long and between 3-5 miles wide, with an average elevation of 3,200 feet. And first up: chasing waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park and the nearby Douglas Falls, as well as exploring the super cute town of Thomas! For a more detailed list of things to do in the Canaan Valley, check out our Canaan Valley guide ! 

• Wake up bright and early to catch sunrise at Lindy Point at Blackwater Falls State Park ! We know this sounds brutal, but it’s SO worth it! This 0.8 mile hike, which is more of a walk through the woods, takes you to a wooden overlook, which has views in both directions of the mountains, canyon, and rock outcroppings, including a 35 ft rock tower, which makes the view extra unique. We loved seeing the sun pop over the mountains and light up the trees. It was magical! A couple notes: You can go around the viewing platform to stand on some of the large rocks that surround the overlook, but please be careful! Also, parking is a bit tight here, with only room for 4-5 cars, but when we went at sunrise we didn’t see anyone the entire time! If you cannot get a spot, you can park in the ski area 1 mile up the road.  
• If you’re hungry after your sunrise adventure, grab breakfast at The Smokehouse at the Blackwater Falls Lodge. They have a breakfast buffet and the lodge has gorgeous views from the back patio too!  
• Go on a quick hike to Elakala Falls , which starts just to the left of Blackwater Falls Lodge. Once getting on the trail, you’ll follow it for a few minutes before reaching a bridge, which goes over the falls. Look over on the right side to get your first sneak peek! Continue on the trail, which will go down some steep dirt and rocky sections, to the base of the falls. From here, you’ll have a cool view of the bridge, with Elakala Falls running underneath and depending on the water flow, you may be able to walk right up to the falls!  
• Visit the park’s namesake, Blackwater Falls ! This is a 57 ft waterfall that depending on when you visit, may be one giant, wide waterfall or a few different streams of falls. The waterfall gets its name from the amber colored water, which is due to tannic acid from fallen hemlocks and red spruce needles. While the falls themselves were very clear looking for us, you can see the tint in the river that the falls land in. You can park at the trading post, which has a lot of parking spots, and take a 0.4 mile trail down a bunch of wooden steps to two different viewpoints of the falls. One of the viewpoints takes you right next to the falls, while the other is a bit higher up, but gives you a more head on view of the falls. Both are beautiful and we highly recommend stopping at both to see these gorgeous falls!  
• Check out the Pendleton Point Overlook , which similar to Lindy Point, has great views of the canyon and river!  
• Head into the cute town of Thomas! Grab coffee at TipTop , which has amazing coffee and a cool vibe. We visited in late September and they had an incredible canned pumpkin latte. If you visit when they have this, you MUST get it! As a pumpkin latte lover, I can truly say it’s the best I have ever had! As you enjoy your coffee, walk around Thomas and visit some of the cool galleries and shops. We especially loved a store called Bloom !  
• Just a 10 minute drive from Thomas is the beautiful Douglas Falls , which was our favorite waterfall of the day! The drive may be quick, but it is on a dirt road, which can be narrow at times. Our van made it just fine though! As you drive down the road, keep an eye out on the left for old coke ovens from the mines that were in the area. A coke oven is what they used to turn coal into coke, which is used as fuel to melt iron ore. These ovens have given the rocks on the river a reddish, orange color, which you’ll notice on your way to the falls. After a little bit more driving, including on an old wooden bridge, you’ll make it to the parking lot for the falls. Continue on foot along the dirt road until you reach a gate. Go to the left around the gate to make it onto the trail. From here, it’s a short, but steep and slick hike down to the falls, but they do have a rope to help you if needed! Once you make it to the bottom of this steep section, you’ve made it to Douglas Falls! The falls are a gorgeous light blue color, almost like the glacial lakes we have seen in Montana and Canada. You can enjoy the view from here, or continue down the path a bit longer to get a different view. It’s very slick though, so be careful!  
• Head back to Thomas to have dinner at the Purple Fiddle ! This is an iconic spot in the area with food and live music! Warning: they are closed Mondays-Wednesdays. Where to sleep: Canaan Valley

Day 3: Canaan Valley- Dolly Sods

You’ll continue exploring Canaan Valley on day 3 of your road trip with a day exploring the Dolly Sods Wilderness ! This wilderness and scenic area sits atop the highest plateau east of the Mississippi and here you’ll find a unique landscape with flagged trees, wind-carved boulders, heath barrens, and grassy meadows. For a more detailed list of things to do in the Canaan Valley, check out our Canaan Valley guide ! 

• Grab a quick coffee and breakfast at Milo’s Cafe and Restaurant in Davis before hitting the road for today’s adventure!  
• Explore the Dolly Sods ! This is a very popular area, so try to arrive early! But it’s popular for a couple reasons. First, the weather and landscape on top resembles northern Canada and second, the Sods, as they are referred to locally, are located along the Eastern Continental Divide. Depending on what side the rain falls, one side drains to rivers and tributaries that flow to the Mississippi eventually to the Gulf of Mexico and on the other the water flows to the Potomac River then to Chesapeake Bay. We loved the endless mountain views, mixed with meadows with colorful red plants and green grass. There are also cool rock formations that pop out of the mountains as well, which just makes the scenery very interesting, beautiful, and unlike anywhere we have been. We’d suggest doing a few hikes! First, visit Bear Rocks Preserve . This is the area we visited and even without leaving the parking area, the views are amazing! (Watch our vlog for more details!) You can either just sit and picnic on the rocks and take in the view, climb around the rocks in the immediate area near the parking lot, or use this as a starting point for longer trails. From Bear Rocks you can hike to quite a few different trails. We’d suggest looking at this map to see what offshoots you want to go on. After exploring Bear Rocks, hike the Red Creek Trail to Lion’s Head trail , which is 6.7 miles round trip and leads you to one of the best views in the Dolly Sods, Lion’s Head rocks! Along this trail you’ll see rivers, forests, and mountain views.  
• Head to Davis for dinner ! We’d suggest going to Sirianni’s for some pizza and Italian food and then grabbing dessert at The Ice Cream Shop ! Want a drink after dinner? Check out Stumptown Ales ! Where to sleep: Canaan Valley

Day 4: Spruce Knob + NROCKs or Seneca Rocks

For day 4 of your West Virginia road trip you’ll continue your drive south to the Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob area, where you have a couple options of things to do, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling!

• Option #1: Climb the NROCKS Via Ferrata ! We did this activity and LOVED IT and couldn’t recommend it enough! Although, it may be a bit scary if you’re afraid of heights (we both survived it though even with our fears). Via Ferrata is Italian for ‘iron path’’ and it’s a climbing route that uses steel cables, rungs or ladders, fixed to the rock. Climbers don’t need any technical equipment or skills and just use a harness with two leashes to avoid the risk of a fall. It originated during the First World War in the Italian Dolomites to help with the movement of troops. There are more than 1,000 via ferratas in the European Alps, with most of them found in Italy and Austria. And a few in the US now too! The NROCKS Via Ferrata costs between $80-$125 a person and lasts 3.5-5 hours. During the climb you gain 1085 feet in elevation, cross a suspension bridge that is 150 feet high and 200 feet long, and reach exposed heights of 280 feet. It was the most thrilling, adventurous, and coolest thing we have ever done. Our guide was so helpful and gave us tons of guidance in any spots where we felt nervous. Not only is the experience itself insanely awesome, but the views are phenomenal! You get to see some pretty crazy rocks, beautiful mountains, and beautiful meadows. We loved it so much! Watch our vlog from our via ferrata adventure to get a better idea of the experience. Although it looks terrifying, we are SO glad we did it and felt safe the entire time. It was such a rewarding feeling to get out of our comfort zone and face our fears!
• Option #2: Hike at Seneca Rocks. For something less scary, hike at Seneca Rocks. Similar to NROCKS, Seneca Rocks is a 900 ft tall thin and tall rock face that juts out of the mountains. A 2.7 mile hike will take you to an observation deck at the top of the rocks. Some people do go past this observation deck, but it can be dangerous, so please proceed with caution. They say the views are just as good from the safe observation deck.  
• After your activity of choice, grab lunch at the Gateway Restaurant . We enjoyed burgers, fries, and pies here after NROCKS and it was actually pretty solid!  
• Drive up to Spruce Knob , the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet! While you can do some hikes in the area, we just drove to the top (which was very windy and steep!) and did the quick loop trail up there, which has amazing views!  
• Hop into the car and head to the New River Gorge! This is about a 3.5 hour drive , but it’ll be super scenic! Where to sleep: New River Gorge

Day 5: New River Gorge

Up next on your West Virginia road trip: the New River Gorge! This is one of the most popular areas in West Virginia and it totally lives up to the hype…it’s GORGEous! The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world and flows north, unlike many other rivers in North America. And the gorge is the longest and deepest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains! This area is home to some of the country’s best whitewater rafting and most popular rock climbing areas, with over 1,400 established routes in the area. But even if those aren’t your preferred activities, there are tons of hikes and other outdoor adventures to go on!

• Kick off your time in the New River with breakfast and coffee at Cathedral Cafe and Bookstore . This is a former church which is now turned into a cafe and bookstore. It’s very pretty inside with gorgeous stained glass windows. It’s located right in the heart of Fayetteville, which is such a neat town. In fact, in 2006 it was listed as one of Budget Travel Magazine’s “Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America.” And much like other towns in West Virginia, Fayetteville boomed because of the coal industry and now is a popular destination as a base camp for the outdoors.  
• Hike to Long Point , which is a 2.9 mile trail with 344 feet of elevation gain to a rocky overlook of the New River Gorge and bridge, as well as the surrounding mountains. It’s an amazing spot! Even in the rain, like during our visit 🙂  
• Visit the different overlooks of the New River Gorge Bridge at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. This bridge, which is an iconic sight in the area, is really cool! The arch of the bridge is 1,700 feet long, making it the longest steel arch in the Western hemisphere. The bridge, which is 3,030 feet long total, is the 4th longest single-span arch bridge in the world and the second highest bridge in the United States, at 876 feet above the water! It also reduced a steep, windy 45 minute drive down and across the gorge into a less than a minute drive, which is wild! From the visitor center, you can take a staired boardwalk down to two different overlooks, one which is just a short walk down steps from the visitor center, while the lower overlook is 178 steps to the bottom. We highly recommend the lower overlook! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do the Bridge Walk, but we will share more about that on day 6! There is also an annual event at the bridge called Bridge Day, which is held every third Saturday in October since 1980. During this event, daredevils descend upon the Gorge Bridge to celebrate the bridge and about 400 people base jump(!!!) from the bridge, while others rappel and bungee jump off of it! On this day, the bridge is closed to everyone but pedestrians and around 100,000 people visit every year. We would’ve loved to have seen this!  
• Hit the trails again by hiking the Endless Wall trail ! This is a 2.3 mile hike with 288 feet of elevation gain and has amazing views of the river, gorge, and mountains from Diamond Point. And there are some optional ladders you can climb as well. It gets busy and parking can be tough, so be prepared to wait for a spot if you come on a weekend.  
• After a day of exploring, head back to Fayetteville to grab dinner at Pies & Pints ! They have a bunch of unique pizza combinations and we got a bit more adventurous than usual and tried the grape and gorgonzola! The combination of the pungent gorgonzola with the sweet tartness of the grape makes a perfect combo on a pizza. We also got a classic margarita and it was super tasty too! We did get these on gluten-free crusts, so it wasn’t the full experience, but it was one of the best gluten-free pizzas we have ever had! Where to sleep: New River Gorge

Day 6: New River Gorge

On day 6, you’ll continue exploring the New River Gorge! There is so much to do here, so we’re including quite a few options for this day so you can choose what excites you the most!

• Have breakfast and coffee at Wood Iron Eatery . This coffee shop is in an old building tucked a bit behind the main street in Fayetteville. It’s a really cool spot and the Spanish latte is SO GOOD!  
• Spend the rest of the morning doing one or a mix of the following activities!

Option #1: Go rafting!

The New River Gorge, especially during Gauley season, which is the first weekend after Labor Day and continues for six weekends, is the prime time to go rafting in the area. There are quite a few rafting companies, as well as tour options, but we’d suggest looking into Ace Adventure Resort or Adventures on the Gorge !

Option #2: Do the Bridge Walk!

The Bridge Walk is a 2-3 hour experience where you get to walk on a 24” wide catwalk, which rests 25 feet under the New River Gorge bridge, across the entire 3,030 foot length of the bridge.

Option #3: See old coal mines!

West Virginia has a ton of coal mining history and the New River Gorge is home to two mines you can go explore by foot! The first is the Kaymoor Mine , which is 1.6 miles and 869 feet of elevation gain , and takes you to an old mine building and even a waterfall! Another option is to hike the Headhouse trail to the Nuttallburg mines . This is a 1.3 mile trail and 393 feet of elevation gain . We hear it’s a bit strenuous!

Option #4: Babcock State Park

Babcock State Park has a really cool old grist mill that makes for some gorgeous photos, especially in the fall. There are also hikes you can do in this state park including:

• Skyline, Rocky, and Narrow Gauge Loop : This hike is 3.9 miles and 692 feet of elevation gain. You get to cross a cool bridge over a river and there is a nice view of the mountains and river!
• Island in the Sky : At only 0.7 miles and 154 feet of elevation gain, this is an easy hike with some cool rock features and a ladder you can climb!

Option #5: Grandview Overlook 

Continue driving around the New River Gorge area and make a stop at the Grandview Overlook , which is a quick drive from a parking lot, but there are also trails you can explore too if you have time!

• Head back to Fayetteville for dinner ! Our #1 pick would be the  Secret Sandwich Society . Don’t tell anybody about it…it’s a secret! Try as you might, if you eat here you’re going to want to tell everyone, it is so dang good! We were so sad to learn that their building got 2020-ed and burned down, but they plan to rebuild it so keep an eye out for it! 

But until it reopens, we’d suggest eating at Wanderlust Creativefoods , which is Southeast Asian food (closed Sundays and Wednesdays). Where to sleep: New River Gorge

Day 7: Charleston

For your final day on your West Virginia road trip, explore the capital city of Charleston! This is a cool little city with lots of awesome local shops, a market, and a unique tour nearby!

• Head to Charleston from the New River Gorge. On the way, stop by Tudor’s Biscuit World for a quick breakfast! This spot is a MUST in West Virginia and we feel bad making you wait until your last day to try it because it’s so good and you’ll want more! (We may be overhyping it, but Adam still talks about it!) It isn’t fancy, but the biscuits are really good, especially for a chain, fast-food type spot. And the biscuit sandwiches are all named after West Virginia sports teams, which is pretty fun. Adam got the Huggie Bear, which is named after the WVU basketball coach, and it was delicious!  
• Make the hour drive to Charleston , the state’s capital city. Once you get there, we suggest going straight to the Capitol Market , which is an indoor and outdoor market with meat, produce, coffee, wine, beer, cheese, chocolates, and much more! We loved checking out the locally made food and gifts!  
• While you’re at Capitol Market, grab coffee at Mea Cuppa , which is in the indoor part of the market.  
• Taylor Books : This bookstore on Capitol Street has been an independent bookstore, cafe, and coffee shop since 1995.
• Buck & Bette : We loved this little store! They had home goods, puzzles, clothes, local West Virginia items, and other fun gifts.
• Capitol : West Virginia has one of the more beautiful and intricate capitol buildings we have come across so far! It is built of more than 700 train carloads of limestone and 4,640 tons of steel! The dome is 293 feet tall, which is 5 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building, and is gilded in 3 ⅜ inch 23 ½ karat gold leaflets.
• While downtown, grab lunch at Chow Thai !  
• It wouldn’t be an Adventures of A+K guide without ice cream , so go get some scoops from Ellen’s Homemade Ice Cream . Their flavors do change sometimes, but we loved the Pawpaw flavor, which is only available seasonally. Pawpaw is an oblong, greenish brown or yellow fruit that has a sweet, custard-like flavor similar to that of a banana mixed with mango. It’s native to the area and makes a dang good ice cream flavor!  
• Base Camp Printing Co. : Visit this letterpress shop for tons of beautiful and fun cards, postcards, stickers, and lots of other gifts.
• Kin Ship Goods : This cool little home goods and clothing store has some great gifts! 
• If you have time, take a tour of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works , a salt farm! This salt farm produces all-natural salt from the ancient Iapetus Ocean, which lies under the Appalachian Mountains, by using hand made tools and the power of the Earth to harvest and process the salt. It sounds crazy, we know, but it’s true! In 1817, the owner’s ancestors first drilled for brine by using a hollowed-out tree trunk for piping. And by the 1850s, the Kanawha Valley became the largest salt producing region in the US, producing more than three million bushels of salt per year. It even won an award for “The Best Salt in The World” at the World’s Fair in London in 1851.  They offer free tours from 10 AM-4 PM between Monday-Saturday, so we’d highly suggest stopping by to see something a little different! Even if you can’t make it to the property, it is fascinating to learn about them and if you want to try the salt, you can order it online. They also have another online store called Appalachian Mercantile that is a curated market of many other high quality food and goods they have discovered across the Appalachia.  
• For dinner , head to Black Sheep Burrito and Brews (closes early on Sundays, FYI!) for some unique burritos! Where to sleep: We’d suggest grabbing a hotel or vacation rental in Charleston or continuing on to wherever your road trip takes you next!

There are so many things to do in West Virginia and we wish we could’ve squeezed it all into 7 days! But if you have some extra time, or want to swap out some of the activities above, here are a few extra ideas of things to do in West Virginia!

Harpers Ferry

We visited Harpers Ferry and loved it, but we didn’t include this in the main itinerary since it’s a bit out of the way from the other stops. If you wanted to add this on to your road trip, it would make the most sense to do between days 3 and 4.

About Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is the easternmost town in the state and is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. If you’re interested in history and seeing really old buildings, by American standards, Harpers Ferry is a great place to check out! Once an important site during the Civil War, it still has around 100 historic structures to explore.  The town is maybe most notable for John Brown’s raid where Brown and some others took over the federal armory, arsenal, and rifle factory, and wanted to use the weapons in there to start a large slave revolt that would grow south. Today, the town is also referred to as the ‘psychological’ midpoint of the Appalachian Trail. The physical midpoint is a bit farther north. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s headquarters is also here in Harpers Ferry. It costs $20 to visit Harpers Ferry, as it’s managed by the National Park Service. However, we highly recommend getting the America the Beautiful pass , which is $80 per year and will get you into any National Park, monument, or forest for free.

Things to do in Harpers Ferry

• Hike to the Maryland Heights Overlook ! This 4.3 mile trail gains 1,036 ft in elevation , but takes you up to an amazing overlook of the town of Harpers Ferry. We did this hike for sunrise and even though it was super cloudy, the views were amazing! Note: you start this hike by the train station in Harpers Ferry and cross the bridge into Maryland.
• Visit the Point , which is where you can see the confluence of the rivers and the states of Maryland and Virginia.
• Hike the Loudoun Heights trail , which is 6 miles and 1,482 feet of elevation gain. It has a similar view to Maryland Heights, but a different perspective.
• Take the quick walk up to Jefferson Rock , which is a rock that now sits on top of pillars, with views of the river and mountains. When Thomas Jefferson was here in October 1783, he said “this scene is worth a voyage across the Atlantic.”  To get here, take the steps up towards St. Peter’s Catholic Church and then continue on the steps for a little longer. The rock will be on your left! Walk around! There are so many cool buildings to see, little museums to walk through, and windows to peek into. The entire town is historic and beautiful!

Where to eat in Harpers Ferry

• Battle Grounds Bakery & Coffee : Great sandwiches and outdoor seating! We ate here and really enjoyed it.
• Kelley Farm Kitchen : A vegan spot with great food!
• The Canal House Cafe : Sustainably sourced American food in an 1820s stone house. Old Fireman’s BBQ and Catering Co : A BBQ joint in an old train car.

Summersville Lake

Summersville Lake is close to the New River Gorge, so it makes for a great stop before, during, or after if you have time! We didn’t personally visit Summersville Lake, but it looks gorgeous!  Summersville Lake is the largest lake in West Virginia and features a rugged coastline, lots of hiking, and other fun water activities.

Things to do at Summersville Lake

• Hike Long Point Trail to Long Point (a different Long Point than in the New River Gorge). This 3.9 mile trail is relatively flat and has great lake views and looks like a nice spot for a little picnic on the lake!
• The Patterson Trail is an easy 2 mile loop trail at the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, which is an important Civil War battlefield and one of the oldest state parks in the United States. This trail skirts the battlefield and features several overlooks of the river and valley below.
• The Summersville Lake via Orange Oswald is a 2.4 mile flat trail that leads you out to a water level view and a stroll of the Gauley River.
• Rent a boat and hit the water!

Greenbrier is a resort located between Spruce Knob and New River Gorge, so it would be a good stop between day 4 and 5 of this West Virginia road trip. Known as ‘America’s Resort’, The Greenbrier has been around in one form or another since 1778. It has an important link to America’s history, so much so that 26 Presidents have stayed here with the most recent being Dwight D. Eisenhower. If you’re looking for luxury and relaxation this looks to be a nice spot. Here they have everything you need including a spa, golf course, dining, a casino, and more. There have been a few iterations of the resort, with the most current being built in 1913. One interesting feature of the resort is the bunker that was built in the 1950s in case there was a fallout from a nuclear holocaust. Although it was never used, it was stocked with supplies and necessities for over 30 years and was built to protect Congress and other important government figures.

West Virginia Penitentiary 

The West Virginia Penitentiary is located 1.5 hours northwest of Morgantown, right by the Ohio border. This spot would make the most sense to visit when you’re near Morgantown. The West Virginia Penitentiary was built in the 1860s and is a castle-like stone structure with turrets and battlements. Once a working penitentiary, it is now a tourist stop in Moundsville, WV. While there, you can go on a day tour, paranormal investigation, do an escape room adventure, and if you’re really adventurous and are in desperate need of a place to sleep, you can even stay the night in the old penitentiary. Which sounds pretty creepy and cool!

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4 thoughts on “ 7 day west virginia road trip itinerary: new river gorge, canaan valley, spruce knob, & more ”.

Just happened to find your blog today! I live in Fairmont WV and love my native state! I smiled as I read through your itinerary and would have taken you to many of those same places! We have three kids and love our state- hitting the roads and working through each state park to share nature and adventures with our kids! How fun for you all! Job well done! Come back anytime!

Hi Lorrie! Thank you so much for reading! We loved West Virginia so much (what a gorgeous state!) and we hope that we can encourage others to visit and see its beauty!

Thank you for these suggestions! My husband and I are heading that way from Illinois this Spring. I’ve also watched your YouTube and enjoy watching you travel! Such a fun couple! Many of these sites are on our bucket list! These guide’s with be very helpful.

Thank you so much for watching and reading! We hope you have a great trip!

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NCAA Baseball: NC State looks to gain spot at College World Series

UNC and NC State are looking to punch their ticket to the 2024 College World Series

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WTVD) -- NC State is hoping to extend its baseball season with a second victory in the Super Regional round of the 2024 NCAA Baseball Championship.

North Carolina took on West Virginia winning 2-1 final. The team is headed to its first College World Series since 2018.

NC State will play in Athens against Georgia in a third-round deciding game on Monday after NC State was defeated in the second round on Sunday.

HOW TO WATCH: Television, streaming information for the upcoming games

Key Headlines

• Jun 09, 2024, 7:59 PM GMT Georgia blasts NC State to force deciding game in Super Regional
• Jun 09, 2024, 3:52 AM GMT Honeycutt delivers again as North Carolina sweeps West Virginia to grab spot in College World Series
• Jun 08, 2024, 8:16 PM GMT NC State beats Georgia 18-1 at Athens Super Regional

Georgia blasts NC State to force deciding game in Super Regional

Freshman Tre Phelps drove in four runs, Leighton Finley took a shutout into the seventh inning and Georgia got even with NC State, defeating the Wolfpack 11-2 at the Athens Super Regional on Sunday.

After NC State's stunning 18-1 victory on Saturday, the Bulldogs (43-16) bounced back and tied the best-of-three series at a game apiece. Game 3 will take place on Monday, with the winner advancing to the College World Series.

In Game 2, Slate Alford hit a two-run home run in the first inning and Phelps went deep over the batter's eye in center field for three runs in the third. Phelps picked up another RBI when he was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded during Georgia's three-run fourth inning. Earlier in the fourth, Kolby Branch doubled for one run and Corey Collins had an RBI-groundout.

Paul Toetz homered in the sixth, Fernando Gonzalez added an RBI-single in the seventh and Collins belted a solo home run in the eighth for the Bulldogs.

Finley scattered five hits through the first six innings but got into trouble in the seventh when he allowed two singles, an RBI groundout, and another single. Brian Zendin entered with two out and two men on base but induced a popup to get out of the jam.

Finley (6-1) went 6 2/3 innings on the mound, allowing one run and eight hits. Zendin finished, allowing only Jacob Cozart's eighth-inning home run.

Dominic Fritton (3-6) took the loss after giving up seven runs and seven hits in three-plus innings for the Wolfpack (37-21).

Honeycutt delivers again as North Carolina sweeps West Virginia to grab spot in College World Series

Vance Honeycutt hit a home run on the game's first pitch after ending the opener of the best-of-three series with a walk-off two-run shot, and North Carolina held off West Virginia 2-1 on Saturday night, sweeping the best-of-three Chapel Hill Super Regional and grabbing a berth in the College World Series.

North Carolina (47-14) will play in its 12th CWS looking to win it for the first time. The Tar Heels finished second in back-to-back seasons, losing both times to the Oregon State Beavers in 2006-07. North Carolina, Florida State and Virginia have clinched berths in the Series with five spots still up for grabs.

Honeycutt, who homered in the ninth inning of the Tar Heels' 8-6 victory in the opener, homered off West Virginia starter Tyler Switalski leading off the game. Honeycutt's home run was his school-record 26th of the season, moving him one past the single-season record he set two seasons ago. It was also the school-record 63rd of his career.

The Tar Heels scored their final run on three singles in the third. Honeycutt got it started when he bunted with two away and beat it out. Casey Cook followed with a base hit up the middle to put runners at the corners and Parks Harber plated Honeycutt with a single through the left side of the infield for what proved to be the winning run.

The Mountaineers scored their lone run in the bottom of the seventh. Reed Chumley singled with one out, took second on a two-out walk to Spencer Barnett and raced home on a Kyle West single through the left side.

West Virginia (36-24), which advanced to the first super regional in school history, loaded the bases against Tar Heels reliever Dalton Pence with two outs in the ninth, but Ben Lumsden was retired on a groundout to end the game and earn Pence his eighth save of the season.

Jason Decaro (6-1) pitched 6 1/3 innings in a start for North Carolina to get the win, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out five. Pence yielded two hits and three walks in pitching the final 2 2/3 innings.

Switalski (5-3) took the loss for the Mountaineers. He gave up two runs on five hits and a walk with four strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.

The game turned out to be the last for West Virginia (36-24) head coach Randy Mazey, who announced he would step down after the season and turn the reins over to longtime associate head coach Steve Sabins. Mazey retires with a 541-424-2 record with head coaching stops at Charleston Southern (1994-96) and East Carolina (2003-05) before taking the job with the Mountaineers in 2013. Mazey won conference coach-of-the-year honors in the Big South and Conference USA before earning the award in the Big 12 in 2019 and last season.

NC State beats Georgia 18-1 at Athens Super Regional

Noah Soles had two doubles and five RBIs in N.C. State's 11-run second inning and the Wolfpack routed Georgia 18-1 on Saturday in Game 1 of the best-of-three Athens Super Regional.

Luke Nixon and Matt Heavner had back-to-back bunt singles in the top of the second inning, the former to drive in Brandon Butterworth and open the scoring and the latter to load the bases with nobody out. Soles followed with a three-RBI double down the line in right and Eli Serrano III hit the next pitch over the wall in right center. Butterworth added an RBI single before Nixon and Soles each hit two-RBI doubles to give No. 10 seed N.C. State (37-20) an 11-0 lead.

Sam Highfill (7-2) gave up a run on four hits and three walks over six innings to earn the win for the Wolfpack. Andrew Shaffner pitched three scoreless innings of no-hit relief for his first save of the season.

N.C. State can clinch a berth in the College World Series with a win Sunday in Game 2. The Wolfpack have made three appearances at the CWS, the most recent in 2021.

Corey Collins singled to right in the bottom of the fifth for seventh-seeded Georgia (42-16) to make it 13-1.

RECAP: Honeycutt homer walks it off for UNC against West Virginia in super regional

Luke Stevenson homered leading off the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game, Vance Honeycutt followed with a two-out, two-run shot and No. 4 national seed North Carolina rallied behind three no-hit innings from reliever Matt Poston to beat West Virginia 8-6 on Friday night in the opener the Chapel Hill Super Regional.

North Carolina (46-14) can wrap up the best-of-three series and earn a spot in its 12th College World Series with a victory on Saturday. West Virginia (36-23), playing this far in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in school history, must win twice to advance to its first CWS.

Kyle West, who homered in the third to drive in West Virginia's first run, added a two-out run-scoring single in the fourth to get the Mountaineers within 4-2.

Reed Chumley homered after Sam White reached on an error leading off the sixth and West followed with a two-run shot to give West Virginia a 6-4 lead. West is the third Mountaineer in school history to hit two home runs in a postseason game. Chumley's homer was his team-high 16th.

Colby Wilkerson, the No. 9 batter in the order, hit a one-out solo shot in the seventh to get the Tar Heels within a run.

Honeycutt's home run was his 25th of the season and the 62nd of his career, a school record.

Derek Clark (8-3) nearly went the distance for West Virginia. He left with one out in the ninth and a runner on first after throwing 144 pitches. Aidan Major surrendered Honeycutt's homer after striking out Wilkerson for the second out.

Poston (5-2) retired all nine batters he faced, striking out four. North Carolina improves to 36-3 at home this season.

North Carolina has made 11 CWS appearances but never won it. The Tar Heels were the runners-up to Oregon State twice, in 2006 and '07.

The Associated Press contributed.

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Biden honors US war dead with cemetery visit ending French trip

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Biden honors US war dead with a cemetery visit ending a French trip that served as a rebuke to Trump

BELLEAU, France (AP) — President  Joe Biden  closed out his trip to France by paying his respects at an American military cemetery that Donald Trump notably skipped when he was president, hoping his final stop Sunday helped draw the stakes of the  November election  in stark relief.

Before returning to the United States, Biden honored America’s war dead at the  Aisne-Marne American Cemetery  about an hour outside Paris. He placed a wreath at the cemetery chapel before an expanse of white headstones marking the final resting place of more than 2,200 U.S. soldiers who fought in World War I.

It was a solemn end to five days in which Trump was an unspoken yet unavoidable presence. On the surface, the trip marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day and celebrated the alliance between the United States and France. But during an election year when Trump has called into question fundamental understandings about America’s global role, Biden has embraced his Republican predecessor — and would-be successor — as a latent foil.

Every ode to  the transatlantic partnership  was a reminder that Trump could upend those relationships.  Each reference to democracy  stood a counterpoint to his rival’s efforts to overturn a presidential election. The myriad exhortations  to help Ukraine defend itself  against Russia created a contrast with Trump’s skepticism about providing U.S. assistance.

Biden’s paeans to the struggle between democracy and autocracy drew plaudits in Europe, where the prospect of a return to Trump’s turbulent reign has sparked no shortage of anxiety. But it remains to be seen how the message will resonate with American voters, as Biden’s campaign struggles to connect the dire warnings the Democratic president so often delivers about his rival with people’s daily concerns.

The visit to the cemetery served as a moment to underscore the contrast once more.

“It’s the same story,” Biden said. “America showed up. America showed up to stop the Germans. America showed up to make sure that they did not prevail. And America shows up when we’re needed just like our allies show for us.”

During a 2018 trip to France, Trump skipped plans to go to the cemetery, a decision that the White House  blamed on weather  at the time. However,  subsequent reports  said that Trump told aides he didn’t want to go because he viewed the dead soldiers as “suckers” and “losers.” Trump has denied the comments, although they were later corroborated by his chief of staff at the time, John Kelly.

Trump’s purported insults have become a regular feature of Biden’s campaign speeches, including during  an April rally in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

“These soldiers were heroes, just as every American who has served this nation,” Biden said. “Believing otherwise, that alone is disqualifying for someone to seek this office.”

Biden ignored a direct question about Trump at the cemetery but said it was important to visit the hallowed ground. “The idea that I would come to Normandy and not make the short trip here to pay tribute,” he added, his voice trailing off as if to express disbelief.

Trump, at a campaign rally in Las Vegas, said Sunday after Biden had left France that the president’s performance overseas was “terrible” and embarrassing, though Trump did not cite anything in particular. “This is not a representative for what used to be the greatest country,” he told his supporters, adding that under Biden “we are a nation in major decline and we’re going to stop it immediately.”

Maura Sullivan, a former Marine officer who served on the American Battle Monuments Commission under President Barack Obama, said Biden’s visit would “set the example, and do what a president should do.” Now an official with the New Hampshire Democratic Party, Sullivan said that “voters can draw their own conclusions” from that.

Biden’s trip was full of emotional moments, and the president grew heavy-eyed after meeting with World War II veterans. A 21-gun salute cast eerie smoke over 9,388 white marble headstones at the Normandy American Cemetery.

“This has been the most remarkable trip that I’ve ever made,” Biden said on Saturday night, his last in Paris before returning to the U.S.

At Aisne-Marne, Biden said the trip “surprised me how much it awakened my sense of why it’s so valuable to have these alliances. Why it’s so critical. That’s the way you stop wars, not start wars.”

His remarks over the last few days were also freighted with political overtones.

On Thursday at Normandy anniversary ceremonies, Biden said D-Day served a reminder that alliances make the United States stronger, calling it “a lesson that I pray we Americans never forget.” He also highlighted how the war effort drew on immigrants, women and people of color who were too often overlooked by history.

Then on Friday, he went to Pointe du Hoc, a spot on the coast where Army Rangers scaled cliffs to overcome Nazi defenses on D-Day that was also the site in 1984 of one of President Ronald Reagan’s most memorable speeches about the struggles between the West and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

By following in an iconic Republican’s footsteps, Biden honed his appeal to traditional conservatives who are often frustrated by Trump’s isolationist vision. Biden issued a call for Americans to protect democracy like the Rangers who scaled the cliffs, a message that synced with campaign rhetoric that paints his election opponent as an existential threat to U.S. values.

While Biden was in France, his campaign announced that it had hired the onetime chief of staff to former Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger to lead outreach to GOP voters. Kinzinger clashed with Trump’s foreign policy and efforts to overturn the last presidential election.

At Pointe du Hoc, Biden said the Army Rangers “fought to vanquish a hateful ideology in the ‘30s and ‘40s. Does anyone doubt they wouldn’t move heaven and earth to vanquish hateful ideologies of today?”

Trump has argued that the U.S. needs to devote more attention to its own problems and less to foreign alliances and entanglements. He has also routinely played down the importance of American partnerships, suggesting the U.S. could abandon its treaty commitments to defend European allies if they don’t pay enough for their own defenses.

Douglas Brinkley, a presidential historian who wrote a book about Pointe du Hoc and Reagan’s speech, said Biden “had big shoes to step into” by choosing the same location.

Biden’s speech “didn’t equal Reagan’s in grandeur, nor could it,” Brinkley said. Still, he said Biden “said the right words about why democracy matters.”

Paul Begala, a veteran Democratic strategist, said it could help Biden politically “to stand where Reagan stood.”

He noted that Biden is struggling with younger voters but appears to be gaining strength among older ones who may be more receptive to reminders of Reagan’s speech four decades ago.

“He needs a lot of Reagan Republicans to offset his challenges with younger voters,” he said.

Biden’s trip was also punctuated by the pomp of a state visit in Paris.

French President Emmanuel Macron arranged a ceremony at the Arc du Triomphe, where four fighter jets flew overhead, and hosted a banquet at the Elysee presidential palace.

“United we stand, divided we fall,” Macron said in toasting Biden. “Allied we are, and allied we will stay.”

Overall, Biden’s visit had a slower pace than other foreign trips. The 81-year-old president had no public events on his first day in Paris after arriving on an overnight flight, and didn’t hold a press conference with reporters, as is customary. John Kirby, a national security spokesman, said that was necessary to prepare “in advance of the weighty engagements” during subsequent days.

“There’s a lot on the calendar,” he said.

Still, it was a contrast to Macron’s tendency to offer prestigious guests an intense schedule with a mix of official meetings, business talks, cultural events and private dinners at fancy restaurants.

When the 46-year-old French leader hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, the two-day agenda was crammed with activities including a trip to the Pyrenees Mountains near the border with Spain where Macron spent time as a child.

Associated Press writer Jonathan J. Cooper in Las Vegas and Sylvie Corbet contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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11 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In West Virginia

Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.

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Summer is the time to explore West Virginia, and there are plenty of places to see! Hop in the car with your loved ones and take these 11 best West Virginia day trips to make some great memories.

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Summer day trips in west virginia.

I’m looking for romantic getaway spots near me. Do you have any suggestions?

Oooh, yes! And if you like wine as well, you’re in for a real treat at Lambert's Vintage Wines in Weston. In addition to producing some of the best wines in the state, they offer wine tours and sell wine-related accoutrement and crafts. If you want to camp, they offer full hook-up campsites but for a romantic getaway I’d suggest making a reservation for their one-bedroom cabin! Thoughtfully situated to overlook to grounds it features a fully stocked kitchenette, central air conditioning and heating, an electric fireplace, an outdoor grill, and back deck.

What are some kid-friendly museums to visit this summer?

Actually there are quite a few dotted all over the state. In Wheeling you’ll find the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum , which is loaded with hands-on interactive exhibits. The Heritage Farm Museum & Village in Huntington encompasses almost a dozen historic structures, each providing a different perspective on West Virginia life from 1850 to 1950. And the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia in Beckley focuses on the history of the coal mining industry in that part of the state and further afield.

There are so many unique things to do around Charleston. Do you have a favorite?

It would be hard to choose just one favorite, but I am partial to the J. Q. Dickinson Salt Works in Malden, which is just a short 11 minute drive from downtown. The tour here is great and the history of the seven generations of family members behind it is fascinating. After touring the grounds, be sure to spend some time in the gift shop which offers a wide array of salt-inspired products.

What activities are there in the Monongahela National Forest?

The Monongahela National Forest is one of the most magical places in West Virginia, if not in the entire United States. Established in 1920, the forest—which at its highest is approximately 4,863 feet above sea level, is brimming with a profusion of plant life, and diverse wildlife. It is also recognized as one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the country. While here you can enjoy swimming, hiking, scenic vistas, and picnicking, just to name a few activities.

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