Top Attractions & Places to Visit in West Virginia
Its mountain-side landscape is dotted with dense forests and flowing rivers that provide a safe place to hike, camp caving, climbing, kayaking, boating and fishing. Throughout the winter, ski resorts offer several snowsports options. Active visitors cannot leave this place empty.
01. Grandview State Park (now part of New River Gorge NP)
Grand View State Park is 1,400 feet above the river and offers a variety of scenic views of the State. Visitor will have access to the Overlook to view the impressive heritage. The active railroad and the town of Quinnimont are easily visible here, where coal was transported from the gorge in 1873.
Another impressive feature are catsawba rhodydendrons blooming at Grandview. The catawab rhododendron flowers in May and the white rhododendron flowers at the end of June.
02. New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge does not have an obvious importance. The building has been regarded as an enormous architectural achievement as of 1977. The bridge cost approximately 38 million and required 222,000 tonnes of structural steel for its installation. It is a landmark bridge today.
The 876-foot bridge provides stunning views over the surrounding Appalachian Mountains and is considered the most photographed spot in West Virginia. Visitors can be securely attached to the safety wire, enabling a safe and fun 2- 3-hour bridge walking tour. The place is definitely worth visiting in West Virginia!
03. Snowshoe Mountain
For Wintersport enthusiasts West Virginia offers an ideal location during the winter months. Thousands of travelers plan on visiting Snowshoe Mountain – the best known resort of West Virginia – in winter and summer. There are 60 slopes developed by Olympic skiers for a world-class skiing experience for all.
Unlike other skiing places the snowshoer is situated above the mountain's tops. Snowshoe Mountain is a name given for the Resort. It is situated in the Allegheny Mountains which receive very much snow so it is ideal. Winter offers a number of winter sports. This is a ski route that can be taken in all ski areas but offers a course in beginner skiing as well.
04. Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort
Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort in Pocahontas County is a great location in the state. The resort's territory offers 3 excellent ski regions, over 60 trails and 4 bike paths which allow guests to take part in many enjoyable activities such as tubing, skiing and swimming.
Regardless of what season you travel to Snowshoer you have lots of amazing things to do! You can also enjoy offroad excursions on a 4-seat Polaris vehicle in the Snowy Mountains. Enjoy an incredible spa with massage, or enjoy good food at a neighborhood restaurant. Try wine at home.
05. The Greenbrier: White Sulphur Springs
Provided by the Greenbrier County CV B. Greenbrier served as the hospital for wounded soldiers during the Civil War and the Second World War. In 1778 the place was renamed the Americas Resort and in its first years wealthy Southman, celebrities, US President et even royalty stayed there.
You need to stay overnight at the luxurious resort (and not just an elite hotel - guide tours are offered) but stay in upscale accommodation ranging from an upscale guest room to a full itinerary.
06. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Visiting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a great experience for anyone looking to go back in time while exploring its rich heritage. This is one of West Virginia's many cultural attractions that has something for everyone.
You can stroll the ancient village which is located in the National Park as well as enjoy the spectacular surroundings. This is a great choice for nature lovers and those interested in the historical side.
07. Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs is another wonderful city in West Virginia, which offers great sightseeing possibilities in its own way. The park in Berkeley Springs focuses on the city's mineral waters and spas.
Spring is 78 degrees and it has a natural cure ability. This is popular among patients with stomach problems. The park has many bathhouses where guests can enjoy spa treatments and massage services.
08. Monongahela National Forest and Seneca Rocks
The Monongahele national forests have an elevation of up to 4,863 feet above sea level and have beautiful views. Its more than 9,000 acres of diverse land and water provide a unique and diverse forest ecosystem that has over 225 bird species, 775 species of plants, and 70 fish species. Approximately 100k acres are protected as Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area offering the finest traditional multipitch technical climbing on the East Coast.
09. Mothman Museum: Point Pleasant
Casablanca Tourism Board. In 1966, two cemetery diggers in Clendenin, West Virginia, reported seeing strange eyes. Shortly afterwards residents of the area made similar allegations with some blaming massive creatures nicknamed "Mothman" for the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse, which killed 46 people.
This strange story attracted Hollywood (resulting in the movie "The Matman Prophecies" adapted from another book with the same name) and inspired the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, where the Mothman lived.
10. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum
One unique attraction in WV is Beckley Exposition Coal Mine. During your coal mining tour you can see the underground mining site and visit one of the oldest mining sites. The interactive history tours will give you some real world experiences as the mining entrepreneur.
Riding through old mine passages is an unforgettable experience. This tour is led in particular by veteran coal miners whose stories tell their personal story and their responsibilities to miners. After visiting Mine, you can visit the Youth Museum which offers interactive educational programs for children.
11. Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg
Courtesy of Greenbrier Valley CV B. Explore the stalactites in the Lost World Caverns, the largest of its kind in Western Virginia. Located on the edge of the park. Selfguided trips typically take 4.5 hours and are suitable for children and adults, while the wild cave tour is designed specifically for young adults. Originally discovered in 1942, this attraction has an extensive museum and gift shop.
12. Green Bank Observatory
West Virginia provides an excellent place for a view from outside space with low inference and pollution. This is an excellent place for observing and researching space activities but it has also become an enjoyable way for young children to learn about astronomy. Green Bank Observatory started operation in Green Bank in 1956 but did not operate in 1958.
Its headquarters is currently the National Radio Astronomical Observatory but operates in its current form independently. It has several radio telescopes to analyze radiation transmitted by radio waves on Earth. The Green Bank telescope is the largest fully steerable satellite telescope on Earth with 300ft.
13. West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center
The free activities in West Virginia include a visit to the Charleston State Museum for cultural history, art, paleontology, archaeology and geology. Among the 60,000 artefacts on display are two dressed fleas rescued during flea circus. The aesthetically pleasing exhibits actually go through the state history from stones to gravel and ending in paved roads.
Audio shows enhance exhibition and cinema performances as guests travel between different rooms throughout the centuries. Artifacts include everyday tools as well as objects like the George Washington telescope for surveying the terrain of West Virginia.
14. Blackwater Falls State Park: Davis
The tannic acid of fallen white oak and red spruce needles tinted the waters around blackwater falls thus the name of the 57 meter waterfall and state park in Tucker County.
Reachable with an excursion, Blackwater Falls is a favorite West Virginia photo-worthy destination. Black Waterfall State Park offers you the opportunity to enjoy biking, fishing, or geocaching during the hot summers and slipping down the largest iceberg on the east coast during the winter months.
15. Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
This park offers public hunt lands as well as a great fishing spot near the dam foot. All three Stonewall resorts in this area are located at Briarpoint Camping Ground and Stonewall Marina.
Visitors centre at Jackson Lake Park is a large area that contains many interesting information. This secluded retreat is located just 3 miles away from the Interstate 79. There's room for everyone. These include an Adirondack-type lodge and three dining venues.
16. West Virginia Penitentiary: Moundsville
During the first hundred years the jail was the victim of rioting homicides and executed, with the death penalty included an execution. In 1995 former guards started to offer tours to the public after the demolishment of the storied prison building.
The most popular tourist attractions are Ghost hunting and paranormal investigations. You may try to play escape room games. Recent visitors confirm the tour of the prison starting from $12 for the adult and $8 a kid 6-12 is creepy informative and enjoyable.
17. Cathedral Falls
Cane Brook meets the New River near the Gauly Bridge but before that the stream plunged over 100 ft from the mountains above. From the intersection of Route 60 it is possible that the lower 60 feet can be seen.
The water falls through a canyon cut in by the forest and falls in several series into an unbroken veil slapping on the slopes. The waterfall is one of the favourite locations of photographers because the overhanging foliage provides a perfect backdrop in autumn when hardwood trees show their autumn colors.
18. Greenbrier State Forest
Greenbrier State Forest is a West Virginia s best known tourist destination. On almost 500 hectares of inaccessible forest the park offers great spots for visiting family, friends or for the weekend alone.
The forest is filled with miles of secluded nature dotted with hiking trails, cycling trails and other recreation areas including fishing and swimming. The ideal option is to spend the next night or several days on the forest campground. These forests are most popular for hiking routes. This trail runs along Lewisburg and Blacksulphur Springs, which runs over 5 km.
19. Explore Seneca Caverns
In 460 million years, the Formation of Seneca Cavern began at the start of its formation by the limestone beds. Native Senecans were believed to have used caves as an accommodation from the late 1500s onward. The caves were found later when local farmingman Laven Teters was seeking water for his livestock.
The biggest, at a height up to sixty feet, is named the Teter Hall to honor him. This is a 1-hour guided tour which descends 164 feet below the entrance gate. The paths were well-lit, and cement steps and railings helped people to navigate further into caves. Two different Stratosphat caves are located together.
20. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
At the Cass Scenic Railroad State Park you can experience Steam's Golden Years in 1901 with new logging flat-car vehicles that were driven by a Shay steam locomotive. The entire 4.5-hour journey includes switchback routes allowing the train an a climbing rate of 11 percent in Bald Knob.
It is West Virginias third highest point and boasts stunning views of the mountains. This forestry village was recreated in Whittaker. Its homes were built in the 1940s and its furniture was refurbished. At the base you can tour the museum and depot and visit restored companies houses which are rentable for overnights.
21. Charleston Capitol Market
Charleston Capitol Market has been operating since 1895 and serves as the largest market in Charleston. Once merely a farmers'market the market is today a shop and entertainment centre indoors and outdoors.
Charleston Capitol Market is one of Charleston's most popular attractions and offers retail shops with products such as the finest Italian cuisine and fine cheese and wine. You can find suppliers of farm products, plants and landscaping and food at a vast Outdoor Marketplace. The markets often host special events such as markets mixing, cook-offs, and others.
22. Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Cranberry Mountain Nature Center. These destinations are in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia and are among the state's top destinations for holiday. Cranberry Mountain Nature Center has a museum which offers a variety of interactive exhibits.
The exhibits will appeal to both young people and adults and are exciting and educational. The auditorium features engaging film topics such as "Smokey the Bear," wildflowers, and more. In the summer the facility hosts many different events, including children's night events, live snake shows and other events.
23. Gauley River National Recreation Area
The National Wildlife Area of the Gauley River includes 26 miles of Gauley River. When the summersville river's water is pumped in the summer, the whitewater rafting enthusiasts flock to the Gauly rivers to experience some of the worlds most enjoyable whitewater activities.
Gauley River possesses several rare and unique plants, including Virginia Spiraea, Appalachian Blue Violet and Balsam Squawweed.
24. Coopers Rock State Forest
This stunning park has been established since 1936 and is home to some of West Virginia's finest views. Located in the well known "Almost Heaven" town, Coopers Rock is popular among the local people.
Among many spectacular sites are canyons overlooking historic area and 50-mile hiking and biking trails. Other features include sandstone walls and rock-climbing boulders, terrain for ski touring and more. Aside these land features are a central lake where visitors enjoy fishing, swimming, rafting.
25. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
The famous American Trail is a rite of passage among outdoor lovers and so if you plan to visit West Virginia, you should bookmark it so you can explore the site. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail includes nearly 2000 miles.
These trails are scenic, peaceful, pastoral and absolutely breathtaking. Since its opening, it has been an international attraction for many tourists. The route also passes through 14 U.S. states starting in Georgia and ending in Maine. Even though WV sections are short, they are most popular.
26. Tygart Lake State Park
Tygart Lake State Park is among West Virginia's most spectacular landscapes. The park sits beautifully on a beautiful lake measuring approximately 1,800 square miles that attracts visitors and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
It also provides a campground and a popular hotel. It sits on soaring peninsulas that overlook dazzling lakes. The lodge also boasts an excellent food-service restaurant, marinas and nature centers. Stunning lakes can provide a platform for endless adventurous recreation. Recreational activity activities include fishing, hiking, and geocaaching.
27. ACE Adventure Resort
If you want a high-octane adventure in western Virginia make a reservation at Ace Adventure Resort. ACE Adventure. It offers a wide array of activities at a great price. It has wonderful facilities for rentals such as clifftop cabins, log cabins and camping.
The hotel has 5 dining rooms, three shopping malls and even a fun nightlife. The resort offers plenty of interesting activities to explore. Among other attractions the resort offers are whitewater fishing and swimming in the water.
28. Wonderment Puppet Theatre
Wonderment Puppet Theatre - The Wonderment Puppet Theatre provides great entertainment for children of all ages. The theatre aims to offer an immersive and interactive environment for performers and patrons.
Throughout the year the theater presents 6 different, highly entertaining performances which the audiences are extremely fond of. The audience may create their own unique show in the hands of the puppetry. The Wonderment Puppet Theatre offers many other fun activities for children such as balloons for all the kids.
29. West Virginia Botanic Garden
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.
30. Hawks Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park Lying just to the north of Fayetteville, Hawks Nest State Park is another fantastic place to head if you love the great outdoors. There are lots of different activities for you to choose from, as well as beautiful landscapes to explore.
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