Craving fresh mountain air and scenic escapes? These West Virginia destinations offer rugged beauty, rich history, and outdoor adventures that showcase the heart of Appalachia.
If you are in a hurry, I recommend:
Unique West Virginia Destinations:
1. Charleston
Charleston is both the largest city and the capital of the state. The city of Charleston is still somewhat small and retains a small-town feel. It has a robust arts and performance scene. The city has had a permanent settlement since 1788, giving it a long and interesting history. Visitors can visit and tour the Charleston State Capitol, learn about state history at the State Museum, or enjoy a performance at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. The city also boasts several public parks, including Coonskin Park, Cato Park, and the Kanawha State Forest, which is a large public state park with a pool, campsites, multi-use trails, picnic areas, and plenty of recreational space.
2. Morgantown
Morgantown is a city in north-central West Virginia. It is a college town and home to West Virginia University. The city is located in a valley along the Monongahela River. Morgantown features a large variety of outdoor activities, including the West Virginia Botanic Gardens and the Cheat Lake Trail, which is a hiking trail near the lake that is beautiful throughout the year. Dorsey’s Knob Park is a 71-acre park with beautiful views of the river.
The park features hiking trails, panoramic views, and other outdoor activities. The Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit system, which is a people mover system connecting the three campuses of the university and the downtown area, is a unique and interesting attraction.
3. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve comprises well over 70,000 acres along the New River, which is a rugged whitewater river that flows through deep, scenic canyons. The park features a wide range of recreational opportunities. The gorge boasts some of the best whitewater rafting in the United States, features several popular climbing areas with over 1,400 established trails, and is one of the most popular places on the East Coast for rock climbing. The park has more than 50 miles of hiking and multi-use trails and two visitors centers to help orient and inform guests. Other popular activities at New River Gorge include canoeing, fishing, birdwatching, camping, hunting, and more.
162 Visitor Center Road, Lansing, WV 25862, Phone: 304-574-2115
Romantic West Virginia Destinations:
4. Parkersburg
Parkersburg is small, historical city in the northwestern part of the state that offers several interesting attractions for tourists. Several museums call Parkersburg home, including the Henry Cooper House, the Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History, and the Veterans Museum of Mid-Ohio Valley.
The town hosts several annual festivals and events, such as the Mid-Ohio Valley Multicultural Festival, the Taste of Parkersburg, and the Parkersburg Homecoming Festival. Outdoor activities in the area include several parks, including Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, Fort Boreman Historical Park, Bicentennial Park, Southward Park, and several others.
5. Wheeling
The City of Wheeling is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains on the Ohio River. The town was the first capital of the state and has historically been located along several major trade and transportation routes such as the Ohio River, the B&O Railroad, and the National Road.
The city has many historical buildings, including the West Virginia Independence Hall, where the state of West Virginia was legally created, Centre Market, and many historical homes. The town has several city parks such as the Oglebay Resort and Conference Center and Wheeling Park. Additionally, the surrounding county has six golf courses.
6. Bluefield
Bluefield is a city in southern West Virginia that has a long history in the coal-mining industry. The city’s location in the Appalachian foothills lends itself to a wide selection of outdoor activities. The East River Mountain Overlook offers a scenic observation deck with views of the city and surrounding mountains as well as a concession stand. Lotito City Park features a peaceful walking trail and leisure activities.
The Bluefield City Park has an inexpensive train ride called the Ridge Runner Train, which travels a loop around the park and is perfect for kids and adults alike. Additionally, Bluefield is home to several unique shopping opportunities, restaurants and pubs.
7. Martinsburg
Martinsburg is a city in the Eastern Panhandle region of the state. The town and surrounding area played a vital role in many historic events, including the French and Indian War, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.
Several significant historical buildings are still in existence, including Aspen Hall, which is the city’s oldest house, and some remaining structures of Mendenhall’s Fort.
Many of the town’s historical homes can be visited and/or toured, including the Belle Boyd House, the Adam Stephen House, and more. The Baltimore and Ohio and Related Industries Historic District features many interesting buildings, sites, and shops related to the history of industry and the railroad.
Family-friendly West Virginia Destinations:
8. Princeton
Princeton is a town in southern West Virginia. It is historically a coal-mining and railroad town and the Princeton Railroad Museum is one of the town’s biggest tourist attractions. The museum features exhibits about the city’s railroading history as well as different types of trains and artifacts from the railroad.
The Those Who Served War Museum memorializes and tells the stories of the many men from the area who have served in various conflicts throughout US history from the Civil War until current times. The Chuck Mathena Center is a performing arts center in the town that frequently hosts a variety of shows and special events.
9. Huntington
Huntington is a city in the western part of the state that is home to Marshall University as well as several notable tourist attractions. Visitors can catch a concert or athletic competition at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena or shop at over 150 retailers at the Huntington Mall.
The city is also home to the Heritage Farm Museum and Village, which is a living history museum that teaches guests about the culture and history of Appalachia. Like much of Appalachia, the area has a strong art tradition and this can be seen at the Huntington Museum of Art or the Birke Art Gallery on Marshall’s campus.
10. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park preserves the historic town of Harper’s Ferry, which is located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. The town is notable for being a center of industry in the 19th century as well as being the site of John Brown’s abolitionist uprising.
The park is located in a very scenic location with rivers, mountains, and beautiful railroad scenes. The town’s buildings are home to several historical museums as well as shops selling food, souvenirs, and local crafts and products. In addition to the park’s historical and cultural buildings, there are extensive recreational opportunities within the park and nearby, including hiking a section of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, whitewater rafting, fishing, and boating.
767 Shenandoah St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, Phone: 304-535-6029
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Question: What makes West Virginia a beautiful state to visit?
- Answer: West Virginia is a mountainous, tree-covered state with beautiful natural mountain scenery, outdoor activities, great parks, and a deep historical and cultural heritage.
- Question: What outdoor destinations are available in West Virginia?
- Answer: The area surrounding the New River, as well as the state’s other national and state parks, offer a wide range of destinations to choose from.
- Question: What historical site can visitors explore in West Virginia?
- Answer: The historic town of Harpers Ferry lives on as a historical park with several living history museums.
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