Fantastic Things to Do in West Virginia
West Virginia, a state that borders five others and considered the southernmost northern state and the northernmost southern state. West Virginia, more so than many of the surrounding states, known for spectacular natural landscapes, thanks mostly to the fact that the entire state is in a mountainous region.
Visitors to West Virginia can explore a variety of different attractions ranging from some sites connected to significant battles and events in American history, to expansive forests, impressive cave systems, and other geologic formations.
Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park
Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park located in and around the city of Harpers Ferry, an area made famous during the American Civil War. In the Harper’s Ferry Historic District, you’ll find famous buildings like the Harpers Ferry Train Station and many 19th century houses. Fascinating museums and exhibitions and battlefields.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park offers a wide variety of activities for individuals and families. The park has over 20 miles of hiking trails. The trails vary from easy, riverside strolls to four-mile hikes across Civil War battlefields to eight-mile adventures on the tops of mountains.
Berkeley Springs State Park
The town of Berkeley Springs is one of West Virginia’s most popular places to visit as a popular resort area. The town’s main industry is tourism, driven by the four full-service spas that use mineral water from the local springs. It is also home to Berkeley Springs State Park and Berkeley Springs Baths.
The park’s Old Roman and Main bathhouses offer a wide selection of spa services, including massages, saunas, baths and showers. Treat yourself to a luxurious whirlpool or a blissful Roman Bath at the Main Bathhouse.
Monongahela National Forest
The Monongahela National Forest located in the Allegheny Mountain region of West Virginia. This enormous tract of land covers 919,000 acres and is one of West Virginia’s best spots for outdoor recreation. Besides being a popular camping location, the forest has a handful of National Natural Landmarks.
A diverse landscape with 75 species of trees, 318 acres of old growth forest, viewed on more than 800 miles of hiking trails. Activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, boating, and fishing. Points of interest are Spruce Knob, Bear Creek, and High Falls.
West Virginia Botanic Garden
The West Virginia Botanic Garden is the state’s flagship public garden. This historic property features a variety of habitats including wetlands, meadows, and virgin hemlock forest. Cultivated gardens, art, and interpretive signage developed throughout the 85-acre site. Most of the gardens are connected by the entrance road and the Reservoir Loop Trail.
There are seven trails at the West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve, each less than a mile long, as well as a wetland boardwalk, and a short, unmarked Pond View Trail along the Reservoir Loop Trail.
New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge located in southern West Virginia and stretches for 53 miles through the counties of Fayette, Raleigh, and Summers. The gorge is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Known for its excellent rock-climbing routes and whitewater rafting.
New River Gorge Bridge stands as one of the highest bridges in the United States. The 876-foot steel arch bridge offers views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains and is one of the most photographed places in West Virginia.
West Virginia Penitentiary
This ominous Gothic structure, built in 1866, stopped being an active prison in 1995 and has since been a historic landmark and tourist attraction. You can take a tour of the grounds and see the rows of cramped 5 ft.-by-7 ft. cells during the day. For braver souls, the penitentiary also offers midnight tours.
Your 90-minute guided tour at West Virginia Penitentiary consists of astonishing history, a touch of art, cold hard facts, and an insight into the justice system. Take a walk through the cell blocks, “The Alamo,” which once housed the most dangerous and violent inmates. Visit the recreation yards, and both visitation rooms.
Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is located in the Allegheny Mountains in West Virginia. The centerpiece of the park is Blackwater Falls, a 62-foot cascade whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile-long gorge. It is among the most photographed sites in the state. A broad trail descends about 320 feet from the falls parking lot to a wooden walkway and overlook.
Visitors can explore multiple hiking trails leading to the Blackwater Falls to see it from different perspectives. Other points of interest include Lindy Point Overlook, and a nature center with information about the park’s natural history.
Lost World Caverns
The Lost World Caverns a series of underground caves, can be found near the town of Lewisburg, West Virginia. The caverns are known for their pedestal-shaped stalagmites, as well as a variety of other rock formations and waterfalls. Visitors can tour a section of the cave to walk through the large chamber, which measures 100 feet long by 300 feet wide and 120 feet high.
Wild cave tours provide the more adventurous explorers an opportunity to go beyond the standard walking tour and discover undeveloped parts of our cavern. Largest Rock, Fossil, & Gift Shop in the area.
Gauley River National Recreation Area
The Gauley River National Recreation Area protects the Gauley River and the Meadow River in southern West Virginia. The majority of the park is accessible only by water and is known as a popular whitewater rafting destination. Among rafters, the park is famous for its five areas designated as Class V rapids.
Dropping more than 668 feet through 25 miles of rugged terrain, the Gauley River’s stretch features more than 100 rapids with a steep gradient, technical runs, an incredible volume of water and huge waves. Its vigorous rapids, scenic quality and inaccessibility combine to make Gauley River one of the premier whitewater runs in the world.
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
At the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine visitors ride through the dark passages of a vintage coal mine. The guides are veteran miners. The track goes 1500 feet up and around various mined out areas. The underground tour last approximately 35 minutes. Visitors are asked to bring a jacket because the temperature is always 58 degrees inside the Mine.
Tourists explore the recreated coal camp, the Youth Museum and the Mountain Homestead. Picnic areas, an imposing coal miner statue and a whimsical 20 ft. “Peace Totem.
Things to Do in West Virginia
Although West Virginia is literally “in the path” of five other states, it has long garnered the reputation of being “off the beaten path.” If you want to get off the path, so to speak, you’ll have no trouble at all with whitewater rafting, rock climbing, winter sports, and endless hiking trails around every corner.