West Virginia Travel Guide
Known as the Mountain State, West Virginia is an outdoor paradise in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic. Set in the rugged Appalachians, West Virginia offers stunning landscapes year-round, especially when the fall colors light up the mountainsides. Whether you are into hiking, climbing, rafting, or skiing, West Virginia is a dream for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
New River Gorge National Park
From the top things to do in the park to the best trails to hike, here are our articles about New River Gorge National Park.
20 Amazing Things to Do in New River Gorge National Park
For millions of years, the New River has been carving out a 73,000 acre gorge in West Virginia. The sandstone cliffs and whitewater rapids create world-class rock climbing and whitewater rafting destinations. Hiking and mountain biking trails wind through the forests, leading to overlooks and historic settlements. In this guide, we cover the best things […]
6 Beautiful Hikes in New River Gorge National Park
One of the best ways to see New River Gorge National Park is from a hiking trail. And one of the great things about this park is that all of the hikes are short and sweet (the longest hike on this list is just 3 miles long). In this guide, we cover the 6 of […]
New River Gorge National Park Itinerary for 1 to 3 Days
If you are planning your New River Gorge National Park itinerary, this is a great place to start. There are many different ways to plan the “perfect New River Gorge itinerary,” depending on your interests and how much time you have. The things to do in New River Gorge National Park are scattered along the […]
Top Experiences in West Virginia
New River Gorge National Park. Slowly formed over millions of years, the New River has carved out a 73,000-acre gorge popular for hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. Explore the trails that lead through the forests, pass overlooks and historic sites, and raft down the New River.
Harpers Ferry. This historic town is the meeting point between Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Enjoy the natural beauty of Harpers Ferry, learn about its Civil War history, and visit the many shops and museums in town. To get the best view of Harpers Ferry, hike the Maryland Heights Loop trail.
Monongahela National Forest. Monongahela National Forest protects almost 1 million acres of land and is one of the United States’ most ecologically diverse regions. Enjoy beautiful landscapes of rolling hills covered in a blanket of trees, rocky cliffs emerging from the tree canopies, and the tranquil beauty of hidden waterfalls and streams.
Seneca Rocks. Seneca Rocks is a towering crag that rises over the surrounding forest. Enjoy a view of Seneca Rocks from the picnic area or hike the Seneca Rocks Trail. The trail leads to an observation platform near the summit for panoramic views of Monongahela National Forest. Thrill seekers may opt to rock climb here or complete the nearby via ferrata.
Blackwater Falls State Park. At the northern tip of Monongahela National Forest is the scenic Blackwater Falls State Park. Its main attraction is the 62-foot-tall Blackwater Falls, but this state park also features good hiking, mountain biking, and fishing.
Whitewater Rafting. West Virginia is the ultimate whitewater rafting destination in the United States, featuring a high density of whitewater runs. Some of the top spots for whitewater rafting include New River Gorge, the Gauley River, and Harpers Ferry.
Summersville Lake. The largest lake in West Virginia, Summersville Lake is a prime spot to visit during the summer and fall months. This beautiful lake, with sharp, scenic cliffs that meet the water’s edge, is a great spot for swimming and boating.
West Virginia Penitentiary. This gothic-style prison operated from 1866 to 1995 and is now used as a tourist attraction and a fun spot for ghost tours. Join a day tour of the prison grounds or visit at night and stay alert for paranormal activity.
Snowshoe Mountain. The largest ski resort in West Virginia, Snowshoe Mountain is home to over 60 trails catering to all skill levels. Whether you are a beginner or a black-diamond veteran, you will be sure to end with some great runs under your belt.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Another great ski resort during the winter, Canaan Valley Resort also offers plenty of summer-based activities. They are well known for hiking and mountain biking trails, along with a beautiful golf course.
Cass Scenic Railroad. Ride through Appalachian landscapes and a historical lumber town on a steam-driven locomotive.
Best Time to Visit West Virginia
The best time to visit West Virginia is during the spring (late March through May) and early fall (September through October) seasons. Visitors will have the most pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Fall is also a great time to see the Appalachians beautifully lit with fall colors. This can occur anywhere from late September through late October.
Summer is a good choice if you are looking to beat the heat with a whitewater rafting adventure. Meanwhile, winter is the best time for skiing in West Virginia, from mid-December through February.
Places to Visit Near West Virginia
9 Amazing Things to Do in Shenandoah National Park
This guide covers the best things to do in Shenandoah National Park, nearby attractions, and essential tips to help you plan your trip, including where to stay, how many days you’ll need, and the best time of year to visit. Shenandoah National Park preserves a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. Skyline Drive […]
10 Best Hikes in Shenandoah (+One to Skip)
Discover the 10 best hikes in Shenandoah, with tips for families, photographers, and new hikers. 500 miles of hiking trails travel through Shenandoah National Park. These trails range from short, easy summit hikes, gorgeous walks to waterfalls, to challenging climbs up the tallest mountains. You also have the option to walk a few miles of […]
A Weekend in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park
In an attempt to catch the last of the autumn colors, Tim and I went a road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in early November. We spent a weekend exploring Great Smoky Mountains National Park, using Gatlinburg, Tennessee as our home base. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the United States’ most visited national […]
Best Distilleries to Visit on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is hot right now! With the increasing popularity of bourbon, tourism is up in Kentucky. What better way to learn about and sample bourbon than on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail? The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a collection of 60 whiskey distilleries. All of these distilleries offer tours and tastings. On the […]
Louisville Restaurants: Best Eats in Town
Many people travel to Louisville to watch the Kentucky Derby or sip bourbon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. But did you know that Louisville makes an amazing spot for a food tour? In 2012, Louisville was the only city in the US to make Zagat’s list of “8 Awesome Foodie Getaways Around the World.” Tim […]
14 Wonderful Things to Do in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park preserves a lush river valley that is home to both natural and historical sites. Among the thousands of acres of forests and wetlands are a network of hiking and biking trails. Visit a covered bridge, ride a train through the heart of the park, learn about the Ohio and Erie Canal, […]
USA Travel Ideas
Here are a few more articles about things to see and do in and around West Virginia.
Our 15 Favorite US National Parks: A Few May Surprise You
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what […]
Best USA Road Trips: 18 Ideas for Your Next Big Adventure
One of the best ways to explore the USA is on a good old-fashioned road trip. Cruise along Route 66, road trip through the Florida Keys, explore the American Southwest, or even drive from coast to coast. In this guide, we share 18 of the best USA road trips…18 great ideas for your next big […]
US National Parks List: All 63 Parks, Map & Free Printable Checklist
There are 63 national parks in the United States, and we’ve visited 56 of them, from the remote wilderness of Denali to the coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. We’re a family of avid hikers who have spent over a decade exploring these parks, from multi-day backcountry trips to scenic drives with kids in tow. […]
US National Parks
The Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks
The US National Parks make an excellent travel destination, whether you are planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway. In our guide to the national parks, get detailed trip planning information, advice on which parks to visit by season, and itineraries to help simplify your travel planning process.