John Denver mentioned it greatest:
“Nation roads, take me dwelling
To the place I belong West Virginia, mountain mama Take me dwelling, nation roads”With the tagline of “Nearly Heaven,” West Virginia has loads to dwell as much as, particularly in the case of beautiful locations. Whereas the state will not be the most important within the U.S. (it is available in at #41 out of fifty), what it does provide guests packs a jaw-dropping fairly punch. Listed here are essentially the most stunning locations to go to in West Virginia.
1. New River Gorge Nationwide Park
As soon as merely a wonderful space with Class IV rapids, New River Gorge grows in reputation yearly. In 2020, the world was formally designated as a Nationwide Park, and for good cause. It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go to, you’ll discover loads of stunning mountaineering, zipline, and, in fact, whitewater rafting.
For those who’re up for a problem and need to see some beautiful sights, head to the New River Gorge Bridge, a 3,000-foot-long architectural marvel that hosts an annual day the place daring people do free leaping. For those who’re not that a lot of a daredevil, check out the bridge stroll that gives a 24-inch vast platform beneath the roadway. Moreover, in case you’re on the lookout for locations to eat, head to the native city of Lansing, WV.
2. Blackwater Falls State Park
If you wish to go to West Virginia’s most iconic waterfall, head to Blackwater Falls State Park. Compliments of the tannic acid launched by fallen hemlock bushes and pink spruce needles, the water falling off the 62-foot plunge offers off an amber hue. From the park’s car parking zone, it’s a simple 10-minute stroll to get to the viewing decks.
3. Monongahela Nationwide Forest
Established in 1920, Monongahela Nationwide Forest is a real state treasure. Its ecologically various 919,000 acres provide elevations from 1,000 toes as much as 4,863 toes above sea degree. With an intensive backroad highway and path system, it’s a hiker’s haven. For those who’re on the lookout for a well-rounded outside expertise, you’re fortunate: the forest has all the things from mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and fishing to horseback driving and looking.
4. The Greenbrier
For those who love historic lodging, The Greenbrier will probably be proper up your proverbial road. Since 1778, the large property has been the (White) Home away from dwelling for practically a dozen U.S. Presidents, from Kennedy to The Bushes. With 710 visitor rooms, ten lobbies, and 55 indoor and outside actions, it’s a must-visit place in West Virginia.
The Greenbrier has been on my journey bucket listing since I’ve recognized about it, not just for its luxurious and wonder but additionally for its four-season magnificence. In winter, sleigh rides convey again vacation nostalgia, and the calmness and pristine grounds are perfect for households and {couples} getaways.
5. Harpers Ferry
Within the coronary heart of Appalachia, and on the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, is Harpers Ferry, a quaint city crammed with laidback allure. The bottom level within the state at 247 toes above sea degree, it’s a really perfect day journey. Well-known for John Brown’s Raid towards slavery in 1799, the downtown space is gorgeous because of its Nineteenth-century buildings and lovely streets.
Away from downtown, Harpers Ferry Nationwide Historic Park could be very busy, particularly throughout average temperatures. Keep in mind there’s an entrance price, so take money or bank card. Moreover, try the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Nationwide Historic Park towpath that’s a part of the Potomac Heritage Nationwide Scenic Path.
6. Seneca Caverns
Within the 1400s, the Seneca Indians used the cave for shelter and ceremonial functions, however as of late, Seneca Caverns is a significant vacationer attraction. It’s positioned in Riverton, WV, and sits at a relentless 54 levels, good in the summertime and the chilly winter. Don’t fear about uneven pathways; the cave stroll provides a easy path and handrails the place crucial.
7. Hawks Nest State Park
Not as giant as most of the nationwide and state parks within the state, its 270 acres are crammed with magnificence and sights to make your coronary heart pump. The park provides jetboat rides, mountaineering, strolling, and images, however its most well-known attraction is the aerial tramway.
There’s no approach to not point out the Hawk’s Nest Overlook, a panoramic view of the Hawks Nest Tunnel, New River, and the breathtakingly stunning mountains. To entry it, you’ll must park on the parking space and stroll roughly ¼ of a mile, however belief me, it’s price it.
8. Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort
Keep in mind the times of ski resorts solely being open through the winter months? Fortunately, that’s not the way in which for a lot of properties, together with Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort. Through the winter, it brings in skiers from the encompassing states, together with Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C., for upscale lodging, enjoyable ski runs, and terrain-based studying applications for newcomers.
In summer time, it’s all concerning the outdoor, and there’s loads to do, together with sporting clays taking pictures, off-roading, mountain biking, kayaking on the lake, and scenic ski raise rides. If that wasn’t sufficient to lure you in, its eating choices vary from pizza to top-notch eating places.
9. Charleston
Drive via Charleston, and on a sunny day, its gold dome (23.5 karat dome, to be exact) will make you need to go to. Historic to the core, West Virginia’s capital metropolis is crammed with enjoyable issues to do. With a extremely walkable downtown space, head to the West Virginia State Museum for insights into the state’s and metropolis’s historical past. For those who love quaint streets, Capitol Road is the place to go for procuring and eating. It doesn’t matter what time of 12 months you go, Haddad Riverfront Park is the place to go for views of the Kanawha River.
10. Wheeling
After I was a lot youthful, my dad and mom would announce, “Let’s get the Wheeling feeling!” each time we’d hop within the automobile to go to. Whereas the rhyming phrase is outdated, town remains to be crammed with happiness and music. My prime choose is Oglebay Park, filled with family-friendly enjoyable, together with the Good Zoo, miniature prepare show, and museums. Through the holidays, its Pageant of Lights brings individuals from hours away to see the animated outside shows.
As for extra outdoorsy enjoyable, Wheeling Park and Heritage Port Amphitheater provide all the things from picnicking to dwell music. For those who go to through the colder months, there are numerous indoor actions to maintain you entertained: The Kruger Road Prepare & Toy Museum, Oglebay Institute Glass Museum, Wheeling Artisan Heart, and the Eckhart Home for tea events are all assured to fulfill.