7 Places To Visit In West Virginia

West Virginia is a relatively underappreciated state, but travelers often discover numerous fantastic attractions here. If you’re considering a future trip to West Virginia, there are many worthwhile destinations and activities to consider.

Whether you seek a peaceful, leisurely getaway or an adventurous experience, here are some top-notch places, landmarks, and points of interest in West Virginia.

Harpers Ferry

If you appreciate visiting small communities, then Harpers Ferry is among the most picturesque in West Virginia. It’s also the site of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, where you can explore magnificent structures from the nineteenth century, John Brown’s Fort, a museum commemorating the abolitionist raid during the Civil War in 1859, and much more.

Positioned at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Harpers Ferry boasts a sizable overlook known as ‘The Point’ from where you can glimpse both Maryland and Virginia.

You can also pay a visit to the Appalachian Trail Visiting Center to observe the long-distance hiking trail or shop for antiques at the Gilded Flea Market. Harpers Ferry is also home to the oldest ghost tour in America.

New River Gorge National Park

If you enjoy immersing yourself in beautiful nature, rivers, hiking, or simply basking in the sunshine while planning your activities, then New River Gorge National Park is a must-see when traveling to West Virginia.

This is the most recent national park designated by the United States National Park Service and offers numerous historical and natural sites including the transcontinental Midland Trail, the New River Gorge Bridge, and Sandstone Falls, a secluded waterfall renowned as one of the most stunning in West Virginia.

Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort

If you’re interested in engaging in winter pursuits during your trip to West Virginia, consider visiting Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort.

Situated in Pocahontas County, the resort is one of the premier locations for winter activities in West Virginia, featuring three outstanding skiing areas, over sixty trails, and four bike trails offering a variety of recreational activities such as biking, swimming, snowmobiling, and tubing.

The best part is that you don’t have to limit your visit to the winter season, as there are plenty of exciting activities available throughout the year.

Monongahela National Forest

Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, the Monongahela National Forest is a widely popular landmark in West Virginia, teeming with diverse wildlife, rivers, and verdant forests.

You’ll discover a range of exceptional sites to visit here, including Spruce Knob, the state’s highest point, the Canaan Valley Ski Resort, and Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, where visitors can observe historic trains dating back to the early twentieth century and even earlier.

Seneca Creek Falls is among the most well-liked and significant spots in the forest, featuring a breathtaking natural cascade that you can ascend to enjoy a remarkable and unforgettable view of the area following a hike along the Seneca Creek Trail.

Charles Town

Charles Town in Jefferson County was named after Charles Washington, the brother of President George Washington, who resided here. Its claim to fame is the Hollywood Casino situated at Charles Town Races, along with the renowned Jefferson County Museum, where you can delve into the area’s rich history.

It also offers a plethora of options for those seeking outdoor adventures, with hiking, biking, rafting, and various other nature activities available at the River Riders Family Adventure Resort.

Cathedral Falls

Also recognized as Bird Rock Falls, Cathedral Falls is one of the tallest and most breathtaking waterfalls in West Virginia, named for the natural amphitheater into which the water cascades.

Located approximately one mile east of Gauley Bridge, within a small roadside park along US Route 60, the waterfall can be admired from the road, but making a brief trek to get closer will undoubtedly provide even more spectacular views.

Seneca Caverns

Situated close to Riverton in the Germany Valley, Seneca Caverns is one of the karst show caves in West Virginia and is absolutely worth a visit. It was used for ceremonies by the Iroquois tribe in the 1400s but has been accessible to the public since 1930.

Part of the Appalachian Mountains, the caves have a long history along the significant Native trading route and were utilized for shelter and storage.

If you’re planning a trip to West Virginia, you’re in for an incredible array of amazing sights and activities.