Best Places to Visit in West Virginia (United States)

Are you searching for the best places to visit in West Virginia? Are you thinking of a trip to the South and wondering what to explore in West Virginia? We’ve got you covered. There are so many unique activities to enjoy within West Virginia that the task of narrowing down a schedule can seem overwhelming.

No matter which of the more than 50 locations listed herein you decide to visit, there’s no reason to be hesitant. For starters, West Virginia is rich in culture, history, and plenty of leisure. You can choose camping with your family or a ladies’ or guys’ weekend out with your buddies. There is something for anyone.

From picturesque nature trails to breathtaking caves and art museums to theatres for dinner, West Virginia is fraught with places to visit. If you’re looking to answer the question, “What should I take care of when you’re in West Virginia, you’ve come to the right spot.

Below you’ll find a thorough list of picturesque spots, popular spots, places of interest, and other attractions all within the state of 35. If you’ve not had the pleasure of traveling to West Virginia, strap in and prepare for an exciting journey.

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The Greenbrier

Beautiful Destinations, Best Places to Visit in West Virginia, Travel to West Virginia, USA, Visit West Virginia

The Greenbrier is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia. The Greenbrier has been awarded its status in the category of a National Historic Landmark multiple times. The Hotel is situated in White Sulphur Springs, which has been used as a natural spa since the early 1700s.

The magnificent Hotel has been the home of 26 Presidents, Foreign dignitaries, and royals, such as Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, as well as The Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

However grand and luxurious it is as a hotel, It has also served many other essential roles in the past. At the beginning of World War II, it was utilized as a detention center in the case of German or Japanese diplomats living in America.

The United States when war was declared. After the war, it was seized by the U.S. Army to use as a hospital, in which more than 25,000 patients were treated.

During the Cold War, an underground shelter was constructed for the whole U.S. Congress in case of an attack from nuclear. The cover, with the codename “Project Greek Island,” was shut down in 1992. It is now open to the public for tours like the Presidents Cottage Museum, which houses exhibits on presidents’ trips and the historical background of the Hotel.

Over 50 activities are offered at the resort and the 5.100-acre Greenbrier State Forest. In addition to horseback riding and tennis courts for outdoor and indoor play and adventure courses, the spa area is 40,000 square feet.

The resort offers a variety of approaches, golfing options (even an indoor system for winter), and a long and distinguished golfing tradition as the location for many championships.

Greenbrier State Forest offers cabins and campsites, fishing, swimming, biking trails, and hiking along the 78-mile long Greenbrier River Trail, a multi-purpose rail path utilized for skiing cross country during winter.

A trip to one of the historic Legacy Cottages can be one of the best romantic activities you can enjoy in West Virginia.

Harpers Ferry

The most well-known tourist destination across the entire state. Harpers Ferry is located near the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers meet, with stunning, forest-covered mountains.

Because of its geographical position, the tiny town was the subject of intense battles during its time in the American Civil War. This is why there are many interesting historical attractions to explore, which include numerous old buildings and significant landmarks to see.

Many visitors visit to learn about the part Harpers Ferry played in the Civil War and to see the many attractions, just like many who come to take in the beautiful wilderness of the region. It doesn’t matter if it’s ziplining, whitewater rafting, or even inner tubing. There’s a myriad of enjoyable activities to experience.

Walking along the beautiful Appalachian Trail is a must for those who want to lose themselves in the natural world. Although Harpers Ferry is undoubted quite an enticing destination for tourists, it has a charming, relaxed atmosphere in the town, and there are plenty of things to do and see.

Check Also: Adjectives That Start With V

New River Gorge National Park

If you’re not sure what you can do in West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park is an excellent choice with plenty of outdoor options.

In addition, the New River is one of the oldest rivers on the continent and is surrounded by more than 70 000 acres of forest and park.

The whitewater river that is craggy traverses pitted canyons and is the site of many fun activities during the summer.

As with New River, the park offers endless possibilities for a spectacular adventure. If you’re seeking a relaxing time, You might want to consider camping for fishing, a scenic drive, or cycling.

Visitors are welcome to hike, climb or hunt, and maybe whitewater raft if you’re seeking more thrilling action. No, if you decide to enjoy your visit, the main focus for everyone visiting is at the New River Gorge Bridge, the most impressive structure, one of the most photographed sites in the whole of West Virginia.

If you’re wondering what to do in West Virginia, think now; you can visit this beautiful park.

White Water Rafting

It’s not a secret fact that West Virginia is one of the top locations to go white water rafting. Several rivers offer the highest quality rapids for professionals, while others are more suited to novice or new rafters.

The most famous waterways are found in the Gauley River, which runs between Summersville and Fayetteville within the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Both the Gauley and the New rivers are easily accessed from the base close by Babcock and Hawks Nest state parks.

The river, which is 25 miles long, is a raging river that flows through valleys and gorges, offering the adrenaline of a lifetime for experienced rafters. It’s not surprising that the rapids of Class V rapids are known as”Beast of the East. “Beast of the East.”

It’s the perfect season to locate the most difficult flows; however, at any time, it is advisable to employ a knowledgeable guide who understands the river’s nuances and will help you find the areas that are for your ability level.

Although it’s renowned for its Class V rapids, the Gauley includes areas of Class III suitable for intermediate-level swimmers. Suppose you’re not experienced with the river. In that case, you can choose the Tygart River, Cheat River, and Potomac River are great alternatives, as is The Upper New River, which offers stretches suitable for beginners.

Lower New River has Class IV rapids that allow runs that pass by New River Gorge Bridge. New River Gorge Bridge.

Carnegie Hall

Carnegie Hall is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia. Carnegie Hall is the most exciting place to go in West Virginia, where the arts are brought to life. The prestigious venue hosts theatre, musical, and dance show on the main stage.

Whatever the time of year, Carnegie Hall will inevitably host some spectacular live shows.
Alongside the arts of theatre, Carnegie Hall is also the home of art and history exhibitions.
Three galleries feature artwork from Local artists on a rotational basis.

A gallery room can be an educational board room, where programs are often held.
Perhaps you’ll even take an art class while visiting. Furthermore, Carnegie Hall also houses a dance and performance studio where adults and children alike can participate in enriching classes.

In addition, the venue’s Ivy Terrace is the lawn area where the platform holds free concerts and other live shows. Carnegie Hall is your one-stop store for all things related to art. Carnegie Hall is sure to amaze you if you’re visiting today or on the weekend!

Charleston

The biggest city in all of West Virginia, Charleston, lies where the Elk and Kanawha Rivers meet. Its magnificent State Capitol building is set in a stunning location with a view of their serene waters. Since it’s the entire region’s cultural, commercial, and administrative center, you’ll always find plenty going on as well as numerous events and festivals that occur here throughout the year.

Walking through town, you’ll notice many beautiful buildings that showcase a range of architectural styles. There are a few fantastic museums to explore, like The Avampato Discovery Museum and the West Virginia State Museum.

Alongside its cultural and historical attractions, Charleston has some brilliant bars, restaurants, and cafes all over the city and many nature and parks. These are ideal for mountain biking and hiking trails, and the nearby Kanawha State Forest is stunning to walk through.

Snowshoe Mountain

If you’re searching for places to go while traveling to West Virginia in the winter or summer months, make sure to go to Snowshoe Mountain. This mountain resort combines action-packed ski adventures with luxurious luxury and comfort.

In Snowshoe Mountain, visitors can ski or snowboard, snowmobile, or even learn the basics at the ski school. If the weather is warm, Snowshoe switches gears to all-terrain mountain excursions.

Visitors can enjoy mountain biking or hiking, canoe/kayaking the lake, paddle board with stand-up, take Segway tours, play golf, and much more.

Thankfully, Snowshoe Mountain is ready to give you thrilling excitement whatever the season. If you’re looking to sleep or relax, The resort is waiting to welcome you.

You’ll be happy with each meal with top-quality dining options such as an upscale mountain-top restaurant, a Lakeside snack bar, and a lakeside snack bar.

In addition, the village of Snowshoe is one of the most sought-after eateries and shops you could imagine.

This top destination for vacation, regardless of the time of year, is among The top 10 activities you can explore throughout West Virginia, so be sure to reserve your reservation today.

Wheeling

Wheeling is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia. Wheeling Wheeling is situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains on the Ohio River in Ohio and Marshall counties.

Wheeling is home to many exciting attractions and historic places, like the park of 1,650 acres established around 1800, the massive Wheeling Suspension Bridge constructed in 1849, theaters, museums, fascinating shops, and much more.

Visitors can also go to The Capitol Theatre, one of the oldest theaters operating in West Virginia, having been built in 1928. It’s still operational, and it can go to Broadway productions there.

Another well-known site is Kruger Street Toy and Train Museum, which will tell the entire train history and the manufacturing of toys since the 20th century.

The city is also well-known for its family-owned eateries and cozy cafés in which you can sample local cuisine and sip a glass of wine after strolling through the town and exploring The Blue Church or Cathedral of St. Joseph. Click here for more activities in Wheeling in WV!

Monongahela National Forest and Seneca Rocks

With elevations ranging from 1,000 feet up to 48633 feet high above sea levels, The Monongahela National Forest offers beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and the highest point in the state.

The range of terrains and the amount of rainfall over its more than 900,000 acres makes this one of the largest ecosystems of forests in the United States that supports more than 225 species of birds and more than 75 kinds of woods, and 70 species of fish which include game and non-game species.

The area of about 100,000 acres is scheduled as Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which offers some of the most delicate classic multi-pitch climbing on the eastern coast. Seneca Rocks is a unique 250-foot-deep sandstone composed of gray and white quartzite, which rises nearly 990 feet above it.

It is located on the North Fork River. Some routes are moderate. However, experts are in awe of the summit pinnacle that is exposed.

Being a mountain climber is not necessary to take advantage of the park. Visitors who don’t climb can go to the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, stay in the camping areas in Seneca Shadows and Big Bend, go fishing, or walk and look for birds on the park’s vast stretches of natural habitats.

Cass Scenic Railroad

Cass Scenic Railroad is one of the best places to visit in West Virginia. Alongside transporting you through beautiful countryside, The Cass Scenic Railroad also takes you back to the past when you travel in a gorgeous antique carriage pulled by a steam-powered train.

Listening to the whistle blare and watching steam billow over the train is a thrilling experience. Train lovers are sure to enjoy a trip along the old railway.

The area around those tracks is a beautiful state park with an identical name. In the vicinity of Cass’s old lumber mill town, there are various gorgeous valleys and hills to explore, including mountain biking, hiking, and boating.

One of the most memorable moments on a train trip is when you reach the top of Bald Knob, the third highest point in the state of New York – and can see the world stretch outwards towards the Horizon.

Conclusion

All destinations are awesome! According to my opinion, The Greenbrier is the best to start. I hope you have enjoyed our list of Best Places to Visit in West Virginia.

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