Winter in West Virginia is a delightfully varied season. The Ohio and Potomac lowlands and sheltered southern valleys witness only a few blanketing snowfalls, though the Allegheny Mountains, rising to more than 4,000 feet above sea level, are practically Canadian in climate and can be beset by blinding squalls long into spring.
Photographer Rick Burgess has been wandering his home state of West Virginia since the 1970s, capturing its essence through his camera's lens, revealing a magical land without the use of digital enhancement. We hope you enjoy the following tour of winter in West Virginia through the wizardry of Burgess's eye.
The Allegheny Mountains, a range of the Appalachian Mountains, reach their highest in West Virginia. Also located in parts of Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, the Alleghenies are characterized by their broad, rounded summits. The word "Allegheny" was once used to refer to the whole of what is now called the Appalachian Mountains.
Be sure to explore Part 2 of our "Winter in West Virginia" series featuring Rick Burgess's photography. Looking for Christmas gifts? You'll find many of his works for sale here.
Read Also: Top reasons visiting West Virginia in winter is a great idea!