Attractions in West Virginia offer something for every traveler, from stunning natural landscapes and historic landmarks to family-friendly adventures and vibrant cultural sites.
Visitors can marvel at iconic destinations such as the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, explore Harpers Ferry’s rich history, or enjoy the scenic beauty of Blackwater Falls and Seneca Rocks. Charming mountain towns, local museums, unique shops, and lively festivals add to the state’s welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and wildlife watching. With its blend of outdoor fun, heritage, and small-town charm, West Virginia’s attractions make every trip unforgettable, showcasing the best of Appalachian adventure and hospitality. Be sure to visit our Attractions Travel Guide for more information about attractions in West Virginia.
HINTON, W.Va. — Millions of visitors have now discovered New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, but many leave having experienced only a small portion of one of America’s newest national parks. For countless first-time visitors, the trip follows a familiar pattern. They photograph the New River Gorge Bridge from Canyon Rim Visitor Center, hike … Read more
WHEELING, W.Va. — Thousands of motorists pass it every day along the historic National Road. Many may glance up, see a stone woman carrying a child, and keep driving without realizing they’re looking at one of the nation’s most significant memorials to America’s frontier. Standing at the entrance to Wheeling Park along U.S. Route 40, … Read more
RICHWOOD, W.Va. — Visitors planning trips to the Cranberry and Williams River regions of the Monongahela National Forest this summer should prepare for detours and temporary road closures as the U.S. Forest Service begins repairs to flood-damaged forest roads serving some of the area’s most popular recreation destinations. Construction is expected to begin in late … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Long before the Ohio River existed and long before humans set foot in North America, a massive river flowed across what is now West Virginia. Known as the Teays River, the ancient waterway drained a vast portion of the Appalachian region and helped shape the Mountain State’s landscape millions of years before it … Read more
NEW MANCHESTER, W.Va. — Many visitors know Tomlinson Run State Park as West Virginia’s northernmost state park, but park officials and naturalists say its ecological significance may be even more important than its location. The 1,398-acre park in Hancock County protects the Tomlinson Run watershed, a tributary of the Ohio River, and preserves plant and … Read more
Visible from the historic Midland Trail near Gauley Bridge, Cathedral Falls has become one of the state’s most beloved and photographed natural wonders. GAULEY BRIDGE, W.Va. — Most of West Virginia’s great waterfalls require effort. Visitors hike mountain trails, navigate winding forest roads, or venture deep into remote valleys to discover them. Some of the … Read more
Massive sandstone formations, hidden passageways, and a natural stone labyrinth make Beartown State Park unlike anywhere else in the Mountain State. HILLSBORO, W.Va. — Hidden among the high ridges of eastern West Virginia lies a landscape so unusual that many visitors struggle to believe it was shaped by nature. At first glance, Beartown State Park … Read more
THOMAS, W.Va. — Visitors planning trips to the popular Dolly Sods Wilderness this summer will need to adjust their plans starting June 22, when the U.S. Forest Service closes a key access road for repairs. Forest Road 19, one of the principal routes to portions of the Dolly Sods Wilderness on the Monongahela National Forest, … Read more
DAVIS, W.Va. — West Virginia’s rugged mountains, steep gorges and high-elevation streams have created hundreds of waterfalls across the state. While some are known for their width or scenic beauty, others stand out for their height. From the iconic Blackwater Falls to the towering cascades hidden in the Monongahela National Forest, these are the highest … Read more
HILLSBORO, W.Va. — Tucked away in the rugged mountains of eastern West Virginia, a series of waterfalls that many travelers have never heard of draws thousands of visitors each year. The Falls of Hills Creek, located within the Monongahela National Forest near the community of Hillsboro, features three waterfalls cascading through a narrow mountain gorge. … Read more
