Natural wonders in West Virginia showcase the breathtaking beauty and rugged charm that make the Mountain State a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. From the stunning rock formations of Seneca Rocks and the awe-inspiring New River Gorge to the cascading waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park and the mystical beauty of the Smoke Hole Caverns, West Virginia’s natural wonders offer endless opportunities for hiking, sightseeing, photography, and adventure. Visitors can explore lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and serene rivers that highlight the state’s diverse landscape and rich biodiversity. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or thrilling outdoor activities, the natural wonders of West Virginia promise unforgettable experiences surrounded by unspoiled Appalachian scenery.
NORTH RIVER MILLS, W.Va.— One of West Virginia’s most fascinating natural wonders, Ice Mountain, where winter ice lingers in crevices until summer, is now open to guided hikes year-round. Long a puzzle to scientists who were determined to discover how its “ice vents” functioned, the mystery has been solved. However, the phenomena and the remarkable … Read more
JUSTICE, W.Va. — Which is the shortest river in West Virginia? Most sources have heretofore agreed that it’s the Holly River at 3.9 miles. The namesake for Holly River State Park, it is indeed short, far shorter than most people probably think a river should be. However, there’s another river in West Virginia that’s even … Read more
ZENITH, W.Va. — Those who have heard the haunting “Peters Mountain Roar” say it will forever stay with them. “The roar of a thousand lions,” some have called it. A meteorological phenomenon, the sound is most often experienced in the windward valleys west of Peters Mountain. Many theories have been proposed about its origin, though … Read more
BEMIS, W.Va. — I’ve done many crazy things to get to a waterfall. Most involved hiking perilously up their rocky flanks. They often involved falling flat on my kiester or buckling down on my knees, wondering for the millionth time why I didn’t have a rope, donkey, or both. Thankfully, there are plenty of trees … Read more
PINEVILLE, W.Va. — Looming above the county seat of Wyoming County amid the mountains of southern West Virginia, a “forgotten” pinnacle of sandstone more than 125 feet tall is attracting attention again as tourism grows in the region. Castle Rock, or The Pinnacle, dominates the upper valley of the Guyandotte River in Pineville, West Virginia, … Read more
Early settlers in Pocahontas County called it “The Devil’s Backbone” as most believed such an unnatural thing could only be the work of evil. While geologists now understand the forces that created this dramatic arch, the explanation may be even harder to believe than the superstition. When Jacob Marlin and Stephen Sewell arrived in the … Read more
MARLINTON, W.Va. — Wherever you turn in West Virginia, you’re bound to find remarkable rocks, cliffs, and boulders, and some of them may appear bizarrely unnatural. One such astonishing garden of boulders hidden in the mountains of Pocahontas County appears so unnatural that it’s hard to believe human hands haven’t carved their surfaces. Geometric forms—cones, … Read more
When George Washington first visited Point Pleasant in present-day West Virginia in 1770 he discovered a sycamore that measured 44 feet and 10 inches around—or roughly 14 feet across. That’s not quite the size of a 2021 Cadillac Escalade, but it’s close. You won’t find trees that size in West Virginia anymore, though you can … Read more
As often as I’ve visited North Bend State Park, I only just found out about Old Stone Face —one of many fascinating landmarks at this park in the hills east of Parkersburg, West Virginia. This is the second time in a month that someone’s directed me to a “profile rock,” as they’re often called — … Read more
Last week I found time for a stroll on the trail to Ship Rock at Beckley — a loop that wanders a mile through cliffs and boulders along the Piney Creek Gorge. For years the rock had been a favorite picnic-spot but was difficult to reach until 2014 when Gary Morefield opened he path that … Read more
