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.
Residents of the Teays Valley in western West Virginia have been taking advantage of Valley Park at Hurricane since it opened in 1978, but now the park off Interstate 64 is attracting more visitors from out of town, thanks in part to renovations and new sports fields. Long known for its wave pool, the park … Read more
The National Park Service has received approximately $9.8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug, remediate, and reclaim abandoned oil and gas well sites in national parks, including the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Overall, bureaus within the U.S. departments of the interior and agriculture will address 277 high-priority wells that pose … Read more
The Monongahela National Forest has received $6 million in funding from the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act to support seven projects across the Forest in 2022. These projects are part of $503 million in Great American Outdoors Act investments across USDA-managed lands to address deferred maintenance, improve infrastructure, increase user access, and support rural economies … Read more
Adventure lakes at Pipestem Resort and Tygart Lake state parks are set to open on May 20, and officials are encouraging travelers to book accommodations and order tickets online in advance. Featuring waterslides, obstacles, inflatables, and beach areas, the lakes are designed as water parks and beach trips all in one, according to state parks … Read more
Could West Virginia residents lose control of their state parks? Some state officials are warning voters about what could be a threat to the park system, which has been nationally recognized for its beauty and accessibility. According to an article published in the Wyoming County Report and shared with permission here, every few years, the … Read more
The West Virginia Legislature this week is considering the privatization of the state’s park system. Mark Wylie, retired parks district administrator and long-time superintendent at Babcock and Watoga state parks is warning West Virginians that the bills have dire implications. “The recent legislative introduction of Senate Bill 485 and its companion, House Bill 4408, means … Read more
Rangers in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve reported rescuing a deer from a deep ravine near the park’s towering cliffs Friday, and worked with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources in the effort. “Rangers received a report of a white-tailed deer that appeared stranded in a steep creek ravine within the … Read more
After raising the first successful fledgling at Harpers Ferry in 70 years, a pair of peregrine falcons have returned once again to nest on Maryland Heights in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. To provide the peregrine falcons with adequate space for nesting, the National Park Service will close portions of Maryland Heights from February 16 … Read more
Editor’s Note: If you’re familiar with the outdoors in West Virginia, you’ve likely seen rocks piled in what might seem “the middle of nowhere.” Many were stacked by settlers and farmers, but others are prehistoric and sacred, according to archaeologist Charity Moore, who’s cataloging their forms and locations. During a routine archaeological survey in Doddridge … Read more
National Park Service officials say that after careful consideration they propose permanently closing parking areas at Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The parking areas have been closed since March 2020, originally as a COVID-19 safety protocol, but park officials have maintained the closures because of parking safety-related incidents in the area. Such … Read more
