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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.

Sandstone Falls By Ed Rehbein
Attractions

Sandstone Falls emerges as a must-see destination in the New River Gorge

by David Sibray

SANDSTONE, W.Va. — Sandstone Falls, one of the most spectacular features of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, is rapidly gaining popularity among visitors venturing into West Virginia, offering a rare combination of natural wonder, accessibility, and ecological significance. Located roughly 15 minutes north of Hinton, West Virginia, and more than an hour … Read more

Wolf Creek Falls drops over a ledge in its descent into the New River Gorge near Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Attractions

Discover West Virginia waterfalls with one of its chief photographers

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia waterfalls are attracting the attention of nature lovers with increasing frequency. With more cascades than almost any other state east of the Mississippi, the Mountain State is a top destination for those looking to explore breathtaking natural beauty. Two major mountain ranges—the Allegheny Mountains and the Cumberland Mountains—cut across West … Read more

Guests are invited to enjoy curated menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the best of Appalachian cuisine.
Attractions

West Virginia’s Farm-to-Table dinner series returns with scenic feasts, local flavor

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The highly anticipated Farm-to-Table Dinner Series to be hosted at 10 West Virginia state parks in 2025 will celebrate local flavors, scenic settings, and unforgettable dining experiences. Guests are invited to enjoy curated menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients, highlighting the best of Appalachian cuisine in serene and stunning park environments. Each … Read more

David Sibray strolls the track around Oakes Field in the shadow of the former Charleston Ordnance Center.
Attractions

Fading memories of a wartime powerhouse: South Charleston’s ordnance plant

by Amanda Larch Hinchman

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Rising behind a series of pleasant neighborhoods, one of the largest manufacturing complexes in West Virginia seems to hide in the landscape of the Kanawha Valley. Now known as the South Charleston Industrial Park, a collection of six massive buildings established as the Charleston Ordnance Center, a naval ordnance plant, played … Read more

West Virginia Explorer editor David Sibray visits the new Warwood National Historic District at Wheeling, West Virginia.
Attractions

Biggest Yet! Warwood becomes West Virginia’s largest historic district

by Cody Straley

WHEELING, W.Va. — In a landmark moment for historic preservation, the Warwood Historic District in northern Wheeling has officially become the largest area in West Virginia ever nominated to the National Register of Historic Places. This condensed, working-class neighborhood, which comprises a whopping 1,214 individual buildings and structures, surpasses the previous record holder, the nearby … Read more