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Travel in West Virginia offers countless benefits, especially as the remote-work revolution draws new residents from big U.S. cities seeking adventure, relaxation, and a slower pace of life. Known for its stunning mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, and welcoming small towns, West Virginia provides the perfect escape for travelers looking to unwind and explore nature without venturing too far from home. Visitors can hike scenic trails, discover hidden waterfalls, enjoy cozy cabin stays, and experience local culture through charming shops, Appalachian cuisine, and vibrant festivals. As more remote workers settle in the Mountain State, travel within West Virginia becomes even more rewarding, with easy access to breathtaking parks, peaceful retreats, and friendly communities that make every trip feel like a refreshing getaway.

New West Virginia Cryptids license plate depicting Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster, and other mysterious creatures against a moonlit mountain landscape.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia unveils license plate featuring nine legendary Mountain State monsters

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Mothman, the Flatwoods Monster, and seven other creatures from West Virginia folklore will soon appear on vehicles across the state as the Division of Motor Vehicles introduces a new Cryptids license plate. The plate, designed by the late West Virginia graphic artist Jesse Corlis, will be available Monday, Nov. 2, at DMV … Read more

Visitors enjoy panoramic views of orange and red autumn foliage from the stone overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in West Virginia.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia fall color peaks, but the most beautiful days may still lie ahead

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Fall foliage has reached peak color across much of West Virginia ahead of Halloween, according to the W.Va. Department of Tourism, but travelers who miss the height of the season may still find some of autumn’s most beautiful scenery in the weeks ahead. The department’s fifth foliage report of 2026 highlights destinations … Read more

New River Gorge Bridge spanning a deep, forested canyon, viewed from the rocky Long Point overlook in West Virginia.
Travel / Transportation

New River Gorge enters new era as America’s 64th national park is named

by David Sibray

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — After nearly six years as America’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is entering a new phase of tourism promotion as the designation passes to Chiricahua National Park in Arizona. President Donald Trump signed legislation Tuesday establishing Chiricahua as the nation’s 64th national park, ending a distinction … Read more

Peak autumn foliage frames Blackwater Falls in Tucker County, W.Va., as visitors look out from the boardwalk viewing platform. Cold overnight temperatures across the Allegheny Highlands have accelerated the seasonal color shift across higher elevations.
Travel / Transportation

Recent mountain freezes accelerate peak fall foliage across high-altitude W.Va.

by David Sibray

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — With overnight temperatures dipping into the 30s across the high elevations of the Allegheny Mountains, West Virginia’s fall foliage season has reached its pivotal moment. For autumn leaf-peepers, cold nights are a double-edged sword. A light frost acts as a botanical supercharger. As temperatures drop toward freezing, trees seal off the veins … Read more

The Glade Creek Grist Mill at Babcock State Park is one of West Virginia's most recognizable tourism landmarks, photographed and shared around the world for decades. The state's new tourism secretary says West Virginia's next challenge is turning growing national attention into repeat visits and economic opportunity.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia has been discovered; new tourism chief says what comes next

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After years of trying to convince travelers to discover West Virginia, the state’s new tourism secretary says the next challenge is giving them reasons to return. Kayla Kessinger, the incoming secretary of the W.Va. Department of Tourism, used Monday’s appearance at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism to outline priorities focused on repeat … Read more

Panoramic view of New River Gorge from Grandview Overlook in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia ranked America’s No. 2 most naturally beautiful state — here’s why

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has been ranked the second-most naturally beautiful state in America in a national analysis comparing the forests, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains of all 50 states. New Hampshire finished first, followed by West Virginia and Virginia. West Virginia also ranked ahead of Hawaii, Washington, and North Carolina—states widely associated with scenic tourism. … Read more

Autumn Leaves In The Canaan Valley in West Virginia
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia vacation guide wins national award after 350,000 copies distributed

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s 2026 Vacation Guide has won a national tourism marketing award as distribution of the printed publication has climbed past 350,000 copies, the West Virginia Department of Tourism said. The guide received a 2026 U.S. Travel ESTO Award for Excellence in Print Marketing, department spokesperson Lindsey Funk announced Wednesday. The award … Read more

A vehicle promoting Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, passes Independence Hall in Philadelphia as part of a 12-week tourism campaign connecting the spa town's 250th anniversary with the nation's semiquincentennial. Photo courtesy Travel Berkeley Springs.
Travel / Transportation

Berkeley Springs takes 250th birthday campaign to Philadelphia as tourism grows

by David Sibray

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — A 24.5% income increase over eight consecutive quarters is helping a historic West Virginia spa town bring its 250th-anniversary tourism campaign to Philadelphia during the nation’s own 250th year. Travel Berkeley Springs has launched a $36,000 campaign that will put 10 wrapped rideshare vehicles on Philadelphia streets for 12 weeks, according … Read more

Autumn color brightens a morning near Cabins in Grant County, West Virginia, as fall foliage spreads across the Potomac Highlands.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia releases 2026 fall foliage map as autumn countdown begins

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia tourism officials have released the state’s 2026 fall foliage projection map, offering travelers an early look at when autumn color is expected to sweep across the Mountain State. The W.Va. Department of Tourism announced Wednesday that it will update its Live Leaf Map weekly throughout the fall, giving travelers current information … Read more