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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.

Almost Heaven: Fall color in West Virginia
Travel / Transportation

Autumn colors continue to unfold across ‘Almost Heaven,’ West Virginia

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn is sweeping across ‘Almost Heaven,’ West Virginia, as the West Virginia Department of Tourism releases its third fall foliage update of the season. Brilliant hues of crimson, gold, and orange now paint the hillsides, enhanced by recent rainfall that has sparked vibrant displays across many regions. West Virginia is truly ‘Almost … Read more

Chelsea Ruby at West Virginia Tourism Conference
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia tourism tops record $9 billion in annual economic impact

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Tourism today announced that the state has surpassed $9.1 billion in annual tourism economic impact for the first time, outperforming national growth rates. Visitor volume to the state reached 77.2 million, with those visitors spending $6.6 billion, 4.1% more than the previous year and setting a new all-time … Read more

The Screen-Free Summer campaign invited digitally exhausted travelers to unplug in West Virginia.
Travel / Transportation

This scenic parkway explores some of West Virginia’s very highest peaks

by Amanda Larch Hinchman

MARLINTON, W.Va. — Traveling through a remote, windswept landscape of spruce and cranberry, a scenic parkway that explores some of the highest elevations in West Virginia is attracting more visitors as tourism in the Mountain State increases. The Highland Scenic Highway is now among the most popular scenic routes in the Mountain State, and it’s … Read more

The chairlift at Canaan Valley Resort State Park provides tours of the autumn landscape.
Travel / Transportation

Chairlifts open for rides through one of West Virginia’s iconic fall destinations

by David Sibray

DAVIS, W.Va. — Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia has opened its ski chairlift for 2025 fall foliage rides, offering visitors sweeping views of one of the Mountain State’s earliest and brightest autumn landscapes. The scenic chairlift, famously used during the Canaan Valley ski season, began fall operations this weekend and will run Fridays through … Read more

Travel / Transportation

Filmmaker says here’s why everyone should visit this West Virginia ghost town

by Will Reedy

THURMOND, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the town of Thurmond is attracting attention worldwide. With four full-time residents, it’s technically a ghost town, but filmmaker Jillian Howell insists there’s nothing lifeless about it. “Every brick in Thurmond tells a story,” she says. “Whether it’s fact or fiction, the history runs deep—more than … Read more

West Virginia Explorer published David Sibray celebrates millions of monthly users.
Travel / Transportation

West Virginia Explorer celebrates record 3.3 million monthly users amid 25th anniversary

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer, the state’s most comprehensive online guide to travel, history, and culture, is celebrating a major milestone. According to Google Analytics, the publication hosted more than 3.3 million users in August, marking one of the highest traffic surges in its 25-year history. The record-breaking numbers reflect recent strategic investments and … Read more

Mill at Glade Creek Grist Mill
Travel / Transportation

Almost Heaven in focus: Here are the most photographed places in West Virginia

by Bianca Bosworth

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Many of the most photographed places in West Virginia are, perhaps not surprisingly, among the most photographed places in the entire world. It’s little wonder the state is known as “Almost Heaven.” Her countless waterfalls and forested mountains change dramatically with the seasons, offering photographers fresh inspiration year-round. From vibrant autumns through … Read more