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.
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — One of the most iconic foods in West Virginia is getting its own permanent home. Rachel Adkins, best known locally as a short-term rental host, announced plans to open the West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Museum in Fayetteville this spring. The small museum will explore the origins of the pepperoni roll and the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A partnership blending West Virginia’s outdoor heritage with its growing reputation for craft spirits is expanding statewide. Officials with West Virginia State Parks announced that a new series of state-park-branded bourbons produced by Smooth Ambler Spirits will soon be available for purchase at select retailers across the Mountain State. The expanded retail … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — After more than five decades working inside the West Virginia State Park system, former superintendent Scott Durham says the actual value of state parks goes far beyond scenic overlooks and cabin reservations. “State parks seem like a simple thing, and we take them for granted,” Durham said. “But the effects they bring … Read more
HURRICANE, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to strengthen organizational capacity and expand public awareness of the value of West Virginia state parks, forests, and rail trails. Parks Foundation executive director Brad Reed said the grant marks a pivotal moment for the … Read more
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the 100th anniversary of West Virginia’s state park system approaches, officials say the network of 48 parks and forests has become an essential pillar of tourism, conservation, and community development. Few assets owned by West Virginians generate as much pride or economic return as its state parks and forests, according to … Read more
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The renowned main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest in northern West Virginia will be closed for scheduled repairs to the pedestrian bridge used to reach the top of the rock. The project is expected to be finished in July, according to Dillard Price, acting chief of West Virginia State Parks. “Ensuring … Read more
THURMOND, W.Va. — Historians, history buffs, and preservationists have organized a new historical society in southern West Virginia encompassing the region around the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Unlike many such societies established around smaller communities, the New River Gorge Historical Society will emphasize a broader region, which includes parts of Fayette, Raleigh, … Read more
HICO, W.Va. — Deep in the New River Gorge, the tiny town of Thurmond is drawing global attention. With just four full-time residents, it is technically one of America’s smallest towns, but filmmaker Jillian Howell insists there is nothing lifeless about it. On January 4, 2026, Howell and her all-Appalachia crew will bring Thurmond’s story—and … Read more
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society has embarked on the restoration of “Chessie 29,” a railcar that served as the mobile office for the president of the C&O Railway and played a hidden role in the Cold War. The nonprofit organization has begun fundraising to restore the iconic mid-century car … Read more
HINTON, W.Va. — Deep in a forested gorge where the Bluestone River winds, the lost village of “Lilly” was among southern West Virginia’s first frontier communities. The landscape today only hints at a small settlement that had a mighty impact. It was the home of the progenitors of the Lilly, Meador, and Meadows families, who … Read more
