Destination overview

West Virginia is one of the prettiest states in the Union. With its line of unbroken green mountains, raging white water rivers and snow-capped ski resorts, this is paradise for outdoor lovers and the outdoor capital of the east where you will find everything you need for a great adventure. Within the Mountain State’s natural landscapes there are also some charming small towns. Or, for something more fast-paced, the state’s cities provide a variety of daytime activities as well as exciting nightlife.

West Virginia’s history is filled with as many twists and turns as its famed country roads. Here you’ll find Native American burial mounds, recreations of frontier forts, sites that recognise the heritage of early Presidents and other locations of important historical significance. There are also more than 180,000 acres of state parks and forests.

From world-famous white water rivers to challenging mountain bike terrain and extensive trail systems, to great skiing, hunting and fishing, the great outdoors are yours to discover. And, as the only state tucked entirely within the Appalachians, West Virginia is a rock climber’s paradise. If you take a hike through the beautiful Appalachians you might just see rabbits, squirrels, white-tailed deer, or maybe even a fox or black bear.

However, West Virginia isn’t all about the outdoors. From the state’s symphony orchestra to bluegrass and beyond, West Virginia’s hills ring with the sounds of a growing number of cultural possibilities. As well, the theatre scene boasts a wide array of venues and productions that are sure to satisfy every taste.

For dining aficionados, many wonderful culinary treats are created in West Virginia including apple butter, honey, maple syrup, salsa, chocolate, wine and cheese. You can also shop at farmers’ markets for fresh produce and meats or enjoy a delicious meal of homegrown foods prepared by skilled chefs at some of the state’s finest restaurants.

There are literally dozens of wonderful little towns in West Virginia where visitors can take a quick jaunt away from the big city and feel truly refreshed by the clean air, warm greetings and slower pace that you will find in these little gems.

West Virginia is divided into nine regions, each of which has something unique.

New River-Greenbrier Valley

These two great rivers set the scene for outdoor adventures, wonderful driving tours and year-round activities. During your visit, discover a region enriched by Native American, Colonial, Civil War and coal mining history, along with some of the state’s top destinations for dining, arts and entertainment.

Hatfield-McCoy Mountains

This dramatic and ancient landscape has weathered the Civil War and the Coal Mine Wars and emerged today as a place where heritage trails are as abundant as ATV trails.

Mountain Lakes

The heart of the Mountain State is a place of large lakes and small towns, dense forests and deep historic roots. Visit the site of the first land battle of the Civil War, or watch wildlife at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center. Beautiful byways and backways wind through the region, including Mountain Parkway Byway and Cedar Creek Road Backway.

Metro Valley

Imagine city life without all those issues that make you want to get away like traffic and crowds, but keeping in all the good things - the arts, interesting foods, shopping, fine dining and technology. Add to this vision lush mountain scenery, wide rivers, easy access to several national recreation areas and an absolute treasure trove of historic gems and you will see that the Metro Valley region has something for everyone.

Mountaineer Country

Mountaineer Country has magnificent places to relax, learn and live well. From dramatic gorges to ancient Cathedral Forest, the scenery is simply wonderful. You’ll find plenty of history here as well including a frontier-era fort, Civil War cemeteries, museums and a New Deal-era homestead. In Mountaineer Country, history co-exists with energetic university communities, high-tech enterprises and a dynamic cultural scene.

Eastern Panhandle

Beginning in 1748, when he was a teenaged surveyor, George Washington spent a lot of time in what is now West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. He bought his first piece of property in 1750 and by 1777 he began spending summers in the area. Follow the Washington Heritage Trail through the area. More than a historical path, it’s a journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in America with endearing small towns, fertile farmland, fern-filled forests and panoramic river overlooks. Relax with a spa treatment, shop at an antique store or explore a fine art gallery.

Potomac Highlands

Check out a state map and you’ll notice a large green swathe along the eastern central portion of West Virginia. That’s the Monongahela National Forest - almost a million acres - and much of it is in the Potomac Highlands region. The Allegheny Mountains ripple through this area making for awe-inspiring outdoor adventures and supreme driving tours. These green mountains also shelter a valuable diversity of plants and animals, some of them rare. Against this backdrop, the Potomac Highlands is full-to-bursting with mountain music, fine arts and handcrafts, historical treasures and great dining.

Northern Panhandle

Historically and geographically, the Northern Panhandle has played an important part in shaping the United States. In 1863, the state of West Virginia came into being in Wheeling, where today you’ll find thoroughbred horses and greyhound dogs, as well as popular casinos.

Mid-Ohio Valley

Drift down a placid lake in a rowboat or roll along the wide Ohio River on an authentic sternwheeler. Take on 72 miles of an American Discovery Trail on a bike, or take to the same trail in an old-fashioned, horse-drawn carriage. Place yourself in the company of history by visiting a brand-new Civil War park or preserve the past by photographing a couple of West Virginia’s picturesque covered bridges. This is a very pretty region, with lots to do and see.

Charleston

The epitome of Southern charm, West Virginia’s capital city is a great city to walk around and admire antebellum architecture and enjoy dining on verandahs.

The cradle of the Civil War, Charleston is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the southeast.

The state’s largest city, Charleston offers a variety of specialty shops, fine cuisine, bookstores, art galleries, museums, quaint cafes and interesting recreation. Explore attractions including the West Virginia State Capitol (its gold dome is higher than the dome of the US Capitol); Appalachian Power Park; Kanawha State Forest; Coonskin Park; Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences of West Virginia; Capitol Farmers’ Market; and the Charleston Civic Center. And don’t miss out on taking a carriage tour around the city – they operate day and night and the sound of the horses’ hooves on the cobblestones embodies the quaint charm of Charleston.

Take in music and theatre performances by the Charleston Stage Company; Charleston Light Opera Guild; Children’s Theatre of Charleston; Kanawha Players; Mountain Stage; and West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Try not to leave West Virginia without visiting Snowshoe Mountain, a popular year-round retreat with myriad activities on offer and Stonewall Jackson Lake, one of the most pristine expanses of wilderness in the state, with a sprawling 82 miles of shoreline surrounding this impressive aquatic feature.