The beautiful natural scenery. Just driving around backwoods West Virginia, with its hills and creeks and rivers and forests and mountaintop vistas, is a wonderful experience in and of itself. There are lots of out-of-the-way wonders to be discovered, and quite a few scenic routes, including the Coal Heritage Trail from Bluefield to Beckley, the Midland Trail along route 60 from Huntington to White Sulphur Springs, and the Highland Scenic Highway from Richwood to north of Marlinton.
Blackwater Falls State Park
is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge near Davis. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia.Charles Town
was founded by George Washington's youngest brother Charles. Today, the quaint downtown is host to shops, restaurants and antiques. Take a walking tour and see the Courthouse where John Brown was tried for treason or see the Civil War meeting site of Generals Sheridan and Grant where they planned the Shenandoah Valley Campaign. The town is also host to several festivals including the Charles Town Heritage Festival.The Greenbrier, in White Sulphur Springs near Lewisburg, is probably the best-known resort and spa in West Virginia. It's a beautiful white building on 6,500 acres of land with golf courses, shops, and even a once-secret underground bunker for the President to use in the event of an international crisis.
Harpers Ferry
was the site of a raid on the US Arsenal by abolitionist John Brown in 1859, an event that was a precursor to the Civil War. Today there's a national historic park on the site.West Virginia University
in Morgantown has museums, an arboretum, and a loyal football following.Visit the Victorian downtown, scenic Ohio River waterfront and Oglebay Park in Wheeling. In nearby Moundsville, you can see the country's largest Adena burial mound, with an adjacent museum explaining the culture and customs of this Native American tribe.
The Swiss village of Helvetia, founded in 1869, with Swiss-themed events and festivals during the year.
Paranormal buffs might enjoy visiting Point Pleasant, site of the famous Mothman sightings in the 1960s. There's a Mothman festival every September.
The state capitol, Charleston, boasts a gold-covered Capitol Dome and some of the best cultural activities in the state.
The nation's oldest five-and-dime store, Berdine's Five and Dime, is located near Parkersburg in Harrisville.
Blennerhassett Island
is a historical state park near Parkersburg with a mansion, wagon ride tours and nature walks.History buffs will also enjoy touring Jackson's Mill Historic Area, which has links to the family of Stonewall Jackson, near Weston.
West Virginia is the site of the famous Hatfield and McCoy feud; the Hatfield family cemetery, with a marble statue of patriarch "Devil Anse", is near Logan.
The Civil War Discovery Trail, which covers 32 states, has 14 sites in West Virginia.
