S
Seneca Rocks
A striking rock formation rising 900ft above a fork of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is one of the most recognizable natural features in the state. Rock…
Courtesy of WV Tourism
West Virginia
Awarded Best in Travel 2022
Ready for rugged East Coast adventuring with a gorgeous mountain backdrop? Then set your car toward wild and wonderful West Virginia, a state often overlooked by both American and foreign travelers. It doesn't help that the state can't seem to shake its negative stereotypes. That's too bad, because West Virginia is one of the prettiest states in the Union. With its line of unbroken green mountains, raging white-water rivers and snowcapped ski resorts, this is an outdoor-lovers' paradise.
Created by secessionists, the people here still think of themselves as hardscrabble sons of miners, and that perception isn't entirely off. But the Mountain State is also gentrifying and, occasionally, that's a good thing: the arts are flourishing in the valleys, where some towns offer a welcome break from the state's constantly evolving outdoor activities. Charleston is the capital and the state's largest city – and its population is under 50,000.
Explore West Virginia
- SSeneca Rocks
A striking rock formation rising 900ft above a fork of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is one of the most recognizable natural features in the state. Rock…
- TTrans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Halloween is the busy season at this former mental hospital, when ghost tours of the massive facility will scare the living daylights out of you. The…
- New River Gorge Bridge
Completed in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge is the third-highest bridge in the US and the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Made…
- Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Historic buildings and museums are accessible to those with passes, which can be found, along with parking and shuttles, north of town at the Harpers…
- CCoopers Rock State Forest
One of the most photogenic spots in all of West Virginia is the main overlook at Coopers Rock. Picture a stone-and-log fence wrapped around a sandstone…
- BBeckley Exhibition Coal Mine
This mine in Beckley, 22 miles south of Fayetteville, is a museum about the region's coal heritage. Visitors can ride a train 1500ft into a former coal…
- HHawks Nest State Park
There are hiking trails, a nature center and an aerial tram, which runs from the lodge down to the river's edge for jet boat tours of the river and views…
- HHawks Nest Overlook
An 80yd paved trail leads to a lofty view of the New River. The photogenic rock wall surrounding the overlook was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps…
- WWest Virginia State Museum
The voice of billionaire governor Jim Justice welcomes guests to this engaging museum, where a path winds past exhibit areas spotlighting key moments and…
Latest Stories from West Virginia
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout West Virginia.
See
Seneca Rocks
A striking rock formation rising 900ft above a fork of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is one of the most recognizable natural features in the state. Rock…
See
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Halloween is the busy season at this former mental hospital, when ghost tours of the massive facility will scare the living daylights out of you. The…
See
New River Gorge Bridge
Completed in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge is the third-highest bridge in the US and the longest single-arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. Made…
See
Harpers Ferry National Historic Park
Historic buildings and museums are accessible to those with passes, which can be found, along with parking and shuttles, north of town at the Harpers…
See
Coopers Rock State Forest
One of the most photogenic spots in all of West Virginia is the main overlook at Coopers Rock. Picture a stone-and-log fence wrapped around a sandstone…
See
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
This mine in Beckley, 22 miles south of Fayetteville, is a museum about the region's coal heritage. Visitors can ride a train 1500ft into a former coal…
See
Hawks Nest State Park
There are hiking trails, a nature center and an aerial tram, which runs from the lodge down to the river's edge for jet boat tours of the river and views…
See
Hawks Nest Overlook
An 80yd paved trail leads to a lofty view of the New River. The photogenic rock wall surrounding the overlook was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps…
See
West Virginia State Museum
The voice of billionaire governor Jim Justice welcomes guests to this engaging museum, where a path winds past exhibit areas spotlighting key moments and…
Guidebooks
Learn more about West Virginia
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.