West Virginia is an eastern U.S. state in the tree-covered Appalachian Mountains. The town of Harpers Ferry, where the Shenandoah River meets the Potomac River, is the site of a famous Civil War–era raid. Surrounded by a national historical park, the town looks as it did in the 19th century, with many of the buildings open to the public as living-history museums. ― Google
Capital: Charleston
Nickname: The Mountain State
Known for: Appalachian mountains, outdoor adventure, historic towns, and Appalachian culture
Fall (September–November): Prime time for vibrant autumn foliage and outdoor festivals.
Spring (April–June): Mild weather and blooming wildflowers, great for hiking.
Summer (July–August): Warm and ideal for river activities and camping.
Winter (December–February): Skiing and snow sports in the mountains.
By Air:
Yeager Airport (CRW) in Charleston
North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) near Clarksburg
Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport (MRB) near Martinsburg
By Car:
Major highways: I-79, I-77, I-64, and I-68.
Scenic drives like the Highland Scenic Highway and Seneca Skyway.
By Train:
Amtrak’s Cardinal line runs through parts of southern West Virginia.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve:
Famous for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, hiking, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.
Seneca Rocks:
Iconic sandstone spire popular with climbers and hikers.
Harper’s Ferry:
Historic town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, rich in Civil War history.
Blackwater Falls State Park:
Picturesque waterfall with deep amber-colored water.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park:
Historic steam train rides through mountain wilderness.
Canaan Valley Resort:
Popular for skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
Charleston:
State capital with museums, historic sites, and cultural venues.
Greenbrier Resort:
Luxury resort with mineral springs and a Cold War-era bunker tour.
Whitewater rafting: On the Gauley and New Rivers.
Rock climbing: Seneca Rocks and New River Gorge.
Hiking: Trails in Blackwater Falls, Monongahela National Forest, and Dolly Sods Wilderness.
Skiing and snowboarding: Canaan Valley and Winterplace Ski Resort.
Fishing and boating: Numerous rivers and lakes.
Historic tours: Civil War sites, old mining towns, and cultural museums.
Luxury:
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs)
The Resort at Glade Springs (Davis)
Mid-range:
Lodges and inns in New River Gorge area, Blackwater Falls, and Harpers Ferry.
Budget:
Motels, cabins, and campgrounds throughout the state.
Unique:
Historic inns, mountain cabins, and riverside cottages.
Must-Try West Virginia Foods:
Pepperoni roll: Iconic snack originating from coal mining communities.
Ramp dishes: Wild leek popular in spring.
Biscuits and gravy
Apple butter and sorghum molasses
Fried trout and other Appalachian game
Notable Restaurants:
The Blue Door Café (Charleston)
River City Grille (Harpers Ferry)
Pies & Pints (Fayetteville)
Blackwater Brewing Company (Davis)
Appalachian heritage: Strong ties to coal mining, bluegrass music, and storytelling.
Outdoor lifestyle: Residents deeply connected to hiking, hunting, fishing, and river sports.
Community spirit: Small towns with tight-knit communities and folk festivals.
Crafts and music: Traditional crafts, fiddle music, and local art fairs.
Historic pride: Rich Civil War and pioneer history woven throughout.