Who needs the purple mountains, majesty, when you have the Blue Mountains of West Virginia? (And the Allegheny Mountains as well, of course.) West Virginia certainly is one of the most beautiful states to go into the wild—and it’s certainly warmer than Alaska (the original setting for Jon Krakauer’s nonfiction bestseller.) Read on for why you should go chasing waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park and spend your days exploring America’s 63rd National Park, the New River Gorge. Of course, it’s not only outdoor adventures on our list of unique West Virginia activities. We also spotlight Green Bank Observatory, one of the premier astronomical sites in the world, where, according to Highland Outdoors, “radio telescopes tune in to the whispers of the universe, night and day.” Almost heaven, indeed.
1. Horseback Riding at the New River Gorge National Park
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
Explore America’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, recently named one of Time’s World’s Greatest Places 2021. Home to more than 70,000 acres of public lands, a new adventure awaits at every turn.
2. Listen to the Stars at Green Bank Observatory
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Green Bank Observatory in Pocahontas County is home to the largest fully steerable telescope. At nearly 500 pounds and weighing 17 million pounds, it’s quite a sight. Not to mention, this observatory is within the National Radio Quiet Zone, the perfect place to go off the grid and disconnect. In the words of writer and astronomer Carl Sagan: “'The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” So, what better place to return to oneself than by visiting one of the more preeminent astronomical observatories on planet earth?
3. Whitewater Rafting on the Gauley River
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
West Virginia is home to the greatest density of whitewater for kayaking and rafting in the U.S. Experience Gauley Season–West Virginia’s 5th season–every September through mid-October as scheduled water releases from the Summersville Dam create unbelievable whitewater on the Gauley River.
4. Explore the Amber Waterfalls at Blackwater Falls State Park
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
It’s always a good idea in West Virginia to explore the State Forests, and State Parks dotted throughout the state—there’s a total of 35 state parks and nine state forests. Visitors can observe scenic overlooks, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, and sprawling meadows at favorite oases such as Coopers Rock State Forest, Pipestem Resort State Park, and Blackwater Falls State Park. The latter is our recommended selection on this list, if only for the amber waterfalls that reflect its surrounding red spruce needles and fallen hemlock.
5. Stay at The Greenbrier, America’s Resort in the Allegheny Mountains
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
Visit The Greenbrier, America’s Resort. The distinct and luxury mountain resort is situated in the Allegheny Mountains and is rightfully iconic. The Greenbrier offers something for every traveler to enjoy—from the onsite restaurants, a casino, and even a tour of the once-secret cold war bunker.
6. Hike to Lion’s Head Rock in the Monongahela National Forest
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
Hike through the Dolly Sods Wilderness in the Monongahela National Forest. Elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet above sea level, making it a great place for vista views. Make sure to check out Lion’s Head Rock, one of the state’s famous landmarks.
7. Book a Mountain Retreat in Lewisburg
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
Finding a charming mountain town to escape to in West Virginia isn’t difficult, with options such as Thomas, Berkeley Springs, Lewisburg, or Wheeling, to name a few. Each small town is unique, but all share a rich history and welcome visitors with warm southern hospitality. But our personal favorite is Lewisburg, which has a walkable downtown that was honored by Fodor’s Travel as one of “America’s 25 Cutest Main Streets in Small(er) Towns.”
8. Trek to the Top of Seneca Rocks
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
Trek to the top of Seneca Rocks, the highest technical summit east of Wyoming. The hike is 2.6 miles round-trip and is worth every step—the views over the North Fork river valley are simply breathtaking. (Which is fitting, since, after all that exertion, you’re likely to be breathless.)
9. Climb the Via Ferrate at Nelson Rocks
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Climb the Via Ferrata at Nelson Rocks, one of only three Via Ferratas in the country. A guided tour invites visitors to climb hundreds of feet up the unique rock formations and a wooden bridge that spans 150 feet and rises more than 200 feet above the forest. The adventure will definitely get your adrenaline pumping!
10. Go Off-Roading on the Hatfield-Mccoy Trails
(Image provided by West Virginia Tourism Bureau)
Experience 1,000+ miles of off-road trails within the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, the largest off-road trail system on the East Coast. Plan a multi-day trip, as the trail system has direct access to food, lodging, and fuel.
