Top 10 Places to Visit in West Virginia
Photograph by Andreas Faessler, via Wikimedia Commons
#1 Charleston
The capital city Charleston is located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers. The city is home to the University of Charleston and West Virginia Power baseball team. Downtown is home to many historic buildings and churches that are over 100 years old. Things to do and fun places to visit include State Capitol, Clay Center, West Virginia State Museum, Capitol Street, Capitol Market, and West Virginia Governor's Mansion.
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#2 Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Harpers Ferry is a historic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park includes historic town of Harpers Ferry and Shenandoah Valley. The 3,500 acres park features several historical museums and 19th century buildings in the Lower Town. Two most popular places to visit in Lower Town are John Brown's Fort and The Point. Things to see in the park includes Bolivar Heights battlefields site, Camp Hill, Loudoun Heights, Maryland Heights, Murphy-Chambers Farm, Schoolhouse Ridge North, Schoolhouse Ridge South, and Virginius and Hall's Islands. The park offers 20 miles of hiking trails.
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#3 New River Gorge National Park
Over 70,000 acres of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve along the New River is known for scenic views and recreational opportunities. The area protects New River Gorge in the Appalachian Mountains of southern West Virginia. The Lower Gorge of the New River is popular for whitewater rafting. The upper part of the river is known for whitewater canoeing. The park and preserve is also popular for rock climbing on over 1,400 rock climbs. It includes over 50 miles of hiking trails. Park activities include hiking, biking, climbing, and whitewater rafting.
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#4 Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Snowshoe Mountain is a ski resort located in the Allegheny Mountain Range. The Snowshoe village is located close to the summit. It is a popular vacation destination known for winter activities. The 257 acres of skiable terrain features Snowshoe and Silver Creek ski areas. The resort also features summer outdoor activities, mountain biking trails, and golf course.
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#5 Morgantown
Morgantown along the Monongahela River is home to the West Virginia University. The largest north-central West Virginia city is also home to West Virginia Black Bears are a collegiate summer baseball team. Things to do and family fun places to visit include Dorseys Knob Park, White Park, Art Museum of West Virginia University, Core Arboretum, Morgantown History Museum, and Spark Imagination and Science Center. Coopers Rock State Forest located 15 miles from Morgantown offers many outdoor and recreation activities including hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and picnicking.
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#6 Berkeley Springs State Park
Berkeley Springs State Park located in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia is known for its mineral spa that has been in use since colonial times. The historic park features warm spring water that flows at constant temperature of 74.3 degrees. The park includes historic Old Roman Bathhouse that offers spa services such as massages, saunas, baths and showers. The Museum of the Berkeley Springs located on the second floor of the bathhouse exhibits historical items related to the springs and town.
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#7 Devil's Lake State Park
Devil's Lake State Park located in the Baraboo Range is the largest state park of Wisconsin. The park is known for its spectacular views from 500-foot high quartzite bluffs overlooking 360-acre Devil's Lake. It was created by ice-sheet deposited during the last ice age approximately 12,000 years ago. There are many popular rock formations throughout the park, such as Balanced Rock and Devil's Doorway. Recreational activities include hiking trails, rock climbing, picnic areas, and swimming.
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#8 Blackwater Falls State Park
Located in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is known for 57 foot Blackwater Falls. The 2,358 acres park features few other smaller falls such as 40 feet Elakala Falls and 20 feet Pendleton Falls. Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook of the park are the most photographed spot. Blackwater Falls State Park offers scenic views of Blackwater Canyon and Blackwater River. The park has 20 miles of hiking trails. It includes cabins, campsites, restaurant, and a nature center. Recreation activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and cross-country skiing.
Photograph by Brian M. Powell, via Wikimedia Commons
#9 Seneca State Forest
Seneca State Forest is oldest and largest state forest of West Virginia. The 11,684 acres forest is located in rugged Pocahontas County. The forest features 23 miles of hiking trails. Thorny Mountain Fire Tower available for overnight stay offers views of the forest. Recreation activities in the forest include hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and boating in Seneca Lake.
Photograph by ForestWander, via Wikimedia Commons