Exploring the Best Places to Travel in West Virginia

West Virginia is a state with a rich history, a rural landscape, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep travelers busy. From the vibrant city of Charleston to the serenity of the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia has plenty to offer visitors. Here are some of the best places to explore when traveling in West Virginia.

Charleston

The state capital of West Virginia, Charleston is a vibrant city situated at the confluence of the Kanawha and Elk Rivers. Visitors to Charleston can explore the city’s rich history at the West Virginia State Museum or take a walk through the city’s picturesque Capitol Complex. For outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy fishing in the Kanawha River or take a hike along the Kanawha State Forest Trail. Additionally, Charleston is home to several unique dining and shopping experiences, from traditional Appalachian fare to upscale boutiques.

Charleston is also home to several major events and festivals throughout the year, including the Charleston Jazz Festival and the West Virginia International Film Festival. Visitors can also take a day trip to the Charles Town Races and Slots, or take a scenic drive through the city’s historic downtown and explore the many art galleries, museums, and other attractions that the city has to offer.

Charleston is one of the most popular places to visit in West Virginia and is an ideal destination for travelers looking for an urban experience with plenty of outdoor activities.

Morgantown

Morgantown is the home of the flagship campus of West Virginia University, and is a popular destination for college students and alumni. Visitors to Morgantown can explore the city’s vibrant nightlife, take a tour of the university campus, or visit the nearby Monongahela National Forest. Additionally, Morgantown is home to a variety of unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian eateries to modern bars and clubs.

For outdoor activities, Morgantown is a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors can explore the city’s many trails, or take a drive through the Cheat River Gorge for stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, Morgantown is home to several parks and outdoor activities, such as whitewater rafting and kayaking. Visitors can also take a day trip to the West Virginia University Observatory for a unique view of the night sky.

Morgantown is an ideal destination for college students and alumni, but it’s also a great destination for travelers looking for a mix of urban and outdoor activities.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry is a small historic town located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The town is a popular destination for history buffs, as it was the site of John Brown’s Raid in 1859. Visitors to Harpers Ferry can explore the town’s rich history at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, or take a hike along the Appalachian Trail. Additionally, Harpers Ferry is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian fare to modern bistros.

Harpers Ferry is also a great destination for outdoor activities, such as whitewater rafting and fishing. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Skyline Drive for a scenic view of the Shenandoah Valley, or explore the town’s many historic sites and museums. Additionally, Harpers Ferry is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the renowned West Virginia Wine and Jazz Festival.

Harpers Ferry is an ideal destination for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts, and is a great place to explore West Virginia’s rich history.

Snowshoe

Snowshoe is a small village located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The village is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders, as it is home to the Snowshoe Ski Resort. Additionally, Snowshoe is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian eateries to upscale boutiques. Visitors to Snowshoe can also explore the village’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic Snowshoe Mountain Scenic Byway.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors to Snowshoe can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Additionally, Snowshoe is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Snowshoe Mountain Music Festival and the Snowshoe World Cup. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Cass Scenic Railroad State Park for a unique view of the Allegheny Mountains.

Snowshoe is an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains.

Huttonsville

Huttonsville is a small rural town located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to the Monongahela National Forest. Visitors to Huttonsville can explore the town’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic Seneca Rocks Scenic Byway. Additionally, Huttonsville is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian eateries to modern bistros.

In addition to hiking and scenic drives, visitors to Huttonsville can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, camping, and rock climbing. Additionally, Huttonsville is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Monongahela National Forest Festival. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Seneca Caverns for a unique view of the underground cave system.

Huttonsville is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the Monongahela National Forest.

Huntington

Huntington is a vibrant city located on the Ohio River in West Virginia. The city is a popular destination for culture enthusiasts, as it is home to several unique museums and galleries. Visitors to Huntington can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Huntington Museum of Art or the Joan C. Edwards Stadium. Additionally, Huntington is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian fare to upscale boutiques.

For outdoor activities, Huntington is a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors can explore the city’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic Guyandotte River Valley. Additionally, Huntington is home to several parks and outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Beech Fork State Park for a unique view of the Ohio River.

Huntington is an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and outdoor activities, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the Ohio River.

Fayetteville

Fayetteville is a small town located in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia. The town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to the New River Gorge National River. Visitors to Fayetteville can explore the town’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic New River Gorge Scenic Byway. Additionally, Fayetteville is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian eateries to modern bistros.

In addition to hiking and scenic drives, visitors to Fayetteville can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, camping, and rock climbing. Additionally, Fayetteville is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the New River Gorge Music Festival and the Bridge Day Festival. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Babcock State Park for a unique view of the New River Gorge.

Fayetteville is an ideal destination for outdoor activities, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the New River Gorge.

Beckley

Beckley is a small city located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. The city is a popular destination for culture enthusiasts, as it is home to several unique museums and galleries. Visitors to Beckley can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Exhibition Coal Mine or the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center. Additionally, Beckley is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian fare to modern bistros.

For outdoor activities, Beckley is a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors can explore the city’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic Bluestone National Scenic River. Additionally, Beckley is home to several parks and outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Bluestone State Park for a unique view of the Appalachian Mountains.

Beckley is an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and outdoor activities, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

White Sulphur Springs

White Sulphur Springs is a small city located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The city is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to the Greenbrier Resort. Visitors to White Sulphur Springs can explore the city’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic Kanawha National Forest. Additionally, White Sulphur Springs is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian eateries to upscale boutiques.

In addition to hiking and scenic drives, visitors to White Sulphur Springs can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, camping, and rock climbing. Additionally, White Sulphur Springs is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Greenbrier Classic Golf Tournament and the White Sulphur Springs Music Festival. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Seneca State Park for a unique view of the Allegheny Mountains.

White Sulphur Springs is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains.

Elkins

Elkins is a small city located in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia. The city is a popular destination for history buffs, as it is home to several unique museums and galleries. Visitors to Elkins can explore the city’s many attractions, including the Elkins Railroad Depot Museum or the Elkins National Historic District. Additionally, Elkins is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian fare to modern bistros.

For outdoor activities, Elkins is a great destination for hikers and mountain bikers. Visitors can explore the city’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic Monongahela National Forest. Additionally, Elkins is home to several parks and outdoor activities, such as fishing and boating. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Blackwater Falls State Park for a unique view of the Appalachian Mountains.

Elkins is an ideal destination for history buffs and outdoor activities, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

Thomas

Thomas is a small town located in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. The town is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, as it is home to the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Visitors to Thomas can explore the town’s many trails, or take a drive through the scenic Canaan Valley Scenic Byway. Additionally, Thomas is home to several unique restaurants and shops, ranging from traditional Appalachian eateries to modern bistros.

In addition to hiking and scenic drives, visitors to Thomas can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, camping, and rock climbing. Additionally, Thomas is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Canaan Valley Music Festival and the Thomas Town Festival. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby Blackwater Falls State Park for a unique view of the Allegheny Mountains.

Thomas is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and is a great place to explore the beauty of the Allegheny Mountains.

Summary

West Virginia is a state with a rich history, a rural landscape, and plenty of outdoor activities to keep travelers busy. From the vibrant city of Charleston to the serenity of the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia has plenty to offer visitors. Some of the best places to explore when traveling in West Virginia include Charleston, Morgantown, Harpers Ferry, Snowshoe, Huttonsville, Huntington, Fayetteville, Beckley, White Sulphur Springs, Elkins, and Thomas. Each of these destinations offers something unique for travelers, from urban experiences to outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant city or a peaceful retreat, West Virginia has something for everyone.