19 activities to experience in West Virginia, from thrilling outdoor escapades to charming town explorations

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia boasts a wealth of untamed rivers, stunning gorges, and lush forests ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Delightful small towns and intriguing historical landmarks across the state invite exploration. Traverse the mountains and rivers to uncover tales of coal mining, legendary family rivalries, and Cold War mysteries.

Where should you begin your West Virginia adventures? Look no further than New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – the latest addition to the nation's national parks. Discover excitement there and throughout the Mountain State with this guide to the top attractions in West Virginia.

1. Honor the Bridge

The New River Gorge Bridge stands as West Virginia's most famous landmark and ranks as the third-highest bridge in the United States. Spanning 3,030 feet, it is one of the world's longest single-span arch bridges. Each year on the third Saturday in October, the 876-foot-high bridge shuts down to traffic for Bridge Day, allowing hundreds of BASE jumpers to leap from its edge. For the rest of the year, adventurous visitors can partake in a Bridge Walk tour, which provides breathtaking views of the river from the catwalk below.

2. Explore the Greenbrier's hidden bunker

During the Cold War, a clandestine bunker was built into a mountain behind the luxurious Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, intended as a fallout shelter for Congress members in the event of a nuclear strike. Kept under wraps for over 30 years, the bunker is now available for tours. After your visit to the expansive facility, stop by Draper’s for a delicious fried green tomato sandwich and a vibrant atmosphere.

3. Uncover the coal mining legacy of West Virginia

West Virginia was once a titan of coal production. Nowadays, experienced miners guide tours deep into a historic mine at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Guests can hop on a passenger tram (also known as a man car) for this family-friendly experience.

In Matewan, the Mine Wars Museum highlights the fierce struggles between miners, mining companies, and the US government during the 1920s. Discover more along the Coal Heritage Trail, a scenic national byway that stretches through 13 counties.

Planning tip: Many local museums and outdoor guiding services operate seasonally, generally from April to October. Be sure to check their hours before planning your visit.

4. Take a stance in Hatfield and McCoy territory

The infamous family feud unfolded in the rugged landscapes of southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. This intricate tale involves a land dispute post-Civil War, a stolen pig, a secret romance, and multiple murders. Museums and visitor centers in Matewan and Williamson reveal the story behind the feud. A driving-tour map is also available to explore key locations. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails, an extensive 1,000-mile ATV trail system, passes by sites related to the feud, with ATV rentals available throughout the area.

5. Discover New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Regarded as the top attraction in West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park is centered around one of the oldest rivers in the world. The New River winds through a wooded gorge, carving its way through the Appalachian Mountains. Thrill-seekers can enjoy whitewater rafting on its rapids, while rock climbers tackle the sandstone cliffs above. Hikers can admire waterfalls, wildflowers, and stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge. Mountain bikers can explore four riding loops leading to the Arrowhead Trails. Echoes of history can be experienced at the park’s African American Heritage Auto Tour sites and in the remnants of abandoned mining towns.

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6. Savor amazing cuisine in Fayetteville

As one of the delightful mountain towns in West Virginia, Fayetteville serves as a gateway for adventurers eager to explore New River Gorge National Park. The town is also home to a variety of excellent restaurants. Indulge in mouthwatering sandwiches at Secret Sandwich Society, or enjoy craft beer and pizzas piled high with crowd-favorite toppings like Gouda cheese, sriracha shrimp, and marinated grilled steak at Pies & Pints. At Cathedral Cafe, set within a charming old church, you can relish coffee and homemade desserts under beautiful stained-glass windows.

7. Challenge gravity at the Mystery Hole

Mystery Hole is among the quirkiest attractions in the country. Nestled in the basement of a whimsically decorated cabin adorned with flags and colorful eccentricities (you can't miss it), the exhibits here seem to defy the laws of gravity. Located ten miles northwest of Fayetteville on the scenic US 60, this spot epitomizes roadside Americana.

8. Reach new heights through rock climbing

The Seneca Rocks tower 900 feet above the North Fork River, creating a now-iconic profile. Rock climbers have been ascending its sandstone slopes since the 1930s. Are you a climbing beginner? Sign up for a class at one of the local climbing schools. Hikers can enjoy a 1.5-mile trail leading to an observation deck. Twelve miles to the south, family-friendly NROCKS Outdoor Adventures offers guided fixed-anchor via ferrata climbs across a double-fin rock formation. Just a heads-up—a 150-foot-high suspension bridge awaits you!

9. Indulge in a pepperoni roll

Pepperoni rolls—soft bread rolls filled with cured meat—can be found at nearly every gas station in West Virginia. The story goes that a miner-turned-baker in the 1920s aimed to create a convenient meal for fellow miners. After some trial and error, the pepperoni roll was born. Country Club Bakery, which has been selling them since 1927, is recognized as the origin of this beloved West Virginia treat.

10. Enjoy whitewater excitement on the Upper Gauley River

For six weekends each fall, water from Summersville Lake cascades from the dam, generating thrilling whitewater on the Upper Gauley River. These Class III to V+ rapids offer a heart-pounding 10-mile run, making it one of the most challenging whitewater experiences in the US. For nature enthusiasts and adventurous families, rafting on the Lower Gauley and nearby New River is a great option. Check out Adventures on the Gorge and other rafting companies near Fayetteville.

11. Travel back in time at Harpers Ferry National Park

The red-brick buildings and cobblestone streets of Harpers Ferry harken back to its 19th-century glory as a center for trade, industry, and transport. This historic site was also where abolitionist John Brown attempted to incite a slave uprising in 1859. Today, much of the downtown area serves as an open-air museum overseen by the National Park Service. Nestled between the Shenandoah Mountains at the junction of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is a picturesque starting point for hiking the Appalachian Trail and biking the C&O Canal towpath.

12. Enjoy extensive hikes in Dolly Sods Wilderness

For some of the finest hiking in West Virginia, head to Dolly Sods Wilderness. With 47 miles of trails winding through 17,371 acres of spruce trees and upland bogs, Dolly Sods is perfect for both day hikes and weekend excursions. You can create your own loop hike starting from the Beaver Dam or Bear Rocks trailheads.

13. Search for spirits at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Experience chills on an evening ghost tour at this former hospital. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum operated from 1864 until 1994. This Gothic-style structure, built from hand-cut sandstone, stretches nearly a quarter mile on the outskirts of Weston. Though the name is outdated (it was later renamed Weston State Hospital), the historical tours thoughtfully address the inhumane practices that were once common in mental health facilities.

14. Dive into music and mountain culture in Charleston

Enjoy live performances from emerging folk, blues, indie, and world rock artists during the two-hour Mountain Stage show, produced by NPR. Broadcasted on select Sunday evenings, the shows frequently take place at Charleston's State Capitol Complex in the Culture Center Theater of the West Virginia State Museum, which highlights significant events and figures in the Mountain State.

15. Take in breathtaking views at state parks

West Virginia's state parks are among its most stunning locations. Blackwater Falls State Park features a spectacular 57-foot waterfall cascading into a gorge surrounded by hickory, hemlock, and red spruce trees. At Hawks Nest State Park, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the New River and the adjacent mountain slopes. Fall is the ideal season to visit, particularly in September and October, when the foliage bursts with color. Coopers Rock State Forest offers a rocky vantage point overlooking the forested Cheat River Valley. Entry to all state parks is free.

16. Explore and dine in delightful small towns

Embark on an Appalachian road trip through West Virginia's charming small towns. Just west of the Greenbrier resort, Lewisburg's historic downtown dates back to the 1700s. Explore Carnegie Hall, taste local granola at Bella the Corner Gourmet, and enjoy the Trust Me salad at Stardust Cafe.

Shepherdstown, the oldest town in West Virginia, is a quick drive from Maryland’s Antietam National Battlefield. Indulge in New American cuisine at the upscale Press Room, then head to Berkeley Springs, where George Washington once enjoyed the hot springs.

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17. Enjoy year-round activities at Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Surprisingly, the one outdoor activity not offered at Snowshoe is snowshoeing! Named after the all-white snowshoe hare, this mountaintop resort ensures winter fun with options like snowboarding, snowmobiling, and skiing. In the summer, mountain bikers can race down the Snowshoe Bike Park, which boasts nearly 40 trails, making it the largest bike park in the area and a frequent host of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.

18. Experience live music at the Purple Fiddle 

Venture north of the Monongahela National Forest to discover the Purple Fiddle, a cozy music venue renowned for its welcoming atmosphere. This former country store has transformed into a vibrant music hall connecting the towns of Thomas and Davis. With live performances most nights, visitors can enjoy an eclectic range of acoustic shows, featuring everything from old-time music to rock, reggae, Cajun, and funk.

19. Take a walk along the Cranberry Glades Boardwalk Trail

The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area features four unique peat bogs that are remote, haunting, and unlike any scenery typically found in West Virginia. Resembling a landscape more common in Canada, these acidic wetlands are remnants of the Ice Age, forming a spongy carpet of decomposing vegetation where orchids and carnivorous plants thrive. A half-mile boardwalk meanders through two of these delicate bogs, situated an hour north of Lewisburg.

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