10 Best Things to Do in West Virginia

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park sits right at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers in the city of Harpers Ferry. It's a great place to go if you're looking for a wide range of challenges for hiking, biking, backpacking, or even getting out on the river. 

You can find many attractions in and around the park, including The Point, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and Conservancy Headquarters, Jefferson Rock, John Brown's Fort, Harpers Ferry Station, and the stunning architecture at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church.

The New River Gorge National River is part of the US National Park Service in southern West Virginia. It stretches for 53 miles, running from the town of Hinton to the Hawks Nest State Park, just a few minutes from Ansted. 

This river is amongst the oldest rivers on the entire continent and offers miles upon miles of pristine, unspoiled wilderness where you can enjoy riverfront hiking, boating, fishing, and hunting. It's deeply connected to the cultural heritage of West Virginia, making it an excellent location to connect with the spirit of this forested land.

Blackwater Falls State Park is your gateway to one of the most stunning natural sites in North America. The heart of the park is the Blackwater Falls itself, a cascading waterfall that begins as the slow-moving and leisurely Blackwater River, then pours 62 ft over cliffs from the Canaan Valley into Blackwater Canyon. 

The foot of the falls is a scenic pool where you can take photos or just enjoy the scenery. The trail is easy and heavily travelled, offering a leisurely walk for anyone who wants to get away for a bit.

Whitewater rafting is one of the oldest and most exciting watersports in West Virginia. You can join many whitewater rafting tours, which put you on sites like the Gauley River, the New River, and the Shenandoah River for the whole day. 

You might even find diverse experiences in different areas of a river – the Upper New River is suitable for families and first-timers to whitewater rafting, while the Lower New River attracts intermediates and thrillseekers with its incredible class III–IV+ whitewater.

The Seneca Rocks is amongst the most recognisable and famous landmarks in all of West Virginia. Not only are the rocks noted as a scenic attraction, but they're also popular for rock climbing. You can find the natural wonder in the heart of the vast, deep, green canopy of the Monongahela National Forest.

Besides enjoying views of the surrounding valley and hiking through the woods, you can visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Centre. It includes artefacts, information, education, and exhibits about the history and wonder of this age-old natural feature.

If skiing is your thing, you'll definitely want to spend a winter holiday on Snowshoe Mountain. This ski resort has everything, from cosy lodges with warm fires and rustic decor to 60 outstanding slopes representing a wide range of difficulties for any level of skier. 

Snowshoe Mountain also offers a full spa where you can pamper yourself after a day of skiing and snowboarding. Head to the nearby town of Snowshoe, where you can find plenty of local eateries and independent stores.

Consider booking a stay at The Greenbrier if you're looking for a true 5-star resort experience during your visit to West Virginia. This lavish, posh resort offers plenty of luxury experiences, from high-end fine dining to full spa service where you can enjoy a massage, facial, and wellness treatments. 

At The Greenbrier, you can swim, try archery, play tennis or golf, enjoy a horseback ride, and even tour an underground bunker. This gorgeous, historic resort is almost as old as the USA itself, having been established in 1778.

The Seneca Caverns have been used for hundreds of years by the Seneca Indians for tribal ceremonies. This is a site that contains both natural beauty and indigenous spiritual significance. Since the 1930s, this natural landmark has been drawing thousands with its brilliant formations of stalactites and stalagmites. 

For safety purposes, individual spelunking isn't permitted in the Seneca Caverns. A tour guide is required for all visits, though the experience is a family-friendly one. You can try your hand at gemstone mining, adventure caving, or simply touring the complex. 

The West Virginia Prison is a historic site and a great example of gothic architecture in the US state. It was an operating prison from 1876 to 1995, but now serves as a training facility and entertainment venue that offers both day and ghost tours.

The prison is known as one of the most haunted places in West Virginia. Whether you're here to see the castle-like architecture, explore its haunted history, or just have a good time, the West Virginia Prison is a unique and unusual attraction.

The West Virginia State Museum covers not just the history of West Virginia, but also world history, science, and more. You can see artwork from all over the world, from paintings and sculpture to crafts and jewellery, as well as dinosaur bones and natural history exhibits related to the evolution of humankind and early cultures. 

The West Virginia State Museum is a great place to learn about science, technology, and industry, regardless of your age. Located in Charleston, the museum is maintained and funded by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History.