Top Things to do in West Virginia
Top Hotels in West Virginia
- 1. La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Summersville
- 2. Hampton Inn Wheeling
- 3. Hampton Inn Charleston-Southridge
- 4. The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs
- 5. Hampton Inn Weston
- 6. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Beckley, WV
- 7. Wingate by Wyndham Elkins
- 8. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charleston South, WV
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Morgantown
- 10. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Beckley East
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in West Virginia That You Shouldn't Miss
As you would expect, The Mountain State displays rustic charm with dramatic river gorges, large limestone caverns and spectacular mountain views. West Virginia hosts outdoor enthusiasts and family vacationers looking for fresh-air activities and serene mountain atmosphere. If stimulating city holidays are your preference, Charleston combines warm hospitality with a lovely riverside location. A family-friendly destination, you’ll discover children’s theatre, river park recreation and popular Bridge Road for shopping and dining. Smaller towns blend outdoor adventure with quaint village atmospheres. Set between the New, Greenbrier and Bluestone Rivers, Hinton is an historic rail town filled with turn-of-the-century architecture and a host of water activities at its doorstep – rafting, fishing, kayaking and more. In the heart of West Virginia, Summersville is a “Mountain Water Playground.” Its lakeside location encourages outdoor recreation from swimming and boating to scuba diving and rafting. And history buffs can trace Civil War battles throughout the states historic sites and state parks. Hiking or horseback riding along trails through deep hardwood forests is another family favorite, especially when you stop for a picnic along a clear mountain stream.
Restaurants in West Virginia
1. Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Very long hiking trail spanning over 2,100 miles and 14 states.
Reviewed By 844barbaras - Alexandria, United States
We took a great walk along the scene trail. Amazing view and totally worth going. I had some 'always bored teens' lol with me and they really loved it and took lots of photos. Afterwards told me it was totally worth going to. Priceless.
2. Blue Bend Recreation Area
3. The Greenbrier Falconry
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 174 reviews
Reviewed By 457sheilas - Dumfries, United States
My husband and I spent a wonderful relaxing week at the Homestead Resort. It was the highlight of the trip to experience the falconry. My husband is absolutely fascinated by birds of prey. He's always got an eye to the sky for eagles and hawks. We call him "the bird man". Linda was fabulous. Her love and respect for her birds was clear. She gave an over view of the birds she had that day ( an eagle owl, Harris hawk and a lanner falcon). She answered every question we had and then we took a walk while the Harris hawk flew over head. It was such a treat! At the end, we each got to have the hawk land on our gloved hand !!! She also had the hawk fly between and around us. A once in a lifetime experience for us !! We would definitely do this again and encourage anyone staying to enjoy the falconry.
4. Gauley River
5. Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 127 reviews
Tourist center for Seneca Rocks that offers gift shop, classrooms, art dislays, and a small, indoor rock climbing wall for beginners.
Reviewed By L5167CEsusanc - Culpeper, United States
We visited the Discovery Center for the first time last weekend. It had a number of displays and a very interesting moving about soldiers training for mountain climbing back in the 40's. I had not known that that happened. Would stop there again.
6. Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 272 reviews
Located in the Monongahela National Forest, this 10,215-acre area is one of the few wilderness areas on the East Coast.
Reviewed By MCBRVA
What a fantastic day we had with our two teens! Great overlook spots. We had a really fantastic hike along Red Creek Trail after a heavy rain the night before, and we all had fun splashing along the really wet path, crossing creeks and taking in the shady, beautiful views. Highly recommend!
7. Cranberry Mountain Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
The Cranberry Mountain Nature Center has many interesting features that appeal to visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The exhibit hall features many interactive displays which are both educational and entertaining to young and old alike. The auditorium offers short films on request on topics, such as Smokey Bear Story, Jewels of the Monongahela, Cranberry Glades, wildflowers, and many others. The nature center is host to several popular events during the open season. Kids Night activities include live snake shows, educational programs, magic shows, wildlife presentations, games and visits by Smokey Bear.
8. Gaudineer Scenic Area
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By MedIcally
This is off the beaten path, several miles off the main road, and as pristine as it gets. There is a short hike from the parking to the overlook. At the overlook there is nothing but quiet and beauty no matter the season. I never come to WV without stopping off here. Highly recommend.
9. Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
In December 2001, the Park assumed ownership of 52 acres of woodland that has been set aside specifically for the development of trails and nature studies programs. The Park is currently working on securing funds to develop a 1.5 mile trail system, a handicap accessible trail, and shelters.
10. Cheat Mountain Ridge Natural Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By steinfire - Milledgeville, United States
I talked to a girl in the village near the shuttle pick up that was wearing a blue Snowshoe Guide vest. She told me to go up past The Sanctuary and there were trails all through the woods. If you go to top of the world parking lot and follow it to the far right you will see a sign for “the Sanctuary” there is a road that you can go up that will connect you to the trails. You could also probably go behind the 2 water storage towers and find the trails. We found some sections of snow that were almost knee deep. It reminded my daughter of the movie Narnia.
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