Things to do in West Virginia, United States: The Best National Parks

December 22, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

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.
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1. New River Gorge

+1 800-252-7784 http://www.nps.gov/neri
Excellent
85%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
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5.0 based on 194 reviews

New River Gorge

A 53-mile stretch on the river that is set aside as a national park.

Reviewed By WiseWomanWanderer - Mount Orab, United States

New River Gorge and area should be on everyone's bucket list! I went for the hiking and the views for 3 nights accompanied by my dog. I could only manage easy-moderate trails. And I love water features. So, here is our itinerary>>> Sunday 1. stop at Canyon Rim Visitor Center, get trail maps, walk the boardwalk trail 2. hike Long Point Trail Monday 1. wake early to get parking place and then hike Endless Wall Trail (small parking lot, they will tow if on main road). 2. travel to Sandstone Falls and experience the boardwalk, island trail and overlooks 3. head to Thurmond area to hike the Rend Trail along the Dunloup Creek. Drove a little further to check out the New River. Driving back I pulled over to venture down to the falls (no sign so keep your eyes on the look out!). Tuesday 1. travel to Babcock State Park to experience the Grist Mill. Then hiked the Island in the Sky Trail which was nothing spectacular because the views were overgrown. Then, hiked around Lake Boley 2. drive to Summersville Dam and check out the two overlooks. Then, drive down the Gauley River access road and walk down the two steep entries to the Gauley River. 3. drive to Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park and hike the portion of the Patteron Trail with the 3 overlooks. 4. drive the Fayette Station Road Tour and get up close and personal with the New River. 5. hike the Timber Ridge Trail just because I was in the car a lot and needed more hiking! Wednesday 1. stop at Hawks Nest Overlook, Cathedral Falls, Confluence at Gauley Bridge (a city), and Kanawha Falls on SR 60 on my way back home I reviewed most of these trails on separate Tripadvisor entries. I just posted highlights of the trip. I gave each a 5 rating! I would have given 10 ratings if I could!

2. Monongahela National Forest

200 Sycamore St, WV 26241 https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf
Excellent
63%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
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4.5 based on 32 reviews

Monongahela National Forest

An 830,000-acre preserve with campsites and hiking trails.

Reviewed By pattelbert - Alexandria, United States

We went to the Otter Creek area of the park. We walked the roads and trails for a couple of miles. The campsites looked well-maintained, and the compost toilet had plenty of paper. We'd go back to actually camp!

3. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 +1 304-535-6298 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/hafe/
Excellent
70%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,028 reviews

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

A visit to this quaint, historic community, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, is like stepping into the past. Stroll the picturesque streets, visit exhibits and museums, or hike our trails and battlefields. Spend a day or a weekend. We have something for everyone, so come and discover Harpers Ferry! Hours: Park Open Daily from Sunrise to Sunset. Museums, Exhibits, and Visitor Center: Open 9:00am - 5:00pm Park Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Reviewed By kylesE8563QS

Accessible via Amtrak, Harpers Ferry is filled with history and surrounded by natural beauty.the many worthwhile sights are the Appalachian Trail Visitors Center, the Civil War Museum, John Brown's Fort,The C and O Canal National Historic Park, The African American Museum, St Peter's R.C. Church, and Jefferson Park.The town is located where the Potomac and the Shenandoah Rivers meet, and from the point one can see West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia.

4. Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

WV 26423 +1 304-269-0523 http://www.stonewallresort.com/
Excellent
52%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 33 reviews

Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park

Reviewed By WVChevyMike - Smithers, United States

We go here when they have special events. They host a great hunting and fishing show each year. I try to attend every chance I get. Beautiful area.

5. New River Gorge National Park Wv

104 Main St, Glen Jean, WV 25936-8006 +1 304-465-0508
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Reviewed By I4892SIjimb

This a new National Park. Not as well attended as others which is good in my opinion. We hiked to Long Point and only saw a few people. We did the Bridge Overlook and the Endless Wall Trail. Even during the week both parking lots for Endless Wall were full and there is limited parking on the road so get there early. The trail was pretty muddy during the spring thaw.

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