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
Top 10 Nature & Parks in West Virginia, United States
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. New River Gorge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 194 reviews
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. Beartown State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 110 reviews
Beartown State Park is a natural area of 107 acres located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain, seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia. The name Beartown was chosen because local residents claimed that the many cave-like openings in the rocks made ideal winter dens for the black bears of the area. Also, the many deep, narrow crevasses were formed in a somewhat regular criss-cross pattern and appear from above like the streets of a small town. Beartown is noted for its unusual rock formations, which are comprised of Droop, or Pottsville, Sandstone formed during the Pennsylvanian age. Massive boulders, overhanging cliffs, and deep crevasses stir the imagination of most visitors. Pocketing the face of the cliffs are hundreds of eroded pits, ranging from the size of marbles to others large enough to hold two grown men. Ice and snow commonly remain in the deeper crevasses until mid to late summer. Vegetation clings tenaciously to life, sending roots into mere cracks in the rocks.The land was purchased in 1970 with funds from the Nature Conservancy and a donation from Mrs. Edwin G. Polan, in memory of her son, Ronald Keith Neal, who lost his life in the Vietnam War. Development of the park has been minimal in order to preserve the natural attractions of the area. However, basic facilities are provided, and a boardwalk permits easy access. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk guide visitors and provide insights concerning the ecology of the area. The park is open daily from April to October. During the closed winter season foot travel to the boardwalk area is welcome, with parking available at the closed entrance gate. Group tours may be arranged by contacting the Superintendent at nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park. No fee is charged to visit Beartown.
Reviewed By JohnnyNVA - Manassas, United States
I had no idea what to expect from this park when I put it on my list of things to visit in WV, and was amazed! The sandstone rock formations are some of the most unusual and unique geological structures I have ever seen. To protect the flora and the stones, the path is via raised wooden walkway. There are loads of stairs and at one point I felt like I was in an Escher painting. It's not a long hike, and the stairs are rarely more than 6 in a row, so unless you just cannot navigate stairs at all you shouldn't have any problems. Highly recommend this hidden gem!
3. Blue Bend Recreation Area
4. Grandview State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 225 reviews
Reviewed By 3CuteVagabonds
The grand view is spectacular. It is only a short walk from the parking lot and is definitely worth a stop and a visit. The park ranger was super friendly and told us about the gorge and the park.
5. 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.
6. Endless Wall Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By xu2002 - Cincinnati, United States
We hiked this trail the day before we went rafting on the Lower New River. It was so cool to see rafts going down the river where we were going to be the next day. The hike wasn’t too long and the views were amazing. It was over 90 degrees the day we hiked it and it was so shaded that we weren’t too terribly hot. Highly recommend this trail!
7. Valley Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, Valley Falls State Park is a place of scenic beauty and historical significance. A series of four picturesque falls created by the dark, rushing waters of the Tygart Valley River distinguish this 1,145-acre park. In addition to its scenic charm, Valley Falls State Park offers miles of hiking and biking trails and fishing. The day-use park gates open at 7 a.m. and close at dark. This park does not offer overnight accommodations within the park.
Reviewed By garythephenom - Shinnston, United States
Absolutely breathtaking so beautiful the wild and wonderful West Virginia amazing View and to hear the roar of the water coming over the falls there's hiking trails people riding bicycles people having lunch at the picnic tables people walking their dogs people taking pictures Ulta beauty
8. Seneca Rocks State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 326 reviews
This park is best known for it's rocky cliffs: a great place for rock climbing.
Reviewed By cg5399a - Owings Mills, United States
My husband and I hiked up to Seneca Rocks. The park was easy to find and there seemed to be plenty of parking. There are restrooms available, although you should bring your own paper and hand sanitizer in case they are out. There are lots of picnic tables and grassy areas to enjoy nature and a view of the rocks. You can also go down by the river for a dip in the water. The hike up is steep, it's a bit over a mile, I'd say it us about an hour to climb up. There is an observation deck and you are able to hike up on the rocks at your own risk. You can climb out quite a bit before it gets scary/dangerous. Definitely recommend stopping by if you are in the area.
9. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,028 reviews
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.
10. 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!
