Nature areas and historic sites in West Virginia

Seneca Rocks is a striking crag set within the Monongahela National Forest, representing the natural wonders that define West Virginia's landscape. This formation showcases the state's geological character and draws visitors seeking outdoor recreation amid mountain terrain. The rocks stand as part of the collection of natural areas and historic sites that characterize the region.

Lost World Caverns is a cave in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, fitting into the state's collection of natural areas and historic sites. The cavern displays rock formations shaped over millions of years underground. Visitors walk through passages and see layers of geology exposed within the cave. This site represents the geological formations that characterize West Virginia's natural landscape.

Harper's Ferry is a town in Jefferson County situated at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, playing a central role in American Civil War history. The town preserves this historical past through restored buildings, museums, and sites that guide visitors through the events that unfolded here. Located at the meeting of two rivers, Harper's Ferry shows how the region's water resources shaped its development and remains connected to the natural landscape that defines West Virginia.

Dolly Sods Wilderness is an exposed, windswept plateau in Tucker County that represents the natural areas of West Virginia. This location features open grasslands, harsh weather, and unusual plant life adapted to high elevations. Visitors walk across rolling slopes, pass through stands of gnarled trees, and find views that stretch across the surrounding mountains.

The Cass Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad in Pocahontas County where vintage steam locomotives carry visitors through the backcountry of West Virginia. The train follows routes that once served coal mining operations. Along the way, passengers pass abandoned mining towns and structures that tell the story of the region's industrial past.

Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia and offers expansive views across the mountain landscape. This site fits naturally into the collection of nature areas and historic sites throughout the state, which combines waterfalls, mountain peaks, caves and old railroad tracks. From the summit, visitors see the forest-covered ridges and geological formations that shape the region.

Blackwater Falls is a striking waterfall in West Virginia, recognized for its amber-colored waters. This site fits naturally within West Virginia's diverse landscape of cascades, mountain peaks, caves, and geological formations. The falls sit within Blackwater Falls State Park, where visitors come to experience the region's natural character and understand how water shapes the mountain terrain.

Organ Cave is one of the longest caves in the United States and showcases the natural wonders of West Virginia. Visitors walk through branching passages and see varied stone formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and underground streams. The cave represents the geological diversity of a region that features waterfalls, mountain peaks, caves, and historic sites such as old railroad tracks and abandoned mining towns.

Berkeley Springs sits in Morgan County and represents the blend of nature and history that defines West Virginia. This town is known for its mineral springs, which have drawn people for centuries. The downtown area retains the character of a historic spa town, with local shops and restaurants. Visitors come to bathe in the warm mineral waters and explore the buildings from its past.

The Gaudineer Scenic Area is a virgin spruce forest that shows what West Virginia's landscapes looked like before logging changed the region. This place preserves one of the state's few remaining old-growth forests, with trees that have stood for centuries and natural forest structures still intact. Visitors walk through dense woods where the canopy blocks much of the sky, and the forest floor is soft with needles and moss. The area demonstrates how the Appalachian region appeared before industrial extraction, offering a window into the natural heritage of the state.

Beartown State Park is a natural area in Greenbrier County featuring rock formations and crevices shaped by geological processes. This site fits well within West Virginia's combination of natural areas and historic locations. Visitors can explore the stone features that reveal the state's geological character.

This asylum is a large historic building in West Virginia that sits within the natural landscape of Lewis County. The structure shows the architecture of the 1800s and tells the story of psychiatric care in America. Visitors can take guided tours through the rooms and learn about the people who lived here. The asylum belongs to the historic sites of the state that, together with natural features and old mining towns, shape the history of West Virginia.

Fayette Station is a historic railroad location in Fayette County, West Virginia. The site sits in a region where natural features meet historical importance. From this area, visitors can see the New River Gorge Bridge, a significant structure from the railroad era. Fayette Station reflects the history of a region shaped by old rail lines, mining towns, and natural formations.

Smoke Hole Caverns is an underground cave system in Grant County, West Virginia, showcasing the state's blend of natural wonders and historical significance. The caverns feature distinctive rock formations and passages that tell stories of the region's past. Visitors walk through dark corridors filled with stalactites and stalagmites, experiencing the geological depth that defines West Virginia's landscape.

The Pearl S. Buck Birthplace in Pocahontas County preserves the childhood home of the Nobel Prize-winning author. Visitors walk through the rooms where she lived before becoming famous. The house shows her early life and family connections. The property tells the story of how a West Virginia girl became an important writer. This site fits within the state's collection of natural areas and historic locations that shaped regional life.

The Hinton Historic District in Summers County represents West Virginia's blend of natural beauty and history. This district preserves Victorian-era buildings and tells the story of railroad development along the New River. Walking through the streets, visitors encounter well-built homes from the 1800s and learn how the railroad shaped the community's growth and character.

The Palace of Gold in New Vrindaban displays Indian architecture and craftsmanship set within Appalachia. The building brings together Eastern architectural styles with the natural surroundings of West Virginia. Visitors see intricate decorations, skillful details, and spaces that reflect religious and cultural traditions. This site fits into West Virginia's mix of natural areas and historic locations, showing how different cultures have shaped the region.

The Paw Paw Tunnel is a 19th-century engineering work that forms part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal. This tunnel demonstrates the construction methods of its era and represents the historic transportation routes that shaped West Virginia. Visitors can explore the canals and old railroad tracks that run through this region.

Prickett's Fort State Park is a living history museum that re-enacts 18th century life on the Virginia frontier. This site fits into West Virginia's collection of natural areas and historic sites, where visitors explore waterfalls, mountain peaks, caves and old railroad tracks. The museum shows how people lived in this mountain region during colonial times.

The Green Bank Observatory is an astronomical radio facility located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, dedicated to studying the cosmos. This site is home to the Green Bank Telescope, the world's largest steerable radio telescope. Visitors can learn how scientists use radio waves to explore distant objects in space and discover new information about the universe.

Audra State Park sits along the Middle Fork River and offers hiking trails and picnic areas in a natural setting. The park fits into West Virginia's mix of natural areas and historic sites, where visitors find waterfalls, mountain peaks, caves and old railroad tracks.

The Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is an observation tower on Peters Mountain that fits into West Virginia's collection of natural areas and historic sites. This tower offers visitors the chance to watch migrating raptors pass overhead. From this elevated position, you can see birds in flight during their seasonal journeys across the landscape.

Chief Logan State Park is a park in Logan County that exemplifies West Virginia's blend of natural areas and historic sites. The park offers outdoor activities set among forested slopes and mountain landscapes. Visitors can hike, picnic, and explore the woodlands that characterize this region of the state.

Seneca State Forest is West Virginia's oldest forest and fits perfectly into the state's varied landscape with its waterfalls, mountain peaks and caves. The forest offers space for camping, fishing and hiking in remote nature and displays the geological formations that define the region.

Thurmond Ghost Town is an almost deserted historic railroad town in Fayette County, West Virginia. The place shows how the region looked during the coal industry's early years. Buildings here tell the story of railroad workers and miners who once lived and worked in the area. You can see old houses, train stations, and shops from when coal was central to the local economy. The town sits along the river and serves as a reminder of West Virginia's industrial past.

Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River and stands as a centerpiece of West Virginia's natural landscape. The falls are framed by steep gorges and islands, displaying the geological formations that define this region. Visitors come to experience the power of flowing water and explore the surrounding terrain that draws hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Greenbrier Bunker is an underground facility beneath the Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia that served as a secret government relocation shelter during the Cold War. This historic site shows the precautions of the past and is part of West Virginia's collection of places that combine natural areas with historic locations.

The Glen Ferris Inn is a historic inn overlooking the Kanawha Falls, serving as a landmark and cozy accommodation within West Virginia's collection of natural areas and historic sites. This building offers visitors a place to stay and rest while viewing the region's waterfalls and natural features.

Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park is a shuttered amusement park in Mercer County that fits within West Virginia's collection of natural areas and historic sites. The park draws visitors interested in history and exploring traces of the past. Guided tours allow guests to walk through the closed facility and learn about its story.

Grafton National Cemetery is one of the original national cemeteries established to honor Civil War soldiers. As part of West Virginia's collection of historic sites, this cemetery reflects how the region preserves memories of the war and the soldiers who fought there. The grounds offer visitors a place to connect with local history and understand the sacrifices made during this period.

Tomlinson Run State Park is a nature area in Hancock County that offers trails, campgrounds, and a small lake for visitors. The park fits into West Virginia's landscape of natural areas combined with historic sites, where waterfalls, mountain peaks, caves and old railroad tracks shape the region. Here you can walk, camp, and observe the local plants and animals.

This historical site is home to one of the largest Adena burial mounds in the region, connecting West Virginia's rich heritage with its natural landscape. The mound tells the story of people who lived in this area centuries ago and provides insight into the early cultures of the continent.

The North Bend Rail Trail is a former railroad that runs 72 miles across West Virginia counties. This trail connects the state's natural areas with historic railroad heritage. It passes through tunnels and over bridges, offering hikers, cyclists and horseback riders a route through the region's landscape. The trail shows how railroads shaped the development of West Virginia.

This park marks the site of an 1861 Civil War battle and offers walking trails with interpretive signs explaining the fighting. The grounds overlook the Gauley River and cover 156 acres. Visitors can explore both the natural landscape and the historical events that took place here.

Hawks Nest Park is a 270-acre park in Fayette County that combines the natural features West Virginia is known for. The park sits at observation points 585 feet above the New River, offering views down into the gorge below. Walking trails wind through the area, and a seasonal aerial tramway carries visitors between different levels. The location displays the geological formations that shape this region.

Raven Rock View is a natural rock formation in Preston County that extends over the Cheat River Canyon. It offers views of forest and water landscapes and fits into West Virginia's collection of natural areas and historic sites. The site displays the geological formations that define the region.