West Virginia's landscape is shrouded with historical lore, unspoiled nature, and quaint towns. This collection discovers lesser-known destinations that capture the state's rich heritage and natural beauty far from the usual tourist trail. Explore these 18 hidden gems offering unique experiences to those who seek the road less traveled within the Appalachian wilderness.
Pendleton County, West Virginia
An iconic crag offering breathtaking views in the Monongahela National Forest.
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
A subterranean wonderland featuring dramatic rock formations.
Jefferson County, West Virginia
A town steeped in Civil War history at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers.
Tucker County, West Virginia
A rugged, windswept plateau known for its stunning vistas and unique ecology.
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
A heritage railroad where vintage steam locomotives take visitors through scenic backcountry.
Pendleton County, West Virginia
The highest peak in West Virginia providing panoramic mountain views.
Tucker County, West Virginia
A cascading waterfall famed for its amber-colored waters in Blackwater Falls State Park.
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
One of the longest caves in the U.S., filled with fascinating geological structures.
Morgan County, West Virginia
A historic spa town known for its mineral springs and charming downtown.
Randolph County, West Virginia
A virgin spruce forest offering a glimpse into West Virginia's pre-logging era landscapes.
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
A natural area famous for its extensive rock formations and crevices.
Lewis County, West Virginia
A hauntingly beautiful historic building with tours detailing its storied past.
Fayette County, West Virginia
A historic railroad area offering stunning views of the New River Gorge Bridge.
Grant County, West Virginia
An underground labyrinth known for its impressive rock formations and folklore.
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
The childhood home of the Nobel Prize-winning author, preserving her literary legacy.
Summers County, West Virginia
A charming district featuring Victorian architecture and a rich railroad history by the New River.
Marshall County, West Virginia
A stunning example of Indian architecture and craftsmanship nestled in Appalachia.
Morgan County, West Virginia
A remarkable 19th-century engineering feat that is a part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal.
Marion County, West Virginia
A living history museum re-enacting 18th century life on the Virginia frontier.
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
An astronomical radio observatory home to the Green Bank Telescope, the world’s largest steerable radio telescope.
Barbour County, West Virginia
A hidden gem along the Middle Fork River with scenic picnic spots and hiking trails.
Monroe County, West Virginia
An observation tower atop Peters Mountain providing opportunities to spot migrating raptors.
Logan County, West Virginia
A park offering a variety of outdoor activities amidst lush woodlands and mountain scenery.
Pocahontas County, West Virginia
West Virginia's oldest forest, perfect for camping, fishing, and hiking in secluded nature.
Fayette County, West Virginia
An almost deserted historic railroad town, offering a glimpse into West Virginia's early 20th-century coal industry.
Summers County, West Virginia
The largest waterfall on the New River surrounded by picturesque gorges and islands.
Greenbrier County, West Virginia
A bunkered annex to the Greenbrier hotel that was once a top-secret U.S. government relocation facility during the Cold War.
Fayette County, West Virginia
A historic inn overlooking the Kanawha Falls, serving as both a landmark and a cozy accommodation.
Mercer County, West Virginia
An eerie abandoned amusement park rumored to be haunted, with guided tours available for thrill-seekers and history buffs.
Taylor County, West Virginia
One of the original national cemeteries created to honor Civil War soldiers, with a serene and historic atmosphere.
Hancock County, West Virginia
A scenic park featuring a variety of outdoor activities with its small lake, campgrounds, and trails.
Marshall County, West Virginia
Home to one of the largest and most famous Adena burial mounds.
Wood County, West Virginia
A converted railroad corridor stretching through several counties, providing a multi-use recreational trail.
Nicholas County, West Virginia
A Civil War battlefield and state park with stunning views of the Gauley River Canyon.
Fayette County, West Virginia
A mountaintop park renowned for its breathtaking overlooks of the New River Gorge.
Preston County, West Virginia
An outcropping that offers impressive panoramic views of Coopers Rock State Forest.
