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Panorama of New River at Grand View, West Virginia

Things to do in  West Virginia

Country road, take me home

Nicknamed the “Mountain State,” West Virginia is where small town charm meets abundant natural beauty, with trademark peaks along the Appalachian Trail and epic, fast-flowing waterways like the Potomac and Ohio rivers. It’s still relatively undiscovered as one of America’s least-visited states, so rafters, climbers, and trekkers won’t have to battle for a spot in the wilderness. Add in quirky college towns, George Washington’s go-to spot for a thermal soak, and colonial-era heritage in Harpers Ferry, and you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in between hikes.

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When to visit

If you’re looking to hike, then steer clear of the summer months, when high temperatures, sticky humidity, and tropical storms engulf much of the Mid-Atlantic region. That said, the dog days of July and August are best for water sports and drifting down the river in an inner tube. You’ll find your pick of ski resorts in winter, while fall brings colorful foliage and fewer crowds. The milder days are also ideal for visiting towns like Harpers Ferry, Berkeley Springs, and Shepherdstown.

Getting around

It is highly recommended to have your own transportation for exploring West Virginia, especially if you’re visiting trails and campsites located further afield. You’ll find easy-to-navigate roads connecting all major towns and attractions, including no less than six interstate highways. Harpers Ferry boasts its own Amtrak station with service from Washington DC; as of now, there is only one train per day, so plan your visit with that in mind.

Traveler tips

Harpers Ferry—the site of John Brown’s raid in 1859, when the abolitionist attempted to lead a revolt of enslaved people to overthrow the town—is one of West Virginia’s major attractions. But outside its historical offerings, it’s also the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail and a great starting point for hikers. Stop by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy for a map before heading out on the iconic, multi-state path that passes West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle.

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People Also Ask
Q:What is the top attraction in West Virginia?
A:

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the New River Gorge National Park, a stunning stretch of Appalachia that includes cliffs, gorges, and a fast-flowing river. With Fayetteville as the jumping off point, the national park offers rafting, rock climbing, and excellent hiking.

Q:What month is best to visit West Virginia?
A:

While the summer months are most popular for visiting West Virginia, the milder seasons of spring and fall are best for both sightseeing and hiking. If you’re looking to hit the slopes, then plan on coming during the less-crowded winter months.

Q:What is the prettiest place in West Virginia?
A:

West Virginia is famous for its postcard-perfect small towns, many built right along the river. Shepherdstown—the state’s oldest town, built in 1762—is a top contender, with its hippie-chic cafés and boutiques set into historic red brick buildings. But Harpers Ferry, surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge mountains, is arguably the most iconic.

Q:Why is West Virginia known as “Almost Heaven”?
A:

The nickname comes from a lyric from John Denver’s 1971 classic song, “Take me Home, Country Roads,” about West Virginia. Fun fact: Many people assume John Denver was a native West Virginian, but he in fact hailed from Roswell, New Mexico. He just liked the tune, which was penned by a songwriting duo.

Q:What is West Virginia’s most famous food?
A:

Pepperoni rolls is not only a traditional delicacy, but it’s also West Virginia’s official state food. Its beginnings can be traced back to the early 1920s, when the state’s coal miners, many of them Italian immigrants, brought pepperoni-stuffed rolls to the mines to eat for lunch.

Q:What is the climate like in West Virginia?
A:

Like much of the Mid-Atlantic, the weather in West Virginia is characterized by snowy winters, mild springs and summers, and hot and sticky summers. It’s a great year-round destination, but you’ll need to tailor your visit accordingly and bring sun protection and a lot of water if setting out on a trail in summer.

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