West Virginia – Wild and Wonderful

Unquestionably, West Virginia is a heaven for outdoor lovers. The Mountain State is dotted with nearly 50 unique state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas, which are considered among the best in the nation. Few places offer a better way to experience nature firsthand and to revel in the solitude of the ancient Appalachian Mountains. All park guests can enjoy free nature and recreation programs, so even those not accustomed to the great outdoors will find it easy to explore the woodlands.

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Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the falls of the Blackwater River whose amber-colored waters plunge five stories then twist and tumble through an eight-mile long gorge. The "black" water is a result of tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The falls are one of the most photographed sites in West Virginia. Enjoy the park’s unspoiled nature and discover its beauty on more than 10 miles of trails, ideal for hiking or bike trips. More about the Blackwater Falls at Blackwater Falls State Park

Wheeling National Heritage Area

The great 1849 Suspension Bridge of Wheeling extended the National Road west, bringing people and goods to the city. At the northernmost navigable port on the Ohio River, overland routes, river traffic, and railroads converged, attracting entrepreneurs who manufactured iron, steel, nails, textiles, glass, tobacco, and other goods. The Wheeling National Heritage Area preserves and celebrates the city's dramatic setting, resources, and history, including its role as the birthplace of the state of West Virginia during the Civil War. More about the Wheeling National Heritage Area

Nestled in the heart of whitewater rafting country, Hawks Nest State Park encompasses 276 acres bordering a rugged section of the New River Gorge National River. Below the lodge, the New River forms peaceful Hawks Nest Lake. Above the lake, the narrow canyon and rushing water create one of the most challenging wildwater boating waterways in the nation. Whether you're searching for an ideal summer vacation, access to exciting whitewater rafting or a quick getaway to view autumn's color, Hawks Nest State Park is a perfect year-round sanctuary. More about Hawks Nest

No matter what time of year, Charleston is the place for you to delight in the pleasures that each season brings. The beautiful mountains are close enough to explore, yet are distant enough to provide the perfect backdrop for West Virginia’s capital city. A sparkling river winds gently by all the downtown activities. Shop in the hustle and bustle of Charleston Town Center, which is one of the largest urban malls in the nation. If you wish, you can dart into the unique shops and boutiques in Charleston’s Renaissance Village. Discover the magnificent architectural splendor of the state capitol building and governor’s mansion through a guided tour. Then in the evening, sample one of Charleston’s many restaurants. More about Charleston

The Greenbrier River Trail is a 79 mile (120 kilometer) long rail-to-trail conversion in Eastern West Virginia. The former C&O railroad right of way winds its way through the spectacular scenery of the Greenbrier River Valley in Pocahontas and Greenbrier Counties. Directly adjacent to the beautiful Greenbrier River, the packed gravel trail passes through the Monongahela National Forest, Cass, Watoga, and Droop Mountain State Parks and Greenbrier and Seneca State Forests and is surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains. The state-maintained trail takes bicyclists and hikers through quaint small towns and traverses 35 bridges and 2 tunnels. More about Hiking on the Greenbrier River Trail

West Virginia, AMERICA'S BEST WHITEWATER, offers nearly 2,000 miles of mountain streams coursing through the fabled Appalachians. Our rivers are unbeatable for beauty, history, excitement and accessibility to anyone with a sense of adventure and a love of the outdoors. No experience is necessary, as guides direct the paddlers through foaming whitewater, steering between rocks and over splashing waves. Abandoned coal mining towns, scenic waterfalls and tall tales from your guides are among the extra-added attractions. More about a Wild Ride

Did you know that the first organized golf club in America is in West Virginia? Oakhurst Links (est. 1884) in White Sulphur Springs is still open for play today. Guests share the nine-hole golf course with the sheep that keep it trim. You can also enjoy fine, modern golf in the mountains of West Virginia. With state parks, public parks and resorts around the state, West Virginia offers golfing guests challenging courses with great views. Many of the courses were designed by golf pros George Cobb, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Pete Dye, Arnold Palmer and Sam Snead. More about the West Virginia Golf Getaway

Seneca Caverns

Seneca Caverns in West Virginia were first discovered and used by the Seneca Indians, one of the six tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy, around 1400 A.D. Seneca Caverns range from 25 feet below the surface at the entrance to 165 feet below the ground at the deepest spot. The beautiful caverns contain an abundance of fow-stone - a gleaming creamy-white stone that looks like a rock waterfall! Discover West Virginia under the surface and experience the stunning beauty below the Natural State! More about the Seneca Caverns

Forget all of your daily stress – just relax and discover the beauty of West Virginia’s nature. Travel through a wild and undeveloped portion of the Monongahela National Forest on the Highland Scenic Highway in West Virginia. When you stop at any of the four scenic overlooks along the Byway, you will encounter a stunning view of the Allegheny Highlands. See rolling, mountainous terrain covered by hardwood forests and capped by dark spruce at higher elevations. This view is one you won't want to miss. More about Cruising along the Highland Scenic Highway