West Virginia is a state of rich culture, history, and recreational areas. The east coast of West Virginia is full of outdoor adventures, and one can easily spend a day here. However, when it comes to things to do in West Virginia, you can rely on this state because it offers a lot. So, let’s unleash some unique things to do in West Virginia from the following.
What is the number 1 attraction in West Virginia?
West Virginia has many attractions, including breathtaking views from the mountains, waterfalls, and long trails. However, New River Gorge National Park is the number one attraction in West Virginia. It offers various activities like hiking, swimming, biking, and trails for all. You can visit the best state parks in West Virginia, a few miles away from the location.
What do people in West Virginia do for fun?
People in West Virginia are fortunate because they can enjoy recreational activities whenever they want. It offers various activities like rock climbing, hiking, biking, zipline, camping, fishing, bird watching, and whatnot. All these activities are available for the people in West Virginia for fun.
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9 Fun Things To Do & Places in West Virginia
There are an endless number of things to do in West Virginia with kids and adults. You can go through Civil War history, West Virginia is perfect for fun activities. Along with that, you can explore the hiking trails, state parks, and other appealing points. That’s not enough yet! Blackwater Falls, Monongahela, and the Greenbrier are the best spots to visit for a couple. Besides that, we have the best things to do in West Virginia to give you options starting from below.
1. Blackwater Falls State Park
The Blackwater Falls State Park has dark, crystal clear water. However, it does not allow anyone to swim. You can swim at the resort or pool area down the road for free of cost.
The Blackwater Falls State Park water is dark because the Tannic acid falls from the red spruce needles and hemlock.
Blackwater Falls State Park offers some epic sights to explore, and all of these sites are picture-perfect for storing some memories.
It is a famous spot for many things to do in West Virginia, including fishing, biking, geocaching, etc. Also, you can visit here for camping which includes lodging and fun outdoor activities from late April to October.
The famous sites in this park are Pendleton Falls and Elakala Falls. Also, you can take the beautiful view of Lindy Point from Blackwater Canyon.
It is situated at 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, West Virginia 26260, USA.
How much does it cost to go to Blackwater Falls?
You can roam in the Blackwater Falls freely. However, you have to pay $12 per vehicle for parking. Also, you can purchase a few passes from the state park.
How long of a hike is Blackwater Falls?
Blackwater Falls is an out-and-back trail near Davis. It is only 0.4 miles long and takes less than half an hour to complete.
2. Monongahela National Forest and Seneca Rocks
With an elevation of 4,386, Monongahela National Forest and Seneca Rocks offer many breathtaking views, appealing points, and beautiful wildlife to visit during the fall season.
Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest is one of the most famous landmarks in West Virginia. It involves many things to do in West Virginia for couples, travel partners, friends, and others like picnicking.
These places are famous for hiking, biking, scenic drives, picnic sports, horseback riding, swimming, and green forest, and the list is quite long.
The famous historical sites near this place are Seneca Rocks South Peak, Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, etc.
It is situated at WV-28, Seneca Rocks, West Virginia 26884, USA.
Is Seneca Rocks in Monongahela National Forest?
Yes! Seneca Rocks are situated in the Monongahela National Forest. These are well known for their scenic attractions and are the best destination for rock climbers.
Why is Seneca Rocks important?
Due to the rough Tuscarora sandstone formation and climbing difficulty, Seneca Rocks is a crucial part for rock climbers.
3. The Greenbrier
It was a Cold War consequence cover, sculptured in the mountainside under the West Virginia wing. Nowadays, it is open for every history lover to explore peace in the past.
One of the best choices is The Greenbrier if you are looking for the top vacation spending places. Couples are also invited!
The Greenbrier resort is a magnificent and most beautiful place to make your vacation memorable and enjoyable with many activities.
Furthermore, it is famous for being the site of a giant underground bunker that the United States Congress used during the Cold War.
You can also explore a few historical sites near this resort, including Martin & Jones Building, Organ Cave, Ronceverte Train Depot, Oakhurst Links, etc.
It is situated at 300 W., Main Street, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, USA.
How much does it cost to stay at The Greenbrier, West Virginia?
The various rooms are available with a price tag starting from $59 midweek to $129 for the weekend night stays. Trust us! This cost is less than the average cost of a house in West Virginia.
What movie was filmed at The Greenbrier?
“Christmas at the Greenbrier” a film was about to be filmed in this iconic place of West Virginia resort. But due to covid, the project got closed in the middle of the shooting.
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4. New River Gorge National River
The New River Gorge is the oldest river present on the globe nowadays. You can explore the cultural history of this area near New River Gorge National River.
Suppose you ask about only one place to visit in West Virginia to explore a lot. In that case, indeed, we suggest going to the New River Gorge National River, the newest national park in America.
New River Gorge National River is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts for many activities, including whitewater rafting, canoeing, tubing, hunting, and whatnot.
It is famous as one of the most renowned climbing areas on the East Coast. Also, it is well-known for the country’s whitewater rafting from the Cunard put-in to Fayette Station.
You can explore many historical sites that can take you to the old coal mining days of West Virginia. It includes Thurmond, Sandstone School, Quinnimont, Nuttallburg, McKendree Hospital, etc.
It is situated at Glen Jean, West Virginia 25846, USA.
Is New River Gorge worth visiting?
Of course, Yes! Visiting New River Gorge is worth visiting because it is full of human and natural history. Also, it offers the iconic adventure sights in America for all adventure lovers.
What is the newest national park in West Virginia?
When it comes to the newest national park in America, New River Gorge in West Virginia takes the crown. There are deep canyon walls you must see if you want to explore West Virginia.
5. Whitewater Rafting
West Virginia has many places for whitewater rafting, of which the famous are New River Gorge, New & Gauley River Adventures, & ACE adventure resort. But this is a thrilling place where weak people should not go.
You won’t believe it, but you can enjoy many rafting tours with your travel buddies or friends in West Virginia’s New River.
Whitewater rafting is amongst the oldest watersports you can enjoy in various rivers of West Virginia, including the Gauley River, Snake River, Colorado River, Salmon River, and many others.
You can explore the other historical sites near whitewater rafting, including Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park, Bulltown Historic Area, etc.
You can enjoy whitewater rafting at 1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, West Virginia 25901, USA.
Is West Virginia known for Whitewater Rafting?
Yes! West Virginia is famous for the Whitewater Rafting of ACE adventure resort. They are providing the guide to enjoy whitewater rafting trips with your buddies.
How much does it cost to go whitewater rafting in West Virginia?
Whitewater Rafting under the New River has done a few changes. On weekdays, a single-day rafting and value package is available at $115 and $150. However, you have to pay $145 for single-day rafting and $180 for value packages, respectively, on Saturdays. These costs are not more than the cost of living in West Virginia.
6. Harpers Ferry
In 1859, John Brown raided Harpers Ferry by winning the United State weaponry at Harpers Ferry to start a slave revolt in southern states.
Nowadays, you can move to West Virginia and explore the charming Harpers Ferry town. It is a blend of museums, historical sites, and many other programs.
Harpers Ferry is one of the most viewed towns in West Virginia. Most tourists visit here to explore many sites during May and June.
It is a famous National Historical Park that takes you to the olden days of the town and showcases John Brown, an abolitionist.
Various historic sites near Harpers Ferry include The Point, John Brown’s Fort, Harpers Ferry Station, White hall Tavern, etc.
This beautiful town is situated in Jefferson County, West Virginia 25425, USA.
Is Harpers Ferry worth visiting?
Yes! Nowadays, it is entirely worth visiting the Harpers Ferry. You will meet with the historic buildings, monuments, charming little downtowns, landmarks, etc.
What 3 states meet at Harpers Ferry?
Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet with each other at Harpers Ferry because it is located at the joining of the Shenandoah River and Potomac.
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7. West Virginia Penitentiary
The West Virginia Penitentiary was a gothic-style prison and still a questionable place to explore. Visit here from April through November to experience the Grim Prison.
Over 1,000 prisoners were locked in this prison, and it was opened in 1876 by Gothic Fortress. It was closed down after the last prisoner left in 1995.
The Penitentiary was famous and once considered a house of the most violent inmates in the country.
Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, McCreary Cemetery Historic Sites, Mount Rose Cemetery Historic Sites, and many others are historic places famous here.
It is located at 818 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, West Virginia, USA.
Why did West Virginia Penitentiary close?
It was closed down in 1995 because of the execution of almost 100 prisoners through electrocution or hanging, riots, and fires.
What happened at the West Virginia Penitentiary?
More than 90 men were executed at the prison from 1899 to 1959. Until 1949, this was a method of hanging prisoners.
8. West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center
Things to do in West Virginia include exploring its culture, geology, history, archaeology, art, and paleontology. You can experience this at West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center from Tuesday to Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM.
You can experience West Virginia’s unique history of the land, industries, people, etc., without paying any costs; the entry is free.
It’s a famous destination that comes with interactive exhibitions paying homage to the history and culture of the state.
Independence Hall, Camp Washington, Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex, etc., are the other famous historical sites near this place.
This historic place is located at 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, West Virginia, USA.
9. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a mysterious place to visit. However, during its peak, most people are admitted due to egotism, jealousy of religion, domestic trouble, being kicked in the head by the horse, masturbation & Syphilis, etc.
It is one of the most exciting, mysterious, and doubtful places in West Virginia you can pay attention to. April to November will be the best month to visit this historic landmark.
Richard Andrews, an architect, created this Asylum. This largest hand-cut stone building was built from 1858 to 1881.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was a famous site of historical events like a gold robbery and Civil War raid. Also, this is a renowned spot for paranormal tours nowadays.
At Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, you can have some historic tours, including Kirkbride, Geriatric building, and Medical Center Photography tours.
It is situated at 71 Asylum Drive, West Virginia, USA.
How many lobotomies were performed at Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum?
Walter Freeman was a famous surgeon and lobotomy advocate. He executed around 4,000 lobotomies except for perfectly healthy patients.
Can you get married at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum?
Yes! The asylum is the best destination for your wedding. The 7th of September is the wedding hosting day, where slots are prebooked, giving half an hour for a couple to get married.
Things to do in West Virginia FAQs
What is West Virginia best known for?
West Virginia is known as a Mountain State. However, it is the most preferred destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, whitewater rafting, skiing, mountain biking, and fishing, and the list is quite long.
What is the prettiest place in WV?
West Virginia is a mountain state where you can enjoy a bundle of prettiest places for photo shoots, holidays, thrilling activities, breathtaking views, and many others. A few of them are Spruce Knob Rocks National Recreation Area, Long Point Trail, New River Gorge, and Blackwater Falls State Park.
Conclusion
That’s done for now!
West Virginia is one of the best states you must visit and start creating memories. With many trails, state parks, national recreational areas, and other attractive points, it has become the best tourist destination for everyone, from kids to adults and seniors.
Thus, we have a few exciting things to do in West Virginia in this article. It involves places for couples, kids, and a family trip planner. Out of which, the Blackwater Falls, Whitewater Rafting, and West Virginia Penitentiary are must-visit destinations.
In the end, we hope this article will help you explore West Virginia with your favorite people. Please leave a comment if you need any further information on these places.
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