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West Virginia

Outdoor adventure is everywhere in West Virginia, where visitors can go whitewater rafting down the Gauley River or in nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and riding ATVs along the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, which includes state parks and forests. Hike and camp in Coopers Rock State Forest. Towns like neighboring Thomas and Davis, known for their craft breweries, and Harpers Ferry, which played a role in the abolitionist movement, are especially lively when autumn leaves change color, generally mid-October through the first week of November.

The New Bridge at the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia

Views of the gorge and iconic New River Bridge can be seen on several hikes throughout the park.

West Virginia Department of Tourism

Overview

Planning Your Trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to West Virginia.

READ BEFORE YOU GO
A train running alongside the ocean, with beach grass in the foreground
Trains
10 Train Routes That Will Take You Straight to a National Park
Amtrak routes like the Empire Builder and the California Zephyr deliver you straight to the country’s wildest places.
September 19, 2025 09:03 PM
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Alexandra Gillespie
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Where to Go in Fall
Where to Go This Fall for Fewer Crowds and Peak Scenery
August 21, 2025 05:11 PM
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Mark Ellwood
Photo of an arched bridge surrounded by fall foliage, beneath a blue sky
National Parks
The Newest U.S. National Park Is Home to Bridge Jumping, Scenic Drives, and the World’s Second-Oldest River
July 1, 2025 12:26 PM
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Jessie Beck
The Linn Cove Viaduct, at mile marker 304.4, was one of the most ambitious and technically challenging segments of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Road Trips
8 Road Trips Through Iconic U.S. National Parks
June 11, 2025 02:43 AM
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Chloe Arrojado
Kayaking on Summersville Lake is a summertime treat.
Outdoor Adventure
7 Stunning Lakes and Rivers to Explore in Appalachia
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RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Road Trips
This U.S. Road Trip Is Full of Small Towns, Mountains, and Stargazing
Slow down and explore charming towns, scenic hikes, and dark skies across West Virginia.
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Outdoor Adventure
This Underrated Destination Is the Perfect Place to Unplug
Waterfalls, quiet trails, scenic highways, and remote campsites make digital detoxing in West Virginia’s outdoors effortless.
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Outdoor Adventure
19 U.S. National Parks You Can Visit for Free—Any Time of the Year
Of the 63 national parks in the United States, about a third are free to visit every day of the year.
October 3, 2024 04:16 PM
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Bailey Berg
National Parks
These Underrated State Parks Are as Gorgeous as the Most Popular National Parks
Avoid the crowds of seven popular national parks and visit these state parks instead.
May 20, 2024 09:03 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
Videos
We Found the Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State—Here Are 6 Favorites [VIDEO]
Get out of the big cities and into nature, with a trip to these beautiful small towns throughout the U.S.
January 25, 2024 11:47 AM
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Chloe Arrojado
Where to Travel Next
The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
Consider these 51 beautiful places found across the country—including Puerto Rico—for your next trip
January 12, 2024 09:01 AM
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Nicholas DeRenzo
Where to Travel Next
The Underrated States of America
The ’90s called and it wants its New Jersey jokes back.
October 21, 2022 09:39 AM
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Ashlea Halpern
Road Trips
Travel to the Newest U.S. National Park and Other West Virginia Wonders on This Road Trip of a Lifetime
It isn’t heaven, but it’s pretty darn close.
September 9, 2022 06:40 PM
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Madeline Weinfield
Journeys: United States
Discover The Newest U.S. National Park and More in West Virginia
June 20, 2022 02:07 PM
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West Virginia Department of Tourism