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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
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
Here’s how to make the most of your visit to New River Gorge National Park.
July 01, 2025 12:26 PM
 · 
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
 · 
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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A high view of bridges over a river leading to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Road Trips
This U.S. Road Trip Is Full of Small Towns, Mountains, and Stargazing
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A view of the sun setting over mountains covered in green trees in West Virginia.
Outdoor Adventure
This Underrated Destination Is the Perfect Place to Unplug
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Resources to help plan your trip
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 03, 2024 04:16 PM
 · 
Bailey Berg
Where to Go in Fall
6 of the Prettiest Outdoor Experiences You Can Have This Fall
Don’t miss the wonderful changes happening outdoors this season.
July 31, 2024 05:20 PM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
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
 · 
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
 · 
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
 · 
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 09, 2022 06:40 PM
 · 
Madeline Weinfield
National Parks
The United States Just Got a New National Park
The New River Gorge in West Virginia marks the country’s 63rd national park.
January 05, 2021 05:18 PM
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Sarah Buder
The Best Bars in Charleston
With lots of locally brewed beers and bartenders famous for their finely concocted cocktails on every corner, rooftop lounges, candlelit bistros, and deliciously divey bars, you’ll never be far from a drink in Charleston.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
Dishes Worth A Drive from Charleston
Okay, some of these restaurants are technically still in Charleston, but what they have in common is food that merits a trip outside the well-trodden tourist area. Get there however you can, but don’t miss the extraordinary things—soul food, Chinese food, barbecue, French-accented local, whatever!—being cooked up in these remarkable South Carolina kitchens.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
Where to Find Charleston’s Best Southern Cooking and Soul Food
Food-lovers and chefs flock to Charleston and many limit their visits to the dining rooms of the latest thing, the just-minted award-winners, but locals (and regulars to town) know that the true taste of Charleston can be found in restaurants that cook from old recipes, making dishes from memories of hot nights, small kitchens, and big flavor.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
The Best Beer Bars in Charleston
From a bottle of PBR enjoyed on the front patio of the Rec Room to a pint of just-brewed ale tapped at Edmond’s Oast, Charleston loves its beer. A town with so many breweries, brew pubs, and tap houses has a mighty thirst: Charleston Brewery List website said there are 20 tap houses in the city (and that doesn’t factor in the bars and restaurants that have solid lists of craft beer), as well as eight breweries in the city, and 17 in the surrounding area. Pull up a stool with the locals at these great watering holes and find your favorite beer. Or beers.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
 · 
AFAR Editors
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