8 Best places in West Virginia to visit

These best places in West Virginia to visit include some of the best things to do in West Virginia as well as some unique and cool things to see in the state.

West Virginia is arguably one of the most beautiful states in the US and should definitely be on your US bucket list. Packed with breathtaking natural beauty and several historical sights, here are a few reasons why The Mountain State is so popular with visitors. 

Best places in West Virginia

Blackwater Falls State Park

Easily one of the most popular parks in the state, Blackwater Falls, stained by the acid of hemlock and red spruce, is a 60-foot waterfall that drops into an 8-mile-long river.

While the waterfall itself is stunning, it is the surrounding nature that draws people in.

As a West Virginia must-visit area, it is packed with dozens of local trees, animals, critters, and many walking and hiking paths that lead to spectacular views of the surrounding area. 

The Greenbrier 

Found in White Sulphur Springs, The Greenbrier is a National Historic Landmark that opened its doors in 1778. It has hosted over 26 dignitaries, including the Prince and Princess of Monaco and the Duke and Dutchess of Windsor.

The Greenbrier was also an essential building during WW2, serving as a hospital for over 26,000 injured soldiers.

Nowadays, the luxury hotel offers over 50 on-site activities, with the 5,100-acre Greenbrier State Forest right on your doorstep. 

Snowshoe

If you want to have some fun in the snow, the Snowshoe Resort is a year-round resort most famous for its skiing and snowsports.

The 800-foot drop offers 38 different trails, with something for everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros.

When the mountain isn’t covered in fresh snow, there are plenty of other activities for you to enjoy. Mountain biking, horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, and many more are all available when it’s too warm to hit the slopes. 

Berkeley Springs

While the bathhouse itself in Berkeley Springs has only been open since 1930, the natural springs have been popular with locals and visitors for centuries.

George Washington famously used them for their healing qualities, and before him, Native Americans from as far as south Canada visited the springs, too. The more modern bathhouse offers a range of treatments using the five natural springs in the area.

Once you are done at the bathhouse, you can visit Berkeley Springs, home to a few luxurious spas. 

Mothman Museum & Festival 

If you want to experience something unique that West Virginia has to offer, take a trip to the Mothman Museum and Festival. A local legend that started in the 60s, the Mothman has been popularized in pop culture ever since.

On the third weekend of September, the Mothman Festival is a popular event centered around the strange figure.

Themed food and shops selling everything Mothman can be found at the free event, and dressing up for the occasion is most certainly encouraged. 

West Virginia State Penitentiary

While a former prison may not sound like the go-to spot for a history lesson, West Virginia State is the exception. The gothic-style building has a long history in the area, first opened in the 1870s before shutting down in the 90s.

The prison, packed with history and mystery, is easily one of the most interesting buildings in Moundsville.

There are also regular events for you and the whole family, such as Zombie Walks and a kid’s night.

If you’re into architecture and history, this is the perfect place to see both.

Trans-Allegheny Asylum 

Much like the prison, an asylum is probably not on your “must-visit” list. However, the Trans-Allegheny Asylum is a hot spot for ghost lovers and those wanting to experience the paranormal.

Multiple tours are available for guests, with the most popular being the general tour that takes you around the building, facilities, and surroundings.

As mentioned before, paranormal tours are held regularly, and you can even sleep over to see if you experience something for yourself. This is where to go if you want to add a spooky touch to your holiday. 

Monongahela State Forest

The Monongahela State Forest is one of the most important parks in West Virginia. It is home to and protects over 900,000 acres of forest and has a vast and rich collection of spruce trees, as well as several of West Virginia’s highest peaks.

The forest is the prime location for everything outdoors, with visitors frequently partaking in hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, boating, and fishing.

There are also several campgrounds available, allowing you to spend the night under the stars. 

West Virginia is a magical place to visit, thanks to its immense natural beauty, its vast array of historical and cultural sites and buildings, and, of course, the handful of weird and wacky legends and traditions found across the state. If it isn’t on your list of stops yet, it should be right near, if not at the top, by now.