West Virginia Points of Interest

West Virginia State Parks

Relax in thousands upon thousands of acres of well-kept state parks and national park forests. Nature is always nearby in West Virginia.

The Potomac Highlands, which runs north to south along the eastern spine of the state, is the great outdoors, waiting for you to explore--on skis, on a bike, on foot, in canoes, at the end of a rope or underground. At the end of a day of adventure, head to a resort, mountain lodge or a cozy bed and breakfast, or camping under the stars.

The New River/Greenbrier Valley of southeastern West Virginia offers breathtaking mountain views, incredible whitewater, some of the state's most scenic public parks and lodges, a centuries-old spa legacy, miles of hiking and biking trails and historic towns where coal and the railroads were once king.

The Eastern Panhandle, the northeastern tip of West Virginia, is just an hour from Eastern metropolitan areas. Yet the rolling countryside will transport you to picturesque towns, elegant inns and bed and breakfasts, spas, and plenty of shopping, from incredible discount malls to antique malls to fine handcrafts.

Mountaineer Country, in north central West Virginia, is an intriguing mix of pioneer forts, covered bridges, ethnic festivals, university sports, scenic trails and white water thrills. Arts, crafts, antiques and culture also are sprinkled in the small cities and towns that dot the region.

The Northern Panhandle, the northernmost tip of West Virginia, is a crossroads of history and modern pleasures. In Wheeling, Independence Hall, Centre Market and the rows of Victorian homes make history come alive. At Oglebay Resort, you'll find every recreational diversion under the sun.

The Mountain Lakes is the heartland of West Virginia. There are deep, blue lakes, clean, clear air, starry nights, and the beauty of nature at its unspoiled best. Small towns and state parks, many with historic backdrops, beckon visitors who truly want a change of scenery and a change of pace.

The Metro Valley has city lights and style and the warmth and accessibility of small towns. There are art, history and children's museums; theater, music and dance; sophisticated shopping and the lure of glass. In the countryside surrounding the cities, there are state parks and forests, historical monuments and a dash of coal history.

The Mid-Ohio Valley is small towns and countryside, hiking and biking, hunting and fishing, glass and history. In Parkersburg, the scandalous Blennerhassetts come back to life at their island state park, and the oil and gas boom is remembered in museums and historic districts. Glass takes center stage at Fenton and crafts are front row in Ripley.

West Virginia Weather

West Virginia has four distinct seasons. In the low-lying areas and valleys, including the western regions of the state and the Eastern Panhandle, winters are mild and summers are warm but pleasant. In the central portions of the state and the more mountainous areas, including the Potomac Highlands, winters are colder, with a greater chance of snow, and summers are mild.