As it’s commonly referred to, West Virginia or the Mountain State is situated in the USA’s Mid-Atlantic region and is bordered by Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky. Officially admitted into the Union on 20 June 1863, West Virginia’s lush rolling valleys and soaring mountains is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts looking for great skiing, hiking, biking and rafting opportunities.
Once home to a thriving logging and coal mining industry, the Mountain State suffered when these industries collapsed, taking the many jobs they offered with them. Luckily though, West Virginians are a tough bunch and have worked hard to try and return their beloved West Virginia into the great state it once was. Visitors will be delighted by warm hospitality, fresh mountain air, the stunning range of landscapes, historic logging towns and national historic landmarks.
Contents
- 21 West Virginia Landmarks
- Natural Landmarks In West Virginia
- Historic Landmarks In West Virginia
- 11- The Greenbrier Resort
- 12- West Virginia Penitentiary
- 13- West Virginia State Capitol
- 14- West Virginia State Museum
- 15- Green Bank Observatory
- 16- Harpers Ferry
- 17- Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
- 18- Archive of the Afterlife
- 19- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
- 20- Governor’s Mansion
- 21- Glade Creek Grist Mill
- 22- Mountain Battlefield State Park
- 23- West Virginia Independence Hall
- 24- Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
- 25- Bethany College
- 26- Coke Company Historic District
21 West Virginia Landmarks
Natural Landmarks In West Virginia
1- New River Gorge Bridge
Home to the Mountain State’s largest single-day festival, Bridge Day, the 876-foot (267 m) tall New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville is a mighty impressive landmark in West Virginia.
The bridge’s Canyon Rim Overlook provides visitors with incredible views of the world’s fourth longest steel single-span arch bridge and panoramic views as far as the eye can see of New River Gorge National Park.
Many excellent hiking trails are dotted throughout the park for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
You can also marvel at the size of the bridge from below by joining a whitewater rafting trip or a jet boat ride on the New River.
It’s one of West Virginia’s most famous attractions and certainly one you should not miss during your trip to the state.
New River Gorge Bridge is at US-19, Victor, WV 25938.
Recommended tours:
- National Park Whitewater Rafting in New River Gorge WV
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- New River Gorge Side by Side Family Tour
- New River Gorge, WV Adventure Waterpark – Full Day
2- Blackwater Falls
Situated in the spectacular Allegheny Mountains is the 57-foot (17 m) cascading Blackwater Falls, one of the state’s most-photographed locations.
Forming part of a collection of impressive waterfalls inside the Blackwater Falls State Park, the thundering Blackwater Falls is best experienced from one of the park’s observation decks which provide incredible views of the waterfall and the rest of the park.
The park is open year-round and has several entertaining activities no matter what season you decide to visit.
Enjoy skiing and sled rides throughout the park in the winter or spend a night camping under the stars in the summer.
There are plenty of fun activities here to keep the whole family entertained all day long.
Blackwater Falls is at 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260.
3- The Appalachian Trail
The Appalachian Trail stretches for over 2,000 miles (3,219 km) from Maine to Georgia and the section in West Virginia is the midway point.
Although hiking the full distance of the trail is a bucket-list activity, there are shorter hiking trails dotted all along the main trail.
The West Virginia stretch of the trail is incredibly scenic as it winds right past the historic town of Harpers Ferry, which houses the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, where visitors can delight themselves with interesting information about the iconic trail.
The Appalachian Trail is at 799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
4- Grandview State Park
One of the Mountain State’s most scenic parks, Grandview State Park offers visitors gorgeous vistas from high above the New River.
Grandview State Park certainly lives up to its name, with observation decks throughout offering unobstructed panoramas.
Certainly, the best of these observation points is the Main Overlook, where sightseers can gaze down upon the New River from over 1,400 feet (427 m) above.
Nature lovers visiting Grandview are treated to five picturesque guided hiking trails and other fun outdoor activities.
Grandview State Park is at Grandview Rd, Beaver, WV 25813.
5- Seneca Caverns
The Seneca Caverns, located in Riverton, provide an interesting insight into the region’s rich history.
Used by the Seneca Tribe for rituals and shelter in the early 15th century, the caverns were later discovered in 1742 by Laven Teter, a local farmer looking for water for his livestock.
Today visitors to the caverns can join an hour-long guided tour of the cave system, which leads visitors past the 60-foot (18 m) tall Teter Hall chamber to a depth of 165 feet (50 m) below ground.
The well-lit concrete pathways within the caverns make navigating Seneca Caverns a breeze and a great place to visit to enjoy a different side of West Virginia.
Seneca Caverns are at 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814.
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6- Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
The Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is comprised of over 17,000 acres (6880 ha) of sprawling forests covering an area that stretches over two counties.
With around 50 hiking trails and various ecosystems, Dolly Sods is a real wilderness amusement park with fun outdoor activities.
With elevations of more than 5,000 feet (1,524 m), the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is a fascinating and scenic site worth visiting.
Dolly Sods Wilderness Area is at 200 Sycamore St, Elkins, WV 26241.
7- Cass Scenic Railroad
Little is left of West Virginia’s lumber industry other than miles of railways that dot the state’s landscape.
One of these railway lines is the Cass Scenic Railroad, a logging line turned attraction located within the Cass Scenic Railroad.
The Cass Scenic Railroad has two tours available to guests: a trip to Whitaker station and back and a round-trip journey to the state’s third-highest point, Bald Knob.
Both railway journeys carry visitors past some of the state’s most-scenic historical and natural sights.
A trek along the great Cass Scenic Railroad is undoubtedly a memorable experience and an excellent way to learn more about the logging industry that shaped West Virginia.
Situated in Cass, this heritage railway and the associated company town are preserved as a state park and listed as a National historic landmark.
Cass Scenic Railroad is at 12363 Cass Rd, Cass, WV 24927.
8- Seneca Rocks
Peeking out from the lush Monongahela National Forest is the 1568-ft (478 m) tall Seneca Rock, an unmissable near-vertical peak jutting out from the otherwise flat landscape in Seneca Rocks State Park.
Extremely popular with rock climbers who attempt to ascend to the top via 14 different climbing routes, Seneca Rocks is an excellent destination for adrenaline junkies and casual hikers.
Whether you climb or hike to the top, you’ll be royally treated with 360-degree views of the gorgeous Monongahela Forest, which surrounds Seneca Rocks.
If climbing or hiking’s not your thing, be sure to visit the Seneca Rocks Discovery Centre at the foot of the rock to learn more and to tour the small museum inside.
Seneca Rocks are at 10135 Browns Creek Rd, Dunmore, WV 24934.
9- Snowshoe Mountain
West Virginia is often overlooked as a prime destination for winter sports for more popular states such as Colorado or Utah, even though Snowshoe Mountain is a fantastic winter destination in its own right.
The state’s most popular ski resort, Snowshoe Mountain, is home to 60 different slopes designed by a former Olympic skier.
It’s a world-class skiing destination and a great place to enjoy a variety of other winter sports.
The mountain becomes a popular golfing, mountain biking and ATV destination in the summer, making it a great place to enjoy activities all year round.
Snowshoe Mountain is at 10 Snowshoe Dr, Snowshoe, WV 26209.
10- Coopers Rock
Coopers Rock State Forest is a lovely place to admire the beautiful natural scenery that West Virginia is well-known for.
There are many excellent lookout points, each with a different vantage point.
One of the best is the Cheat Canyon overlook, which provides guests with sweeping vistas of the Cheat River flowing below and Morgantown in the distance.
It’s a natural haven for hikers thanks to the forest’s many hiking trails, which wind past the National Register of Historic Places-listed buildings.
During the winter season, visitors to the forest can enjoy skiing within Coopers Rock State Forest, making the forest an exceptional outdoor getaway.
Coopers Rock State Forest is at 61 County Line Dr, Bruceton Mills, WV 26525.
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Historic Landmarks In West Virginia
11- The Greenbrier Resort
Few landmarks are as magnificent and historically significant as the Greenbrier Resort near White Sulphur Springs.
This five-star, super luxurious resort has hosted many celebrities, including 26 US presidents, since it opened in 1913.
The resort is also the site of a sprawling underground bunker nicknamed “Project Green Island”, built during the Cold War era to shelter the US Congress in case of a nuclear attack.
The Greenbrier Resort is an iconic historical site like none other and worth visiting to experience its decadence.
The Greenbrier Resort is at 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986.
12- West Virginia Penitentiary
West Virginia Penitentiary is one of the eeriest and creepiest landmarks in the state.
This Gothic-style building was constructed in 1866 and housed thousands of prisoners, hundreds of whom were executed until the penitentiary was decommissioned in 1995.
The penitentiary has been the location of supernatural sightings and featured on paranormal television shows.
West Virginia Penitentiary welcomes visitors of all ages, hosting a wide range of spooky tours and events throughout the year, such as mock prison riots and Zombie Walks.
West Virginia Penitentiary is at 818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041.
13- West Virginia State Capitol
Home to the West Virginia seat of government, the impressive West Virginia State Capitol’s striking 293-foot (89 m) golden dome shimmers brightly in the summer sun and beckons visitors from far away.
The mostly marble interior of the structure exudes decadence and power, fitting for the state’s most important building.
Designed by Cass Gilbert, the same architect who designed the Woolworth Building in New York, regular tours of the striking Capitol complex are available.
The historic district surrounding the Capitol complex, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is well worth a visit.
West Virginia State Capitol is at 1900 Kanawha Blvd, East Charleston, WV 25305. Explore the city by downloading the Letโs Roam Treasure Hunt: West Virginiaโs Cultural Crown!
14- West Virginia State Museum
There is no place better to learn all about the history and origins of the state than the West Virginia State Museum.
The museum houses several extensive exhibits with historical artefacts such as various antique hats and even a telescope belonging to a former US president.
The museum’s layout depicts the state’s history in chronological order, making touring the facility an engaging, educational and fun experience.
Visiting the museum is a must for anyone interested in this beautiful state’s natural, cultural and industrial past.
West Virginia State Museum is at 1900 Kanawha Blvd E #435, Charleston, WV 25305.
15- Green Bank Observatory
West Virginia is may not the first place that comes to mind when talking about cutting-edge research facilities and high-end telescopes, but the Green Bank Observatory is a leader in astronomical research and education.
Located in a National Quiet Zone, which shields the observatory from radio frequencies, Green Bank Observatory welcomes visitors with tours of the facility following an extensive screening protocol.
The screening protocol is necessary to protect the facility’s high-tech instruments from damage.
Green Bank Observatory is at 155 Observatory Road, Green Bank, WV 24944.
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16- Harpers Ferry
Within Harpers Ferry National Historical Park at the confluence of the Potomac River and Shenandoah River is the perfectly restored town of Harpers Ferry.
The town is the site of the 1859 raid on the US arsenal by abolitionist John Brown, an event that rapidly hastened the outbreak of the Civil War.
Thanks to the two rivers and the Appalachian Trail, the town has many museums, hiking trails, and some of the state’s most beautiful vistas.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is a must-visit destination in a charming historic district that is important in the Mountain State’s rich history.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is managed by the National Park Service and is at 171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
17- Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Complex
The perplexing Grave Creek Mounds in Moundsville has amazed visitors and historians for hundreds of years.
Built by the Adena people more than 2,000 years ago, between 250 and 150 BC, Grave Creek Mounds were a mass burial site and are the largest of their kind.
Forming part of the Grave Creek Archaeological Complex, the archaeological site is home to burial mounds as large as 62 feet (19 m) high and 250 feet (76 m) at their base.
The Delf Norona Museum houses over 450,000 ancient artefacts found all over the area in and around the burial site, perfectly retelling the lives and customs of this ancient lost civilization.
Grave Creek Burial Mounds are at 801 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041.
18- Archive of the Afterlife
Nicknamed the ‘National Museum of Paranormal’, the Archive of the Afterlife is a must-visit for anyone interested in the eerie and supernatural.
Haunting photographs, bizarre objects and cursed dolls are just some of the many artefacts on display inside the museum, curated from all over the world thanks to donors.
If you bring a haunted object with you, the museum might even take it off your hands and proudly display it along with all the other freaky items.
Visitors can book private tours of this one-of-a-kind museum, which grants them exclusive access to the facility for an entire day, where they’ll be treated with short guided tours and ghost hunts.
Archive of the Afterlife is at 86 Railroad St, Cameron, WV 26033.
19- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Another of the spectacularly spooky landmarks in West Virginia is the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which was first opened in 1864.
A National Historic Landmark, the asylum remained in operation until 1994 and is one of the most famous asylums in the country.
As with any old abandoned asylum, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is highly unnerving and probably haunted, with many accounts of strange noises and ghost sightings by visitors.
If you’re a fan or sceptical of the supernatural, be sure to visit this iconic monument in West Virginia to hunt for ghosts and ghouls during a Ghost Tour of the facility.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is at 50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452.
20- Governor’s Mansion
The beautiful Governor’s Mansion with its red brick faรงade has been the home of West Virginia governors since its construction in 1925 and has hosted several prominent dignitaries.
The mansion is well maintained and very lavish, with a marble checkerboard floor in the foyer, walls painted with optical illusions and a perfectly landscaped garden fit for royalty.
Touring this grand building is free, though only on Thursdays and Fridays and with reservations made in advance.
The Governor’s Mansion is an excellent building in West Virginia for anyone interested in architecture and local history.
Governor’s Mansion is at 1716 Kanawha Blvd E, Charleston, WV 25305.
21- Glade Creek Grist Mill
Glade Creek Grist Mill is a charming historic landmark of West Virginia and one of the most photographed grist mills in the state.
Grist mills were once where grain was ground, and 500 of these mills were operating in West Virginia at the end of the 19th century.
Glade Creek Grist Mill was constructed in 1976 to replace an older mill, with its structure and mechanisms reconstructed using an 1890s mill.
Glade Creek Grist Mill is in Babcock State Park, West Virginia.
22- Mountain Battlefield State Park
Mountain Battlefield State Park in West Virginia is a historic site preserving the location of the Battle of Droop Mountain, a significant Civil War conflict in 1863.
The park features a visitor center with exhibits on the battle, scenic hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains.
It also includes preserved battlefield landmarks and monuments commemorating the soldiers who fought there. Ideal for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike, this park offers a unique blend of heritage and natural beauty.
23- West Virginia Independence Hall
West Virginia Independence Hall in Wheeling, along the Ohio River, is a national historic landmark where the state of West Virginia was born during the Civil War.
Part of a historic district built in 1859, it originally served as a federal customs house and post office.
The hall became the site of the Wheeling Conventions, where leaders voted to secede from Virginia and establish a new, Union-loyal state.
Today, the beautifully restored building houses a museum featuring Civil War artifacts, exhibits on statehood and the original governor’s office.
24- Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, in Pocahontas County, southern West Virginia, preserves the site of the Battle of Droop Mountain, fought on November 6, 1863, during the Civil War.
It was one of the largest battles in West Virginia and marked a significant Union victory, helping secure control of the region.
The park features a museum with Civil War artifacts, interpretive exhibits, and hiking trails that lead to preserved battlefield sites.
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Allegheny Mountains from the park’s observation tower.
25- Bethany College
Bethany College, located in Bethany, is the stateโs oldest private college, founded in 1840 by Alexander Campbell, a leader in the Restoration Movement.
Known for its liberal arts tradition, the college emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and service.
Its iconic Old Main building is a National Historic Landmark, symbolizing its rich academic heritage.
Nestled in a picturesque setting, Bethany College offers a vibrant community where students engage in innovative programs while honoring a legacy of educational excellence and character development.
26- Coke Company Historic District
The Coke Company Historic District in West Virginia highlights the stateโs significant role in the coal and coke industries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
This district is a national historic landmark that preserves the remnants of industrial facilities, worker housing, and associated structures that supported the production of coke, a vital material for steelmaking.
Located in Fayette County, near the New River Gorge area, it serves as a testament to the region’s industrial heritage and the lives of the workers who shaped its history.
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