“West Virginia, where the Appalachians whisper ancient secrets, rivers carve through the heart of the mountains, and every trail leads to an adventure in the wild and wonderful state.”
Welcome to “50at60” – my personal quest to explore and cherish the diverse beauty of all 50 states as I celebrate my 60th year. In each of these posts, I am sharing some pre-trip research as a kind of a “virtual journey” through each and every state, exploring its stunning landscapes, charming small towns, scenic drives, and remarkable sites. From breathtaking natural wonders to hidden gems in quaint towns, these posts are a mosaic of what makes each state unique and captivating.
My passion for discovery drives this journey, especially towards the serene allure of small towns. As you read on, you’ll find a collection of photographs coupled with an artistic collage and “Must See” lists, both created with the help of AI. These posts are intended to simply serve as a start and jumping off point to further exploration. My goal in this series of “States within the USA” posts has been to capture the essence of each unique state, while creating a source to help all of us plan our journey into and through this amazing country we call the United States of America!
Join me in experiencing the splendor and spirit of every corner of our magnificent country in “50at60.” Now let’s get started with West Virginia!
West Virginia – “The Mountain State”
Embark on an exploration of West Virginia, a state where rugged mountains and lush valleys tell tales of both natural beauty and rich history. Known affectionately as the “Mountain State” and celebrated for its stunning Appalachian landscapes, West Virginia offers a haven for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike.
As we journey through West Virginia, we’ll discover the wild rapids of the New River Gorge, the serene beauty of the Monongahela National Forest, and the quaint charm of its small towns like Harpers Ferry. This state, steeped in the lore of the Civil War and the culture of coal mining, reveals its story through historic landmarks and the warmth of its communities.
- West Virginia broke away from Virginia during the Civil War and was admitted to the Union as a separate state.
- It is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain range.
- The New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia is one of the longest and highest steel arch bridges in the world.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor activities like whitewater rafting and hiking, or a peaceful retreat into nature’s embrace, West Virginia’s wild and wonderful landscapes provide a backdrop for an unforgettable experience.
Join me as we delve into the heart of Appalachia, uncovering the hidden gems and natural wonders of West Virginia. These lists showcase a diverse range of experiences in West Virginia, highlighting its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and charming small towns.
Historic Landmarks and Monuments in West Virginia
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: A historic community known for John Brown’s raid and its role in the Civil War.
- New River Gorge Bridge: One of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, offering stunning views of the gorge.
- The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs: A historic luxury resort known for its elegant architecture and vast history.
- Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston: A historical psychiatric hospital, now offering tours and paranormal experiences.
- West Virginia State Capitol, Charleston: Notable for its beautiful dome, which is gilded in 23 1/2-karat gold.
- Seneca Rocks: A striking natural rock formation popular with rock climbers and hikers.
- Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Offers heritage railroad trips through the scenic mountains.
- The Greenbrier Bunker: A formerly secret government bunker located under The Greenbrier resort.
- Berkeley Springs State Park: Known for its mineral springs and historical significance.
- Moundsville Penitentiary: A historic and reportedly haunted former prison, now a tourist attraction.
Scenic Drives and Road Trips in West Virginia
- Highland Scenic Highway: A beautiful drive through the Monongahela National Forest with stunning mountain vistas.
- Midland Trail (U.S. Route 60): Offers scenic views of the New River Gorge and historic towns along the way.
- Seneca Trail (U.S. Route 219): Winds through the picturesque Allegheny Mountains.
- Coal Heritage Trail: Explores the history of coal mining in Southern West Virginia.
- Washington Heritage Trail: A historical drive through the Eastern Panhandle, tracing the steps of George Washington.
- Route 32 through Canaan Valley: Offers beautiful landscapes of the valley and access to Canaan Valley Resort State Park.
- Dolly Sods Wilderness Byway: A rugged route through the unique landscape of Dolly Sods.
- The Blue and Gray Trail (U.S. Route 50): Follows a path through significant Civil War sites.
- Country Music Highway (U.S. Route 23): Celebrates the country music heritage of Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia.
- Potomac Highlands Scenic Drive: A route through the scenic and diverse landscapes of the Potomac Highlands.
Best Small Towns in West Virginia
- Lewisburg: Known for its vibrant arts scene, historic downtown, and proximity to the Greenbrier Resort.
- Shepherdstown: A charming and historic college town on the Potomac River.
- Thomas: A small artsy town with galleries, unique shops, and a thriving music scene.
- Fayetteville: Near the New River Gorge, popular for outdoor activities like hiking and whitewater rafting.
- Berkeley Springs: A historic spa town known for its mineral springs and artistic community.
- Harpers Ferry: A picturesque town with rich history, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
- Davis: A gateway to outdoor recreation in the Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls State Park.
- Buckhannon: A quaint town with a charming downtown and home to West Virginia Wesleyan College.
- Elkins: Known for its railroad heritage and as a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest.
- Charles Town: Steeped in history, with close proximity to Harpers Ferry and the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
Thank you for joining me on this exploration of West Virginia! Researching this state and it’s wonders has been a delightful discovery for me, from its scenic drives to the charming small towns that dot its landscape. The insights in this post were enhanced with the help of AI, a testament to the blend of technology and human curiosity. The artistic collage at the beginning of the post, crafted using Dall-E, aims to capture the essence of West Virginia’s beauty and character in a unique way. It was fun to create!
I hope these images and information spark your curiosity as it did mine. I am working on a post of every state here, so make sure and check out a few more!
As we continue this journey together, I invite you to stay tuned for more adventures, more discoveries, and more stories that celebrate the diversity and splendor of our country. Happy travels!
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