WEST VIRGINIA

Source of Beauty

West Virginia is a paradise for nature lovers and sportsmen. The variety and beauty of its landscapes of mountains, colorful forests, rivers, lush gorges, starry skies and waterfalls never cease to amaze visitors. The Mountain State, as it is known, is a playground for all seasons: explore wildflowers in the spring, enjoy the sunshine on your bike or in the water, admire the blazing colors in the fall, or experience the snow and sledding in the winter. West Virginia is also about culture filled with small towns and historic sites where you can discover the age-old traditions of Appalachia. West Virginia’s charming towns offer Southern hospitality ranging from comfort food to farm-to-table dishes. Ideally located, this state has no shortage of inspiration.

DID YOU KNOW? Located in the eastern part of the state, the Green Bank Observatory is the largest “quiet zone” in the United States, capturing sounds and radio signals from space. Guided tours of the science center are offered year-round to enhance one’s knowledge of astronomy.

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MUST-SEES:

Nature Escapes

West Virginia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With nearly 75% of its land covered by forests, it is the only state in the United States that is entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range. West Virginia has the nation’s newest national park and several other significant national areas such as Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Monongahela National Forest, along with 35 state parks and 9 state forests, and the New River, ironically one of the oldest rivers in North America.

The West Virginia landscape is ideal for outdoor activities such as boating (Ohio and Kanawha Rivers), tubing (Cheat and New River), rafting, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and skiing. West Virginia has more than 900 kilometers of former railroad tracks converted into beautiful hiking, biking and horse trails.

In the northeast near Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest is colorful in any season. It is ideal for mountain biking and rock climbing; the Raven Rock Trail offers breathtaking views, and the Cheat River is known for rafting.

Blackwater Falls State Park is famous for its waterfalls named after the Blackwater River, which flows five stories before it winds its way through a 13-kilometer gap.

A little further down, still to the east, is Seneca Rocks. Located in the Monongahela National Forest, this site is very popular with climbers and others. The magnificent rock formations rise nearly 300 feet above the North Fork River.

In the center of the state, Lake Summersville covers more than 10 km2 with 96 km of shoreline, making it the largest lake in West Virginia. Nicknamed the “Little Bahamas of the East,” it offers serene tranquility and turquoise waters. Boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing and scuba diving are all available. The worldrenowned whitewater of the Gauley River National Recreation Area is the main attraction.

Further south, in Fayetteville, the New River Gorge National River is a mighty river that has cut its way through the Appalachian Plateau, creating a magnificent gorge surrounded by dense forests and colorful mountains. The river is known for its impressive steel bridge - the New River Gorge Bridge - which is 924 meters long and provides a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape at 260 meters high.

Culture And Crafts

The Appalachian Mountain region inspires both unyielding strength and enchanting beauty. This land has been skillfully shaped through craftsmanship, resulting in creative traditions and a unique cultural heritage.

In northwestern West Virginia, Beckley is a charming little town in the Appalachian region with a history strongly rooted in the arts and coal mining. Woodworking, quilting, glass blowing and other crafts continue to be an integral part of the state’s culture whereby artisans often use local materials. Heading out of Beckley, one visits the Tamarack, an epicenter of West Virginia art that

GATEWAYS:

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)

Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS:

Charleston (CRW)

Clarksburg (CKB)

Huntington (HTS)

Greenbrier Valley (LWB) has celebrated local crafts and Appalachian pride for 25 years. The work of more than 2,800 artists and craftspeople is displayed and sold at this regional showcase of the Mountain State’s talent. Visitors can tour the studios of resident artisans, attend summer demonstrations and concerts, and sample regional culinary delights. Also in August is the annual craft fair event known as the Appalachian Arts & Crafts Fair.

Appalachian music can be heard along the Mountain Music Trail, where dozens of venues and festivals honor this regional genre.

Located to the west, Charleston is the capital of West Virginia and also the state’s largest city. The city is steeped in culture and charm, with numerous museums, stores, art galleries, restaurants and an increasingly popular art scene. The photogenic Capitol Building, located on the banks of the Kanawha River, enchants with its 23 1/2 carat gold leaf dome, majestic pillars, fountains and statues. Other points of interest include the West Virginia State Museum, which showcases the history of the region, or the Capitol Complex, which displays traditional Appalachian quilts. Many independent art galleries and small stores are located along the Capitol streets, making it easy to stroll around. The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences houses an art gallery and an interactive children’s museum.

Historical And Charming Sites

Harpers Ferry is a quaint little town that played an important role in the Civil War as it was here that John Brown’s raid on the national arsenal took place. Visitors can delve into history through the museums and exhibits at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

Located on a small island in the Ohio River in the northern part of the state, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is also a trip down memory lane with its Palladian-style mansion and history museum. Cruise by sternwheeler boat to the park, and then visit the estate by horse-drawn carriage.

Located on the Monongahela River to the north, Morgantown has just about every natural feature you could want for your vacation. The city is filled with charming features such as covered bridges, museums, wineries and venues for enjoying outdoor activities. In addition, the city is full of bars, lounges and breweries, serving both beer and wine, that enliven the downtown area.

The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs is one of the most luxurious resorts in America. This upscale, extravagant and historic resort built in 1778 is a National Historic Landmark and is a must for those looking to experience where 27 American presidents have stayed. Housed under the West Virginia Wing of The Greenbrier Resort is a once top-secret, super-sized bunker. The 112,544-square-foot bunker was built for all 535 members of Congress during the Eisenhower era, but never ended up being used.

To the southeast, Lewisburg is known as the coolest small town in the U.S., with its cafes, restaurants and stores.

Practical Information

POPULATION: 1.792 million

CAPITAL & MAIN CITIES: Charleston - Huntington, Morgantown, Beckley

TIME DIFFERENCE: -6h

CLIMATE: Summers are hot and sunny, winters are cold but short.

WHEN TO GO? June to September

LOCAL TIP: Discover the state by train, aboard the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad which offers mountain rail adventures from several stations from April to December. This historic steam train travels through the Mountain region, Monongahela National Forest, and the banks of the Greenbrier.