Travel Guide For West Virginia County Map

Introduction

West Virginia County Map offers a wealth of attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures for travelers. Whether you are a nature lover, history buff, foodie, or adventure enthusiast, West Virginia County Map has something to offer everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the best of West Virginia County Map, including top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.

Top Attractions

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is a striking rock formation located in Pendleton County, West Virginia. It is a popular destination for rock climbers and hikers, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

West Virginia State Capitol

The West Virginia State Capitol is located in Charleston, the capital city of West Virginia. It is a beautiful building with a golden dome, built in the early 20th century. The Capitol offers guided tours, including a visit to the governor’s reception room, the Supreme Court chamber, and the House and Senate chambers.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is located at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, where West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland meet. It is a historic town, where John Brown led a raid in 1859, and a center of industry during the Civil War. The park offers guided tours, hiking trails, and museums.

Hidden Gems

Lost World Caverns

Lost World Caverns is a natural wonder located in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. It is a network of underground caves, filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations. The caves are open for guided tours, and visitors can also try gemstone mining and explore a dinosaur museum.

Hinton Railroad Museum

Hinton Railroad Museum is located in Hinton, West Virginia, and offers a glimpse into the history of the town’s railroad industry. The museum displays vintage locomotives, train cars, and other artifacts, as well as offering train rides along the New River.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a historic building located in Weston, West Virginia. It was originally built in the mid-19th century as a mental hospital, and operated until the 1990s. Today, the building offers guided tours, haunted tours, and paranormal investigations.

Food Scene

Pepperoni Rolls

Pepperoni rolls are a West Virginia specialty, consisting of a soft roll filled with spicy pepperoni slices. They are a popular snack or lunch item, and can be found in bakeries, delis, and gas stations throughout the state.

Homemade Apple Butter

West Virginia is known for its apple orchards, and homemade apple butter is a delicious way to enjoy the fruit. It is made by slow-cooking apples with sugar and spices, until the mixture is thick and dark. Apple butter can be spread on toast, biscuits, or used as a glaze for meats.

Hot Dogs with Chili Sauce

West Virginia-style hot dogs are topped with a spicy chili sauce, made with ground beef, onions, and spices. They are often served with coleslaw and mustard, and are a popular fast food item in the state.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Camping in State Parks

West Virginia has a number of state parks that offer camping facilities at affordable rates. The parks are located in scenic areas, and offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

Free Museums

Many of West Virginia’s museums offer free admission, including the West Virginia State Museum, the Museum of Radio and Technology, and the West Virginia Veterans Memorial Museum. Visitors can learn about the state’s history, technology, and military heritage, without spending a dime.

Self-Guided Walking Tours

Many of West Virginia’s towns and cities offer self-guided walking tours, which are a great way to explore the area on a budget. Visitors can download maps or brochures from the local tourism office, and follow the route at their own pace.

Outdoor Adventures

Whitewater Rafting

West Virginia is known for its whitewater rafting, which takes place on the New River and the Gauley River. The rivers offer a range of rapids, from mild to wild, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.

Hiking

West Virginia has a network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. Some of the most popular trails include the Appalachian Trail, the Greenbrier River Trail, and the Cranberry Wilderness Area.

Fishing

West Virginia’s rivers and lakes offer a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish. Visitors can fish in designated areas, with a valid fishing license, or hire a guide for a more immersive experience.

Family-Friendly Activities

West Virginia State Fair

The West Virginia State Fair takes place in August, and offers a range of activities for families, including carnival rides, live music, and agricultural exhibits. The fair is held in Lewisburg, and is a popular event for locals and visitors alike.

The Greenbrier

The Greenbrier is a luxury resort located in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. It offers a range of family-friendly activities, including a spa, golf courses, horseback riding, and falconry. The resort also has a bunker, which was built to house the US government in case of a nuclear attack.

West Virginia Zoo

The West Virginia Zoo is located in Kingwood, and offers a chance to see a variety of animals, including black bears, otters, and bald eagles. The zoo also has a petting zoo, a playground, and picnic areas.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Lost River State Park

Lost River State Park is a hidden gem, located in Hardy County, West Virginia. It offers hiking trails, horseback riding, and a swimming pool, as well as cabins and campsites for overnight stays. The park is known for its natural beauty, including a series of caves and rock formations.

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is also an off-the-beaten-path experience, as it offers a unique glimpse into the history of mental health care in the United States. Visitors can take a guided tour of the building, or participate in a paranormal investigation.

Green Bank Observatory

The Green Bank Observatory is located in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, and is home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope. Visitors can take a guided tour of the facility, and learn about the science of radio astronomy.

Natural Wonders

New River Gorge

New River Gorge is a deep canyon located in Fayette County, West Virginia. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. The canyon is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and black bears.

Blackwater Falls State Park

Blackwater Falls State Park is located in Tucker County, West Virginia, and is named for the stunning waterfall that drops 62 feet into the Blackwater River. The park offers hiking trails, fishing, and camping facilities, as well as cabins and lodges for overnight stays.

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge

Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge is located in Tucker County, West Virginia, and is a protected area for the region’s flora and fauna. Visitors can hike, fish, and watch for wildlife, including black bears, river otters, and migratory birds.

Vibrant Nightlife

Morgantown

Morgantown is a college town, home to West Virginia University, and offers a vibrant nightlife scene. Visitors can choose from a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues, including the historic Metropolitan Theatre.

Charleston

Charleston is the capital city of West Virginia, and offers a range of nightlife options, from craft breweries to cocktail bars. Visitors can also take a ghost tour of the city, or attend a show at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.