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West Virginia

Outdoor adventure is everywhere in West Virginia, where visitors can go whitewater rafting down the Gauley River or in nearby New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and riding ATVs along the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, which includes state parks and forests. Hike and camp in Coopers Rock State Forest. Towns like neighboring Thomas and Davis, known for their craft breweries, and Harpers Ferry, which played a role in the abolitionist movement, are especially lively when autumn leaves change color, generally mid-October through the first week of November.

The New Bridge at the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia

Views of the gorge and iconic New River Bridge can be seen on several hikes throughout the park.

West Virginia Department of Tourism

Overview

Planning Your Trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to West Virginia.

Read Before You Go
Rock Spires in turquoise water
Outdoor Adventure
19 U.S. National Parks You Can Visit for Free—Any Time of the Year
Of the 63 national parks in the United States, about a third are free to visit every day of the year.
October 03, 2024 04:16 PM
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Bailey Berg
Hot air balloons taking flight in the morning
Where to Go in Fall
6 of the Prettiest Outdoor Experiences You Can Have This Fall
July 31, 2024 05:20 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
The New Bridge at the New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia
National Parks
West Virginia’s Only National Park is One of the Most Underrated—How to Visit
June 12, 2024 04:38 PM
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Jessie Beck
The Linn Cove Viaduct, at mile marker 304.4, was one of the most ambitious and technically challenging segments of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Road Trips
8 Road Trips Through Iconic U.S. National Parks
June 10, 2024 03:43 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
TK
National Parks
These Underrated State Parks Are as Gorgeous as the Most Popular National Parks
May 20, 2024 09:03 PM
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Chloe Arrojado
Resources to help plan your trip
Videos
We Found the Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State—Here Are 6 Favorites [VIDEO]
Get out of the big cities and into nature, with a trip to these beautiful small towns throughout the U.S.
January 25, 2024 11:47 AM
 · 
Chloe Arrojado
Where to Travel Next
The Most Charming Small Town in Every U.S. State
Consider these 51 beautiful places found across the country—including Puerto Rico—for your next trip
January 12, 2024 09:01 AM
 · 
Nicholas DeRenzo
Where to Travel Next
The Underrated States of America
The ’90s called and it wants its New Jersey jokes back.
October 21, 2022 09:39 AM
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Ashlea Halpern
Road Trips
Travel to the Newest U.S. National Park and Other West Virginia Wonders on This Road Trip of a Lifetime
It isn’t heaven, but it’s pretty darn close.
September 09, 2022 06:40 PM
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Madeline Weinfield
National Parks
The United States Just Got a New National Park
The New River Gorge in West Virginia marks the country’s 63rd national park.
January 05, 2021 05:18 PM
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Sarah Buder
Take a Walk in Charleston
Stroll past bridges, churches, colleges ... and museums, former plantations, and beautiful beaches. When you get tired, you can always hop into a horse-drawn carriage, or stop to grab a picnic lunch from Burbage’s.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Angela Fleury
The Perfect Weekend in Charleston
Between rapturous meals in Charleston—from just-caught oysters to Chinese food (you may not connect South Carolina with Chinese food yet, but you will after you eat at Xiao Bao Biscuit) to James Beard Award-winning farm-to-table fare at Husk—you may want to partake in other delights the town has to offer. Take a walking tour to see the city’s architectural gems from Rainbow Row to the churches that give Charleston the nickname Holy City to the grand houses along Waterfront Park. Stop and browse the local crafts and food at the Charleston City Market. And learn about the city’s history: from its colonial beginnings to modern times, with a visit to the Edmondston-Alston House, and one of the local plantations, and Fort Sumter, as well as the thriving history taking place at College of Charleston.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
A Perfect Day in Charleston
Make the most of your short stay in Holy City by being strategic: You definitely need some biscuits. And some cocktails. And visits to historic houses and Rainbow Row and Marion Square and a stroll along the waterfront. What about pimento cheese and the Charleston Museum? Happy hour, then you can’t go wrong with dinner at either FIG or Husk and, of course, a nightcap somewhere cozy on King Street. Are you sure one day is enough?
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
Six Ways to Explore Charleston’s Great Outdoors
Charleston offers travelers some decidedly urban charms, starting with its cobblestone streets, craft cocktail scene, and one-of-a-kind boutiques. But you can complement memorable meals and museum visits with at least as many opportunities to experience the great outdoors. Here’s where to get your heart pumping in the South Carolina Lowcountry, whether you want to hike, kayak, or play a round or two of golf.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Best Bars in Charleston
With lots of locally brewed beers and bartenders famous for their finely concocted cocktails on every corner, rooftop lounges, candlelit bistros, and deliciously divey bars, you’ll never be far from a drink in Charleston.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
Dishes Worth A Drive from Charleston
Okay, some of these restaurants are technically still in Charleston, but what they have in common is food that merits a trip outside the well-trodden tourist area. Get there however you can, but don’t miss the extraordinary things—soul food, Chinese food, barbecue, French-accented local, whatever!—being cooked up in these remarkable South Carolina kitchens.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
Where to Find Charleston’s Best Southern Cooking and Soul Food
Food-lovers and chefs flock to Charleston and many limit their visits to the dining rooms of the latest thing, the just-minted award-winners, but locals (and regulars to town) know that the true taste of Charleston can be found in restaurants that cook from old recipes, making dishes from memories of hot nights, small kitchens, and big flavor.
December 16, 2020 01:21 PM
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AFAR Editors
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