Wild & Wonderful Stories
Travel tips, Appalachian culture, nature guides, "Wild & Wonderful" facts, and inspiring stories from the Mountain State — for every kind of traveler.
Our Mission
West Virginia is one of America's most underrated travel destinations — and we're on a mission to change that. westvirginia.in is an independent travel guide dedicated to showcasing the Mountain State's extraordinary natural beauty, rich Appalachian heritage, vibrant college culture, and genuine warm-hearted hospitality.
We believe every trail leads to a story worth telling. From the first-time visitor standing speechless at the New River Gorge Bridge to the returning alumna rediscovering Morgantown's charms — West Virginia rewards every traveler who takes the road less traveled.
West Virginia is full of fascinating facts that surprise even well-traveled visitors. Here are some of our favorites.
West Virginia became the 35th state on June 20, 1863 — the only state to have been formed by seceding from a Confederate state (Virginia) during the Civil War.
Spruce Knob is West Virginia's highest point — taller than any peak in the Appalachians north of it. On clear days you can see into five surrounding states from the summit.
New River is one of the world's oldest rivers, predating the Appalachian Mountains themselves. It flows north — one of only a handful of rivers in the world that does so.
Over 77% of West Virginia is covered by forest — giving it the highest percentage of forested land of any state east of the Mississippi River. It truly earns the name "Mountain State."
John Denver's iconic song "Take Me Home, Country Roads" references West Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah River — and became the state's official state song in 2014.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System has over 800 miles of ATV trails — making southern West Virginia the off-road capital of the eastern United States and one of the top ATV destinations in the world.
Insider guides, trip reports, seasonal tips, and stories from the heart of Appalachia.
Fall Foliage
When do the leaves peak? Which drives are most spectacular? We map out the five best fall foliage routes in WV — from the Highland Scenic Highway to Canaan Valley's golden plateau.
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Campus Life
Morgantown is surrounded by incredible trails. We round up the best day hikes within an hour of WVU — from Coopers Rock's dramatic sandstone overlooks to the Cheat Lake shoreline walk.
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Water Sports
Two legendary rivers, very different experiences. We break down the rapids, the seasons, the outfitters, and the vibes — helping you choose the perfect WV whitewater adventure for your skill level.
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Hiking Guide
Dolly Sods feels unlike anywhere else in the eastern US. This comprehensive guide covers the best trails, camping spots, permits, what to pack, and how to avoid the most common mistakes first-timers make.
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Small Town Charm
George Washington soaked here. Today it's one of WV's quirkiest, most charming small towns — packed with artists, healers, great food, and warm mineral springs. Here's how to spend the perfect weekend.
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Winter Travel
Both offer great skiing in the Allegheny Highlands — but they have very different personalities. We compare terrain, après-ski, lodging, family suitability, and overall vibe to help you pick the right resort.
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West Virginia's culture runs deep — shaped by centuries of Scotch-Irish settlers, Native American heritage, the coal and timber industries, and the mountain landscape itself. The result is a distinctive culture of self-reliance, musical tradition, craft artistry, and extraordinary community bonds.
