What Kind of Trip Are You Planning?
Choose your adventure style and we'll point you to the best experiences West Virginia has to offer.
Ready-to-Use Trip Plans
From quick weekend getaways to epic two-week road trips, these itineraries are crafted to help you experience West Virginia's best.
Weekend · 2 Days
New River Gorge Weekend
Day 1 — Arrive & Explore
Arrive in Fayetteville. Hike Long Point Trail for the iconic bridge view. Evening stroll through downtown Fayetteville — dinner at Cathedral Café.
Day 2 — Whitewater & Views
Half-day Lower New River rafting with a licensed outfitter. Afternoon at Grandview Overlook. Visit Canyon Rim Visitor Center before heading home.
Long Weekend · 4 Days
Highlands Explorer
Seneca Rocks & Arrival
Drive to Seneca Rocks, hike to the summit overlook. Stay at Yokum's Vacationland or camp in Monongahela NF.
Dolly Sods Day Hike
Full day hiking Dolly Sods — Red Creek Trail loop. Incredible heathland vistas and cranberry bogs.
Blackwater Falls
Morning hike to the falls and Lindy Point Overlook. Afternoon kayaking on Blackwater River.
Spruce Knob Summit
Summit WV's highest point before departing. Clear days offer views into 5 states.
Full Week · 7 Days
WV Grand Road Trip
Harpers Ferry
Start in the Eastern Panhandle. Historic walking tour, Appalachian Trail overlook, river kayaking.
Berkeley Springs
Spa day at the state bath house, art galleries, farm-to-table dinner.
Potomac Highlands
Seneca Rocks climb, Spruce Knob, Dolly Sods overnight backpack trip.
Blackwater Falls
Falls hike, canyon rim trails, stay at Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge.
New River Gorge
Full-day Lower New River rafting. Bridge Day (if October). Glade Creek Mill visit. Depart.
Legendary WV Scenic Drives
West Virginia's winding mountain roads are destinations in themselves. The state's scenic byways wind through ancient forests, past historic farms, and over dramatic ridgelines — especially glorious during autumn leaf season.
- Highland Scenic Highway (US-150): 43 miles above 3,500 ft. WV's most spectacular alpine drive
- Coal Heritage Road (WV-16/WV-97): Journey through authentic coal country culture
- Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike: One of America's oldest roads; stunning eastern highlands
- US Route 219 (Corridor H): Connects Elkins to Lewisburg through Pocahontas County's mountains
- Cacapon Road (WV-9): Eastern Panhandle river valley drive with orchard country views
Lodging for Every Budget
From rustic backcountry campsites to America's most famous resort — West Virginia offers accommodation to match every travel style.
Luxury Resort
The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs
America's iconic resort since 1778. World-class spa, golf, fine dining, and the famous Cold War bunker tour. The pinnacle of WV luxury travel.
State Park Lodges
Blackwater Falls, Cacapon & Pipestem Lodges
WV State Parks operate charming lodges and cabins at deeply affordable rates. Blackwater Falls Lodge overlooks the canyon — an unbeatable setting.
Bed & Breakfasts
Historic B&Bs in Lewisburg, Shepherdstown & Elkins
Restored Victorian homes and antebellum farmhouses offer intimate stays with home-cooked breakfasts. Lewisburg has been called one of America's "coolest small towns."
Camping & Glamping
National Forest & State Park Campgrounds
Monongahela National Forest has dozens of campgrounds and unlimited dispersed camping. Glamping cabins and yurts are increasingly popular near New River Gorge.
Ski Resort
Snowshoe Mountain Village
Complete ski-in / ski-out village with slopeside condos, restaurants, and après-ski scene at 4,848 feet elevation. Also a great summer hiking and mountain biking destination.
Vacation Rentals
Mountain Cabins & River Cottages
Hundreds of private cabins available throughout the state — perfect for families or groups. Many are off-grid with hot tubs, fire pits, and stunning mountain views.
Unplug at a Mountain Cabin
Sometimes the best trip is the simplest one. Rent a private cabin in the WV highlands, wake up to mountain mist, brew coffee on a wooden porch, and let the forest do the talking. No itinerary required.
- Canaan Valley — high-elevation meadows and stargazing
- Lewisburg area — charming arts town within reach
- Cheat Lake / Morgantown — lakeside cabins near WVU
- Fayetteville — minutes from New River Gorge NP
West Virginia's Top Annual Events
Plan your visit around one of these beloved WV events for an extra dose of Mountain State magic.
| Month | Event | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | WV Maple Syrup Festival | Pickens, WV | Maple sugar house tours, syrup tasting, traditional Appalachian crafts |
| April | Feast of the Ram (Ramp Festival) | Elkins, WV | Celebrating the wild ramp — WV's beloved spring green. Food, music & community |
| June | WV State Folk Festival | Glenville, WV | Traditional Appalachian music, dance, storytelling — held since 1950 |
| August | West Virginia State Fair | Lewisburg, WV | Agricultural exhibits, concerts, rides, local food — the state's biggest annual fair |
| Sept–Oct | Gauley Season (Whitewater) | Summersville, WV | Dam releases create legendary Class IV–V rapids on the Gauley River |
| October | Bridge Day Festival | Fayetteville, WV | Base jumping & rappelling off the New River Gorge Bridge. 80,000+ attendees |
| October | New River Gorge Leaf Peeping Season | Statewide | Peak fall foliage. Best drives: Highland Scenic Hwy, Route 219, Canaan Valley |
| December | Snowshoe Mountain Opening Weekend | Pocahontas County, WV | Kick off ski season with fireworks, live music, and first runs on fresh mountain snow |
