West Virginia Travel Guide
West Virginia was added as the 35th state of U.S. in 1863; however, it came into independent existence on 20th June 1860. The population consists of 1.7 million; their motto is ‘Mountaineers are always free.
Situated in the Southern Region and its capitol is Charleston. The geographical feature includes the Appalachian Mountains, the Metro Valley, the Ohio Valley, the New River and the Greenbrier Valley, the Potomac Highlands, while the Ohio River and the Potomac River marks the boundaries.
West Virginia evolved into a major industrial hub, especially after the setting of the railroads, which made its natural resources like coal and gas available for the economic progress of the entire country.
Other important cities include Beckley, Bluefield, Fairmont, Harpers Ferry, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg and Wheeling.
Places to visit:
National parks and reserves – There are as many as 48 National Parks and forest reserves offering wild scenic beauty. The Berkeley Springs State Park, the Cathedral State Park, the Hawks Nest State Park, the Pipestem Resort State Park and the Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park to name a few. There are also multitude of caverns like the Lost World Caverns, the Organ Cave, the Seneca Caverns and the Smoke Hole Caverns.
Sports – Sports like horseback riding, hunting, fishing, hiking, golfing, windsurfing, water skiing and scuba diving are popular. Famous ski resorts like Alpine Lake, Canaan Valley, Elk River Touring Center, Snowshoe Mountain, Timberline and Winterplace are popular. White-water rafting is carried in New River and Gauley River.
Leisure & Outdoors – Places like Huntington, Charleston, Beckley, White Sulphur Springs, Wheeling, Point Pleasant, Blennerhassett Island and Jackson’s Mill Historic Areas are significant for their scenic beauty and historical events.
Museums & Galleries – Museums and historical mansions in Charleston and the museum near Adena Burial Mound are impressive.
The Greenbrier – The renowned resort in White Sulphur Springs.
Casinos – Wheeling is famous for its gambling activities and casinos.
Horseracing – Charleston has many famous horse racing events every year.