West Virginia – Eloray

River rafting, Fayetteville, West Virginia (12019, Pixabay)

Let’s Visit West Virginia

Join our virtual tour highlighting the top tourist attractions in West Virginia
For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. West Virginia

Highlights

Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in West Virginia.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (Fayetteville) is famous for its breathtaking views, world-class whitewater rafting, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (Harpers Ferry) is known for its pivotal role in American history, especially during John Brown’s raid in 1859, which helped ignite the Civil War. It offers a mix of history and scenic beauty at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs) is a luxury resort renowned for its historical significance, having hosted many U.S. presidents, and its secret Cold War-era bunker built to house Congress in case of nuclear attack.
Seneca Rocks (Monongahela National Forest) is a well-known rock formation popular with climbers and hikers. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is one of the most recognizable natural landmarks in the state.
Cass Scenic Railroad State Park (Cass) is famous for its restored steam-driven locomotives that take visitors on a scenic journey through the mountains, offering a glimpse into West Virginia’s rich logging history.
Blackwater Falls State Park (Davis) is known for its dramatic 57-foot waterfall, where the water takes on a unique amber color from tannic acid, creating a picturesque setting in every season.
Berkeley Springs State Park (Berkeley Springs) is famous for its warm mineral springs that have been attracting visitors for centuries. George Washington even frequented these waters, and the park continues to offer natural spa treatments today.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort (Snowshoe) is one of the premier ski resorts in the Eastern United States. It is famous for its extensive ski slopes, mountain biking trails, and year-round outdoor recreational activities.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (Weston) is a former psychiatric hospital known for its massive, eerie structure and paranormal activity. It now offers historical and ghost tours, drawing thrill-seekers and history buffs alike.
Lost World Caverns (Lewisburg) is an underground cave system famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns offer guided tours and are a popular destination for spelunkers and geology enthusiasts.

Intriguing mysteries and weird facts

Discover these little-known facts about West Virginia.

West Virginia Was Created During the Civil War
West Virginia became a state in 1863 after seceding from Virginia because it opposed slavery and didn’t want to join the Confederacy, making it the only state to form by breaking away from a Confederate state.
West Virginia Is the Only State Entirely Within the Appalachian Mountains
The entire state is located within the Appalachian Mountain range, which gives it its nickname, The Mountain State, and provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and rock climbing.
Mothman Is a Legendary Creature from West Virginia
The town of Point Pleasant is famous for the Mothman, a mysterious winged creature that was reportedly sighted in the 1960s. The town even has a Mothman Museum and a Mothman Festival every year, drawing fans of the paranormal.
West Virginia Has One of the Oldest Rivers in the World
The New River, which runs through the New River Gorge, is actually one of the oldest rivers on Earth. Despite its name, it’s believed to be between 10 and 360 million years old!
The Greenbrier Resort Housed a Secret Nuclear Bunker
During the Cold War, a massive underground bunker was built beneath The Greenbrier Resort to house Congress in case of a nuclear attack. The existence of this secret bunker wasn’t revealed to the public until 1992.
West Virginia Is Home to a Radio Quiet Zone
In Green Bank, West Virginia, there is a National Radio Quiet Zone where all wireless transmissions are restricted to avoid interference with a giant radio telescope. This means no cell phones, Wi-Fi, or other modern communication technologies in the area.
The Largest Sycamore Tree in the World Was Found in West Virginia
The world’s largest sycamore tree, which stood over 100 feet tall, was located in Webster Springs, West Virginia. Sadly, it fell in a storm in 2010, but it remains a part of the state’s natural history.
West Virginia Has More Ghost Towns Than You’d Expect
Due to the boom-and-bust nature of the coal mining industry, West Virginia is home to numerous ghost towns, such as Thurmond, which was once a thriving railroad town but is now nearly deserted.
The Mystery Hole in Ansted Defies Gravity
The Mystery Hole is a quirky roadside attraction in Ansted, West Virginia, where visitors experience strange gravitational effects. Objects appear to roll uphill, and people seem to lean at impossible angles, baffling all who visit.
You Can Still Send Mail by Mule in West Virginia
In some remote parts of the state, particularly in the rugged Appalachian mountains, mules are still used to deliver mail to areas that are difficult for vehicles to reach, keeping an old tradition alive.

Notable People

Here are 10 famous men and women from West Virginia.

Famous Men

Stonewall Jackson (1824–1863) was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and became one of the most famous Confederate generals during the American Civil War. He earned his nickname for standing firm in battle, particularly at the First Battle of Bull Run.
Chuck Yeager (1923–2020) was born in Myra, West Virginia, and became a celebrated U.S. Air Force pilot. He is famous for being the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947.
Don Knotts (1924–2006) was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, and became a beloved actor known for his comedic roles, particularly as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show and Mr. Furley on Three’s Company.
Jerry West (1938– ) was born in Chelyan, West Virginia, and is one of the greatest basketball players in NBA history. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers and is the silhouette in the NBA logo, earning him the nickname The Logo.
Homer Hickam (1943– ) was born in Coalwood, West Virginia, and is a former NASA engineer and author. He is best known for his memoir Rocket Boys, which was adapted into the movie October Sky, detailing his journey from a coal-mining town to building rockets.

Famous Women

Trailblazing West Virginia Women

Pearl S. Buck (1892–1973) was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia, and became a Nobel Prize-winning author. She is famous for her novel The Good Earth, which highlighted Chinese culture and family life, and won the Pulitzer Prize in 1932.
Mary Lou Retton (1968– ) was born in Fairmont, West Virginia, and became a famous gymnast. She won the gold medal in the all-around competition at the 1984 Summer Olympics, becoming the first American woman to do so.
Kathy Mattea (1959– ) was born in South Charleston, West Virginia, and became a Grammy Award-winning country music singer. She is known for hits like Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses and her advocacy for coal miners.
Jennifer Garner (1972– ) was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up in Charleston, West Virginia. She became a famous actress, known for her role in the TV series Alias and films like 13 Going on 30 and Dallas Buyers Club.
Ann Magnuson (1956– ) was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and became an actress, performance artist, and singer. She is known for her roles in films like The Hunger and Clear and Present Danger and her influence in the 1980s New York performance art scene.