19 things to do in West Virginia, from outdoor adventures to small town tours

11.09.2024 - 22:17 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 11, 2024 • 10 min read

Anchored by the Appalachians, West Virginia holds a trove of wild rivers, deep gorges and thick forests perfect for outdoor adventures. Charming small towns and fascinating historic sites throughout the state also beg to be explored. Journey through the mountains and along the rivers to discover everything from coal mining history to famous family feuds and Cold War secrets. 

A good place to start your West Virginia explorations? New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – the country's newest national park. Find fun there and throughout the Mountain State with this list of the best things to do in West Virginia.

West Virginia's most iconic landmark, the New River Gorge Bridge, is the third-highest bridge in the United States. At 3,030ft, it's one of the world's longest single-span arch bridges. The 876ft-high span closes to vehicles on the third Saturday in October for Bridge Day, when hundreds of BASE jumpers parachute from its ledge. The rest of the year, brave travelers can join a Bridge Walk tour, which offers dizzying views of the river from the catwalk beneath the span.

During the Cold War, the US government carved a secret bunker into a mountain behind the posh Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs. In the event of a nuclear attack, the bunker would've been a fallout shelter for members of Congress. Kept secret for more than 30 years, the bunker is now open for tours. After you explore the vast complex, walk over to Draper’s for a fried green tomato sandwich and some exuberant decor. 

West Virginia was once a coal-producing powerhouse. Today, veteran miners lead tours deep into a former mine at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine. Visitors board a passenger tram (aka a man car) for the family-friendly trip. 

In Matewan, the Mine Wars Museum focuses on violent confrontations between miners, mining companies and the US government in the 1920s. Learn more on the Coal Heritage Trail, a national scenic byway through 13 counties. 

Planning tip: Many small museums and outdoor guiding companies are only open seasonally, typically April through October. Check their status before visiting.

The famous family feud developed in the mountainous terrain of southern West Virginia and eastern Kentucky. The complicated saga includes a post-Civil War land dispute, a stolen pig, an illicit love affair and several murders. Museums and visitor centers in the towns of Matewan and Williamson divulge the details. There's also a driving-tour map to key sites. The Hatfield-McCoy Trails, a 1,000-mile all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail system, stop by feud-related sites. Find ATV rentals throughout the region.

Arguably the number one attraction in West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park centers