As it is located entirely within the Appalachians, West Virginia is often called the Mountain State with rugged ridges, rushing rivers, and rearing peaks on show wherever you go. As well as exploring its endless forests and state parks, there are also charming cities and historic small towns such as Charleston, Bluefield, and Parkersburg for visitors to check out.
Set in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, it is surrounded clockwise by Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. Mostly mountainous in nature, its rolling hills are coated in pristine woods with its untouched wilderness offering up all kinds of exciting outdoor activities. Besides hiking, biking and camping amidst all the state’s scenic splendor you can also enjoy rock climbing and whitewater rafting while some superb skiing can be had in the cold winter months.
Over the centuries, West Virginia’s mountainous terrain and vast river valleys have had a profound impact on its history, culture, and identity with almost all its residents now residing in remote, rural communities. Still fairly small, its capital Charleston is the largest and liveliest city in the state with numerous festivals and cultural events taking place over the course of the year.
Aside from stopping by its many museums and spectacular state capitol building, you can also visit the historic Harpers Ferry and learn about the key role it played in the American Civil War. Most visitors, however, simply use its scenic yet secluded settlements such as Bluefield and Parkersburg as bases from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
Particularly popular and picturesque places to visit are the breathtaking Blackwater Falls State Park and magnificent Monongahela National Forest with many people also hiking the Appalachian Trail. John Denver’s famous song ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ perfectly encapsulates driving about the Mountain State with West Virginians rightfully being proud of its beautiful nature.
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