If you’re looking for lesser-known places to visit in West Virginia, the entire state qualifies as one big best-kept secret! But if you need a few more specific suggestions, here are 12 magnificent hidden gems in West Virginia you’ll want to experience for yourself. Best of all, we have spread them out with one for each month of the year, so you always have somewhere new to look forward to exploring. Let’s see where you should spend time in the New Year:
1. Bluestone Gorge
Bluestone State Park, 78, HC, Hinton, WV 25951, USA
In January, take the opportunity to take in some views of Bluestone Gorge. Less famous than its nearby counterpart, the New River Gorge, Bluestone Gorge still offers some spectacular opportunities. There are many excellent access points to the gorge, including Bluestone State Park in Hinton.
2. Canaan Valley Resort
Canaan Valley Resort State Park, 230 Main Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or an active day in the snow, Canaan Valley Resort is the perfect West Virginia hidden gem to visit in February! Luxurious accommodations. Delicious food. Ice skating. Snow sports. And so much more!
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3. Pinnacle Rock
Pinnacle Rock State Park, 6470 Coal Heritage Rd, Bramwell, WV 24715, USA
Take a drive north past Bluefield to Pinnacle Rock State Park. This rock formation is especially stunning in early spring, when the trees are just beginning to leaf out and this massive boulder stands sharply against the sky.
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4. Cool Spring Nature Preserve
Cool Spring Nature Preserve, 1469 Lloyd Rd, Charles Town, WV 25414, USA
A nature center. A one-of-a-kind wetland marsh. George Washington. All these things (and more!) come together at Cool Spring Nature Preserve near Charles Town. Come for the spring flowers, stay for the beautiful views!
5. Palace of Gold
Prabhupada's Palace of Gold, 3759 McCreary's Ridge Rd, Moundsville, WV 26041, USA
Did you even know that there was a palace tucked away in Moundsville? Now you do, and you need to visit! Add Prabhipada's Palace of Gold to the list for May, when the gardens will be in bloom.
6. Ritter Park Rose Garden
Ritter Park Rose Garden, 1570 McCoy Rd, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
June is an excellent time to catch the roses in bloom at Ritter Park Rose Garden in Huntington, West Virginia. And if you miss the roses, you'll still enjoy the scenic gardens and historic stonework!
Located along the Richwood end of the Highland Scenic Highway, Rudolph Falls is one of the best hidden gems in West Virginia where you can cool off on a hot summer day! Stay at Four Seasons Lodge in order to take advantage of this swimming hole several days in a row.
8. Moncove Lake State Park
Moncove Lake State Park, Co Rd 4/2, Gap Mills, WV 24941, USA
In August, cool off in the shade of the pines at Moncove Lake, a beautiful mountain lake that stays quiet and peaceful year round. Fish, hike, boat, or take a dip in the lakeside swimming pool.
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9. The Highland Scenic Highway
Highland Scenic Highway, Highland Scenic Hwy, West Virginia, USA
Covering some of the prettiest, highest country in West Virginia, the fall colors on the Highland Scenic Highway start early. September (before too much risk of snow) is the perfect time to cruise this beautiful route.
Leaf peepers love West Virginia, and for good reason. One surprisingly affordable and memorable way to enjoy the fall foliage in the New River Gorge region is by Amtrak!
11. Dunloup Falls
Dunloup Creek Falls, 3508 Co Rte 25, Oak Hill, WV 25901, USA
Right along the road, yet hidden from the sight of most travelers, Dunloup Falls is a beautiful cascade conveniently located right along the route to Thurmond.
12. Heritage Farm Christmas Village
Heritage Farm Museum & Village, 3300 Harvey Rd, Huntington, WV 25704, USA
Heritage Farm, a historic farm park near Huntington, West Virginia, is a hidden gem no matter what time you visit. But if you catch it on certain dates in December when it's been transformed into a Christmas Village, it's an especially magical experience.
How many of these hidden gems in West Virginia have you already discovered? Which one is your favorite? Once you’ve tackled these secret places in West Virginia, try these 12 restaurants, one for each month of the year as well.
Whether you live close to these West Virginia hidden gems or it will take a couple of hours of travel to reach them, one mistake you don’t want to make is forgetting the road trip snacks! Check out this list that OnlyInYourState has created of the best road trip snacks, so you’ll be properly fueled for your next adventure.
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More to Explore
Secret Places In West Virginia
Katie Feldkamp|November 30, 2023
Where are some of the best hidden gems in West Virginia?
Luckily for those who love an adventure, there are plenty of hidden gems in West Virginia just waiting to be visited. The next time you feel like exploring, check out these West Virginia hidden gems:
The Hidden Burial Grounds at Camden Park
The lake at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park
The castle owned by Calvary Chapel Morgantown
The secret gardens of the West Virginia Botanic Garden
Where are restaurants that are some of the best secret places in West Virginia?
By now we are all well aware that West Virginia is great at keeping secrets about its wonderful places. Why not experience a bit of unique dining when you try any of these hidden gem restaurants in West Virginia:
In Charleston, there’s Lola’s Pizza Place. Not only is the food outstanding, but you’ll love the cozy cottage atmosphere.
Opened only seasonally in the small town of Helvetia is the Swiss and German-influenced restaurant known as The Hutte Restaurant.
It’s hard to keep a place like this a secret, but you must try the Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville
Originally opened in 1850 as an inn, Drover’s Inn Restaurant & Tavern is filled with good food and local history.
