10 Incredible Hidden Gems In West Virginia You’ll Want To Discover This Year

Every so often, a bit of time off the radar is in order, and if that’s the case for you this year and you’re on the lookout for all the unique and cool places to visit in Almost Heaven, including the secret getaways, best-kept secrets, and hidden beautiful places tucked away in West Virginia, then listen up! We have good news: there are plenty of such hidden gems in West Virginia! Here are just a few: ten of the best non-touristy, local favorite, off-the-beaten-path options in wild, wonderful West Virginia for when you just need to get away from it all.

Panther State Forest, West Virginia 24872, USA

Kristen Nae nae / Google Maps

As West Virginia's southernmost state forest, Panther State Forest is a quiet but beautiful spot for a scenic retreat.

Twin Falls Resort State Park, WV-97, Mullens, WV 25882, USA

WV State Parks

Yes, there's an actual working farm here at this resort.

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Lost River State Park, 321 Park Dr, Mathias, WV 26812, USA

Cristy / Only In Your State

Quiet. Peaceful. Remote. Yet not all that far from Washington, D.C.! Don't miss the Lee House when you visit.

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Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area, Berwind, WV 24815, USA

McDowell County Commission / Facebook

The footbridge over this lake is a photographer's dream.

Elk River Trail, Charleston, WV 25311, USA

WV State Parks

Bring a bike or pack your hiking boots for this underrated adventure.

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Pineville, WV 24874, USA

Town of Pineville / Facebook

Tucked away in the small town of Pineville, Castle Rock is a towering natural wonder that is worth discovering.

Red Spruce Knob, West Virginia 24954, USA

Michelle Lacombe / Alltrails

For a remote yet beautiful hike (one of the prettiest in the state), try Red Spruce Knob.

Fairfax Stone State Park, W Kempton Rd, Eglon, WV 26716, USA

WV State Parks

This tiny state park hides a mighty secret -- the source of the Potomac River.

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Watters Smith State Park, Lost Creek, WV 26385, USA

WV State Parks

Calling all history lovers! Check out the Watters Smith Memorial State Park to get a glimpse of what life was like for West Virginians back in the day.

Bethany College, 31 S Loop Campus Dr, Bethany, WV 26032, USA

Bethany College / Facebook

Not only does the Bethany College campus have its own old-growth forest on campus, it's also got its own waterfall (that's a stop along the West Virginia waterfall trail)!

How many of these hidden gems in West Virginia have you already discovered? And what others did we miss? For even more fun, try another batch of little-known favorites near the New River Gorge! And don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list before embarking on your next great adventure.

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