Did you know that there are plenty of hidden gems in West Virginia? As we West Virginia lovers already know, it’s beautiful. It’s also rugged and full of history. The people here are resourceful, courageous, and have deep roots. And as the nation begins to discover what we’ve known all along, they’ll start with all the best-known places such as Harpers Ferry, the New River Gorge Bridge, Glade Springs Gristmill, and Charleston’s Capitol Complex. Want to know more? Read on if you’re curious to explore some of the many hidden gems in West Virginia.
While there are numerous West Virginia bucket list-worthy places to visit, they're not spots to go if what you really want to do is explore a little-known hidden gem or two (or nine!) in West Virginia. Here are some options to try that will keep you within about an hour of West Virginia's famed New River Gorge.
The beautiful Dunlop Falls
waterfall is on the way to the more well-known destination of Thurmond, West Virginia. Most people drive right on past it, never knowing what they've missed.
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2. Skyline Drive-In
Skyline Drive In, 6329 Legends Hwy, Oak Hill, WV 25901, USA
After enjoying the waterfall, grab a bite to eat at the nearby Skyline Drive-In. This hidden gem in West Virginia's claim to fame is "Hank's [as in, Hank Williams] Last Stop." It was in the parking lot outside this restaurant (then a gas station) that Hank was found dead in the back of his car by his driver.
Just across the river from Prince, West Virginia (home of the Prince Amtrak Station, a hidden gem of its own) is the ghost town of Royal, West Virginia. When you check it out, you'll understand why it's one of the most unique places in West Virginia.
4. Grandview Sandbar
Grandview Sandbar Campground, Glade Creek Rd, Beaver, WV 25813, USA
if you need a free place to camp once you're done exploring, head to Grandview Sandbar Campground right along the New River. The scenic views from this vantage point should definitely be added to your West Virginia bucket list!
Plus, if you keep walking on the Glade Creek Trail, you'll find a plethora of beautiful waterfalls and serene swimming holes. If you are out exploring in the warmer months, bring swimming clothes and hop in Glade Creek Swimming Hole! Be prepared to have your jaw drop when you set your eyes on this hidden gem in West Virginia too.
7. Grandview Country Store
Grandview Country Store & Market, 162 Hereford Ln, Beaver, WV 25813, USA
Refresh yourself after your hike with a bit of shopping at this Amish furniture market. Perhaps an unusual thing to see in West Virginia, Grandview Country Store and Market
has bulk food, farmhouse-style decor, and much more.
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8. Corner Gas and Grill
Corner Gas and Grill, 2179 Paint Creek Rd, Mt Hope, WV 25880, USA
Fuel up with a big meal from Corner Gas and Grill, the unsuspecting gas station in Pax, West Virginia that serves some of the best food in the area! Try the daily special or the G-Burger.
9. Paint Creek Falls via the Paint Creek Scenic Byway
Don't hop back on the interstate - take the Paint Creek Scenic Byway from the Corner Gas and Grill up to the Paint Creek Waterfall. Here, you can spend a few minutes by the falls or walk across one of the old bridges just up the road from the falls soaking in these hidden gems in West Virginia.
Have you ever visited any of these hidden gems in West Virginia that made this list? If so, feel free to share your thoughts in the following comment section. And, after exploring these unique places in West Virginia, how about going on another road trip? For ideas of where to plan your next adventure, take a look at these West Virginia road trips. You’ll also find some ideas for fun day trips to unique places in West Virginia in this article.
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Hidden Gems In West Virginia
Marla S. |November 16, 2022
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