7 Natural Wonders Unique To The Mountain State That Should Be On Everyone's West Virginia Bucket List
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Cristy
Author
The Mountain State (that’s West Virginia, of course!) is filled with jaw-dropping natural wonders that showcase the beauty of the Appalachian region. Here are seven that are particularly bucket list worthy, in part because they are stunningly unique to West Virginia.
New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia, USA
Of course the New River Gorge is on this list. It's so bucket list worthy that it's received coveted National Park and Preserve status. To begin exploring this gorgeous area for yourself, start with our Ultimate Guide to the New River Gorge.
Red Spruce Knob, West Virginia 24954, USA
An underappreciated (and dwindling) natural wonder that West Virginia is especially known for are the state's red spruce forests. There are only a small handful of virgin red spruce forests left out of the thousands of acres that the state used to boast before the logging industry cleared many of them out. Hike to one at Red Spruce Knob.
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Nelson Rocks, West Virginia 26804, USA
West Virginia's vein of Tuscarora Sandstone produces some of the state's most iconic boulders: Seneca Rocks, the foundation of the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, and more. But what sets NROCKS apart and earns it a spot on the bucket list is that you can walk a Via Ferrata between these two jagged rock outcroppings. It's an experience of a lifetime!
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The Trough, West Virginia 26757, USA
River canyons abound in West Virginia (see bucket list item #1), but there's no other quite like The Trough. Remote. Wild. Rugged. Best experienced by train, although kayaking is another popular option.
Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia 26260, USA
The highest plateau east of the Mississippi River, Dolly Sods is a U,S, Wilderness Area and one of the prettiest, most unique vistas in the Mountain State. With a microclimate more similar to Canada than to West Virginia, Dolly Sods is home to a variety of rare plants, including carnivorous ones.
Blackwater Falls, West Virginia 26260, USA
West Virginia's largest waterfall, Blackwater Falls is made extra unique (and spectacular) by its amber colored water, dyed gold by tannins from hemlock needles brewing in the water upstream.
Organ Cave, WV 24970, USA
Organ Cave is the second longest commercial cave on the east coast, and it's right here in West Virginia. Here's the catch: it's closed for repairs. Double check its status just in case it's reopened since this writing, and hurry to visit so you can mark it off your bucket list as soon as it does.
Which of these West Virginia natural wonders have you already visited? What others have earned a spot on your Mountain State bucket list?
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