The Ultimate And Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In West Virginia
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Katherine
Author
To explore West Virginia is to experience some of the country’s most rugged and breathtaking natural wonders. In fact, you could easily devote an entire lifetime to exploring all that the Mountain State has to offer. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of must-see attractions, wonders, and hidden gems that make our state unforgettable. Without further ado, here are 20 things you’ll want to add to your West Virginia bucket list.
1. Hike the Endless Wall Trail in Fayetteville.
Endless Wall Trail, Edmond, WV 25837, USA
The trail, which offers great views like the one pictured, was earlier this year recognized as the best national park hike in the United States by the readers of USA Today. When it comes to the best hikes in West Virginia, the Endless Wall Trail certainly qualifies.
2. Take in a live Mountain Stage recording.
Mountain Stage, 600 Capitol St, Charleston, WV 25301, USA
Recorded most Sundays at the Culture Center theater in Charleston, Mountain Stage brings in some great artists from all over the country and the world.
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3. Raft or kayak the Gauley River.
Gauley River, West Virginia, USA
Enjoy the Beast of the East, which each fall has some of the best whitewater in the country. Would you consider taking this epic rafting trip in West Virginia?
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4. Spend a night at the Greenbrier Resort.
The Greenbrier, 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, USA
Enjoy a little luxury at the Greenbrier, affectionately known as "America's Resort." Learn more about why this world-famous resort in West Virginia belongs on your accommodations bucket list.
5. Stay at the Blennerhassett Hotel.
The Blennerhassett Hotel, 320 Market St, Parkersburg, WV 26101, USA
Check out this beautiful historic hotel in Parkersburg. You probably won't be surprised to learn that the Blennerhassett Hotel is rumored to be haunted!
6. Visit the Coal House in Mingo County.
The Coal House, 73 E 2nd Ave, Williamson, WV 25661, USA
It’s a house that coal built — literally. The structure beside the Mingo County Courthouse in Williamson is built entirely of coal.
7. Visit Chester, home of the world's largest teapot.
Chester, WV 26034, USA
West Virginia is no stranger to unique roadside attractions, and one of the best might just be the World's Largest Teapot in Chester, West Virginia.
8. Take a ride on the Cass Scenic Railroad.
Cass Scenic Railroad, 12369 Cass Rd, Cass, WV 24927, USA
Train travel in West Virginia has an extensive history. Travel back into time on this train in Pocahontas County. Have you ever had the chance to take a trip on the Cass Scenic Railway?
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9. Ghost hunt at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum or the West Virginia Penitentiary.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, 50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452, USA
The State Penitentiary and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum are the creepiest places in the state and are perfect for ghost hunting.
10. Take a dip in George Washington's bathtub.
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
Did you know he used to bathe here in Berkeley Springs? Learn more when you read our full article outlining George Washington's bathtub in West Virginia.
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11. Take in a WVU or Marshall game.
West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Bonus points if you burn a couch after a WVU win.
12. Climb Seneca Rocks.
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
Without a doubt, Seneca Rocks is one of the most beautiful natural wonders in West Virginia. Try out your rock climbing skills at the only "true peak" (inaccessible except by technical rock climbing techniques) on the East Coast. And even if you can’t rock climb, the view of the rocks from the mountain is worth the trip to Pendleton County.
13. Play, dance, or just watch at the Vandalia Gathering in Charleston.
Charleston, WV, USA
The fun-filled Vandalia Gathering is held each May at the State Capitol in Charleston.
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14. Walk through history at Harpers Ferry.
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
When it comes to unique day trips in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry certainly belongs at the top of the list. History buffs will love this historic town, most known for John Brown's raid and its role during the Civil War.
15. Enjoy the Swiss food and culture of Helvetia in Randolph County.
Randolph County, WV, USA
Visit this isolated Swiss community in Randolph County, where it seems nothing has changed since it was settled after the Civil War.
16. Look for bears at Beartown State Park.
Beartown State Park, Beartown Rd, Renick, WV 24966, USA
Or at least visit this state park near Hillsboro. Visitors will agree that Beartown State Park really is like something out of a fairytale.
17. Eat a pepperoni roll -- or anything cheesy -- at Colasessano’s in Fairmont.
Colasessano's Pizza, 141 Middletown Cir, Fairmont, WV 26554, USA
This local restaurant is home to some of the best pepperoni rolls and pizza in West Virginia.
18. Stargaze at Spruce Knob.
Spruce Knob, West Virginia 26814, USA
Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, offers some of the darkest night skies in the state and views like this of the Milky Way.
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19. Walk the catwalk under the New River Gorge bridge.
New River Gorge Bridge, US-19, Victor, WV 25938, USA
This is without a doubt the best view you can get of the New River Gorge. The Bridge Walk is open daily, and it's truly a bucket-list-worthy experience. Would you brave this adrenaline-pumping adventure? Learn more about the New River Gorge Bridge Walk.
20. Get your picture taken with Mothman.
Mothman Museum, 400 Main St, Point Pleasant, WV 25550, USA
Or at least come to Point Pleasant to hear about the legendary West Virginia monster.
How many of these have you crossed off your West Virginia bucket list? What would you add to this list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! And don’t forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list before embarking on any of the above adventures.
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More to Explore
West Virginia Bucket List
What are the most popular natural wonders in West Virginia?
Below you'll find a list of some of the most popular natural wonders in West Virginia:
- Lost World Caverns
- The Trough
- Seneca Rocks
- The New River Gorge
- Berkeley Springs
- Seneca Caverns
- Blackwater Falls