West Virginia

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

These 11 Incredible Places In West Virginia Will Bring Out The Explorer In You

Explore 11 unforgettable places in West Virginia, from historic ghost towns to scenic natural landmarks.

Published Apr 11, 2016

Written by 

Tammy Marie Rose

West Virginia is full of adventure. From forests to zoos, West Virginia has so many incredible places to explore. Let’s take a look at 11 of those amazing and unforgettable places.

1. Dolly Sods

alt
Facebook Adventure WV

Dolly Sods offers 17,371 acres of protected meadows and bogs just waiting to be explored.

advertisement

2. Kaymoor Trail & Mine

alt
Facebook foto4lizzle

Follow the beautiful Kaymoor Trail and enjoy exploring the abandoned Kaymoor Mine.

3. Thurmond

alt
Flickr bobistraveling

Thurmond is a perfectly preserved ghost town that is so worth the trip!

4. Nuttallburg

alt
Facebook Abandoned Rails

Explore the ghost town of Nuttallburg and wander the woods on long abandoned railroad tracks.

advertisement

5. Prickett's Fort

alt
Facebook Prickett’’s Fort

Go back in time and explore Prickett's Fork, which was built in 1774.

6. Seneca Caverns

alt
Facebook Seneca Caverns, WV

Go deep into the ground and explore the incredible Seneca caverns.

7. Seneca Rocks

alt
Facebook Seneca Rocks, WV

Visit Pendleton County and explore Seneca Rocks, a West Virginia landmark.

8. Mothman bus tour

alt
Flickr Mellydoll

Climb aboard the Mothman bus and explore the places that the legendary creature was reportedly seen.

advertisement

9. West Virginia State Wildlife Center

alt
Flickr bobistraveling west Virginia wildlife Center

This zoological park is so much fun to explore!

10. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic asylum

alt
Flickr Mike

Enter and explore this former mental hospital if you dare!

11. Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park

alt
Facebook Advocates for shelter Animals in Pocohantas County

Stop by Droop Mountain and explore the site of the last major conflict of the American Civil War here in West Virginia.

Did I miss your favorite place to explore? If so share it with me in the comment section below.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

This Scenic 55-Mile Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In West Virginia

Updated Jun 25, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Webster County, West Virginia is home to the scenic Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway. This underrated West Virginia scenic drive takes travelers through the mountains, valleys, and small towns of Webster County, offering stunning views of the landscape and a fascinating glimpse into mountain life, both past and present. The byway is also home to a number of different attractions, including Holly River State Park. If you love scenic drives in West Virginia, the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway should definitely be on your list!

advertisement

What is the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway? The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is an underrated, 45-mile scenic loop through Northern Webster County, West Virginia, with several additional "spurs" that either shorten or lengthen the adventure along this scenic route.

Sign for "Backway Mountain Parkway" surrounded by lush green trees in a forested area.
Brian Powell/Flickr

The byway starts and ends in either Webster Springs, which is the county seat, (traveling north), or at the Randolph County line (traveling south). It winds its way through the scenic mountains and valleys of the region.

alt
Webster County Tourism

The byway (the easier drive) mostly follows WV Route 20, while the backway (a more difficult route) forms the drive's loop along County Road 3.

A winding road surrounded by lush green trees under a bright sky.
Doug Kerr/Flickr

As you cruise this scenic route, you'll see along the way many hidden historical sites and attractions, including but definitely not limited to Hacker Valley, McCray Rocks, Mount Zion Church, and Mollohan Mill.

A brick house in Hacker Valley, with a historical marker and a welcome sign in front, surrounded by trees.
jamiev_03/Flickr

The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is a great way to explore the beauty of Webster County and get a taste of West Virginia's history.

Historic stone building with a clock tower, American flag, and green lawn under a blue sky with clouds.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

This WV byway offers drivers stunning views of the rolling green hills of West Virginia, as well as connecting several area attractions, including overlooks, historical sites, parks, and trails that offer drivers the chance to explore the area.

A scenic landscape featuring rolling hills, green fields, and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Apartment Showcase/Flickr

For the best experience on the Mountain Parkway, plan ahead, take your time, and expect to make multiple stops to explore the attractions found along the way.

advertisement

With its beautiful views and historic attractions, this underrated scenic drive through Webster County, West Virginia is not one to miss!

A serene stream flows through a lush green forest, with rocks scattered along the water's edge.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

And you might discover an unexpected surprise or two along the way.

A serene waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush green trees in a tranquil forest setting.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Along the Mountain Parkway route, you will encounter many scenic and historic attractions, including the enchanting Holly River State Park and the uniquely historic Mollohan Mill. What are your other favorite pretty drives? Please let us know in the comments section! We would love to hear your recommendations. While preparing for your road trip, be sure to take a look at The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState so you will have everything you need! Get ready for a fun and one-of-a-kind vacation.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Scenic Train Ride In West Virginia That Runs Year-Round

Amtrak's Cardinal train offers a scenic year-round journey through West Virginia, showcasing the state's beauty across all seasons.

Updated Apr 29, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Our state is a train lover's paradise. We've got scenic train rides in West Virginia galore, from the Greenbrier and Durbin trains to the Potomac Eagle to the Ridge Runner and more. And while several of these trains operate almost all year round, they seem to shut down for at least a few months in late winter. All, that is, except for the Amtrak Cardinal Amtrak, the only truly year-round Amtrak train in West Virginia.

advertisement

Amtrak's Cardinal train runs all the way from Chicago to New York City three days per week.

Map showing train stations along a route from Delaware to Virginia, with marked locations and a sidebar menu.
Amtrak

The West Virginia portion of the route is considered one of the most scenic areas along the entire 26.5-hour trip.

A view of a railway track curving through greenery, with signal lights and a building in the background under a cloudy sky.
Steve5863 / Tripadvisor

You will definitely need to fit in some sleep, so we recommend packing this tiny, portable white noise machine to make getting some z's much easier.

The train's first stop in West Virginia from the east is White Sulphur Springs, with additional stops at historic depots in Alderson, Hinton, Prince, Thurmond, Montgomery, Charleston, and Huntington before exiting West Virginia bound toward Chicago.

A train approaches the White Sulphur Springs station, surrounded by greenery and a quaint building in the background.
Amtrak / Facebook

If you're at all familiar with West Virginia's geography, you've already realized that this train ride passes right through the New River Gorge National Park. It goes through West Virginia's capital city. It follows the curves of the Ohio River over the Big Sandy into Kentucky.

Amtrak train traveling along a scenic route with lush greenery and a bridge in the background.
Amtrak / Facebook

What a way to explore the Mountain State!

An Amtrak train approaches the Orange station, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
Wikipedia/Coyote Reyne

It's a trip worth taking more than once, as each season brings its own take on the beauty and grandeur of the age-old Appalachian Mountains.

advertisement
A scenic view of a river surrounded by lush green hills, with a large bridge arching over the landscape under a blue sky.
Amtrak / Facebook

A winter trip highlights the rugged spine of these mountains, quiet and slumbering. A spring or summer trip sees them awake and full of life and vigor. A fall trip finds them robed in a splendor of vibrant hues.

A panoramic view of a snowy landscape featuring a bridge over a river, surrounded by steep, snow-covered hills.
AdamIsovitsch / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

To learn more about this scenic train ride in West Virginia, check prices, and scheduling, and book a trip, visit the Amtrak Cardinal Train website. Have you ever ridden the Amtrak train in West Virginia? What time of year did you make the trip?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

The Completely Free Natural Attraction Hiding in a Wyoming Park Is a Must-Visit

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Wonder in Idaho Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 14
alt
Food
Breweries & Wineries

The Best Apple Cider in Alaska Comes From This Award-Winning Hard Cidery

by Jennifer
on Nov 14
alt
Trip Ideas
Road Trips

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Oregon’s Most Charming Small Towns

by Natasha Kayes
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Tennessee Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Chris Dodge
on Nov 14
The bright green grass on top of Roan Mountain overlooks layers of mountains in the distance.