We all know the Blue Ridge Mountains in West Virginia are stunning, and it's about time the rest of the world took notice. In 2020, U.S. News and World Report released a list of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World, and they acknowledged what everyone in West Virginia already knows -- this state is one of them.
"Almost heaven, West Virginia," croons John Denver in what has become West Virginia's state song.
"Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River..." he continues, elaborating on some of our state's stunning geography, and we couldn't agree more.
The magnificent Appalachian Mountains (and the rivers that course through them) are gorgeous.
This view of the Potomac River near Harpers Ferry proves it.
And our mountains in West Virginia are finally getting some of the recognition they deserve.
In a list released in January 2020, U.S. News and World Report ranked the Blue Ridge Mountains as one of the top 50 most beautiful places in the world. In a similar list published in the same month, Vacation Idea Magazine listed the Blue Ridge in the top 25.
The Blue Ridge Mountains (and the Shenandoah River) only pass briefly through West Virginia's eastern panhandle, but they are home to one of the most well-known destinations in the state: Harpers Ferry.
And as beautiful as this area is, we know what most of the rest of the world may not: the rest of the state is just as gorgeous.
Almost Heaven indeed.
What a treat to live in such a lovely state! Have you lived here so long that you've begun to take it for granted? Now is a great time to remedy that by getting out to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth as soon as possible! Why not start with some low-key hikes in West Virginia that have amazing payoffs?
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