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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

Take A Terrifying Road Trip In West Virginia On This Haunted Route

Explore a haunted road trip through West Virginia, featuring some of the state's most terrifying attractions.

Updated Feb 15, 2021

Written by 

Katherine

West Virginia is wild and wonderful, and here are Only In Your State, we like to highlight everything that makes a state unique. Previously, we put together you a road trip option for seeing West Virginia's waterfalls, but not all of the state's attractions are so wonderfully pleasant. If scary things are more your speed, check out the most terrifying road trip in West Virginia, a haunted route which takes you from the Northern Panhandle to the Southern Coalfields in search of the scariest attractions you can think of.

For directions, click here.

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Google maps

1. The Tunnel Green in Wheeling

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Ryan Stauton/Flickr

This former railroad tunnel has its share of spooky stories, including one about a man who reportedly was robbed and murdered there. It's also known as the Hempfield Railroad tunnel.

2. The former West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville

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Taber Andrew Bain/Flickr

This supposedly haunted former prison, the site of numerous executions and even a few murders, is open for tours daily beginning April 1.

3. The Blennerhasset Hotel in Parkersburg

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dpkp2014/Tripadvisor

This Parkersburg hotel is supposedly haunted. Stay there while on the road trip if you dare.

4. The Dingess Tunnel

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Brandon Ray Kirk/Wikipedia

This tunnel in Mingo County has been called "America's Bloodiest Tunnel" for all the deaths that have happened inside it. Residents of Dingess were apparently wary of outsiders and are said to have hidden outside the tunnel, shooting any dark-skinned travelers aboard the train.

5. Lake Shawnee, West Virginia's abandoned amusement park

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Dustin/Flickr

This old amusement park closed after children died there. But it's still standing and still very creepy. Keep in mind that you have to schedule a tour for this place since it's on private property. Give them a call and schedule a private tour or go in October to experience their haunted attractions. Learn more on their Facebook page.

6. The General Lewis Inn in Lewisburg

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Emma M./Tripadvisor

Lewisburg's most well-known inn opened in 1929 and is reportedly haunted by at least three ghosts.

7. The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

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Mike/Flickr

Weston's former psychiatric hospital is totally scary and reportedly one of the most haunted places in the state. Walk-in tours resume March 26.

8. West Virginia University in Morgantown

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Stacy B/Google Local

In addition to being the state's most recognized university, West Virginia University is also reportedly one of the most haunted places in the state. There are many ghost stories, including one of a ghost cow in Woodburn Hall (pictured).

Did you try it? Let us know in the comments how it was. What would you add to it?

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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