The Ultimate West Virginia Bucket List
By Megan Bevins
Within West Virginia’s mountainous terrain lives a multitude of must-see destinations, each offering a unique experience tailored to every kind of traveler. Within these stunning locations lie activities that vary from adrenaline-inducing outdoor adventures to serene lake days and strolls through the quaint downtowns of the Mountain State’s small, cozy cities.
While taking a trip through the state, travelers will find themselves immersed in the state’s picturesque views and vibrant shopping, dining and entertainment scenes. Whether it means exploring rugged trails, trying different cuisine options or simply standing back and enjoying the scenic beauty, every moment spent in West Virginia creates new experiences and memories that last forever.
For anyone seeking out new, interesting places to visit, whether a West Virginia native or visitor, these destinations are sure to make up the perfect Mountain State travel bucket list.
Summersville Lake
Photo by Visit Greater Summersville.
Summersville Lake, recently designated as West Virginia’s newest state park, is an essential destination for hiking, climbing, fishing and swimming enthusiasts. First opened in 1966, this destination has long been known for its natural beauty and recreational activities. With its official transformation into a state park, even more amenities have been added to elevate the experience for visitors of all ages.
At 2,700 acres and 60 miles of shoreline, Summersville Lake is the largest lake in the state. Its crystal-clear, blue waters have earned it the nickname “The Little Bahamas of the East” and often attract water sports enthusiasts for activities such as boating, scuba diving, kayaking and paddleboarding. For those who prefer adventure on land, the area is home to breathtaking cliffs and unique rock formations that offer excellent opportunities for climbing and hiking. The numerous trails provide opportunities for hikers of all skill levels, making it a great location for exploration.
At Summersville Lake, the fun does not end in the summertime. During the fall, the site becomes decorated with vibrant colors, creating a different kind of beauty for visitors to enjoy. In 2023, the lake’s designation as a state park expanded its offerings, introducing new camping areas, picnic spots and additional hiking, running and walking trails. Located on the north shore of the lake,
Summersville Lake State Park is the ideal getaway for nature lovers year-round. With all it has to offer, Summersville Lake showcases the best of West Virginia’s natural charm, serving as a perfect stop on a bucket list trip through the Mountain State.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort
Photo by Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
A visit to West Virginia is not complete without a stop at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. This versatile destination offers countless activities and amenities that provide equal fun across the seasons for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers.
Snowshoe is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, sitting on 244 acres of terrain and more than 60 trails. These trails vary in difficulty, meaning folks of all skill levels are welcome to give them a shot. For freestyle options, Snowshoe offers terrain parks where skiers and snowboarders can move at their own pace.
Though very popular throughout the state and beyond, the resort’s winter options are far from all it has to offer. Snowshoe offers a plethora of activities in warmer months as well, including biking, hiking and off-roading adventures. There are 40 miles of on-land trails, which makes the destination popular for mountain biking. The lakes and waterways also serve as an ideal spot for paddleboarding, kayaking and fishing.
Once visitors are finished adventuring for the day, they can head to Snowshoe Mountain Village and browse the resort’s many dining, shopping and entertainment options, keeping the fun going even off the slopes. When they’re ready to settle down, guests can return to the resort’s cozy lodges to rest up for the day ahead.
With all it has to offer, Snowshoe Mountain Resort is the perfect destination to experience West Virginia’s natural beauty no matter the time of year.
Hatfield-McCoy Trail System
Photo by Hatfield-McCoy Trail System.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System, one of the largest off-road trail networks in the U.S., is the perfect stop for ATV, UTV and dirt bike riders traveling through the area. The system is named after one of the state’s iconic pieces of history—the Hatfield-McCoy feud, a violent and prolonged conflict between two families: the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky.
The trails span over 1,000 miles through the remarkable Appalachian Mountains in Southern West Virginia and divide into multiple trailheads. Each offers its own unique experience, covering terrain such as winding forest paths, steep mountain ascents and scenic ridge lines, offering the perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Each trail contains a different difficulty rating, with levels ranging from beginner to expert. The system includes trails such as the Braveheart Trail, rated easiest by 66% of riders, and the Devil Anse Trail, rated more difficult by 53% of riders. All trails and difficulty ratings can be found on The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System official website.
Trailheads connect to towns like Gilbert, Williamson and Logan, where visitors can browse lodging, dining and shopping opportunities. This is a great place for history buffs to explore the area’s rich heritage and for outdoor enthusiasts to seek adventure 365 days a year in the lush green landscape of spring and summer, the colorful and cool atmosphere of fall or over the white snow blankets in winter.
For those seeking an inside look at the beauty of the Mountain State or an off-road thrill, this is a must-visit bucket list destination.
Harpers Ferry
Photo by Jefferson County CVB.
Harpers Ferry, another West Virginia destination rich in history, should be on any Mountain State visitor’s bucket list. The town sits at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers and offers a blend of Appalachian heritage, small-town charm and outdoor adventure. In Harpers Ferry, you can either sit back and take in the one-of-a-kind atmosphere or go thrill-seeking in the mountains.
The town played a pivotal role in the Civil War and abolitionist movement. This history is highlighted in the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, which contains buildings, museums and reenactments that help visitors experience the town’s past first-hand. History highlights include John Brown’s Fort, a major site in the fight against slavery, and streets that provide a look at life in the 19th century. Aside from its history, Harpers Ferry’s mountainous location provides an abundance of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike the Appalachian National Scenic Trail or kayak in its expansive rivers. One popular hike is Jefferson Rock, which provides views that Thomas Jefferson once described as worth a voyage across the Atlantic. The town also hosts a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. Its streets are lined with shops, cafés and art galleries, giving guests the chance to unwind and enjoy a slow-paced evening of dining, shopping and taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Harpers Ferry truly captures the spirit of the Eastern Panhandle and is a key destination when traveling through the area.
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve
Photo by Visit Southern West Virginia.
Perhaps one of the most popular destinations in West Virginia and the state’s only national park, the New River Gorge deserves to be at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. The destination is renowned for its natural beauty and adventure opportunities and features one of the oldest rivers in North America.
The gorge surrounds the ancient New River, making it one of the country’s premier spots for whitewater rafting. It offers challenging rapids that attract many adventure enthusiasts. The area also hosts world-class rock climbing with thousands of routes ranging from beginner to expert and a network of trails for hikers and mountain bikers. Through Adventures on the Gorge, the gorge’s outdoor adventure company, visitors can enjoy these activities alongside trained professionals and participate in adventure tourism. Adventures on the Gorge also provides cozy cabins and luxury camping options as well as on-site dining options.
The New River Gorge Bridge, the third highest vehicular bridge in the U.S. peaking at 876 feet above the river, stands tall in the middle of the gorge and serves as an iconic symbol of the area. The bridge, known for its impressive architecture, is the host site of the annual Bridge Day festival, where people from across the country gather for BASE jumping, or building, antenna, span and earth jumping, and other adrenaline-packed events.
The gorge stands as an unmatched, thrilling experience and a destination that promises unforgettable memories. When traveling through the state, make sure to visit this iconic Mountain State destination.
