By Ellis Willard
Known as the Mountain State, it is no surprise that West Virginia has some of the most impressive peaks in the Appalachian region. With the highest mountains come the lowest valleys, and each offer their own unique appeal for locals and tourists alike. From camping and hiking to arts and entertainment, West Virginia’s peaks and valleys are almost heaven.
For the Adventurers
Spruce Knob (4,863 feet, Pendleton County)
Photo by West Virginia Department of Tourism
Spruce Knob is known for being the highest Allegheny Mountain point both in West Virginia and the entire mountain range, which spans four states. Its rugged alpine biome is unusual for the region and offers accessible views of the surrounding grassy pastures and forested ridges.
Atop Spruce Knob is an observation tower, providing a vantage point to enjoy the view. Access is also available nearby to the half-mile, handicap-accessible Whispering Spruce Trail, which circles the summit and provides more panoramic views and informational signs describing vegetation, geology and animal life.
There are approximately 60 miles of hiking trails and a small 32-acre lake stocked with trout in this area. Popular trails include Huckleberry Trail, Lumberjack Trail and Spruce Mountain Trail.
There are two campgrounds located close by. Spruce Knob Lake Campground offers access to the lake for boating and fishing. Gatewood Campground offers group camping sites. More adventurous mountaineers looking to be remote can backpack Spruce Knob via Seneca Creek Backcountry.
The closest lodging, about a 30-minute drive away, is the Germany Valley Overlook Cabins. Also within 30 minutes is the Gateway Restaurant, which is a family-style restaurant. Other lodgings and restaurants are 45 to 60 minutes away in Seneca Rocks, WV, and Franklin, WV.
For the Adrenaline Seekers
Snowshoe (4,848 feet, Pocahontas County)
Photo by Snowshoe Mountain
From skiing and mountain biking to shopping and fine dining, Snowshoe has it all. Situated between five state parks, national and state forests, eight rivers and scenic railroads and highways, adventure is endless regardless of the season.
With nearly 11,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness, Snowshoe has extensive mountain biking trails, a popular golf course and a number of other summer outdoor activities. The resort at Snowshoe also hosts a Grand National Cross Country racing event each year.
Ski slopes cover 244 acres, making it popular for the 480,000 skiers that visit Snowshoe each year. Other winter experiences include snowboarding, tubing and snowmobiling.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort offers an array of accommodations like cabins, condos and cottages. Visitors can also dine with a view of stunning sunsets and panoramic mountain scenes or grab a quick bite.
For the Sightseers
Flat Top (3,460 feet, Raleigh County)
Photo by West Virginia Department of Tourism
Flat Top earned its name from the 40-square-mile tableland summit of Guyandotte sandstone. Situated between several state parks and historic sites, this summit offers destinations on and off the mountain.
At the Princeton Railroad Museum, guests can meet Mark Twain, Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, Chief Seltoe’e, Harriet Eliza Lathrop and others, hearing their stories in an interactive storytelling museum. Visitors can also dive deeper into the local history with a visit to the Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park, where visitors will see Shawnee burial grounds, ancient artifacts and photos of the Marshall University and Concord University archaeological digs and hear stories about local leaders’ lives and deaths.
Nearby, Camp Creek State Park and Forest is known for waterfalls and camping with nearly 6,000 acres of forest, 35 miles of trails and seven miles of seasonally stocked trout streams. Glenwood Recreational Park, Pipestem State Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are also nearby. Further south, take in the picturesque Brush Creek Falls after a rocky four-mile hike.
Winterplace Ski Resort has 28 trails, a terrain park and nine ski lifts and boasts West Virginia’s largest snowtubing park with 16 lanes.
The Resort at Glade Springs is just minutes from New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and features ample dining, golf, a spa and resort-organized activities. Be closer to the ski resort at The Skyline Lodge Resort in Ghent, WV. Guests enjoy a private lakefront view from the hotel’s 3,600-square-foot deck.
For the History Enthusiasts
Potomac River Valley (240 feet, Jefferson County)
Photo by Jefferson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Potomac River Valley features the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers and the ancestral home of the Tuscarora and Shawnee people. From these civilizations to the Civil War, the valley is rich in history for both enthusiasts and the newly curious alike.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park preserves the sites of John Brown’s Fort, Harpers Ferry’s historic Lower Town, remnants of 19th-century industrial might, Storer College and portions of Civil War battlefields. These sites tell important chapters of the American story, from battles of the Civil War to the struggles and successes of the Civil Rights Movement.
A granite column overlooking the river in Shepherdstown, WV, is dedicated to James Rumsey, the Potomac’s own pioneer of steam navigation. Rumsey helped design the locks of the Patowmack Canal at Great Falls.
Bolivar Heights Battlefield was the site of the largest surrender of U.S. troops during the Civil War. Today, from this location, visitors can walk beside trenches, take a hike in the woods or view most of the park areas from one vantage point.
From pizza and cafes to historic taverns and family-style restaurants, the valley has a variety of dining options as well as lodging like inns, bed and breakfasts and hotels.
For the Family
Mid-Ohio Valley (581 feet, Wood County)
Photo by Nate Knobel
History, outdoors, art and entertainment opportunities fill the Mid-Ohio Valley, making it great for all families.
Experience the history of the valley in interactive and intriguing historical sites and detailed museum exhibits. Learn about Appalachian American history at the nationally recognized Oil and Gas Museum, Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History or Henderson Hall.
The valley features mountain biking, hiking trails and motorcycle routes, along with scenic kayaking on the Ohio River.
From theaters, orchestras and art centers to shopping districts, the Mid-Ohio Valley is a destination in West Virginia for live entertainment and the arts.
The area has chain favorites as well as locally owned and operated dining options. Visitors also have their pick of several chain hotels, as well as the historic Blennerhassett Hotel, built in 1889.
For the Leisurely
Western Allegheny Plateau (623 feet, Ohio County)
Photo by Wheeling CVB
Located in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, the Western Allegheny Plateau has year-round events and festivals, breweries and restaurants, shopping and attractions.
The area is home to several sports teams, including the Wheeling Nailers and the West Virginia Highlanders Football Club. Visitors can also catch the Mountain East College Basketball Tournament in March at WesBanco Arena.
Local professional theater, national acts, comedy, dramatic works, Broadway shows, dance and more can be found at the historic Capitol Theatre, Victoria Theater or Oglebay Institute’s Towngate Theatre & Cinema. During the summer and fall, the plateau has a festival almost every weekend.
From open-air shopping complexes to classic retail malls, visitors can get an eclectic mix of shops at the Historic Centre Market in downtown Wheeling, WV, or their favorite brands at The Highlands.
From steakhouses to Chinese, taverns to Mexican and Italian to cafés, the Western Allegheny Plateau has any dining experience visitors might want. The county also has chain hotels and resorts like Oglebay or Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack for extended visits.
