West Virginia Is Calling Outdoor Enthusiasts
Have you been wondering how you'll spend your time if you live in West Virginia? Worry not. If you like the idea of hiking or backpacking along misty mountain ridges, rock climbing in state parks, kayaking the many streams and rivers that paint the state, and taking part in lively dancing at cultural festivals, West Virginia is calling you home! This list of WV adventures is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the fun the state has to offer, but it will give you a sampling of the unique landscape and lifestyle that you'll find when you choose to call the Mountain State your home.
Hannah, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Hannah is a born and raised West Virginian who briefly tested life across state lines before realizing the pull of the hills is undefeated. She has lived in both northern and south central West Virginia, moved more times than she can count during college, and knows Charleston well enough to give directions using landmarks instead of street names. She writes fiction, spins yarn into sweaters, drinks Charleston coffee like its a personality trait, and somehow keeps four pets fed. Editing West Virginia guides comes naturally when you know the people shine... even when the sun does not.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in West Virginia?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
Go Outside & Hike
Hike the Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge near Fayetteville
Spend Time on the Water Cooling Off
Kayak and take in the clear water views of Pirate's Cove at Summersville Lake
Underground Adventure
Take a Lost World Caverns tour in Greenbrier County
Maybe You SHOULD Go Chasing Waterfalls
Tucker County, photograph Blackwater Falls and explore the area
This Is the Scenic Ride for You
Cruise Highland Scenic Highway through Monongahela National Forest near Marlinton
This Is the Iconic Road Trip to Take
Drive Midland Trail (US 60) from Charleston to Lewisburg and take in the gorgeous views in autumn
This Is What Locals Do on the Weekends
ATV the Hatfield-McCoy Trails - southern West Virginia's favorite adrenaline rush
For the Sports Fans
Catch a WVU football or basketball game at Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, go to a Charleston Dirty Birds baseball game on a summer night
Stargaze on Desolate Dark Nights
Watoga State Park is in a certified dark-sky zone in Pocahontas County
During the Short Days of Winter
Ski at Snowshoe Mountain, then drink warm cocoa by the fire
Hidden Gem Spotlight
One of my favorite places to stop on West Virginia road trips is the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston. Aside from its impressive architecture and the tourist angle that's sold around Halloween, the historical tours of the grounds are super interesting and reveal a lot about the not-so-distant past.
— Hannah Wyatt
West Virginia Local Expert
Ready to See If West Virginia Fits You?
Compare cities, check the routes, or head back to the full West Virginia guide for the bigger picture.