The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In West Virginia Who Loves The Outdoors
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Rachel Whetstone
Author
West Virginia is the perfect state for anyone who loves being outdoors. There’s a good reason why it’s known as the “wild and wonderful” state. It would be impossible to put all the amazing natural wonders in West Virginia into one short list, but here are some highlights that you’ll want to add to your outdoor bucket list.
1. Canaan Valley State Park
Canaan Valley Resort Campground, Headquarters Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
This is an amazing place to go horseback riding with a scenic wide-open landscape to enjoy.
Take a tour of Canaan Valley State Park in this video from LivingOurDreamNow:
Take a tour of Canaan Valley State Park in this video from LivingOurDreamNow:
2. Beartown State Park
Beartown State Park, Beartown Rd, Renick, WV 24966, USA
The fantastic rock formations at Beartown State Park will inspire your imagination as you hike the many trails around Droop Mountain.
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3. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union, WV 24983, USA
The Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory is an amazing location for watching the migration of hawks, eagles, falcons, and ospreys. It's located in Monroe County near Gap Mills and Union.
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4. Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls, West Virginia 25918, USA
The stunning waterfalls at Sandstone Falls bridge the gap between two islands.
5. Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake, West Virginia, USA
This is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and scuba diving. You can even take free
sailing lessons on Summersville Lake.
6. The New River Gorge
New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, West Virginia, USA
West Virginia's Grand Canyon is perfect for hiking, whitewater rafting, and just enjoying the view. You can learn more about the New River Gorge in our featured article.
Take a peek at some of the incredible sights you'll discover at the New River Gorge in this video from More Than Just Parks:
Take a peek at some of the incredible sights you'll discover at the New River Gorge in this video from More Than Just Parks:
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7. Ohio River Islands
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3982 Waverly-Williamstown Rd, Williamstown, WV 26187, USA
Take a boat to this group of small islands on the Ohio River and take in the wildlife from the beaches.
8. The Highland Scenic Highway
Highland Scenic Hwy, West Virginia, USA
Take a drive along the beautiful Highland Scenic Highway with no destination in mind.
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9. Bear Rocks Preserve
Bear Rocks Preserve, Forest Rd 75, Davis, WV 26260, USA
This beautiful spot in the Bear Rocks Preserve overlooking Dolly Sods is a photographer's paradise with fascinating rock formations and beautiful scenic overlooks.
10. Seneca Caverns
Seneca Caverns, 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814, USA
With beautiful walkways and incredible formations, this cave will make you feel like you're in another world. It's just one of the many amazing caves in West Virginia.
11. Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
This is the only true peak in West Virginia and one of the many reasons why we are called the Mountain State.
12. The Cranberry Glades
Cranberry Glades, West Virginia 24946, USA
Take a walk through this beautiful bog and enjoy the sights of the odd plants that grow there.
Check out the unique 750-acre Cranberry Glades in this video from Dave The Hillside Gardener:
Check out the unique 750-acre Cranberry Glades in this video from Dave The Hillside Gardener:
These are only a few of the many natural attractions in WV. What’s on your West Virginia outdoor bucket list?
If you need even more locations to add to your list, take a look at these stunning places that will remind you that West Virginia is Almost Heaven.
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Add To Your West Virginia Bucket List
What are some natural wonders in West Virginia?
West Virginia is no slouch when it comes to beautiful natural areas. From spectacular waterfalls to old-growth forests, here are some natural wonders in West Virginia that should be on your bucket list:
- Cranberry Glades, Pocahontas County, WV: Beautiful mountains and waterfalls get most of the attention when it comes to natural wonders, but West Virginia's Cranberry Glades are a unique and very special place in the Allegheny Mountains. The soil is especially acidic which works out very well for certain plants - cranberries being one of them. The Glades is also home to the odiferous skunk cabbage and two man-eating plants (okay fine, they don't eat people but they are carnivorous) the sundew, and the purple pitcher plant.
- Lindy Point, Blackwater Falls State Park, WV: The gorgeous views you get of Blackwater Canyon in the Monongahela National Forest from the Lindy Point lookout are pretty incredible. There is a unique rock stack standing tall in the early morning sun. As fall leaves are lit on fire by the sun's glow, your breath will be whisked away to soar over the mountain tops. Enjoy these amazing views when you take the short Lindy Point Overlook Trail from Canaan Loop Road.
- Cathedral State Park, Aurora, WV: Not to be outdone in the natural wonders category are the ancient hemlock trees in Cathedral State Park. This is West Virginia's largest old-growth forest and it contains the only stand of virgin hemlock in the state. Many of the trees are 350 to 500 years old! Take the aptly named Giant Hemlock Trail, which is only about a quarter mile, to see some of the biggest trees in the park.
One of the best ways to enjoy all the beauty in West Virginia is by taking a natural wonders road trip. Hop in an RV from RVShare and go on an unforgettable adventure.