If you have lived in West Virginia for a long time, it may very well seem like you have been everywhere and done everything, but think again. From waterfalls and natural wonders to historic sites to fantastic man-made attractions, there is quite a lot of unique things to do in West Virginia if you know where to look! Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. When all the obvious choices are spent, it’s time to go obscure and check out some of the coolest hidden gems in West Virginia, like these fantastic options around the state:

1. Go for a drive on Route 32 and take in the scenery.
Harman, WV 26270, USA
zrfphoto/ iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty
You won’t regret it. Begin your Route 32 journey in Harman and conclude in Thomas. Along the way, you can visit Canaan Valley State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, and Cannan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, not to mention a number of charming little towns along the way. And who knows, you might even find some hidden gems along the way.
2. Visit Pinnacle Rock State Park.
Pinnacle Rock State Park, 6470 Coal Heritage Rd, Bramwell, WV 24715, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
Sometimes, there are places that we never knew existed unless we happen to stumble upon them. Pinnacle Rock State Park is one such place. Located along Route 52 in Mercer County, this large rock formation is bound to get your attention. Aside from a trail that leads to the overlook at the top, this park offers several hiking trails and a fishing lake.
3. Visit the multi-themed Mountain Quest Inn.
Mountain Quest Inn, 303 Mountain Quest Lane, Marlinton, WV 24954, USA
Ken Power/GoogleReviews
Nestled on a gorgeous farm, this beautiful inn is probably the most unexpected place you will ever spend a night. Aside from the Activity Room, the two-story library, the jacuzzi, and the complimentary breakfasts, the strongest pull of this one is the themed rooms. There is a variety of themes to choose from, such as safari, space, and nautical. No matter which one you choose, this is a hotel unlike any other you have experienced.
4. Take a ride on the Mountain Explorer Dinner Train.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, 4759 Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike, Durbin, WV 26264, USA
Durbin & Greenbriar Valley Railroad/Facebook
Departing from Elkins, this fou-hour scenic train excursion takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery the state has to offer while enjoying a four-course meal and a bottle of wine. Along the way, you can step outside at a scenic waterfall on the Cheat River to stretch your legs and enjoy the view. It is truly an experience well worth the ticket price. Of course, don't miss out on their other scenic train rides too!
5. Visit Holly River State Park.
Holly River State Park, 680 State Park Road, Hacker Valley, WV 26222, USA
WikiMedia/ http://www.ForestWander.com
West Virginia is full of state parks, but the unique foliage at Holly River makes it stand out from the rest. Surrounded by tall mountain peaks and comprised of dense woods with lush vegetation, the park feels like a different part of the world. It is peaceful, serene, and otherworldly.
6. Visit the Swiss town of Helvetia.
Helvetia, WV 26234, USA
David S/TripAdvisor
Deep in the mountains of Randolph County, there is a little town with a population of just 59 people. What makes Helvetia, WV so unique is that it was founded by Swiss settlers and the traditions of their homeland remain alive to this day. The town’s history and traditions are kept alive, both through the architecture and culture. Helvetia has many fairs and parades throughout the year that celebrate the Swiss roots of its residents.

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7. Go underground at Seneca Caverns.
Seneca Caverns, 3328 Germany Valley Rd, Riverton, WV 26814, USA
Facebook/Seneca Caverns WV
Just eight miles from Seneca Rocks, Seneca Caverns is a huge cave system that was once used by the Seneca Indians for ceremonial purposes. Today, it is open for all to see. Inside you will see stalactites, stalagmites and even underground pools as an experienced tour guide leads you through the cavern 165 feet underground. To have the complete experience, be sure to visit the gift shop and do some Gem mining before you leave.
8. Visit the historic town of Berkeley Springs.
Berkeley Springs, WV 25411, USA
Berkeley Springs,WV/Facebook
Berkeley Springs is not your typical West Virginia town. Its charming downtown area offers many unique shots with distinctive facades, but that is only part of the charm. You can also "do as the Romans do" and visit the Roman baths. But you cannot leave until you photograph the most famous destination of all: Berkeley Castle, which stands proudly on a hill overlooking the town (do note that it is a private residence and not open to the public).
9. Take in a show at the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington.
Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, 925 4th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
Google Maps/Keith Albee Performing Arts Center
Built in 1928, the Keith-Albee is one of the most amazing theaters in the state. The interior lobby is decorated with baroque architecture and the theatre itself is designed to look like an outdoor courtyard you might find somewhere in Europe. For many years, it was a movie theatre with three screens, but it was renovated back into a single theater in 2006 for the premiere of We Are Marshall starring Matthew McConaughey.
10. Go ziplining at Glade Springs.
Adventures on the Gorge, 219 Co Rte 60/5, Lansing, WV 25862, USA
jordan dennison/GoogleReviews
The resort at Glade Springs is great for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities. The Tree Tops Canopy Tour by Adventures on the Gorge is a series of 10 zip lines that leads visitors through the resort's most beautiful scenery. You can also try other zip lines and sky bridges, one of which is the longest on the entire east coast. Or, dive in for some whitewater rafting!
11. Have a fine meal at the Elk River Inn and Restaurant.
Elk River Inn & Cabins, 34037 Seneca Trail, Slaty Fork, WV 26291, USA
TripAdvisor/management
Located just off the Seneca trail in Slaty Fork, Elk River is truly a hidden gem. The chefs use fresh ingredients from the local area, some of which are even grown right on the property. The restaurant is open for dinner on select dates in summer and fall, and each delectable meal is prepared with a "fall harvest" theme. Be sure to call and make a reservation in advance.
12. Visit a paranormal museum.
Archive of the Afterlife, "A Paranormal Museum", 86 Railroad St, Cameron, WV 26033, USA
Archive of the Afterlife "the National Museum of the Paranormal"/Facebook
Interest in ghosts and hauntings is not anything new in West Virginia, but what you may not know is that there is an entire museum in Moundsville dedicated to the paranormal. The National Museum of the Paranormal has a number of pictures and objects that are said to be haunted. The museum also offers walking tours on the weekends.
13. Take a full paranormal road trip.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, 50 S River Ave, Weston, WV 26452, USA
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
If a single museum is not enough for you, then consider instead a day-long haunted road trip across West Virginia to sate your need for the dark and creepy. Starting in Shepherdstown, our haunted road trip will take you to the most haunted places in the state, including the West Virginia State Penitentiary, Parkersburg, Point Pleasant, Flatwoods, and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum.

Some of the best things to do in West Virginia are often the most underrated and obscure. These are just a few places that you may not have thought to check out, but there are plenty more where these came from!

What are some more of the best places to visit in West Virginia that get overlooked? Let us know your favorite WV hidden gems!

For more of what West Virginia has to offer, check out this picture-perfect town hiding on top of a mountain. While you’re at it, make it a road trip! (Just don’t forget to pack the essentials!)

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More to Explore

Things to Do in West Virginia & Related Info

Jennifer | July 25, 2023

Does West Virginia have any castles?

While West Virginia isn't known for its abundance of castles like other parts of the East Coast, the state does have a few - although some are mere remnants. The most famous of the handful of castles located throughout the state is Berkeley Castle in Berkeley Springs (private property). You'll also find:

  • Good Counsel Friary, Morgantown
  • Holliday Castle, Ghent
  • Mount Wood Castle & Cemetery,
  • Palace of Gold, Moundsville
  • Wheeling Castle ruins, Wheeling

 

For a unique adventure to discover some of West Virginia's other magnificent castles, check out our official castle road trip!

What are the best botanical gardens in West Virginia?

Spring, summer, fall... every season is garden season in scenic West Virginia! Here are some of our favorite botanical gardens in WV to explore:

  • Bissonnette Gardens, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling
  • Fred Edwards Conservatory, Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington
  • Ritter Park Rose Garden, Huntington
  • Sunshine Farm and Gardens, Renick
  • West Virginia University Core Arboretum, Morgantown
  • West Virginia Botanic Garden, Morgantown

 

What are the prettiest waterfalls in West Virginia?

If you know, you know. West Virginia is packed with phenomenal natural beauty, and our waterfalls are just the start! Some of the prettiest waterfalls in the state are:

  • Blackwater Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Brush Creek Falls, Brush Creek Nature Preserve
  • Campbell Falls, Camp Creek State Park
  • Cathedral Falls, Gauley Bridge
  • Douglas Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Elakala Falls, Blackwater Falls State Park
  • Glade Creek Falls, Beaver
  • Indian Branch Falls, Pipestem Resort State Park
  • Kates Falls, Beaver
  • Mash Fork Falls, Camp Creek State Park
  • Pipestem Falls, Route 20
  • Sandstone Falls, New River Gorge National River
  • Valley Falls, Valley Falls State Park
  • Whitaker Falls, Webster County
  • White Oak Creek Falls, Brush Creek Nature Preserve

 

 

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