With its majestic mountains, beautiful rivers, and breathtaking vistas, West Virginia has so much natural beauty to offer. We are very lucky to be surrounded by so much natural awesomeness. These 10 natural wonders stand out above all of the rest.
1. Cranberry Glades
The Cranberry Glades are an amazing cluster of five small boreal-type bogs in Pocahontas County. It is a unique and exotic ecosystem that stretches over 750 acres. It features 60 unique plant species. Many of the areas plants are descended from seeds that took root over 10,000 years ago.
2. Dolly Sods
The Dolly Sods Wilderness is located in the Monongahela National Forest. It covers 17,371 acres. The sods contain much of the Red Creek drainage and it contains bog, as well as eco-type that are most commonly found in Canada.
3. Ice Mountain
The Ice Mountain Preserve protects a large collection of boreal plants that are normally discovered much further north. There is a sloping mass of boulders at the foot of a mountain. During the cooler months, cold air sinks deep into the rock talus, and ice masses form inside of them. In the past a trek up Ice Mountain was a norm for residents, who would chip off large chunks of ice to use to make homemade ice cream and chilled lemonade.
4. New River Gorge
The New River Gorge’s New River, is one the oldest rivers on the continent. The park is over 70,000 acres. It is rich in cultural and natural history.
5. Sandstone Falls
Sandstone Falls is the largest waterfall on the New River. It spans across the entire river.
6. Canaan Valley
Cannan Valley is an oval upland located in Tucker County. It has extensive wetlands. It is the home of Blackwater Falls and the Canaan Valley Ski Resort.
7. The Trough
The Trough is a six-mile wooded gorge that was carved by the Potomac River. Visitors can board a train and see first-hand the beauty of the region.
8. Sinks of Gandy
The Sinks of Gandy is a popular cave and underground stream located in Oseola in Randolph County.
9. Beartown State Park
Beartown State Park is located on the eastern summit of Droop Mountain. It is packed full of unusual rock formations.
10. Spruce Knob
Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia. It stands 4,863 feet high. The summit of Spruce Mountain is the highest peak in the Allegheny Mountains.
Did I miss one of your favorite natural wonders of West Virginia? If so, share it with me in the comment section.
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