11 Things That Should Be On Everyone’s West Virginia Road Trip Scavenger Hunt

There's almost nothing better than road-tripping through West Virginia. In fact, it's easily one of my favorite things to do! And my coworker just came up with a fun way to make it even better, something that my kids and I can't wait to try and something that I can't believe I had never thought of before: a West Virginia road trip scavenger hunt. So today I've been brainstorming about what such a list could include, and here's my start: 11 things my family and I will be looking out for next time we're traveling through wild, wonderful West Virginia.

1. An Almost Heaven swing.

There are dozens of these scattered throughout the state, and they all feature particularly scenic views. An alternate scavenger hunt could involve tracking down each and every one! This particular swing can be found at Bluestone State Park in Summers County.

2. A West Virginia state, city, or county park.

West Virginia has so many amazing parks, but it's somehow so easy to cruise right past them. This time, don't! Stop, stretch, and enjoy just a taste of some of the amazing park sites Almost Heaven has to offer. (The West Virginia State Parks, which are my favorite, are always free. Did you know that? Of course, so are city and county parks!)

3. A Tudor's Biscuit World.

A Tudor's biscuit sandwich is a West Virginia tradition, road trip or no road trip.

4. An out-of-state license plate.

Out-of-state license plates are something we already watch for on road trips, and we've noted that West Virginia is an especially good place for spotting them. Of course it is. Everybody wants a little taste of the peace and beauty we know so well!

5. Mountains.

Can you even call yourself a West Virginia lover if you don't spend at least half your time on the road mesmerized by the gorgeous mountain views?

6. A very winding country road.

You all know how the song goes. "Country Roads, take me home to the place I belong...!"

7. An old barn.

Bonus points if you can spot one with a traditional wooden quilt square hanging on it!

8. A covered bridge.

These aren't super common, but with a little pre-planning, it's a pretty safe bet that you can find one pretty close to your route, if not right along it! This pictured covered bridge is Dents Run Covered Bridge near Laurel Point in Monongalia County. It dates to 1889.

9. A river.

This won't be hard. Seriously. There are rivers (beautiful, historic, significant rivers) everywhere you look! (And, of course, bridges. Watch for those, too.)

10. A lake.

Lakes are quite abundant in Almost Heaven as well, although sometimes they can be pretty hidden. Check Google Maps for an easy way to spot the ones along your route! This one pictured, by the way, is Alpine Lake in Terra Alta.

11. A roadside historical marker.

No shortage of these in West Virginia, either. And yes, if you can do so safely, you have to stop and read it. It always amazes me what I learn from these humble little signs!

So there you have it, my new secret weapon for kid-friendly road tripping, a West Virginia road trip scavenger hunt. (Here's my old secret weapon, by the way. You're welcome.)