12 Magnificent Hidden Gems To Discover in West Virginia This Year

If you're looking for lesser-known places to visit in West Virginia, the entire state qualifies as one big best-kept secret! But if you need a few more specific suggestions, here are 12 magnificent hidden gems in West Virginia you'll want to experience for yourself. Best of all, we have spread them out with one for each month of the year, so you always have somewhere new to look forward to exploring. Let's see where you should spend time in the New Year:

1. Bluestone Gorge

In January, take the opportunity to take in some views of Bluestone Gorge. Less famous than its nearby counterpart, the New River Gorge, Bluestone Gorge still offers some spectacular opportunities. There are many excellent access points to the gorge, including Bluestone State Park in Hinton. If you'd like to hike around the gorge, download the AllTrails+ app to help you navigate.

2. Canaan Valley Resort, Davis

Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or an active day in the snow, Canaan Valley Resort is the perfect West Virginia hidden gem to visit in February! Luxurious accommodations. Delicious food. Ice skating. Snow sports. And so much more!

3. Pinnacle Rock, Bramwell

Take a drive north past Bluefield to Pinnacle Rock State Park, one of the best parks in West Virginia. This rock formation is especially stunning in early spring, when the trees are just beginning to leaf out and this massive boulder stands sharply against the sky. Imagine taking a stroll here and seeing such an imposing rock.

4. Cool Spring Nature Preserve, Charles Town

A nature center. A one-of-a-kind wetland marsh. George Washington. All these things (and more!) come together at Cool Spring Nature Preserve near Charles Town. Come for the spring flowers, stay for the beautiful views.

5. Prabhupada's Palace of Gold, Moundsville

If you're on the hunt for non-touristy places in West Virginia, did you even know that there was a palace tucked away in Moundsville? Now you do, and you need to visit! Add Prabhipada's Palace of Gold to the list for May, when the gardens will be in bloom. This is such a special place to spend an afternoon.

6. Ritter Park Rose Garden, Huntington

June is an excellent time to catch the roses in bloom at Ritter Park Rose Garden in Huntington, West Virginia. And if you miss the roses, you'll still enjoy the scenic gardens and historic stonework!

7. Rudolph Falls and Swimming Hole, Richwood

Located along the Richwood end of the Highland Scenic Highway, Rudolph Falls is one of the best hidden gems in West Virginia where you can cool off on a hot summer day! Stay at Four Seasons Lodge in order to take advantage of this swimming hole several days in a row.

8. Moncove Lake State Park, Gap Mills

In August, cool off in the shade of the pines at Moncove Lake, a beautiful mountain lake that stays quiet and peaceful year round. Fish, hike, boat, or take a dip in the lakeside swimming pool.

9. The Highland Scenic Highway, Pocahontas County

Covering some of the prettiest, highest country in West Virginia, the fall colors on the Highland Scenic Highway start early. September (before too much risk of snow) is the perfect time to cruise this beautiful route.

10. Amtrak through the New River Gorge

Leaf peepers love West Virginia, and for good reason. One surprisingly affordable and memorable way to enjoy the fall foliage in the New River Gorge region is by Amtrak! You can't beat a scenic train ride — it's one of the most extraordinary and memorable West Virginia trip ideas.

11. Dunloup Falls, Oak Hill

Right along the road, yet hidden from the sight of most travelers, Dunloup Falls is a beautiful cascade conveniently located right along the route to Thurmond. You'll love discovering this scenic West Virginia hidden gem.

12. Heritage Farm Christmas Village, Huntington

Heritage Farm, a historic farm park near Huntington, West Virginia, is a hidden gem no matter what time you visit. But if you catch it on certain dates in December when it's been transformed into a Christmas Village, it's an especially magical experience.

How many of these hidden gems in West Virginia have you already discovered? Which one is your favorite? Once you've tackled these secret places in West Virginia, try these 12 restaurants, one for each month of the year as well.

Whether you live close to these hidden gems in West Virginia or it will take a couple of hours of travel to reach them, one mistake you don't want to make is forgetting the road trip snacks! Check out this list that OnlyInYourState has created of the best road trip snacks, so you'll be properly fueled for your next adventure.