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10 Incredible Hidden Gems In West Virginia You’ll Want To Discover This Year

Published Jan 3, 2024

Written by 

Cristy Carr

Every so often, a bit of time off the radar is in order, and if that's the case for you this year and you're on the lookout for all the unique and cool places to visit in Almost Heaven, including the secret getaways, best-kept secrets, and hidden beautiful places tucked away in West Virginia, then listen up! We have good news: there are plenty of such hidden gems in West Virginia! Here are just a few: ten of the best non-touristy, local favorite, off-the-beaten-path options in wild, wonderful West Virginia for when you just need to get away from it all.

1. Panther State Forest

A winding road alongside a serene creek, surrounded by autumn foliage and bare trees.
Kristen Nae nae / Google Maps

As West Virginia's southernmost state forest, Panther State Forest is a quiet but beautiful spot for a scenic retreat.

2. Pioneer Farm At Twin Falls Resort State Park

A rustic wooden farmhouse surrounded by lush greenery and a wooden fence, set in a tranquil rural landscape.
WV State Parks

Yes, there's an actual working farm here at this resort.

3. Lost River State Park

Sign for Lee House Museum, built in 1860 as a summer retreat for General Robert E. Lee and his family.
Cristy / Only In Your State

Quiet. Peaceful. Remote. Yet not all that far from Washington, D.C.! Don't miss the Lee House when you visit.

4. Berwind Lake

A wooden bridge arches over a calm, reflective pond surrounded by trees in autumn foliage.
McDowell County Commission / Facebook

The footbridge over this lake is a photographer's dream.

5. Elk River Trail

Aerial view of a winding dirt path through a dense forest of lush green trees.
WV State Parks

Bring a bike or pack your hiking boots for this underrated adventure.

6. Castle Rock

A tall rock formation surrounded by trees, with a clear blue sky in the background and a river in the foreground.
Town of Pineville / Facebook

Tucked away in the small town of Pineville, Castle Rock is a towering natural wonder that is worth discovering.

7. Red Spruce Knob

A large moss-covered rock beside a forest trail, surrounded by trees and greenery in a misty atmosphere.
Michelle Lacombe / Alltrails

For a remote yet beautiful hike (one of the prettiest in the state), try Red Spruce Knob.

8. Fairfax Stone State Park

A stone plaque surrounded by colorful autumn foliage and a grassy area, with trees in the background.
WV State Parks

This tiny state park hides a mighty secret -- the source of the Potomac River.

9. Watters Smith Memorial State Park

A scenic view of rustic wooden barns and a log cabin surrounded by green grass and trees under a blue sky.
WV State Parks

Calling all history lovers! Check out the Watters Smith Memorial State Park to get a glimpse of what life was like for West Virginians back in the day.

10. Bethany College

Aerial view of a college campus surrounded by trees and hills, featuring brick buildings and a clock tower.
Bethany College / Facebook

Not only does the Bethany College campus have its own old-growth forest on campus, it's also got its own waterfall (that's a stop along the West Virginia waterfall trail)!

How many of these hidden gems in West Virginia have you already discovered? And what others did we miss? For even more fun, try another batch of little-known favorites near the New River Gorge! And don't forget to check out our road trip essentials packing list before embarking on your next great adventure.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/hidden-gems-2024/

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