West Virginia is known as the Wild and Wonderful state and with good reason. It seems like just about any drive in West Virginia could be a natural wonders road trip, but there are especially amazing views in one area in particular: the Monongahela National Forest. Let's take a look at some of the most stunning natural wonders in West Virginia.
Here is an interactive map of these locations. You can change the map if you want to start your journey at a different location.
1. Bear Rocks Preserve
The first of West Virginia's natural wonders is Bear Rocks Preserve, which contains wind-carved boulders and an overlook with a great view of the Dolly Sods wilderness area below.
2. Dolly Sods Wilderness
This unique landscape contains meadows, heath barrens, cranberry bogs, and hardwood forests. You could spend a whole day hiking here. The vivid colors of Dolly Sods really come to life in 4K:
The Red Creek runs through the Wilderness, with small waterfalls appearing beside the hiking trails.
3. Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks is the only "true peak" on the East Coast of the United States. It's beloved by rock climbers and photographers. Find out why the Smithsonian says these rocks are as dangerous as they are beautiful:
4. Spruce Knob
Spruce Knob is the summit of Spruce Mountain and the highest point in the state of West Virginia.
There's an observation tower where you can get great views of Monongahela National Forest. Get a stunning, bird's-eye view of Spruce Knob:
5. Cranberry Glades
Cranberry Glades is a bog area filled with unusual vegetation. You'll find cranberries, sphagnum moss, skunk cabbage, purple pitcher plants, and sundew plants.
6. Highland Scenic Highway
This scenic road is one of the most beautiful drives in West Virginia.
7. Bickle Knob
There's an observation tower on Bickle Knob that's worth a stop. You can climb it to get views of the Shavers Fork River, Tygart Valley, and Cheat Mountain.
8. Blackwater Falls
Blackwater Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the state, with a 62-foot drop.
The driving for this trip to see natural wonders in West Virginia will take just about seven hours, but you'll probably want to make it into a two or three-day adventure to have plenty of time to take in all the scenery. If you have some favorite natural wonders in West Virginia, let us know about them in the comments.
Ready to take another road trip around the state? Check out the best road trip in West Virginia to see gorgeous waterfalls.
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