Experience The Beauty of the Appalachians On This Memorable One-Day Road Trip Through West Virginia

Driving east from my home in Ohio, our first stop was the Mothman Museum, a roadside attraction in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. I wasn't planning on this detour, but my interest was piqued when "Mothman Museum" showed up in bold lettering as I planned my trip. This bat-meet-alien/moth-human hybrid shook the folks of Point Pleasant in the 1960s, and this museum celebrates the lore and history of this bizarre moment in time -- and its legacy in rural West Virginia.

Continuing east, a stop to the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston is a must. Located on the banks of the Kanawha River, this Neoclassical building with its glittering, gilded dome, is a striking sight to see. Guided tours occur between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and limited hours on weekends. If you're traveling on a clear night, the capitol's reflection in the river is dazzling.

One of the tallest waterfalls in West Virginia, Cathedral Falls is located near the town of Gauley Bridge and, if you're not careful, you'll drive right past the parking lot (more of a roadside pullout, really) of this stunner. Plummeting 60 feet over a rocky ledge of shale and sandstone, Cathedral Falls is an accessible, walk-up waterfall in West Virginia that's an absolute must-visit.

Now we arrive at New River Gorge National Park, one of America's most impressive national parks. Driving across this man-made architectural feat is an awesome experience for everyone in the car. This 3,030-foot long bridge is perched 876 feet above the New River, which, despite its name, is one of the oldest rivers in the world. The New River Gorge Bridge makes a big impression as you're arriving the eponynous national park.

Located just past the New River Gorge Bridge, the Canyon Rim Visitor Center is a robust and immersive attraction that celebrates the history of the preserve (and, more broadly, the Mountain State) -- and the views from within it are astounding. Outside the visitor center, there's a path that leads to an overlook where you'll be treated to spectacular views of both bridge and canyon bed. There are a lot of steps to this spot, however, so those with limited mobility should stick to the visitor center -- it's super accessible and the views are equally inspiring.

Humpback Bridge is the definition of a "let's stop here!" road trip discovery. This historic covered bridge in Virginia wasn't on my radar, but as we neared the Omni Homestead, a sign caught our attention. We turned around and followed the sign to Humpback Bridge, one of the few remaining covered bridges in the country built higher in the middle than on either end, giving it a "humpback" appearance. The 110-foot bridge spans Dunlap Creek, a turquoise blue body of water that's breathtaking.

The reason I found myself driving through the mountains of West Virginia was a trip to the Omni Homestead, a historic resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. The Omni Homestead Resort is nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, a range located in the western-central part of the Appalachians that's the most magical mix of farmland and forests. Known for its healing springs, history, and hospitality, the Omni is wonderful, family-friendly destination in and of itself, and the perfect way to conclude this West Virginia road trip.