We all know the Blue Ridge Mountains in West Virginia are stunning, and it’s about time the rest of the world took notice. In 2020, U.S. News and World Report released a list of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World, and they acknowledged what everyone in West Virginia already knows — this state is one of them.

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What a treat to live in such a lovely state! Have you lived here so long that you’ve begun to take it for granted? Now is a great time to remedy that by getting out to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth as soon as possible! Why not start with some low-key hikes in West Virginia that have amazing payoffs?

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Beautiful Places In West Virginia

Are there any hiking trails in West Virginia that are located in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

One of the best ways to see the West Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains is on foot. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park features over 20 miles of hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, including two separate hikes with stunning overlooks. The Maryland Heights Trail is the more popular of the two, with scenic views from Overlook Cliff of the town of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. However, the Loudoun Heights Trail, while less frequently traveled, also offers some fantastic views of the town and the rivers below. Both hikes are fairly strenuous and challenging, and you should be prepared for some significant elevation gain.

Are there any waterfalls you can hike to in West Virginia?

West Virginia has over 200 waterfalls, and one of the most popular and impressive of the lot is Blackwater Falls, located within Blackwater Falls State Park. Cathedral Falls is another showstopper, at 100 feet tall, and easily accessible from Route 60. Check out our list of the best waterfall hikes in West Virginia.

What are some other scenic places in West Virginia?

West Virginia is a seriously underrated destination for nature lovers. The New River Gorge National Park is one of the prettiest spots in the country, and a fantastic place to see the brilliant colors of the changing leaves come autumn. The Endless Wall Trail is a great way to experience some of the best scenery of the New River Gorge. If you prefer lakeside fun, Summersville Lake – the largest in West Virginia – has over 60 miles of beautiful shoreline, and striking cliff faces towering over the water. It’s also been called “the little Bahamas of the east” because of its clear waters, which make it a popular spot for scuba divers. With 35 state parks and six national parks, you’ll never get bored exploring The Mountain State’s natural beauty.