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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

6 West Virginia Day Trips That Are Even Cooler During The Winter

Discover magical winter day trips in West Virginia, featuring scenic views, historic towns, and outdoor activities.

Published Jan 4, 2023

Written by 

Cristy

Winter can be a bit of an intimidating time of year. It's cold. It's dark. It's snowy. But, in West Virginia at least, it's also breathtakingly magical. Here are a few suggestions for several day trips in West Virginia that you don't want to miss the chance to experience for yourself during winter in the Mountain State!

1. Harpers Ferry

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Posnov / Moment Collection via Getty Images Plus

The views are always good in the iconic town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, no matter the season. The history is always interesting. The architecture is always astounding. The food is always tasty. But there's just something about strolling these historic streets when the landscape is covered in winter white that makes the whole experience extra magical.

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2. Canaan Valley

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EJ-J / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

Ice skating. Skiing. Snowboarding. Tubing. Cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing. Mountain AND valley views. Shops. Restaurants. A fitness center complete with a pool. Ultra-cozy lodges, cabins, and cottages. You get the picture! Canaan Valley is the perfect winter day (or multi-day!) trip choice.

3. Point Pleasant

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Visit Point Pleasant WV

Point Pleasant's unique location, perched as it is on a promontory, offers some spectacular river views! And those views are even better in winter, when the leaves that sometimes block the landscape have fallen from the trees. Start at Tu-Endie-Wei State Park and walk down along the river walk.

4. Twin Falls Resort State Park

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Jack McDaniels / AllTrails

How about a brisk hike to a pair of water-turned-ice falls? If that sounds right up your alley, head to Twin Falls State Park for the day sometime this winter for a spectacular walk through a true winter wonderland.

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5. Snowshoe

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Snowshoe

There's so much to love about Snowshoe in the winter. That's when this alpine ski town really comes alive. But one of the most underrated features is the heated outdoor pool. You don't have to be an overnight resort guest to purchase admission! So pack your swimsuit for an unforgettable winter water experience to round off a day spent exploring this mountain when it's covered in snow.

6. New River Gorge

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Patricia Toth McCormick / Moment Open Collection via Getty Images

There's never a bad time to visit the New River Gorge, including winter. What a sight!

Bring it on, winter! We're ready for you -- we've got fun things to do, day trips to take, and beautiful places to visit here in Wild, Wonderful West Virginia no matter the season!

Wondering what to take on a winter trip in West Virginia? We've got you covered... literally!

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

This Scenic 55-Mile Drive Just May Be The Most Underrated Adventure In West Virginia

Updated Jun 25, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Webster County, West Virginia is home to the scenic Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway. This underrated West Virginia scenic drive takes travelers through the mountains, valleys, and small towns of Webster County, offering stunning views of the landscape and a fascinating glimpse into mountain life, both past and present. The byway is also home to a number of different attractions, including Holly River State Park. If you love scenic drives in West Virginia, the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway should definitely be on your list!

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What is the Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway? The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is an underrated, 45-mile scenic loop through Northern Webster County, West Virginia, with several additional "spurs" that either shorten or lengthen the adventure along this scenic route.

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Brian Powell/Flickr

The byway starts and ends in either Webster Springs, which is the county seat, (traveling north), or at the Randolph County line (traveling south). It winds its way through the scenic mountains and valleys of the region.

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Webster County Tourism

The byway (the easier drive) mostly follows WV Route 20, while the backway (a more difficult route) forms the drive's loop along County Road 3.

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Doug Kerr/Flickr

As you cruise this scenic route, you'll see along the way many hidden historical sites and attractions, including but definitely not limited to Hacker Valley, McCray Rocks, Mount Zion Church, and Mollohan Mill.

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jamiev_03/Flickr

The Mountain Parkway Byway and Backway is a great way to explore the beauty of Webster County and get a taste of West Virginia's history.

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Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

This WV byway offers drivers stunning views of the rolling green hills of West Virginia, as well as connecting several area attractions, including overlooks, historical sites, parks, and trails that offer drivers the chance to explore the area.

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Apartment Showcase/Flickr

For the best experience on the Mountain Parkway, plan ahead, take your time, and expect to make multiple stops to explore the attractions found along the way.

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With its beautiful views and historic attractions, this underrated scenic drive through Webster County, West Virginia is not one to miss!

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

And you might discover an unexpected surprise or two along the way.

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

Along the Mountain Parkway route, you will encounter many scenic and historic attractions, including the enchanting Holly River State Park and the uniquely historic Mollohan Mill. What are your other favorite pretty drives? Please let us know in the comments section! We would love to hear your recommendations. While preparing for your road trip, be sure to take a look at The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState so you will have everything you need! Get ready for a fun and one-of-a-kind vacation.

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Trip Ideas|Unique Trips

The Scenic Train Ride In West Virginia That Runs Year-Round

Amtrak's Cardinal train offers a scenic year-round journey through West Virginia, showcasing the state's beauty across all seasons.

Updated Apr 29, 2024

Written by 

Cristy

Our state is a train lover's paradise. We've got scenic train rides in West Virginia galore, from the Greenbrier and Durbin trains to the Potomac Eagle to the Ridge Runner and more. And while several of these trains operate almost all year round, they seem to shut down for at least a few months in late winter. All, that is, except for the Amtrak Cardinal Amtrak, the only truly year-round Amtrak train in West Virginia.

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Amtrak's Cardinal train runs all the way from Chicago to New York City three days per week.

Map showing train stations along a route from Delaware to Virginia, with marked locations and a sidebar menu.
Amtrak

The West Virginia portion of the route is considered one of the most scenic areas along the entire 26.5-hour trip.

A view of a railway track curving through greenery, with signal lights and a building in the background under a cloudy sky.
Steve5863 / Tripadvisor

You will definitely need to fit in some sleep, so we recommend packing this tiny, portable white noise machine to make getting some z's much easier.

The train's first stop in West Virginia from the east is White Sulphur Springs, with additional stops at historic depots in Alderson, Hinton, Prince, Thurmond, Montgomery, Charleston, and Huntington before exiting West Virginia bound toward Chicago.

A train approaches the White Sulphur Springs station, surrounded by greenery and a quaint building in the background.
Amtrak / Facebook

If you're at all familiar with West Virginia's geography, you've already realized that this train ride passes right through the New River Gorge National Park. It goes through West Virginia's capital city. It follows the curves of the Ohio River over the Big Sandy into Kentucky.

Amtrak train traveling along a scenic route with lush greenery and a bridge in the background.
Amtrak / Facebook

What a way to explore the Mountain State!

An Amtrak train approaches the Orange station, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.
Wikipedia/Coyote Reyne

It's a trip worth taking more than once, as each season brings its own take on the beauty and grandeur of the age-old Appalachian Mountains.

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A scenic view of a river surrounded by lush green hills, with a large bridge arching over the landscape under a blue sky.
Amtrak / Facebook

A winter trip highlights the rugged spine of these mountains, quiet and slumbering. A spring or summer trip sees them awake and full of life and vigor. A fall trip finds them robed in a splendor of vibrant hues.

A panoramic view of a snowy landscape featuring a bridge over a river, surrounded by steep, snow-covered hills.
AdamIsovitsch / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus

To learn more about this scenic train ride in West Virginia, check prices, and scheduling, and book a trip, visit the Amtrak Cardinal Train website. Have you ever ridden the Amtrak train in West Virginia? What time of year did you make the trip?

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