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.

Google Maps
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
http://www.forestwander.com
Forest Road 75, Forest Rd 75, West Virginia 26260, USA
WikiMedia Commons/Nicko Margolies
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
http://www.forestwander.com
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:

Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia 26260, USA
WikiMedia Commons/ Knotnic
The Red Creek runs through the Wilderness, with small waterfalls appearing beside the hiking trails.
3. Seneca Rocks
Seneca Rocks, WV 26884, USA
WikiMedia Commons/Mr.schultz
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
WikiMedia Commons/ Wonderer84
Spruce Knob is the summit of Spruce Mountain and the highest point in the state of West Virginia.
Spruce Knob, West Virginia 26814, USA
WikiMedia Commons/Skye Marthaler
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
24946, Droop, WV 24946, USA
http://www.forestwander.com
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
Highland Scenic Highway, Highland Scenic Hwy, West Virginia, USA
WikiMedia Commons/Squashpup
This scenic road is one of the most beautiful drives in West Virginia.
7. Bickle Knob
Bickle Knob, West Virginia 26241, USA
WikiMedia Commons/Brian M. Powell
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
1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV 26260, USA
http://www.forestwander.com
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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More to Explore

Road Trip-Worthy Destinations in West Virginia

William Suphan | February 05, 2023

What are the most unique attractions in West Virginia?

The most unique attractions in West Virginia include:

  • The John Brown Wax Museum. This museum focuses on John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry and the wax figures create a sense of uncanny valley.
  • The Mothman Museum. Located in Point Pleasant, this museum features exhibits all about the urban legend of the Mothman.
  • The Coal House. This house in Williamson is actually made out of coal and it sits next to the Mingo Country Courthouse.
  • Lost World Caverns. These caves were reportedly the home of Batboy, who was seen on tabloid covers for several years.

Find out more about the most unique attractions in West Virginia. 

What are some hidden gem destinations in West Virginia?

Hidden gem destinations in West Virginia include:

  • Cool Spring Nature Preserve. This bucolic nature center has beautiful wildflowers, amazing views, and a bit of history.
  • Palace of Gold. Located in Moundsville, this scintillating structure is finely detailed and a beautiful sight to behold.
  • The Highland Scenic Highway. Take a drive here during the fall to get an exemplary view of the entire valleys filled with vivid changing colors.
  • Rudolph Falls and Swimming Hole. This is a perfect summer day trip where you can take in the natural beauty while cooling off in the pristine waters.

Learn more about these and other hidden gem destinations in West Virginia. 

What are the most underrated attractions in West Virginia?

The most underrated attractions in West Virginia include:

  • West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey. Come here to see an actual dinosaur skeleton and gorgeous rare gemstones.
  • The West Virginia Botanic Garden. Located in Morgantown, this lovely garden shows off a great variety of flowers and plants that are pleasing to the eye.
  • West Virginia State Museum. This is where visitors can learn all about the history of this state while seeing artifacts from the past.
  • Museum of American Glass. The exhibits of intricately detailed glasswork are truly a sight to behold. You can learn how these pieces are made as well.

Discover more about the most underrated attractions in West Virginia. 

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