Have you thought much about the sun? Day after day, this glowing ball appears to arch through the West Virginia sky, examining every wrinkle of our rugged terrain. It gives light. It brings warmth. It fuels life. And as such, the sun is well worth chasing for the day across the breadth of West Virginia, from east to west. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do on this epic one-day road trip to see the best sunset and best sunrise in West Virginia, both of which are guaranteed to delight and inspire!

There's nothing quite like crossing West Virginia from dawn to dusk. But be forewarned; a trip of this nature does require getting up early!
Google Maps
1. Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, Union, WV, USA
Dorothy Walker / Google Maps
First up on this epic day trip in West Virginia is to be among the first in the state to greet the sun on the eastern edge at the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. The climb to the tower is just under a mile, so allow time to complete the hike before sunrise!
2. Moncove Lake
Moncove Lake State Park, Co Rd 4/2, Gap Mills, WV 24941, USA
Cristy / OIYS
Grab some breakfast at a restaurant in Gap Mills, and then head on to Moncove Lake for a quiet stroll around this beautiful body of water that's cradled among mountains.

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3. The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier, 101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986, USA
The Greenbrier / Facebook
Take a back way to the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, and spend the rest of the morning exploring the grounds of this West Virginia icon. Grab lunch at one of the more casual eateries.
4. New River Gorge
Canyon Rim Visitor Center, 162 Visitor Center Rd, Lansing, WV 25862, USA
Taylor Likens / AllTrails
Stop to admire again the beauty of the New River Gorge at the Canyon Rim Overlook Visitors Center. Make the climb down all those stairs to the best view of the bridge, or just enjoy rocking in one of the rockers in the center, taking in the view out the picture windows.
5. West Virginia State Museum
West Virginia State Museum, 1900 Kanawha Blvd E #435, Charleston, WV 25305, USA
Lucas Miller / Google Maps
Swing by the capitol complex in Charleston, and during the heat of the afternoon, enjoy a cool indoor walk through the entire history of the Mountain State.
6. Point Pleasant
Point Pleasant, WV, USA
Tiffany A / TripAdvisor
Sunsets in West Virginia are simply the best! So now you're primed to end the day in Point Pleasant. Grab dinner, shop the downtown area, peruse the murals along the riverwalk, and then find yourself at Tue-Endie-Wei State Park to watch the sunset.

Track this sun-chasing route for yourself on Google Maps.

Have you ever been to any of these places? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!

If you’re still interested in spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the Mountain State, read 10 Jaw Dropping Sunrises In West Virginia That’ll Make Anyone A Morning Person and 15 Breathtaking West Virginia Sunsets That Are Stunning Beyond Words. 

For more adventures in West Virginia, check out this video:

 

 

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Adventures in West Virginia

Lysa Allmna-Baldwin | February 07, 2023

Where are some of the other best places to see the sunrise in West Virginia?

  • Stonewall Jackson Lake in Roanoke is a popular spot to watch the sun rise.
  • Blackwater Falls in Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County provides the perfect sunrise backdrop.
  • The Williamstown Bridge which connects Williamstown, West Virginia to Marietta, Ohio over the Ohio River spans 2,615 feet and is a spectacular spot for a sunrise view.

Read on to learn more about some of the best places to see the sunrise in West Virginia.

 

What are some other day trip in West Virginia itineraries?

  • The Hawk's Nest in Ansted offers a sky lift to one of the state’s most beautiful overlooks.
  • Summersville Lake in Nicholas County is often referred to as the Little Bahamas of West Virginia.
  • The Lost World Caverns near Lewisburg features natural underground caverns plunging some 120 feet below the earth’s surface.

Read on to learn more other day trip in West Virginia itineraries.

 

Where can we find some of the best hiking in West Virginia?

  • The trail at Red Ash Island in Fayetteville winds through an old-growth forest and an abandoned graveyard.
  • The Endless Wall trail near Lansing is a loop trail following the cliff line along the New River Gorge.
  • The Coopers Rock State Forest Loop near Morgantown traverses past a secluded beach and through a unique rock garden.

Read on to learn more about some of the best hiking in West Virginia.

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