Even though less than 2 million people are living in the Mountain State, it has many interesting features, attractions, and beautiful sights. Some of the beautiful mountains and national parks make the top of the list of things West Virginia is known for. However, there’s more to the Mountain State than most people realize.
To create this list, 24/7 Tempo consulted numerous news, travel, and lifestyle publications, including U.S. News Travel and U.S. News & World Report. Here are 20 things West Virginia is famous for.
Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina, USA in the French Quarter.
- Fact: Charleston is the capital of West Virginia and it’s a city with a rich history and culture
If there’s one city people are familiar with in West Virginia, it’s Charleston. Not only is Charleston the capital of West Virginia, but it’s also a town with a rich history and culture. Charleston was once a frontier town and the first permanent settlement there was built in 1773. The capital city of West Virginia is also the most populated in the state.
Harpers Ferry
- Fact: Harpers Ferry is a historic town in West Virginia and is designated as a National Historic District
Harpers Ferry, a town in West Virginia, is known for more than its historic buildings. The history of this town goes way back and it was especially significant during the Civil War. During the Civil War, Harpers Ferry became a Union Army Camp and many of the buildings there became headquarters or hospitals during the war.
West Virginia Day
- Fact: Every year, residents celebrate West Virginia Day, a state holiday celebrating West Virginia’s admission to the Union
If you visit West Virginia in June, you might be able to take part in the West Virginia Day celebrations. Every year on June 20, residents of the Mountain State celebrate West Virginia Day, which is the day that West Virginia joined the Union and officially became part of the United States of America. One of the interesting facts about West Virginia is it’s the only state that originated from a Presidential Proclamation.
Appalachian Mountain Range
- Fact: West Virginia is the only state that completely falls within the Appalachian Mountain Range
Considering West Virginia is known as the Mountain State, it’s not surprising to know there are beautiful mountains there. But one unique aspect of West Virginia is it completely falls within the Appalachian Mountain Range. 13 states include part of the Appalachian Mountains, but West Virginia is the only state that falls completely within the mountain range.
New River Gorge National Park
- Fact: New River Gorge National Park is home to one of the highest bridges in the country
The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is one of the must-see places in West Virginia. It’s also one of the places West Virginia is most known for. There’s plenty to do when you visit this national park, including a trip to the New River Gorge Bridge. It’s currently the third highest bridge in the country at 876 feet. At the New River Gorge National Park, there’s over 70,000 acres of land to explore so you’ll never run out of things to do.
Blackwater Falls State Park
- Fact: West Virginia is home to many beautiful waterfalls, including the ones at Blackwater Falls State Park
Aside from the mountains, one of the other beautiful sights West Virginia is known for is its waterfalls. There are nearly 300 waterfalls in the state. If waterfalls are on your list of things to see in West Virginia, Blackwater Falls State Park is worth the visit. This breathtaking park has Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot waterfall, along with Elakala Falls and many beautiful spots to visit.
The Greenbrier
- Fact: The Greenbrier is a historical landmark in West Virginia that was used as a hospital during the Civil War
There are plenty of historic landmarks and buildings in West Virginia, especially ones that were significant during the Civil War. One of these landmarks is The Greenbrier, which is designated as a National Historic Landmark. The Greenbrier was a hospital during the Civil War and World War II but it now functions as a resort. Even if you don’t stay in the resort, there are hotel tours offered throughout the week.
Golden Delicious Apple
Golden delicious apple, typical of Trentino Alto Adige, Italy
- Fact: The Golden Delicious Apple was created in West Virginia and became the state’s official fruit in 1995
Golden Delicious apples are well-known all over the country, but you might not know that this variety of apple was first created in West Virginia. The first Golden Delicious apple grew on the Mullins Family Farm in Clay County but the family observed the apple variety for nine years before they tried to sell the rights to it. After the Stark Brothers Nursery purchased the rights to the apple, it was renamed the Golden Delicious apple.
Coal
- Fact: The state of West Virginia is the second-largest coal producing state in the country
Coal is one of the things West Virginia is famous for producing. While Wyoming produces more coal than any other state, West Virginia is second in coal production. The first discovery of coal in West Virginia occurred in 1742 and it has been mined in the state since the early 1800s. One of the most well-known and largest coal mines in the state was the Hobet 21 Coal Mine before it closed down.
Whitewater Rafting
Rafting on Soča river, Soča valley in Triglav national park, Julian Alps.
- Fact: West Virginia is a popular state for whitewater rafting due to the number of natural rivers
If you’re a fan of whitewater rafting, West Virginia is the perfect place for your next rafting adventure. The reason it’s such a great state for whitewater rafting is West Virginia has plenty of natural rivers. One of the most popular areas for whitewater rafting is the New River Gorge area. Typically, the season for rafting goes from May to September.
“Take Me Home, Country Roads”
- Fact: “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver is one of three state songs for West Virginia
While most states have only one official state song, West Virginia actually has three. One of the most well-known by music-lovers outside of West Virginia is “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” by John Denver. Whether you know it by the full name or simply, “Country Roads,” this song has sold over 1 million digital copies in the United States. In 2023, it was even selected to become part of the National Recording Registry.
Lost World Caverns
- Fact: In Greenbrier County, West Virginia you can explore the caverns at Lost World Caverns which became a National Landmark in 1973
One of the most interesting and unique things West Virginia is known for is the Lost World Caverns. The Lost World Caverns are a series of underground caverns located near Lewisburg, West Virginia. The caverns have significantly grown in popularity since their discovery in 1942. During a trip to West Virginia, you can go on a self-guided tour or a longer wild cave tour to explore different parts of the caverns.
Battle of Philippi
- Fact: The Battle of Philippi in West Virginia was the first land battle in the Civil War
The Battle of Philippi is an important part of West Virginia history and the history of the Civil War. The first land battle in West Virginia during the Civil War took place at Philippi. About 800 Confederates were driven out of Philippi during this battle. Despite the victory of the battle, those who lived in Philippi were some of the first to feel the impact of the war as they were driven from their homes.
Monongahela National Forest
- Fact: Out of all the states, West Virginia has the third most forested state
There are many states in the United States with miles and miles of forests. West Virginia is one of them and it’s actually the third most forested state in the country. The Monongahela National Forest is a big part of this and it’s one of the things West Virginia is known for. This national forest covers over a million acres of land and is a great spot for hiking, camping, and other recreation.
World’s Largest Teapot
A roadside kitsch spectacle, the worlds largest teapot, is located in Chester, West Virginia.
- Fact: In Chester, West Virginia, you can stop to see the world’s largest teapot
There’s always something fascinating about everyday items in an incredibly large size. One of the fun facts about West Virginia is that it’s home to the world’s largest teapot. The Chester Teapot was constructed in 1938. Although it was closed and left abandoned for a period of time, it was restored in the 90s. You can still visit the teapot in Chester, West Virginia.
Cardinals
A beautiful male northern cardinal perched on a tree branch.
- Fact: The cardinal is the official state bird of West Virginia and they’re named after the robes of Cardinals in the Catholic Church
In 1949, the cardinal became the official state bird of West Virginia. The brightest, most vibrant red cardinals are typically males since the female cardinals are not as colorful. If you’re wondering how they got their name, the cardinal was named after the bright red robes of the Cardinals in the Catholic Church.
Rhododendrons
- Fact: The rhododendron has been the state flower in West Virginia since 1903
If you’re familiar with the bright flower known as the rhododendron, you’re familiar with the official state flower of West Virginia. This flower was chosen in 1903 after the Governor recommended it, but the Governor wasn’t the only one with a say. Public school children in the state also voted and chose the rhododendron.
Black Bears
- Fact: The black bear is the official state animal of West Virginia
While there are multiple state symbols and state animals in West Virginia, the black bear became an official state animal in 1973. There are about 13,000 bears in the state and the black bear is the only type of bear in West Virginia. Although the number of bears compared to the number of people is pretty low, there is a possibility you might see a bear during a visit to West Virginia, whether you’re in the forest or near a larger city.
Wheeling Heritage Trail System
Young man lift wheeling with vintage bike in bamboo forest
- Fact: The 18 miles of trails in the Wheeling Heritage Trail System represent how far the city of Wheeling has come
Even though Wheeling, West Virginia used to be a frontier town and filled with railroad tracks, the city has come a long way since then. One of the interesting things about visiting Wheeling is the Wheeling Heritage Trail System. This system has over 18 miles of trails including paved walking and bicycle trails. On a tour through the trail system, you can enjoy some of the beautiful outdoor sights of West Virginia and learn about the city’s history.
The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Aerial Panorama of Tala
- Fact: The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a historic landmark that now offers history and ghost tours
Back in 1864, the Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum opened for patients for the first time. This incredible historic building is the largest cut-stone masonry building in the country and sits on over 600 acres of land. Although the asylum closed down in 1994 due to poor conditions, the building is still open today. You can visit for a historic tour or if you’re looking for more of a thrill, you can take a ghost tour of the asylum. (Check out the creepiest haunted house in Every State.)