The 8 Most Beautiful Places In West Virginia

When you think of beautiful places in the South, images of moss-draped oaks in Georgia, or colorful row houses in South Carolina, dramatic Smoky Mountain vistas, or the Gulf coast’s powder white beaches might come to mind. The entire state of West Virginia deserves to be in people’s imaginations too. While it may not get as much attention as other parts of the region, it is home to stunningly beautiful mountains, rivers, towns, and architecture. Here are a few of our favorite places.

Kanawha State Forest 

Like a model who can't take a bad photo, Kanawha State Forest is gorgeous any time of the year. Known for its wildflowers and bird population, the forest lights up with brilliant color during the fall. Way more than just a forest, you can camp, bike, hike, ride horses, and even go to a shooting range at this 9,300 acre leafy paradise located just outside of Charleston.  

7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr, Charleston, WV 25314

Harpers Ferry

People often come to Harpers Ferry for its history—it was a key location during the Civil War and a favorite spot of Thomas Jefferson—but they leave thinking about its beauty. Jefferson himself is reported to have said the river views here are “perhaps one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” While parts of the town were destroyed during the war, many buildings still stand and others have been reconstructed, giving the area a charming feel. The town is also in a national park, where you can hike to the same incredible vantage point that Jefferson fell in love with. 

Albert Falls 

West Virginia is filled with waterfalls, and this is not the largest, most dramatic one of the bunch. But some say Albert Falls, on the Blackwater River in the town of Thomas, is the prettiest one. Depending on the season, the water can appear turquoise in color. It’s also easy to access and only requires a short hike from the road.

State Capitol Building

West Virginia’s capitol city is Charleston, and that’s where you’ll find its grand state capitol building with its gold leaf dome. Inside the building you’ll see a 4,000 pound 8-feet-wide chandelier dripping with crystals in a rotunda and nine different kinds of marble used in the flooring, walls, and other design elements. You can take a peek inside or sign up for a tour.

State Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV 25305

Greenbriar Ball & Albanese LLC

The Greenbrier

We love everything about this legendary resort—its over-the-top Christmas decorations, the florid patterns and vibrant colors used throughout the hotel, even its chicken salad! Anyone who is a fan of architecture and design must make a pilgrimage here.

101 W Main St, White Sulphur Springs, WV 24986

Herns Mill Covered Bridge

If you’re a fan of covered bridges, you’ll love West Virginia—there are 19 of them throughout the state. The Herns Mill Covered Bridge in Lewisburg dates back to 1884, but thanks to some modern-day reinforcements, you can still drive through the charming structure today.

1509 Herns Mill Rd, Lewisburg, WV 24901

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

The crown jewel in West Virginia’s crown, this national park is more than 70,000 acres of land snaking alongside the New River. There’s much to do and explore here—rafting, kayaking, rock climbing. Pick any of the trails here and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views of the forests, mountains, rivers, and beyond. 

Cooper’s Rock

This popular stone overlook has some of the best vantage points in the state. Located in Cooper’s Rock State Forest near Morgantown, it offers wide open views of the forest and Cheat Overlook Canyon below.

Summersville Lake

Summersville State Park got its official designation in 2023, but people have been coming to this area for decades, mainly for its stunning namesake lake. Home to the clearest water in West Virginia, it takes up 2,700 acres, making it the largest lake in the state. You can snorkel and scuba dive here, in addition to boating and kayaking.

62 Farmhouse Lane, Summersville, WV 26651