Natural wonders of West Virginia

West Virginia boasts seven wonders of the natural world, from beaches, waterfalls, high plains plateau to river and mountain trails, rock formations and gorges.

West Virginia has several lake beaches offering swimming and boating in lush green settings. The 2,700-acre Summersville Lake and 1,500-acre Sutton Lake also offer mountain biking and hiking trails.

Follow the “Gentle Trail” at Blackwater Falls State Park for a great view of the state’s largest waterfall at 63-feet and one of its most photographed spots. Named for its amber-coloured water, the falls spill into the Blackwater Canyon and great for hiking and biking.

The New River Gorge offers rafting, rock climbing, hiking and mountain biking along one of the world’s oldest and scenic white water rivers. The second-tallest bridge, the New River Gorge Bridge is close by.

Dolly Sods is a 4,000-foot high plains plateau in the Monongahela National Forest. Here blueberries and huckleberries can be picked and where mountain laurel and other flora bloom.

Hike or ride horses along the trails near West Virginia’s highest point, Spruce Knob. From its observation tower at 4,863feet, there is a great view over the State.

Walk the moderate Seneca Rocks Trail up to the summit for an amazing view atop the 900foot rock formation overlooking the confluence of Seneca Creek and the North Fork South Branch Potomac River. The Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area offers world-class climbing, mountain biking and hiking.

Fish for bass or trout at one of the state’s many fishing hot spots: Williams River, Cranberry River, Cherry River, Cheat River, Birch River and Beech Fork Lake.

Nearly 80% of the state is forested (making it among the top three most forested states), and it has 2,000 miles of streams and rivers. West Virginia's 36 state parks and seven state forests form more than 200,000 acres of natural wonder and scenic beauty. Six resort parks feature fine dining, nature programmes and championship golf courses. Fourteen cabin and camping parks provide rustic to modern accommodation and three-day-use trail parks offer picnic sites, swimming, hiking, biking trails and horse riding. Many historically significant sites have been converted to state parks.

To find out more about West Virginia, visit wvtourism.com.