In a state so rich in beauty as West Virginia, it isn’t a bit hard to find 11 incredible natural wonders that everyone should see. It isn’t even hard to find that many that are free for all to experience. What’s hard is narrowing it down to that few among all the many amazing scenes we enjoy right here in Almost Heaven!
- The Appalachian Mountains
Brandon Bartlett / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images They’re ancient. They’re beautiful. They cover the entire state of West Virginia. And there are plenty of ways to experience them for free.
- The New River Gorge
Sean Pavone/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus It’s what we’re famous for. It’s a National Park. And much of it is still free, free, free.
- The Night Sky
Louise Lopez / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images West Virginia is known as one of the best stargazing spots in the nation, thanks in part to vast rural areas with very little light pollution.
- Dolly Sods Wilderness
Xavier_Ascanio/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus This rugged, wild highland plateau is one of the most stunning natural wonders we’ve ever seen - and it’s right here in our backyard.
- Autumn Colors
dszc/E+ Collection via Getty Images Whether you see them here at Glade Creek Gristmill in Babcock State Park or anywhere else in the state, you’re bound to be impressed. Though we love all the seasons, there’s a reason fall is our favorite!
- Blackwater Falls
(c) Sean Board/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus Blackwater Falls is the state’s biggest, best-known waterfall, and it’s located in Blackwater Falls State Park. Worried you’ll be charged admission at the park gate? Don’t be. West Virginia’s state parks are always free.
- Seneca Rocks
DJB/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus The entire area of Germany Valley is a natural wonder well worth seeing, but especially these massive cliffs that preside so regally over it.
- Berkeley Springs
cheryl h/Tripadvisor This famous natural mineral springs is known as one of George Washington’s favorite stops in his travels throughout West Virginia (then Virginia). It’s fascinating as both a beautiful natural wonder and a site of historical significance (you can visit George Washington’s bathtub!).
- Beartown State Park
144blaked/Tripadvisor Beartown State Park features a stunning mixture of rocks and woods. Lush, green, cool, and cavernous, it’s a great spot to spend the day.
- Sunrises and Sunsets
Sean Pavone/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus No matter where you are in the state, you can probably spot this natural wonder that takes our breath away every time: the sunrise. Or, if you’re not a morning person, the sunsets are pretty great as well.
- Rivers
Thorney Lieberman/Photographer’s Choice RF Collection via Getty Images We already mentioned the New River Gorge, which, as the name implies, features the beautiful New River. There’s also the Ohio River, the Potomac River, the Shenandoah River, the Kanawha River (pictured), the Tug Fork River, the Gauley River, the Blackwater River, the Greenbrier River, the Coal River, the Elk River, and so many others. And they all deserve a spot on this list!
Did your favorite West Virginia natural wonder make the list? If not, what is it? We’d love to see a photo: share one in the comments or in our West Virginia Nature Lovers Facebook Group.
Brandon Bartlett / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
They’re ancient. They’re beautiful. They cover the entire state of West Virginia. And there are plenty of ways to experience them for free.
Sean Pavone/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
It’s what we’re famous for. It’s a National Park. And much of it is still free, free, free.
Louise Lopez / EyeEm Collection via Getty Images
West Virginia is known as one of the best stargazing spots in the nation, thanks in part to vast rural areas with very little light pollution.
Xavier_Ascanio/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
This rugged, wild highland plateau is one of the most stunning natural wonders we’ve ever seen - and it’s right here in our backyard.
dszc/E+ Collection via Getty Images
Whether you see them here at Glade Creek Gristmill in Babcock State Park or anywhere else in the state, you’re bound to be impressed. Though we love all the seasons, there’s a reason fall is our favorite!
(c) Sean Board/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Blackwater Falls is the state’s biggest, best-known waterfall, and it’s located in Blackwater Falls State Park. Worried you’ll be charged admission at the park gate? Don’t be. West Virginia’s state parks are always free.
DJB/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
The entire area of Germany Valley is a natural wonder well worth seeing, but especially these massive cliffs that preside so regally over it.
cheryl h/Tripadvisor
This famous natural mineral springs is known as one of George Washington’s favorite stops in his travels throughout West Virginia (then Virginia). It’s fascinating as both a beautiful natural wonder and a site of historical significance (you can visit George Washington’s bathtub!).
144blaked/Tripadvisor
Beartown State Park features a stunning mixture of rocks and woods. Lush, green, cool, and cavernous, it’s a great spot to spend the day.
Sean Pavone/iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
No matter where you are in the state, you can probably spot this natural wonder that takes our breath away every time: the sunrise. Or, if you’re not a morning person, the sunsets are pretty great as well.
Thorney Lieberman/Photographer’s Choice RF Collection via Getty Images
We already mentioned the New River Gorge, which, as the name implies, features the beautiful New River. There’s also the Ohio River, the Potomac River, the Shenandoah River, the Kanawha River (pictured), the Tug Fork River, the Gauley River, the Blackwater River, the Greenbrier River, the Coal River, the Elk River, and so many others. And they all deserve a spot on this list!
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