The Mountain State (that’s West Virginia, of course!) is filled with jaw-dropping natural wonders that showcase the beauty of the Appalachian region. Here are seven that are particularly bucket list worthy, in part because they are stunningly unique to West Virginia.
- The New River Gorge
Tim Pennington / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus Of course the New River Gorge is on this list. It’s so bucket list worthy that it’s received coveted National Park and Preserve status. To begin exploring this gorgeous area for yourself, start with our Ultimate Guide to the New River Gorge. New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia, USA
- Red Spruce Knob
Chris Gilgenast / AllTrails An underappreciated (and dwindling) natural wonder that West Virginia is especially known for are the state’s red spruce forests. There are only a small handful of virgin red spruce forests left out of the thousands of acres that the state used to boast before the logging industry cleared many of them out. Hike to one at Red Spruce Knob. Red Spruce Knob, West Virginia 24954, USA
- NROCKS
Nrocks / Facebook West Virginia’s vein of Tuscarora Sandstone produces some of the state’s most iconic boulders: Seneca Rocks, the foundation of the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, and more. But what sets NROCKS apart and earns it a spot on the bucket list is that you can walk a Via Ferrata between these two jagged rock outcroppings. It’s an experience of a lifetime! Nelson Rocks, West Virginia 26804, USA
- The Trough
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad / Facebook River canyons abound in West Virginia (see bucket list item #1), but there’s no other quite like The Trough. Remote. Wild. Rugged. Best experienced by train, although kayaking is another popular option. The Trough, West Virginia 26757, USA
- Dolly Sods
MrG43046 / TripAdvisor The highest plateau east of the Mississippi River, Dolly Sods is a U,S, Wilderness Area and one of the prettiest, most unique vistas in the Mountain State. With a microclimate more similar to Canada than to West Virginia, Dolly Sods is home to a variety of rare plants, including carnivorous ones. Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia 26260, USA
- Blackwater Falls
ablokhin / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus West Virginia’s largest waterfall, Blackwater Falls is made extra unique (and spectacular) by its amber colored water, dyed gold by tannins from hemlock needles brewing in the water upstream. Blackwater Falls, West Virginia 26260, USA
- Organ Cave
DonStaten / TripAdvisor Organ Cave is the second longest commercial cave on the east coast, and it’s right here in West Virginia. Here’s the catch: it’s closed for repairs. Double check its status just in case it’s reopened since this writing, and hurry to visit so you can mark it off your bucket list as soon as it does. Organ Cave, WV 24970, USA
Which of these West Virginia natural wonders have you already visited? What others have earned a spot on your Mountain State bucket list?
Tim Pennington / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
Of course the New River Gorge is on this list. It’s so bucket list worthy that it’s received coveted National Park and Preserve status. To begin exploring this gorgeous area for yourself, start with our Ultimate Guide to the New River Gorge.
New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia, USA
Chris Gilgenast / AllTrails
An underappreciated (and dwindling) natural wonder that West Virginia is especially known for are the state’s red spruce forests. There are only a small handful of virgin red spruce forests left out of the thousands of acres that the state used to boast before the logging industry cleared many of them out. Hike to one at Red Spruce Knob.
Red Spruce Knob, West Virginia 24954, USA
Nrocks / Facebook
West Virginia’s vein of Tuscarora Sandstone produces some of the state’s most iconic boulders: Seneca Rocks, the foundation of the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory, and more. But what sets NROCKS apart and earns it a spot on the bucket list is that you can walk a Via Ferrata between these two jagged rock outcroppings. It’s an experience of a lifetime!
Nelson Rocks, West Virginia 26804, USA
Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad / Facebook
River canyons abound in West Virginia (see bucket list item #1), but there’s no other quite like The Trough. Remote. Wild. Rugged. Best experienced by train, although kayaking is another popular option.
The Trough, West Virginia 26757, USA
MrG43046 / TripAdvisor
The highest plateau east of the Mississippi River, Dolly Sods is a U,S, Wilderness Area and one of the prettiest, most unique vistas in the Mountain State. With a microclimate more similar to Canada than to West Virginia, Dolly Sods is home to a variety of rare plants, including carnivorous ones.
Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia 26260, USA
ablokhin / iStock Collection via Getty Images Plus
West Virginia’s largest waterfall, Blackwater Falls is made extra unique (and spectacular) by its amber colored water, dyed gold by tannins from hemlock needles brewing in the water upstream.
Blackwater Falls, West Virginia 26260, USA
DonStaten / TripAdvisor
Organ Cave is the second longest commercial cave on the east coast, and it’s right here in West Virginia. Here’s the catch: it’s closed for repairs. Double check its status just in case it’s reopened since this writing, and hurry to visit so you can mark it off your bucket list as soon as it does.
Organ Cave, WV 24970, USA
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