Searching for some new places to visit? The worldwide travel brand Lonely Planet just released a new book titled Lonely Planet’s Best In Travel 2022. Within the pages of this brand-new, much-anticipated work, Lonely Planet lists the 10 best countries, regions, and cities to visit on all of Planet Earth. Of the 30 destinations featured in this esteemed travel guide, only three of the best places to visit are associated with the United States. One is Puerto Rico. One is Atlanta, Georgia. And one is the wild, wonderful state of West Virginia.
What does Lonely Planet love about West Virginia as a region? They mention that now is the perfect time to discover all that West Virginia has to offer because, as they note, it is a “still-uncrowded region with unspoiled mountains and unmistakable heritage where the leisurely tempo of Southern small towns converges with the adrenaline sports that attract adventurers from across the continent.” How’s that for some great PR for WV tourism?
ilbusca / E+ Collection via Getty Images
Uncrowded? Why yes. Not only is West Virginia a great place to visit, but it is also one of the most rural states in the nation.
Cass Scenic Railroad / Facebook
Mountains? Of course. In fact, among the places to see in West Virginia, it is the only state that lies entirely within the Appalachian Mountain region. To experience some of the best mountain views our area has to offer, try one of these stunning overlooks in West Virginia.
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers / Facebook
Heritage? You know it. West Virginians have a strong sense of their mountain roots, and with it, we’ve got a culture and a past all our own. From West Virginia coal to comfort food to the Civil War, the colorful strands that form the tapestry of our heritage are almost too many to count, and certainly too many to list! It is what makes the state one of the best places to visit in the US.
BuckeyeAdventures / TripAdvisor
Small towns? Exclusively. If you want big cities, don’t come here. We can’t help you.
Brian Stansberry / Wikipedia Read more about some of our favorite West Virginia small towns.
Adrenaline sports? Indeed. How about some adrenaline-inducing white-water rafting? A Via Ferrata? A 1.5-mile zipline? An 851-foot-tall bridge walk? There is much to do when it comes to WV tourism.
New and Gauley River Adventures / Facebook
To learn more about what you can do here, check out the website for West Virginia tourism.
ilbusca / E+ Collection via Getty Images
Cass Scenic Railroad / Facebook
R.D. Bailey Lake, US Army Corps of Engineers / Facebook
BuckeyeAdventures / TripAdvisor
Brian Stansberry / Wikipedia
Read more about some of our favorite West Virginia small towns.
New and Gauley River Adventures / Facebook
All that to say, OF COURSE, West Virginia deserves a spot on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 World Regions! We really do have it all. They wouldn’t call us Almost Heaven otherwise. What do you think makes West Virginia a great place to visit? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for somewhere to satisfy your hunger? Check out these restaurants in West Virginia.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: West Virginia, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
West Virginia Tourism December 28, 2022 Rachel Raimondi What are the most well-known parks in West Virginia? The Mountain State is home to a lot of outdoor fun and some of the best outdoor places to visit. Check out some of the most well-known parks in West Virginia: Pinnacle Rock State Park: Located in Bramwell, this 374-acre park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. But its most popular feature is the view of Pinnacle Rock itself, a 3,100-foot sandstone formation, accessible via the 0.6-mile Pinnacle Rock Overlook Trail. Audra State Park: This Buckhannon park is 355 acres. It is located along the Middle Fork River, which provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can also hike here as well as stay overnight at the campsite. Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park: This 4,000-acre park is operated by the National Park Service and offers not only outdoor recreational opportunities but a great deal of historical sightseeing. Visit the museum or hike the 22 miles of trails. What are the best beaches in West Virginia? Although a landlocked state, there are still some great beaches in West Virginia: Cheat Lake: In Morgantown, you’ll find this 1,730-acre lake. Among its popular activities include fishing, waterskiing, swimming, and boating. There are also designated areas with milder water for paddleboarding or canoeing. Jennings Randolph Lake: This 950-acre lake is actually in both West Virginia and Maryland. Not only is it a great spot for water recreation, but it’s also known for its birdwatching opportunities. Plop yourself down at the beach and keep an eye out for unique birds like bald eagles. Can I go for a train ride in West Virginia? All aboard! There are several places where you can take a train ride in West Virginia: New River Train: Located in Huntington, if you want to get on this train, know that it only runs in October. It is a 300-mile trip through the state’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and a great way to see some really unique places in West Virginia. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad: This railroad is located in Elkins. This scenic ride comes in a variety of choices, ranging from just 2.5 hours to 8.5 hours. It runs from May until September, with limited trains in October as well.
The OIYS Visitor Center
West Virginia Tourism
December 28, 2022
Rachel Raimondi
What are the most well-known parks in West Virginia? The Mountain State is home to a lot of outdoor fun and some of the best outdoor places to visit. Check out some of the most well-known parks in West Virginia: Pinnacle Rock State Park: Located in Bramwell, this 374-acre park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. But its most popular feature is the view of Pinnacle Rock itself, a 3,100-foot sandstone formation, accessible via the 0.6-mile Pinnacle Rock Overlook Trail. Audra State Park: This Buckhannon park is 355 acres. It is located along the Middle Fork River, which provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can also hike here as well as stay overnight at the campsite. Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park: This 4,000-acre park is operated by the National Park Service and offers not only outdoor recreational opportunities but a great deal of historical sightseeing. Visit the museum or hike the 22 miles of trails. What are the best beaches in West Virginia? Although a landlocked state, there are still some great beaches in West Virginia: Cheat Lake: In Morgantown, you’ll find this 1,730-acre lake. Among its popular activities include fishing, waterskiing, swimming, and boating. There are also designated areas with milder water for paddleboarding or canoeing. Jennings Randolph Lake: This 950-acre lake is actually in both West Virginia and Maryland. Not only is it a great spot for water recreation, but it’s also known for its birdwatching opportunities. Plop yourself down at the beach and keep an eye out for unique birds like bald eagles. Can I go for a train ride in West Virginia? All aboard! There are several places where you can take a train ride in West Virginia: New River Train: Located in Huntington, if you want to get on this train, know that it only runs in October. It is a 300-mile trip through the state’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and a great way to see some really unique places in West Virginia. Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad: This railroad is located in Elkins. This scenic ride comes in a variety of choices, ranging from just 2.5 hours to 8.5 hours. It runs from May until September, with limited trains in October as well.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Mountain State is home to a lot of outdoor fun and some of the best outdoor places to visit. Check out some of the most well-known parks in West Virginia:
Pinnacle Rock State Park: Located in Bramwell, this 374-acre park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and picnicking. But its most popular feature is the view of Pinnacle Rock itself, a 3,100-foot sandstone formation, accessible via the 0.6-mile Pinnacle Rock Overlook Trail.
Audra State Park: This Buckhannon park is 355 acres. It is located along the Middle Fork River, which provides ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. You can also hike here as well as stay overnight at the campsite.
Harper’s Ferry National Historical Park: This 4,000-acre park is operated by the National Park Service and offers not only outdoor recreational opportunities but a great deal of historical sightseeing. Visit the museum or hike the 22 miles of trails.
What are the best beaches in West Virginia?
Although a landlocked state, there are still some great beaches in West Virginia:
Cheat Lake: In Morgantown, you’ll find this 1,730-acre lake. Among its popular activities include fishing, waterskiing, swimming, and boating. There are also designated areas with milder water for paddleboarding or canoeing.
Jennings Randolph Lake: This 950-acre lake is actually in both West Virginia and Maryland. Not only is it a great spot for water recreation, but it’s also known for its birdwatching opportunities. Plop yourself down at the beach and keep an eye out for unique birds like bald eagles.
Can I go for a train ride in West Virginia?
All aboard! There are several places where you can take a train ride in West Virginia:
New River Train: Located in Huntington, if you want to get on this train, know that it only runs in October. It is a 300-mile trip through the state’s New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and a great way to see some really unique places in West Virginia.
Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad: This railroad is located in Elkins. This scenic ride comes in a variety of choices, ranging from just 2.5 hours to 8.5 hours. It runs from May until September, with limited trains in October as well.
