19 wild and wonderful West Virginia adventures
Jan 6, 2022 • 10 min read
Hugged by the leafy Shenandoah Mountains at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is a photogenic launchpad for hiking the Appalachian Trail – one of many such adventures in the Mountain State © ablokhin / Getty Images
One word to describe West Virginia’s terrain? Untamed. Anchored by the Appalachians, the Mountain State holds a thrilling trove of wild rivers, deep gorges and thick forests perfectly suited for action-packed adventures, with whitewater rafting and rock climbing at the top of the list.
A good place to start? New River Gorge National Park and Preserve – the newest national park in the country. Inviting small towns dot the mountain foothills, and historic sites spotlight the state's contributions to America's story, from coal production to Cold War secrets to one very famous family feud. Here are some of our favorite adventures in West Virginia.
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