Question 1

What is West Virginia famous for?

Accepted Answer

The New River Gorge (America's newest national park) and its soaring 876-foot bridge, world-class whitewater rafting and rock climbing, the forested Appalachian Mountains and brilliant fall color, coal-mining and Appalachian heritage, scenic railroads, and outdoor adventure. It's the rugged, green "Mountain State," immortalized in "Country Roads."

Question 2

When is the best time to visit West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Late spring through fall. Summer (June–August) is peak for rafting, hiking and the state parks; September–October brings spectacular fall color and comfortable air (and Bridge Day at the New River Gorge in October). Winter offers skiing at Snowshoe and Canaan Valley. Spring greens up the mountains and rivers run high.

Question 3

What is the New River Gorge?

Accepted Answer

America's 63rd national park (since 2020), a rugged canyon in southern West Virginia famous for the 876-foot New River Gorge Bridge, world-class whitewater on the New and Gauley rivers, excellent rock climbing and hiking, and a "Bridge Walk" catwalk tour beneath the span. It's the state's crown jewel and a top US adventure destination.

Question 4

Is West Virginia good for whitewater rafting?

Accepted Answer

Among the best in the East. The New River offers scenic Class I–V trips suitable for families to thrill-seekers (spring–fall), and the Gauley River, during fall dam-release "Gauley Season" (September–October), delivers some of the biggest, most intense commercial whitewater in the country. Outfitters near Fayetteville run guided trips.

Question 5

Do I need a car in West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, definitely — it's rural and mountainous with winding roads and little public transit, and the parks, rivers and scenic drives are spread out. A car is essential, and mountain roads take longer than the map suggests. Fill up on gas and allow extra time between destinations.

Question 6

Is West Virginia safe to visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it's a friendly, low-crime, small-town state, and the tourist areas (New River Gorge, state parks, ski resorts, Charleston) are welcoming. The real cautions are outdoor: whitewater and climbing safety (use licensed outfitters), winding mountain roads, and fast-changing mountain weather. Emergency number: 911.

Question 7

What is there to do besides the New River Gorge?

Accepted Answer

Ride the Cass Scenic Railroad and drive the Highland Scenic Highway, explore Seneca Rocks and the Monongahela National Forest, tour historic Harpers Ferry (Civil War and John Brown history), ski Snowshoe or Canaan Valley, soak in Berkeley Springs, and go underground on a coal-mine tour at Beckley.

Question 8

Why is it called "Almost Heaven"?

Accepted Answer

From John Denver's 1971 hit "Take Me Home, Country Roads," whose "Almost heaven, West Virginia" line became the state's unofficial motto and is sung at games, weddings and bars statewide. The lyrics capture the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah landscapes travelers still come for.

Question 9

What is Harpers Ferry?

Accepted Answer

A historic town where the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet (in West Virginia's eastern panhandle), famous for John Brown's 1859 raid and its Civil War history, now a national historical park. Its restored streets, river confluence, hiking (the Appalachian Trail passes through) and views make it a popular day trip from Washington, DC (about an hour away).

Question 10

How do I get to West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Fly into Charleston (CRW) or use larger nearby airports — Pittsburgh, Washington Dulles, or Roanoke, VA — and drive in. The New River Gorge is about an hour from Charleston, or reachable from the DC area in around 5 hours. A car is essential once you arrive; there's little transit between destinations.

Question 11

What is the capital of West Virginia?

Accepted Answer

Charleston is the capital of West Virginia, United States.

Question 12

How many cities in West Virginia does lodomap cover?

Accepted Answer

lodomap currently covers 3 cities and towns in West Virginia, including Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown. See the full list in the Cities & Towns sidebar.

Question 13

What is West Virginia known for?

Accepted Answer

West Virginia is known as The New River Gorge National Park and its 876-foot bridge, world-class whitewater rafting and rock climbing, the Appalachian Mountains and fall color, coal-country heritage, and scenic drives and railroads.

Question 14

What is the national capital of United States?

Accepted Answer

Washington, D.C. is the national capital of United States.

West Virginia

West Virginia at a Glance

Info about West Virginia

Know Before You Go — United States