It’s the kind of view that hushes the noise and stirs something ancient. Standing at the rim of New River Gorge, you look out over a yawning chasm and one of the world’s oldest rivers as it slowly carves the stone on its three-million-year journey. By any measure this is a wonder of the world, right here in the heart of the Appalachians. And there’s no better time than now to log off, look around, and let the wild heart of West Virginia pull you in.
Nearly every corner of the Mountain State brings singular beauty. But one great place to start exploring is Jefferson Rock, where stone steps guide you to the overlook Thomas Jefferson called “one of the most stupendous scenes in Nature.” From this perch, the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers gleams below, while the charming town of Harpers Ferry beckons for a post-hike drink or bite.
Or venture deeper into the wild in search of tumbling water. West Virginia is home to the first-ever statewide Waterfall Trail, a curated path of cascades both delicate and thunderous. With a downloadable passport, you can check off each stunning site and earn themed prizes—though the real reward is the journey itself.
Along the way you’ll discover countless invitations to experience nature’s playground, trading your screen for cool, clear swimming holes. Shupe’s Chute in Holly River State Park, for instance, offers the best of both worlds: a plume of plunging water and a tranquil pool, perfect for a mid-hike soak. (The park also boasts forty-two miles of trails, but enjoy the pool at your own risk, as no lifeguard is on duty.) Or make this the summer you take a whitewater rafting trip down one of West Virginia’s legendary rivers.
This is road-trip country at its most evocative, with winding byways, storybook valley towns, and country roads so memorable they inspired John Denver to dub West Virginia “Almost Heaven.” Each day’s journey offers new views, a fresh breeze, and the kind of freedom that only comes when you unplug from technology.
There’s no better moment to do just that than after the sun dips behind the peaks and darkness unveils one of the East Coast’s largest and least light-polluted skies. A rising capital of “noctourism,” West Virginia invites visitors to rediscover the quiet magic of the night sky. And after you’ve soaked in the splendor of the stars, the state offers some of the coziest retreats in the lower forty-eight—from snug cabins and tucked-away campgrounds to mountaintop yurts and whimsical treehouses.
On the country roads of West Virginia, it’s not about losing signal—it’s about gaining something far richer: a connection to nature, each other, and yourself.
Map out your screen-free West Virginia sojourn at WVtourism.com
