West Virginia might be low on your list of US states to visit. But don’t let this hidden gem fool you. There are plenty of activities off the beaten path in West Virginia. From hidden trails and secluded hikes, including the newest National Park. Stunning overlooks and gorgeous waterfalls for amazing Insta Photos – Almost Heaven is the best place to explore!
New River Gorge National Park
Glade Creek Trail in New River Gorge National Park is a 5.6 mile-easy-moderate round-trip hike along Glade Creek. After driving seven miles down a dirt road you’ll end up at the Glade Creek Campground. This is where you will start the out and back hike. The trail itself is a little rocky and uneven with a little mud but it’s not super tough.
Whether you do the whole trail or not; it’s at least hiking to the first little falls (maybe one mile in). If you go all the way to the end, there are a couple of side trails. One of the best ones is the Kates Falls Trail. It’s an extra 0.2 difficult miles to a gorgeous waterfall.
While this trail is in New River Gorge National Park, it’s a little further off the beaten path of what most people visiting the park would see. The trail can be a little creepy in the late afternoon. Because the trees are so dense, it feels a lot darker than it really is out. It almost makes it feel like fairytale woods. It’s a great trail if you’re in the area and want a little longer of a hike.
Recommended by: Megan Johnson at Red Around the World
Harpers Ferry Historical Park
West Virginia is the Mountain State and being near the Shenandoah Mountains, hiking trails are in abundance! Harper’s Ferry is only about an hour’s drive from DC. A Civil War-era town located along the borders of Maryland and Virginia. Harpers Ferry is also where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. In an area known as “The Point”, and is the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail! It is such a fun place to visit! They have a historical town you can explore; filled with fun shops and live historical demonstrations
If hiking is not your thing, that’s ok! Harper’s Ferry is still for you!
- While we were walking to the entrance to the hike we saw rock climbers! (we are NOT rock climbers, just good to know there are options. lol)
- You may have to travel a little farther down from Harper’s Ferry; in the summer there is canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafter, and tubing on the Potomac or Shenandoah Rivers.
- Shopping, dining, and cafes in the historical part of Harper’s Ferry.
Lost River State Park
Lost River is the ultimate hidden gem. this lovely little park has everything you need for an outdoor adventure! Picnic areas with tables, grills, and a park to play at. Cabins, if you plan on staying for more than a day. Plus the hiking trails double as a horse trail. Take the Miller’s Rock trail and hike to an elevation of 3,200 feet. At Cranny Crow Overlook you will enjoy a scenic panorama of five counties!
It’s also home to the Lee Cabin, the summer retreat of Henry Lee, a Revolutionary War general, and father of Civil War General Robert E. Lee. The restored cabin is across the creek from Lee Sulphur Spring, known for its sulfuric smell and rumored healing properties.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
Looking for a good scare mixed with a little history? Head over to Weston, West Virginia, and visit the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. This historical landmark once housed the mentally ill from the mid1800’s to its closure in 1994. A building that was built to care for 250 patients quickly got overcrowded, causing poor conditions for the residents. No wonder there are so many ghost sightings recorded at this place.
The stories, the history, the mystery this place holds inside its walls is fascinating. Dive in and uncover what lies behind its doors by scheduling one of the historic or paranormal tours offered at the facility.
We highly recommend doing a nighttime paranormal tour. The tour guides are extremely knowledgeable in the paranormal activity and history of the asylum. They provide you with a very interactive and informative tour by getting you involved in reaching the spirits that linger in the halls.
We guarantee you will have a very unique experience, no matter if it is a historical rendition of the happenings that took place inside, or a ghostly encounter with a former patient, or worker who walks the halls. There is no doubt that you will leave this place with an incredible story to tell.
West Virginia Penitentiary
Not too far from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is the West Virginia Penitentiary, located in Moundsville. This gothic-style prison was built in 1866 and is one of the most haunted places in the country.
This facility was a state-run penitentiary where some of the most violent criminals were housed. Due to its inhumane treatments and cruel punishments, it had to close in 1995.
Since the closure, the West Virginia Penitentiary has drawn visitors for its history and paranormal activity. Whether you are looking for a ghost encounter or just some history on what occurred between the cells, you are sure to find it all. Who knows, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones who have the honor of meeting one of the inmates.
The penitentiary offers a wide range of tours from basic daytime guided tours, to a private paranormal investigation experience. You can even take on the challenge of “Escaping the Pen”, or get scared at the phenomenal “Dungeon of Horrors Haunted House” for Halloween.
The experience you will get by visiting the grounds of the penitentiary is one of a kind and may even leave the hair on the back of your neck standing up.
Recommended by: Rachel and Dana Reed at Traveling Found Love
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