What is a landmark?
West Virginia is a beautiful part of the United States, filled with natural landmarks and historic buildings. From dazzling waterfalls to famous trails, you’ll find plenty to do in this state. Below we dive into 10 of the best West Virginia landmarks to see on your RV trip.
What are Some Famous Landmarks in West Virginia?
- New River Gorge National Park
2. The Greenbrier
3. Blackwater Falls State Park
4. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
5. The Appalachian Trail
6. Seneca Caverns
7. West Virginia Penitentiary
8. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
9. Grave Creek Mound Historical Site
10. Monongahela National Forest
West Virginia Landmarks
West Virginia is full of popular U.S. landmarks. Outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike will find something to explore here. Don’t miss these top 10 famous buildings and natural landmarks in West Virginia!
1. New River Gorge National Park
One of the newer National Parks, New River Gorge National Park has tons of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy – both on land and in the water! From visiting the New River Gorge Bridge which is the 2nd largest single span steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere to hiking the many trails, you’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the park. There’s also plenty of camping nearby so you can stay a few days!
Things to do near New River Gorge National Park: There are many small towns to discover around New River Gorge National Park, and we’ve got you covered with RV rentals in the area.
2. The Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is a luxury resort near White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Visitors have been coming to this area since 1778 for the natural mineral springs, and it’s still a resort today. Not only is it a National Historic Landmark, but it was also a top secret fallout shelter and bunker for Congress during the Cold War. The Greenbrier offers tours of the massive underground bunker where you can learn about its history.
Things to do near The Greenbrier: The Blue Ridge Parkway is nearby along with Shenandoah National Park. And Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not too far away to the south. If you’re looking for RV rentals in the area, we’ve got a great selection for rent.
3. Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls State Park is home to the iconic Blackwater Falls, a 62-foot waterfall where the water can look amber from the fallen leaves of hemlock and red spruce needles that surround the water. There are 20 miles of trails that visitors can hike and bike to explore the park. In summer you can also swim, fish, and boat in Pendleton Lake and Blackwater River.
Things to do near Blackwater Falls State Park: The towns of Davis, Elkins, and Morgantown are nearby which have all sort of fun shopping, dining, and entertainment activities. Here are some great RV rentals to check out nearby.
4. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Right where the Shenandoah River and Potomac River meet sits Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. This park covers 4,000 acres and includes the historic town of Harper’s Ferry, the site of John Brown’s abolitionist uprising in 1859 and a strategic area during the Civil War. Visitors can hike the trails through the park and visit the historical museums.
Things to do near Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: There are many historic battlefields and national park sites nearby, including the Antietam National Battlefield. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is also nearby for those who love to hike.
5. Appalachian Trail
Outdoor enthusiasts will be familiar with the Appalachian Trail, and part of it runs along the Virginia-West Virginia border near Harper’s Ferry. The Appalachian Trail is a hiking path that runs for over 2100 miles from Maine to Georgia. Even if you’re not planning on thru-hiking the trail (hiking the entire thing) you can explore a bit of it in West Virginia and experience the beauty of nature that calls to so many hikers.
Things to do near the Appalachian Trail: The trail just hits the south eastern part of the state, and it’s very close to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
6. Seneca Caverns
Explore these underground caverns and see how the Seneca tribe used the caves in the 1400s. Head underground to learn more about these caves and the local history and geology. Seneca Caverns offer cave tours, gemstone mining for kids, and picnic areas to enjoy the outdoors.
Things to do near Seneca Caverns: Monongahela National Forest is nearby with plenty of camping, skiing, and hiking options for nature lovers.
7. West Virginia Penitentiary
If you’re looking for a paranormal adventure, look no farther than the West Virginia Penitentiary. Built in the mid-late 1800s, the gothic style building is not longer a prison today. Instead, they offer all sorts of tours for visitors – from the spooky paranormal to the grizzly history of the prison.
Things to do near the West Virginia Penitentiary: The prison is located in Moundsville, WV which is near the Grave Creek Mound Historical Site (more on that site under landmark number 9).
8. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park
The Cass Scenic Railroad State Park is a must see for train and railroad fans. This state park has an 11 mile long heritage railroad, a historic company town, and museums and a theater that tell the history of the railroad. Nearby there is hiking, boating, fishing, and biking for outdoor enthusiasts, and in the park itself they offer scenic train rides to the Bald Knob overlook, the third highest point in West Virginia.
Things to do near Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: If you’re visiting in winter Snowshoe Mountain Resort is nearby for skiing. There are also multiple other state parks within an easy drive such as Watoga State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, and Beartown State Park. Here are some nearby RV rentals to consider.
9. Grave Creek Mound Historical Site
Located in the Ohio River Valley in West Virginia, Grave Creek Mound is one of the largest conical shaped burial mound in America. Made by the native Adena between 250 and 150 B.C, this earthen mound required the movement of over 60,000 tons of earth. The Delf Norona Museum nearby has artifacts and exhibits about the prehistoric Adena people who lived in the area and created the mounds. It’s cared for by the National Park Service and is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Things to do near Grave Creek Mound Historical Site: Grave Creek Mound Historical Site is located in Moundsville, West Virginia, along the Ohio River. It’s also nearby the West Virginia Penitentiary.
10. Monongahela National Forest
Monongahela National Forest is one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the United States. located in the Allegheny Mountain Range, this national forest offers visitors a wide variety of outdoor activities. You can spend the day hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through the hundreds of miles of trails. The national forest also contains six major river systems as well as several lakes, making it a wonderful place to fish, canoe, boat, and kayak.
Things to do near Monongahela National Forest: The national forest is in the eastern part of the state, and close to the Seneca Caves.
Planning an RV Trip to West Virginia
An RV trip is an excellent way to tour the amazing natural and popular of landmarks in West Virginia, and we’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in West Virginia, as well as all the national parks in the country. And as always, we’re here to help when it comes to finding the best RV rentals and campgrounds in the state.
