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West
Virginia Travel Regions Map
1.
Northern Panhandle
Hugging the Ohio River,
this area of the Northern Panhandle remembers its history: The
ancient Adena people who built a conical mound more than 2,000
years ago; the pioneer families and adventures making their way
west along the National Road; the boom that spawned extravagant
Victorian homes in Wheeling and Sistersville. Today, that history
melds with the new Northern Panhandle, as exciting as those days
long past, but now filled with the pleasures of today; great country
music, wonderful family resorts and parks, outdoor adventure on
the rivers, arts and culture, gracious dining and accommodations.
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2.
Mid-Ohio Valley
This region features
an intriguing blend between the western frontier of 1800 and the
Victorian legacies of the nation’s oil and gas boom. Here
country roads wind through the rolling foothills of the Appalachian
Mountains and past charming villages nestled along the mighty
Ohio River. This area that George Washington once called Augusta
is also rich in fine handicrafts, galleries, festivals, parks
and historic sites, all tempting to the traveler. Add the natural
opportunities to fish the rivers and streams, hike and bike the
miles of trails and back roads, hunt the thousands of acres of
wildlife areas and enjoy the serenity of the unspoiled mountains,
and you’ve found a spot filled with natural and man-made
pleasures.
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3.
Metro Valley
Steeped in a rich river
and railroad heritage, the sister cities of Charleston and Huntington
have burgeoned into metropolitan cultural centers highlighting
the arts, sophisticated nightlife, historic charm and fine shopping
and dining. It’s the excitement of the city, but just minutes
away, history, nature, sports, recreation and culture of coal
await. Major festivals, cultural opportunities, spectator sports,
fine glassmaking and peaceful countrysides contribute to the popularity
of the Metro Valley.
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4.
Mountain Lakes
Greeting visitors to
West Virginia’s heartland are seemingly endless panoramas
of sparkling water, fresh air and lush, green mountains. Yes,
you’ll come for the lakes, fresh air and mountains, but you’ll
also enjoy the history here. Civil War history, that is, at Stonewall
Jackson’s boyhood home, Bulltown and Carnifex Ferry Battlefield
State Park. You’ll find no flashy monuments or shopping malls
in the Mountain Lakes, and hardly any neon. Easily accessible,
the region’s rolling hills, peaceful countryside and deep,
clear waters offer adventure for lovers of all kinds of outdoor
activities.
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5.
New River/Greenbrier Valley
From peaceful farmlands
and historic towns to raging whitewater rivers, the New River/Greenbrier
Valley is a region of diversity. Resorts, outdoor dramas, parks,
natural wonders and amazing engineering feats entice visitors
to this busy area. Here scenic beauty and wild rivers provide
food for the soul as well as a feast for the eye. There are incredible
state parks, adventures awaiting on the mild or wild whitewater
of the region and hiking and biking on rail trails or on the backroads
and forests of your choice. Explore the mountains and the valleys,
the stunning scenery and still untamed terrain, the old railroad
towns and the new centers of culture and commerce. Pick your own
adventure at a spectacular state park or succumb to the pampering
of a world-renowned spa.
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6.
Potomac Highlands
The first breathtaking
glimpse of the Potomac Highlands challenges visitors to conquer
nature in their own special ways. Skiers gather at the Highlands’
downhill and cross country ski areas. Mountain bikers come to
take advantage of the steep inclines at the Monongahela National
Forest, George Washington National Forest and Lost River State
Park. Whitewater fiends finds a worthy challenge in the gnarly
little streams that become torrents with spring rains. Rock climbers
and spelunkers come to push their personal limits above and below
ground. And families come to share spectacular views and cozy
cabins in the woods. This outdoor recreation mecca and scenic
wonderland is waiting to be discovered by you.
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7.
Eastern Panhandle
Feel the tension slip
away as you cross the miles to picturesque towns nestled in rolling
hills, only a stone’s throw away from the big city lights
and bustle. There’s captivating history with Colonial and
Civil War roots; terrific shopping for antiques, crafts, contemporary
housewares and clothing; your choice of lodging at resorts, spas,
bed and breakfast inns and motels; relaxation and adventure on
the rivers, roads, raceways and golf courses; plus theater, cinema
and fine dining. Steeped in over 200 years of history, this region
of West Virginia will enchant one and all.
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8.
Mountaineer Country
Start with the descendants
of European immigrants who came in the 19th and 20th centuries
to mine coal, lay railroads, cut timber and build factories. Add
the flock of mountain bikers, hikers, rafters, kayakers, rock
climbers and nature lovers who come for the mountains, rivers,
lakes and trails. The rolling hills of Mountaineer Country help
to preserve the area’s rich mountain customs and old world
style. Parks and forests offer scenic overlooks and virgin forests
virtually untouched by mankind. Home to research, development
and academic tradition, the region is rich in captivating cultural
events, fairs, festivals and living history programs.
9. Hatfield-McCoy Region
The Hatfield-McCoy Mountains raise their craggy backs in the deep southwestern corner of the state, where West Virginia’s mountaineer spirit, like the landscape, has never quite been tamed. The terrain is rugged and the history tumultuous. The people are independent and deeply proud of their heritage. Something about these mountains fosters fearlessness. The region is the boyhood home of world heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey. The land of Logan, the Mingo chief who is credited with instigating the Battle of Point Pleasant to avenge the murders of his family. And, of course, the neighborhood where the Hatfields and McCoys duked it out.
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West
Virginia is within 500 miles of 60% of the U.S. population.
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