Sharosh Rajasekher, Unsplash License, Source

West Virginia

Appalachian wilderness and rich history

West Virginia is a mountainous state in the Appalachian region of the United States. Known for its scenic landscapes, dense forests and clean rivers, it provides outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and skiing. The state has a rich cultural history with traditional music, local foods such as pepperoni rolls and small towns that reflect early American life. Its capital is Charleston, where visitors can explore historic sites and museums. West Virginia’s quiet beauty makes it appealing to travelers seeking natural settings away from crowded cities.

Add to list Map view

State/Prefecture in United States

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 6.2

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	7
Accessibility:	5
Tap water:	7

Read details

5/5

English is universally spoken throughout West Virginia, and visitors should have no trouble communicating with locals, even in rural areas.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

* We earn a commission from some links on this page.

West Virginia Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Strong for mountain landscapes and outdoor adventure. Go whitewater rafting, hike forest trails, explore scenic drives and enjoy Appalachian culture.

Place score

6.7

Best at:

Rivers

Secluded

Natural sites

Waterfalls

Autumn foliage

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 5

Seniors

🛡️ 6

Travel Beginners

❤️ 6

Couples

United States – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B Type A: Type B: Read about power adapters
Currency:	US Dollar (USD) £1 ≈ US$1.33
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 The U.S. is highly cashless, with credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere. Mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely used. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary and expected in the U.S. In restaurants, 15-20% is standard. Taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides also expect tips, usually around 10-20% depending on the service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking laws vary by state, but it is generally prohibited in public spaces without a permit.
Public smoking:	Smoking is restricted in most indoor public spaces and some outdoor areas. Local laws vary.
Etiquette:	Greet with a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, respect personal space, and avoid discussing politics or income unless invited to share opinions. Politeness and friendliness are appreciated.

Thanksgiving (November)	A major holiday with closures and domestic travel surges.
Independence Day (July)	Expect parades, fireworks, and celebrations nationwide.
Christmas (December)	Markets, festive events, and crowded tourist spots.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Lyft, Bolt
Helpful links:	Wikipedia Visa regulations Customs & border control Travel with medicine
Other:	The U.S. is known for its diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, and regional cuisines. Public transport is efficient in cities but less so in rural areas. Renting a car is recommended for exploring national parks.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for West Virginia, United States

🌨️

Jan

🌨️

Feb

🌥️

Mar

🌤️

Apr

🌦️

May

🌤️

Jun

🔥

Jul

🔥

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🌤️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

🌨️

Dec

High season:	Jan. - Feb., May - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March - April, Dec.
Crowdedness:	4 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Autumn foliage peaks late September to mid October, earlier in the high mountains, later in the lowlands

Gauley River whitewater season runs September to early November with scheduled dam releases; New River rafting April to October

Ski season at Snowshoe and Canaan Valley usually late November to March, depending on snowfall

Don't miss

🌉 Walk across the New River Gorge Bridge and admire views
🏘️ Explore historic streets of Harpers Ferry town
🌊 Witness Blackwater Falls cascading over amber-colored rocks
🧗 Climb Seneca Rocks for breathtaking hiking and climbing
⛳ Tour the elegant Greenbrier Resort and its golf courses

You've been here?

Why travel to West Virginia?

Exploring West Virginia feels like discovering a hidden treasure of the East Coast with lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and pristine rivers perfect for white-water rafting. The newly designated New River Gorge National Park is a standout, renowned for its breathtaking views and hiking trails. There’s also rich history in places like Harpers Ferry and unique attractions like the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Keep in mind, infrastructure can be limited in rural areas and the mountain roads require cautious driving, especially in winter.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Snowshoe Mountain
A rugged escape in West Virginia’s Snowshoe Mountain offers year‑round adventure amid Appalachian peaks and pristine slopes. Skiers relish world‑class runs while hikers discover hidden trails and the resort’s family‑friendly lodgings keep crowds manageable for families.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Blackwater Falls State Park
2 Dolly Sods Wilderness
3 Babcock State Park
4 Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
5 Lost World Caverns
6 Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
7 New River Gorge National Park
8 Seneca Rocks
9 Canaan Valley Resort State Park

🎡Places for activities

1 Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine
2 Summersville Lake
3 New River Gorge Bridge
4 Coopers Rock State Forest
5 Cathedral State Park
6 Trails

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Middle Fork River
The Middle Fork River flows through West Virginia’s Appalachian highlands, offering clear waters for fishing and kayaking. Surrounding forests provide hiking trails, wildlife viewing and scenic overlooks of rugged ridges.
2 Dolly Sods Wilderness
3 Monongahela National Forest
4 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
5 Blackwater Falls
6 Seneca Rocks
7 Blister Swamp
8 Greenbrier River
9 Kanawha State Forest

🛍️Shopping

1 Charleston Town Center Mall
2 Renew-All Village Antique Mall
3 Raleigh Mall

🎈Events

Bridge Day at New River Gorge
West Virginia Pumpkin Festival
Almost Heaven Mountain Festival
Mountain State Art & Craft Fair
West Virginia State Fair
WV Blackwater Invitational
Charleston Sternwheel Regatta
Shepherdstown Wine & Food Festival
Historic Lewisburg Literary Festival
Buckwheat Festival

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Pack layers; West Virginia weather varies dramatically by elevation.
Reserve lodging in advance during peak hiking season to secure cabins near popular trails.
Check local event calendars for festivals, as many towns host seasonal music and craft markets that attract crowds.
Explore the Appalachian Trail sections; early morning hikes offer quieter paths and unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

How to travel to West Virginia

The state is accessible via several regional airports including Charleston Yeager Airport and North Central West Virginia Airport. Larger hubs like Pittsburgh International Airport in nearby Pennsylvania also serve as gateways. Amtrak trains and bus services connect West Virginia with neighboring states.

Access summary

From Yeager Airport (CRW): 10–15 min taxi or shuttle to Charleston.
From Washington, D.C.: Drive or Amtrak train to Charleston about 6–9 hours.
From Pittsburgh: Drive to central West Virginia roughly 4 hours via I‑79/I‑64.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in West Virginia

Accommodation ranges from cozy cabins and campgrounds in natural parks to historic inns and modern hotels in cities like Charleston and Lewisburg. Many visitors opt for rustic stays to fully enjoy the outdoor experience.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown

8.4

Ohio University Inn And Conference Center

9.2

Drury Plaza Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown

9.2

EVEN Hotel Pittsburgh Downtown by IHG

8.9

ATHENS CENTRAL HOTEL

9.4

Drury Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Airport Settlers Ridge

9.4

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Charlottesville-UVA, VA

9.2

Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center

8.3

The Liberty Trust

9.2

Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh By IHG

9.2

Explore more accommodations

How to get around West Virginia

Driving is essential in West Virginia to access its many natural and cultural sites, especially since public transport options are limited outside urban areas. Major highways and scenic byways connect key destinations. In towns, taxis and limited buses operate, but renting a car remains the best option for exploring.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-26 %

Daily expenses in West Virginia are around 26% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-4 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to USD) is 4% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£59	£128	£339
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£30	£68	£165
🍝 Food per day	£25	£55	£153
🚕 Transportation per day	£4	£5	£21

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£23
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£11
🍟 Fast food combo	£7
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£9
☕ Cappuccino	£2.90
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2.90

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.05
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£13
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.60

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£9.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£80
🤧 Cold medication	£6.50
💇 Basic haircut	£14

Safety information overview

General safety

West Virginia is generally safe for tourists, but rural areas have limited emergency services, so take precautions during outdoor adventures and driving. Urban areas require typical safety awareness.

Health & Medical

Healthcare facilities are adequate in larger towns but are limited in rural areas. Visitors should carry necessary medications and health insurance, especially when exploring wilderness regions.

Accessibility

Accessibility varies; urban centers offer good facilities while many natural sites have uneven terrain, making access challenging for those with mobility issues.

Tap water

Tap water quality is generally good throughout West Virginia, but it is advisable to drink bottled water when in remote areas or during outdoor activities.