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West Virginia: Take Me Home, Country Roads

A bridge surrounded by trees
New River Gorge National Park

We landed in Pittsburg, PA around 7 p.m., and started on the road to Morgantown, WV, where we would stay the night. The next morning we headed out to visit New River Gorge National Park. We stopped at one of the National Park Visitor Centers closest to the iconic bridge and walked around a little. My brother needed to take a work call so we found a cafe, the Chocolate Moose, and while he was on his call, my mom and I went to Biscuitville for some food. We got biscuits and gravy and I looked for a nearby park for us to picnic, and what I found was amazing.


We pulled up to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum. We ate our biscuits at a picnic table and then we walked around the coal mine area. The museum preserves the heritage of the coal industry, offering a glimpse into the town's mining past. There were models of coal miner homes and I learned a lot about the coal industry. Beckley, WV, historically thrived as a key hub in the southern West Virginia coalfields. Situated amidst the rich seams of the Appalachian Mountains, Beckley's coal industry boomed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driving its economic prosperity. The town became renowned for its coal mines, employing thousands of miners who extracted high-quality bituminous coal prized for its energy content.


Once my brother finished his work call, we headed back to the cafe to pick him up and then ventured to another visitor center for New River Gorge National Park. After walking around that area, we moved on to the next state, Virginia.

 
If you want to visit West Virginia, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

  1. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: Discover the stunning New River Gorge, known for its rugged cliffs, whitewater rapids, and scenic overlooks. Enjoy hiking, rock climbing, rafting, and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

  2. Seneca Rocks: Visit Seneca Rocks, a striking formation rising nearly 900 feet above the North Fork River. It's a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains.

  3. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park: Explore the historic town of Harpers Ferry, where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. Learn about its role in American history, including John Brown's raid and the Civil War.

  4. Greenbrier Resort: Experience luxury at the historic Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, known for its elegant accommodations, golf courses, spa, and casino.

  5. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: Ride the historic steam-driven locomotives at Cass Scenic Railroad, offering scenic journeys through the mountains and forests of the Monongahela National Forest.

  6. Blackwater Falls State Park: Admire the stunning Blackwater Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the East, located in Blackwater Falls State Park. Explore hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and enjoy outdoor activities year-round.

  7. West Virginia State Capitol: Visit the State Capitol Complex in Charleston, featuring the West Virginia State Capitol building with its distinctive gold dome, and learn about the state's government and history.

  8. Spruce Knob: Hike to the highest point in West Virginia at Spruce Knob, offering breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains and surrounding wilderness.

  9. Coal Heritage Trail: Explore the history of coal mining in West Virginia along the Coal Heritage Trail, featuring museums, historic towns like Beckley and Matewan, and scenic drives through coal country.

  10. Outdoor Recreation: Enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and skiing (in winter) at destinations like Summersville Lake, Canaan Valley, and Snowshoe Mountain Resort.


If you want more suggestions on what to do in West Virginia, I suggest you check out their tourism website.

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