Overview
Surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia is known as The Mountain State. The state’s past was determined by coal mining, poverty and spatial isolation. Today, visitors come to explore historical sites, learn about the region’s music and crafts, or enjoy one of the many outdoor activities available here, including skiing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hiking, and fishing. The winding roads are ideal for motorcycling. West Virginia’s formation is unique in United States history. The country belonged to Virginia until the American Civil War. However, the northwestern counties of Virginia broke away from the Confederate Southern States in 1861 and were incorporated into the Union of Northern States as a separate state of West Virginia in 1863. Numerous Civil War Trails (Internet: www.civilwartraveler.com) lead interested visitors to the scenes of the American Civil War, where information boards and brochures provide information about the historical events. The town of Harpers Ferry is best known for the 1859 raid by John Brown, which many believe started the American Civil War. The site also marks half of the Appalachian Trail, which at 3,500 km is one of the longest long-distance hiking trails in the world and runs right through West Virginia. The Allegheny Mountains, which are little developed for tourism, are only a few hours’ drive from the metropolises on the east coast and invite you to rafting, mountain biking and climbing tours. West of the town of Lewisburg is the New River Gorge, a 1,000-foot deep gorge that can only be reached by water. In addition to rafting, the gorge is also suitable for paragliding.
- Travelationary: Covers basic information about West Virginia geography and economy.
Getting there
Arriving by plane
Charleston Airport (website: www.yeagerairport.com) offers connections to all major US cities. Hotel shuttle buses, rental cars and taxis are available.
Arrival by car
There are Greyhound lines from Winston Salem to Cleveland via Beckley, Charleston and Parkersburg, from Charleston to Lexington via Huntington and to Pittsburgh via Clarksburg. More information from Greyhound (website: www.greyhound.com).
Arrival by train
The Amtrak Cardinal/Hoosier State line travels from Chicago to New York via Huntington, Charleston, Montgomery, Thurmond, Prince, Hinton, Alderson, White Sulfur Springs and Cliston Forge (all West Virginia). Additional information from Amtrak (website: www.amtrak.com).
Passport and visa regulations
Entry with children
Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.
Contact addresses
West Virginia Division of Tourism
90 MacCorkle Avenue SW
US-25303 South Charleston, West Virginia
United States
(304) 558 22 00.
http://www.wvtourism.com West Virginia State Parks and Forests
324 4th Avenue
US-25303 South Charleston, West Virginia
United States
(304) 558 27 64.
http://www.wvstateparks.com Charleston Convention & Visitors Bureau
601 Morris Street, Suite 204
US-25301 Charleston, West Virginia
United States
(304) 344.50.75 or (800) 733.54.69 (toll free within the US).
http://www.charlestonwv.com
http://www.charlestonwv.com
Country data
- Usaers: Provides a full list of major rivers and mountains in West Virginia.
Area (sq km)
62755
Population
1,792,147
Population density (per square km)
29
Population statistics year
2019
