Wildflowers at Canaan Valley State Park, Summersville Lake, Starry Skies over Spruce Knob, New River Gorge, Organ Cave, Hatfield-McCoy Trails

West Virginia Tourism’s must-see ‘It List’ of Natural Wonders

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — Want to take advantage of all the natural wonders that West Virginia has to offer? Here are a few places that the West Virginia Department of Tourism says will make you a “true Mountain State aficionado.”

Rather than specific points or landmarks, these are unique experiences that you can have in West Virginia, whether you have 30 minutes to spare or a full week to explore.

“Once you’ve seen these all-natural landmarks, you can call yourself a true Mountain State aficionado,” according to West Virginia Tourism’s “Special Travel Series: Natural Wonders.”

Wildflowers at Canaan Valley State Park

Red spruce trees and flowering Azalea shrubs in Canaan Valley in West Virginia (Courtesy: Douglas Sacha via Getty Images)

In late April and early May, Canaan Valley’s frigid landscape transforms into fields of blooms. According to WV Tourism, it looks like a painting. A few flowers to look for are red trilliums and milkweed, which can be viewed on the Monarch Trail.

But spring isn’t the only time to see beautiful flowers and foliage in Canaan, according to the Tucker County Visitors Bureau. In the summer, look for pink rosebay rhododendron, purple shriver’s frilly orchid, and yellow Blue Ridge St. Johns-wort.

Summersville Lake

Pirates Cove at Summersville Lake State Park (Courtesy: WV Governor’s Office)

West Virginia’s newest state park is also the state’s largest lake, and depending on what time of year you go, you could have very different experiences. In the summer, the lake is perfect for boating, swimming and other warm weather activities, nicknamed “Little Bahamas of the East,” according to WV Tourism.

But after the lake is partially drained during Gauley Season, the exposed rocks from the receded water creates a great place for rock climbing, and you might even get to see the underwater ruins of the town of Gad, which turned into “West Virginia’s Atlantis” when the Summersville Dam was built.

Starry Skies over Spruce Knob

In this 30-second exposure, a meteor streaks across the sky during the annual Perseid meteor shower, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, in Spruce Knob, West Virginia. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)

Spruce Knob is the highest peak in West Virginia and is also known to be one of the best star-gazing spots in the state. The whole Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area includes 100,000 acres, so you’ll be able to find a perfect spot to see the sky, whether you’re on the Spruce Knob Observation Tower or in your own corner of the woods.

Although it is remote, the tower is accessible by car, and from the top, panoramic views of the sky can be seen above some of the highest peaks in the West Virginia.

New River Gorge

A stone terrace serves as an overlook of the New River Gorge Bridge for home owners at the New River Gorge Preserve, Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007 in Fayetteville, W.Va. When it comes to variety, value and unique attractions, developers say West Virginia has a lot to offer second-home buyers. (AP Photo/Jeff Gentner)

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve is the only national Park in West Virginia and includes more than 72,000 acres and 53 miles of the New River, meaning the opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless. From high-adrenaline adventures like whitewater rafting and rock climbing to relaxing outdoor activities like hiking and historical sightseeing, the New River Gorge has it all.

Not sure where to start? The National Park Service has an online guide to the park to help plan your visit. Visitors can also check out the nearby Hawk’s Nest State Park for more incredible views, according to WV Tourism.

Organ Cave

The Organ Cave is both a natural wonder and a historical site in West Virginia. The 45-mile cave network is open to guided tours, including tours to the famous 365×96-foot Chapel Room. Take one of the guided tours to learn about the role the cave played in the Civil War.

While most West Virginia state and national parks are free, tickets are required for entry to this National Historic and Natural Landmark. As of February 2025, the cave is closed to the public for renovations.

Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Photo Credit: West Virginia Department of Tourism

The Hatfield-McCoy trail network has more than 1,000 miles of off-roading for ATVs and UTVs. The network is the largest on the Eastern Coast and is a great way to experience West Virginia’s landscape and some of the welcoming towns in the southern half of the state. Although the trails are intended for ATVs, it is also open to hikers and mountain bikers. Trail passes can be purchased at more than a dozen trailhead facilities or at any of the hundreds of vendor locations across the region.

While in the area, learn about the history of the Hatfields and the McCoys, one of the most famous family clan rivalries in history that happened along West Virginia’s river border with Kentucky.

For more information about West Virginia’s tourism opportunities, you can order your 2024 and 2025 West Virginia Vacations Guides for free online here.