West Virginia is one of the most underrated states when it comes to travel. If you’re an outdoors person, you’ll find loads of activities and beautiful scenery to enjoy. There are also lots of interesting sights to see within the cities of Charleston, Huntingdon, and Morgantown. No matter what you like to do on a trip, there’s plenty to see and do.
If you’re interested in making a trip to West Virginia in the coming future, we’ve made a list of the top things to experience in the state. There’s something for everyone but make sure you’re prepared for your trip. If you’re planning to go on a lot of outdoor excursions, you’ll need to bring appropriate gear and clothing and plan your trip around the weather.
Hiking in the Blackwater Falls State Park
Blackwater Falls is named after the Blackwater River’s black waters. This river is unusually colored thanks to the tannic acid from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. It leads to a series of falls that drop 60 feet over sandstone ledges before continuing on through an eight-mile-long gorge. The falls are accessible all year thanks to viewing platforms, and hiking out to them is relatively straightforward.
Elakala Falls, which flows down the canyon wall and can be reached by a short hike, and Pendleton Falls, which can be seen from the roadside, are both popular spots to visit in the park. Another park attraction is the view into the Blackwater Canyon from Lindy Point, which is one of the most beautiful spots in West Virginia, as well as Pendleton Point Overlook, which is located at the canyon’s deepest point. Throughout the park, you can find campsites and areas to fish and swim.
Experience Playing at a Real Casino
Although it may come as a surprise to some, West Virginia is a great place to go if you love casino gaming. The state is home to five land-based casinos where you can enjoy classic games like blackjack, roulette and slots. Provided you’re at least twenty-one years old, you’ll be able to vist these casinos and play any games you like for real money. The Casino Club at the Greenbrier resort is one of the most popular, but you can also find the Hollywood Casino, Mountaineer Casino, Mardi Gras Casino and Wheeling Island Hotel and Casino.
If you find you don’t have much time to visit one of the land based casinos, you can also play online. West Virginia is one of the few US states to allow online casinos. Governor Jim Justice approved an online gaming bill in 2019, meaning that the West Virginia state lottery can now licence and regular WV casinos online. Since the bill was passed, a number of online casinos have launched in WV, giving those in the state access to hundreds of casino games. You don’t have to be a resident of West Virginia to play. You just need to be able to prove that you’re at least twenty-one years old.
Staying at the Greenbrier
The Greenbrier is one of America’s oldest resorts. After it first opened in 1778, the resort has hosted an assorted multitude of presidents, diplomats, and royal family members, as well as guests from all over the world. It’s located in the town of White Sulphur Springs and includes a huge spa and multiple golf courses. There’s even an indoor golf course that is open during the winter. If you enjoy history, the hotel includes a special exhibition showing the history of the resort, including details of a Cold War-era nuclear bunker.
Around the hotel is the stunning Greenbrier State Forest, with over 5,000 acres of natural woodland. Here you can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, horseback riding, fishing, and more. During the winter, there’s also a cross-country skiing route that is a lot of fun.
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