West Virginians are justifiably proud of their historic and beautiful state. This is borne out by the story of a West Virginian who, after repeatedly being asked what part of Virginia he came from, in exasperation replied ‘Not Virginia. West Virginia. West, by God, Virginia’. Who knows whether there is any truth in the story, but to this day it is not uncommon to hear West Virginians, and indeed other Americans, refer to the state as ‘West, by God, Virginia’ or just ‘West by God’.


Knob summit in October

It is the most northerly of the southern states and located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range (hence its nickname The Mountain State) bordered by Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Kentucky. Originally, 1606 – 1776, it was part of the British Virginia Colony, then part of Virginia, before becoming the 35th State of Union in 1863 – the only state born out of the Civil War.

Apart from mountains, nearly 80% of the state is forested (making it one of the top three most forested US states). It also boasts 2000 miles of rivers and streams, 36 state parks and seven state forests. Hardly surprising then that it has become a favourite destination for folk pursuing the outdoor life – activities like white water rafting, mountaineering, walking, hiking, biking and horse riding are high on the list.


Climbing on New River Gorge

One of the state’s most popular trails is the ‘Gentle Trail’ at Blackwater Falls State Park leading to West Virginia’s largest waterfall, where water, plunges 63’ down the Blackwater Canyon. It got its name from the dark tannins tinting the amber coloured water.

The highest point in the state is Spruce Knob (4,863’) and from its observation tower are fantastic views. But so too are the views from the top of the 900’ rock formation (Seneca Rocks Trail) overlooking the confluence of Seneca Creek and the North Fork South Branch Potomac River.

Also noted for its spectacular scenery is the New River Gorge. Its journey through West Virginia takes the New River some 50 miles through untamed mountain scenery, magnificent gorges, passing craggy rock cliffs and creating several impressive rapids (much appreciated by serious whitewater enthusiasts).


Very serious rafting

A more apt name for it would be the ‘Ancient River’ for not only is it the oldest on the North American continent, it is also the second oldest river in the world – the Nile being the oldest. The New River Gorge Bridge, close to Fayetteville, one of the highest and longest steel arch bridges in the world, soars some 900’ above the water.

To save the effort of driving winding mountain roads visitors can also get some really good scenic views of the state from the windows of the Amtrak train as it travels through the Allegheny Mountains including Harper’s Ferry and the Potomac valley. (Visit www.amtrak.com)

You could spend several holidays just enjoying the magnificent scenery staying at quaint bed and breakfast inns and secluded lodges but it would be a shame not to spend some time discovering a little of the history of West Virginia too.


Aerial view of Harpers Ferry

One of the most popular attractions is Harpers Ferry, a restored town of the 1850s at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. George Washington set up a munitions factory here but in 1859 John Brown led a raid on it. The men held out for two days before US troops under Robert E Lee took the building and captured John Brown. He was hanged at close by Charles Town a couple of months later. After being all but destroyed by the Civil War and torrential floods the town was virtually abandoned, but it has now been reconstructed as an outdoor museum.

You will find another historic park 30 miles away at Berkeley Springs, sometimes known as the Town of Bath. Its warm mineral waters were much appreciated and enjoyed by the Native Americans long before it became a popular watering hole for the early European settlers and later, George Washington. The waters, still taken today, flow at a constant 74 degrees Fahrenheit, but are heated higher for bathers.

West Virginia’s state capital, Charleston, is home to the West Virginia Cultural Centre – a good place to learn more about the state’s history and the influence that coal mining and forestry played on its development.


The Green Bank Telescope

In complete contrast to history is the amazing structure of the massive Robert C Byrd Green Bank Telescope. It really is worth a detour to see and visit the largest steerable dish on the planet. (Visit www.gbnrao.edu).

There are nine domestic airports in West Virginia with good connections for international arrivals at a number of gateways in the surrounding states, enabling easy access to the beautiful Mountain State of West by God.

Visit www.wvtourism.com