asdaven

I want to visit WV in the summer and I don't know what part of WV to go to. What is the most scenic spot in your opinion? New River Gorge?

starrsville

Very. Why not take a white water rafting trip down the New River? Very scenic and a lot of fun. We took a trip out of Thurmond, WV.

vahiker1

there are many great parts of West Virginia.

You might want to check out Canaan Valley and vicinity. Great area includes Blackwater falls park, Seneca Rocks, & Dolly Sods wilderness area.

RedRock

If you go the Gorge make sure you take the old highway and drive to the bottom and cross the river there. You can get a good look at the bridge overhead. It is a little hard to imagine this was once the only way to cross. Makes a person appreciate our new road system.

groro

The most scenic spot for me is the overlook at Grandview State Park just east of Beckley, a few miles off I-64. Don't go too early if there is morning fog in the valleys. When we have out-of-state visitors to our home near Lewisburg, WV, we first take them to Grandview S.P. Then we skirt Beckley and pass by the headquarters of the New River Gorge National River (where you can get plenty of additional information) in Glen Jean and head for the almost-ghost town of Thurmond for a more intimate view down in the Gorge. After that we head for Fayetteville and take in a meal in the historic quaint downtown. Leaving Fayetteville, it is a few minutes to the New River Gorge Bridge overlook about a mile north on U.S. 19. Returning east to Lewisburg, we catch U.S. 60 a few miles north of the bridge. On the way, a side trip to Babcock State Park takes you to a pretty stone/wood gristmill, the most photographed place in WVa. Lewisburg itself is considered to be one of the prettiest towns in WVa, also listed as one of the 100 best small art towns in the U.S. with good restaruants and hotels.

Of course, if you are just looking for a short day trip from Washington, D.C., it's hard to beat the impressive confluence of rivers and history at Harper's Ferry. The nearby small town of Shepherdstown is charming, and if you're interested in the Civil War, Antietam is just a few miles across the Potomac in Maryland.

iluvmyrott

Hi, I love WV and I live near a place you'd love, Summersville! It's has the largest man-made lake in WV, it's only about a 30 minute drive to the New River Gorge. The lake is great in the summer, every summer we rent a boat and spend the day on the lake. If you do come to Summersville, you've got to try a local restaurant most people don't know about because it's in a very out of the way place, ask for directions to the Cafe Acropolis, it's a great place for Italian and Greek food!

While WV isn't known for it's nightlife, it is known for it's scenic beauty and wildlife. I'm one that prefers that over a bunch of nightclubs. But to each their own! Hope you enjoy WV when and if you get the chance to visit!

Pam1951

I personally like the Canaan Valley area. If it isn't a foggy day, the ride to Dolly Sods is worth the time - great views from Bear Rocks at the end of the road. I just find it very peaceful in that area. Although not a lot of night life in the area, there are several shops and galleries worth visiting. Don't miss Mountainmade in Thomas and there is an artists cooperative in Davis. Seneca Rocks is not too far and neither is Spruce Knob. I just love that part of WV.

I also think the area around Lewisburg is very nice. A different kind of scenery, not quite as mountainous. Lewisburg is a great town with Civil War history as well as some very nice shops.

The entire state of WV is pretty and I don't think you can go wrong wherever you decide to go.

Pam

iluvmyrott

Had to post one more reply, Pam is correct the whole Canaan Valley is beautiful too! A lot to see and do there.

asdaven

I have been to Harpers Ferry many times and have hiked all around there. Been to Canaan Valley once and went to Seneca Rocks and Blackwater Falls. Didin't go to Dolly Sods. I forget a lot about that area. But, I have never been to the new river gorge at all.

asdaven

I wanted to go to the smokey mountains of nc and tn this summer, but it is 500 miles from my house. I am starting to think about going to the new river gorge instead, as it is only 300 miles from my house. Is the New River Gorge a good alternative to that? Also, I have a week to spend. Should I stay a week at the gorge or split it in half and stay at the seneca rocks area for the other half?

groro

It depends on what you want to do. If you want to do rock climbing, both places are good, although there are many more opportunities in New River Gorge. Seneca Rocks is just one "peak." The New River Gorge offers other opportunities such as commercial white water rafting. There are hiking trails at both places. If you just want to car camp and hang out there are many State Park and Forest Service sites. Check them out online. The Greenbrier River Trail runs 75 miles from near Lewisburg to Cass along one of the wildest and most pristine rivers in the East. There are many other things to do in Southeast WV. Check out the state tourism site.

pollyvw

TY BayouGal for topping. Still looking for a place to stay for 2 or 3 nights...a resort with a view or a hotel with a nice lobby...something to do other than just hole up in a room after driving to scenic areas.

LvSun

Polly,
Must have missed your earlier post. Are you going to be in a specific area of WV or looking for somewhere in WV in general?

pollyvw

TY for response. Our goal (my husband and I are seniors and my 81 year old mother will be with us) is to explore the New River Gorge and see the old and new New River Bridge. We are not hikers but enjoy traveling to view God's beautiful countryside as my photo albums will attest. We live in Maryland and see shots of this area via our local media many times during the year. We have just never been there. We are looking for a relaxing get-away for just a few days and thought mountains instead of beach. Online, I have found Hawk's Nest, Twin Falls and Pipestem, but cannot tell if they will fill the bill or even if they are close enough to prevent an unusual amount of driving. We just want a relaxing place to veg out after seeing the sights...not to be holed up in a standard room...a place with a view, maybe a balcony or patio overlooking scenic area be it water or mountains. Something different from home. We will leave MD and drive to Luray Caverns; drive a part of Skyline Drive the first day spending the night enroute to New River Area. Do you think either of these places will be suitable? We would like decent, comfortable scenic lodging, but not to break the bank like The Homestead. Any other suggestions...lodging or what to do will be appreciated. Thx!

LvSun

Polly,
My reply was so long I started a new post for my answer to you. Look at the thread "Southern West Virginia - The Greenbrier, Whitewater Rafting."

Also, do not know if this is OK to do but there are a couple people on the WV forum at TripAdvisor.com who seem to know the New River area real well. May want to also check out that website.

GadAbout

This reply may be too late for Polly but if she is going to Hawks Nest State Park the lodge there is nice. You have a scenic view of the gorge and it has a nice restaurant and lobby.

People visiting our beautiful state from the north need to travel I-79, the scenic views are breathtaking.

WV is a gorgeous state with nice, friendly people and lots to do. If you go to Seneca Rocks you can ride horses to the top of the rocks. Also there is a path you can hike to the top. A trip to Dolly Sods is a must. In Greenbank you can tour the National Observatory. I have lived most of my life in WV and never get tired of the mountains and what is offered here. A vacationer could spend a week in WV and still not take in all the sights and fun things to do.

SpeedBuggy

Polly has posted a trip report, so she's returned from this trip. But others traveling to WV will appreciate your input!

pollyvw

Enjoyed my trip, but wish I had settled on Hawks' Nest in time to get lodging there. It is in a very good spot to make the loop of the Gorge. (Hint, hint for anyone else interested in this area. )

Stephanie

I suggest any drive on I-77. While traveling to Myrtle Beach we went on this Interstate and the mountains were all around us and we'd have to make sharp turns - a very scenic drive.

GadAbout

The most scenic view for me is right out my front door. I live at 1690 ft. with a view of deep valleys and ranges of mountains that seem to go on forever. Never get tired of looking at it. My husband I moved out of the city over a year ago and now live out in the woods, way out a dirt road. You can't beat this style of living. However you have to put up with mud and roads that do not get cleared of snow.

One more scenic view, Spruce Knob. I have lived in WV most all my life and have traveled it extensively. Never do I get tired of it's beauty. i have traveled internationally and within the US.

My husband and I camped out on top of Spruce Knob on night, the only humans around. It was exciting and a little spooke to boot. Try it sometime. For one night we were the highest people in the state of WV.