Driving in West Virginia
West Virginia, headstrong and beautiful, seceded from the Confederate state of Virginia to join the Union during the Civil War. Bordered on the northeast by Maryland and Pennsylvania on the northwest is Ohio, to the southeast lies Virginia with Kentucky to the southwest. It`s a state that reverberates with history. Expect fine architecture combined with scenic beauty in an unforgettable combination.
An ideal place starting point is the state`s capital, the historic city of Charleston. Driving to Tamarck will give you a chance to enjoy some local West Virginia food as well as arts and crafts and you can visit the second highest bridge in the US, the New National River Gorge bridge and enjoy the foaming torrent of the river below as a spectator or whitewater rafter. Driving east is the quaint city of Lewisburg offering history and entertainment in the form of fine Golf, wonderful hotels and out of the world restaurants.
At the heart of the state is Coopers Rock State Forest where you can hike, hunt or camp. The views of the Cheat River Gorge are simply breathtaking, especially if you don`t have a head for heights as it is over 1200 feet deep. Driving on I-79, South you`ll find Prickett`s Fort State Park a reconstructed fort dating back to 1774 featuring people in period costumes to transport you back to frontier life. Philippi Covered Bridge is another must-see. As well as being the site of the first battle of the Civil War it`s also the longest covered bridge, which is also a two lane federal highway
For water lovers you can continue your trip at Victorian Wheeling and follow the Ohio River. Before you leave you should visit Independence Hall and explore the Victorian district`s unique shops. And, if the children are driving you mad, drive south on Route 2 for a trip around Moundsville Penitentiary the former high security prison. They can even stay over night and try ghost hunting. Meandering further south you can visit Parkersburg and enjoy more perfectly preserved historic architecture.
West Viriginia is known for its fabulous mountains and Blackwater Falls State Parks is worth a trip to enjoy tumultuous waterfalls, championship golf or skiing in winter. For a drive you`ll find hard to match, visit Seneca Rocks with sandstone outcroppings soaring to the sky and the nearby Dolly Sods Wilderness Area. Then enjoy the Highland Scenic Highway. Twenty miles of contrasting secret valleys and towering plateaus culminating in the botanical gardens at Cranberry Glades. East you`ll find the Watoga State Park, just minutes away from the site of the largest Civil War battle in the state at Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
For a vacation that is out of the ordinary, combining nature and history driving in West Virginia is hard to beat. So start by arranging your car rental in Atlanta or wherever your magical journey will begin and prepare to be amazed, entertained and educated in equal measure.