In West Virginia, the mountains and hills hold tales and myths, and a lot of places that were used and then abandoned. 1. Climb aboard a historic steam-driven locomotive (operated by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad) for a scenic ride to Bald Knob, the third-highest point in West Virginia. Areas of interest include Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, which features the highest peak in West Virginia, and the Dolly Sods Wilderness, notably the Bear Rocks trail. When George Washington was only 16, he worked as a surveyors assistant and paid frequent visits to the spa town of Berkeley Springs in West Virginia. It is situated within the Appalachian region. Established in 1936, the 12,747-acre park extends through Monongalia and Preston counties. The hike is steep, but well worth your effort. These cabins allow you to bask in the beauty of West Virginia's nature, while still enjoying all the modern amenities. Notable artifacts on display include a pair of Billy the Kid's leather chaps and the telescope George Washington used to survey the state's lands. The Shepherdstown Museum houses a half-built replica of Rumseys steamboat. A remote destination in Pocahontas County, Cass was once a company town for loggers, who transported lumber via what's now known as the Cass Scenic Railroad. The couples aim was to change it to its original purpose and use it for the purpose of education. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. From ATV excursions in small towns to scenic drives across the state, West Virginia is made for everyone. Travelers rave about the half- and multi-day excursions for various skill levels, noting that the guides are friendly, helpful and all-around great. The train ride, which affords panoramic views of the Appalachians, lasts about 4.5 hours round trip and includes lunch. 1. West Virginia has plenty of cool hidden places and surprises. A sacred site for Native Americans surveyed by George Washington and owned by both King George III and Thomas Jefferson. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Relax on the beach or explore the island. Rachel is proud to live in wild and wonderful West Virginia. 22, 2023, Up to 60% Off + Exclusive 5% Guaranteed Priceline Coupon, Up to 50% Off Travel Plans with Top Expedia Promo Code, Discount Travel Plans with 50% Off on Hotels.com bookings, 50% Discount on Getaways with Barcel Resort & Hotels, Booking.com Promo Code Up to 50% Off + Extra 10% Off. This amusement park in Huntington is a great place to spend the day on rides with the family. One day, Mitchell Clay, the head of the European family was out hunting, when a bunch of Native Americans murdered his youngest son, knifed his daughter to death, and burnt his eldest son alive. Thank you. Learn more about this architectural marvel on a guided tour. Welcome to spring in West Virginia. This post was last updated on March 17, 2022, Copyright 2023 West Virginia Department of Tourism, Four entrances; three to The Greenbriers grounds and one to the main building, 25-ton blast door that opens with only 50 lbs. Megan Johnson and Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansMarch 1, 2023, Holly Johnson and Erin EvansFeb. Tour a once-secret Cold War refuge where our elected representatives would've enjoyed their post-apocalyptic days . Today, the castle is available to rent as an event space. Located in the Appalachian region of the United States of America, West Virginia is officially dubbed as the Mountain State. Neighboured by Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio Pennsylvania, and Maryland, it is the 10th smallest state in the nation which gained statehood in 1863. And were going to uncover some of the secret places in West Virginia through this. Between 1966 and 1967, the inhabitants of Point Pleasant, West Virginia reported spotting a mysterious, man-like creature with red eyes and massive wings. Today, the Bridge day is an annual event that sees a group of selected 450 BASE jumpers from all around the nation and the world gather here and jump from the bridge. Today, the worlds largest teapot stands together with a small creamer and attracts visitors from all around. A behind the scenes look at the bunker beneath the Greenbrier Resort with The Today Show on NBC. Current tour options include a Public Ghost Hunt and Private Paranormal Investigations, as the prison is said to be haunted by former inmates. Apr 21, 2021 - Explore freaking travel's board "Secret Places In West Virginia" on Pinterest. You can take a two-hour round trip to Whittaker station, a five-hour round trip to Bald Knob, or a five-hour round trip to Spruce Ghost Town. Located in Cass, West Virginia Cass Scenic Railroad is a state park that comprises an 11-mile-long railroad, the former Cass company town, and a section of Bald Knob, the highest point of Back Allegheny Mountain. The 22-acre fishing resort will reconnect you to nature and leave you refreshed and relaxed. Suit laid the first stone of his dream castle in 1885, unfortunately, however, he passed away in 1888, before the construction of the castle could be completed. My husband, son, and I love the Old Roman Baths an try to visit every year! Address: 513 Ewart Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. When you emerge from the tunnels, explore the Coal Camp, with restored original buildings including the Pemberton Coal Camp Church and the Helen Coal Camp School, then stop by the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, which features a planetarium and a recreated homestead from the late 19th century. And, the Whipple Company Store is dedicated towards the role of coal in the transformation of the nations history and the men and their families involved in the trade. Kanawha State Forest. Its 53-mile stretch of the New River (ironically one of the oldest rivers in the world) is famous for whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours and rapids up to Class V, widely considered some of the most challenging to navigate. We even got to watch a storm roll out at Lindy Point that was so cool. It turned out that she hadnt anticipated that money could run out, which it did, and in 1913, the Berkeley Springs Castle was publicly auctioned. Love West Virginia? It's been the subject of both true and fictional adventure stories in West Virginia. In 1778, it became "America's Resort," first hosting wealthy Southerners, then celebrities, U.S. presidents and even royalty. Located in the Allegheny mountains, of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls is one of the most photographed attractions in West Virginia and among the best hidden vacation spots in the USA. Bluefield: School with Most Multi-Level Entrances Bramwell: Home of the Millionaires Bridgeport: Front Lawn Giraffe Buckhannon: Tiny Church Bunker Hill: Silo Missile Cameron: Archive of the Afterlife Charleston: Shoney's Big Boy Museum Charleston: West Virginia Lincoln Melancholia Chester: Mini-B-52 on a Pole Chester: World's Largest Teapot Their culture was notable for their pottery, agriculture, art. Once connected to the outside world by a single train track, this ghost town is looked after by the National Park Service. Tomlinson Run State Park is the perfect place for a weekend away. Housed under the West Virginia Wing of The Greenbrier Resort, the top-secret, super-sized bunker was built for all 535 members of Congress during the Eisenhower era. Inside the rooms things and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant too. And with an estimated cost $333, you can have an affordable 3-day, long weekend escape to West Virginia! During the time of its operation, the Penitentiary had witnessed a total of 92 executions 83 by hanging and 9 by electrocution. Hence, they have been grouped in a category of Wi-Fi refugees.. You can find it in western VA near Shenandoah National Park. Though the two inventors had around 20 years in between them, needless to say, that they were equally talented, and both men contributed heavily to the American innovation. Located in the far west of West Virginia, Kenova is a town of 3,000 residents, but come Halloween each year, the town also becomes home to 3,000 pumpkins, all used to decorate the former mayors historic home into a grand Halloween extravaganza. Whats America without its many thousands roadside attractions and oddities that have kept the families amused for decades? It is also called the Palace of Gold. birthdays and to support small, hometown businesses! Employees were friendly. Parkgoers say the four-season destination is both pretty and enjoyable no matter when you visit. The West Virginia Penitentiary is so spooky that it's been featured in Netflix's "Mindhunter" (along with the town of Moundsville) and Hulu's "Castle Rock," among other TV shows and movies. Now, two female corpses of the lot rest at the Mummies of Philippi, though there is no certainty that they are the original mummies hand-crafted by Hamrick. These are just a few of the marvels you can find while exploring the hidden corners of the Mountain State. Shortly after the incident, local residents began to make similar claims, with many blaming the massive creature, nicknamed the Mothman, for the 1967 Silver Bridge collapse and subsequent death of 46 people. The Raven Room, Charlottesville Source: JoshBerglund19 / Wikimedia The Raven Room Ric Griffith, the former mayor, owns the Queen Ann style home on Beech Street, Kenova, and every year, he spends three weeks before Halloween to adorn his house with pumpkins. One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an Appalachian gorge. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Another nationally protected region in West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest spans more than 919,000 acres in 10 counties over elevations that range from 1,000 to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. The water is warm, but comfortable even for kiddos. Volunteers involved with the decoration wanted to stop at 2,000 but Griffith insisted to make it 3,000 one pumpkin for one resident each. The other half of the book is a customizable personal logbook where you can list all the places where you hunt for treasures and what treasures you found in them. Throughout the vast national forest there are ample hiking and biking trails, scenic driving routes and places to stop for a picnic lunch. Like Atlas Obscura and get our latest and greatest stories in your Facebook feed. West Virginia is a surprising place filled with awesome natural adventures, affordable sleeping places and quirky one-of-a-kind restaurants. Wheeling in West Virginia is known to be super rich in mythology. Dendrochronology doesn't just work on forests. Follow these steps (and allow plenty of time) to get your child a passport. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy. See. I recommend the self guided walking tour to see the massive Green Bank Telescope. 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Until 1992, the Congressional Fallout Shelter, formerly known as Project X, Project Casper and lastly Project Greek Island, remained a secret to the common public. Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in West Virginia. Burton Ervin was the first man to discover the possibility and make the first BASE jump. As the second-largest coal-producing U.S. state, West Virginia is also home to the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, where curious travelers can ride through the passages of a former coal mine. You can reach the peak via walking trails as well as a paved road, and enjoy the summit view from the stone lookout tower. After Suits death, Rosa continued building the castle and it was completed by 1891 and lived a lavish life. Elk Springs Resort in Randolph County is the perfect spot to stay when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Today, the state parks railroad consists of heritage converted log cars that operate on the same trail as that from 1901. You'll find picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty lake and cozy cabins to stay the night. Winner will be selected at random on 04/01/2023. However, it still struggled to function. The castle property overlooked the famous Berkeley Springs spa town and was, in fact, the place where the couple first met. Though most of the castle and the cemetery is sitting dilapidated now, it is still a beautiful sight to explore, especially for ghost chasers and urban explorers. 20 Places to Visit Along West Virginia's Country Roads The Mountain State is filled with surprises, from giant telescopes to elusive cryptids. Have been twice now and both times when we first get in I'm sorry that I booked only 30 minutes, but after 25 minutes I realize that I need to get out. If you get excited about the feel of a shiver down your spine, you'll find a lot to love. Wonderment Puppet Theatre is a MUST SEE!! Tour is well organized and thorough. In order to maintain secrecy, the nuclear bunker was maintained by a shell corporation named Forsythe Associates. whitewater rafting, with beginner- and family-friendly tours, The Top Things to Do in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Print and Pack: The Ultimate Camping Checklist. Follow us on social media to add even more wonder to your day. Once a hideout of a fugitive cooper trader, the Coopers Rock State Forest is a slice of heaven miles from Morgantown. You'll find picnic areas, hiking trails, a pretty lake and cozy cabins to stay the night. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). You can get your very ownGreenbrier bunker tour just like the Today Show! We drove here on a rainy/foggy day from New River Gorge and the, The long drive up the forest roads is well worth it when arriving at, happy that just a very short walkway took us over a wooden bridge over a cleft in the. However, he wasnt one to give up. The best West Virginia oddities and offbeat attractions, road trip and vacation recommendations from Roadside America's writers and experts -- museums, statues, roadside stops, odd buildings, weird folk art. Less than three hours outside Roanoke, this stretch of West Virginia is unlike anything youve ever seen before. Within Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, visitors can explore the former lumbering town as well as a gift shop, restaurant, museum and theater. Also known as the Good Counsel Friary, this historic home looks like something from a fairy tale. Address: 104 Main St., Glen Jean, WV 25846. The museum calls itself the "National Museum of the Paranormal" and is full of eerie oddities. Shenandoah National Park is an extremely popular National Park in VA that makes up part of the Appalachian Mountain Range. Our favorite secret place is Fayetteville perched in the rim of the 800 foot deep New River Gorge and next the second longest steel arch bridge in the world. It's a slower-paced adventure - which gives people ample time to enjoy the beautiful, Videos and audio explanations supplement the excellent visual display of. It works on buildings too. Bonus: As a state-operated attraction, the museum is free to enter. Defined by its rivers and lush forests, this region in southern West Virginia has some of the most spectacular outdoor recreation. Just a short drive outside of the Washington and Baltimore metro areas, this loop through West Virginias Eastern Panhandle is both a relaxing and enlightening weekend getaway. Address: 400 Main St., Point Pleasant, WV 25550. This abandoned amusement park was built on a site with a dark history. Offer subject to change without notice. This is literally in our backyard and I cannot wait for the. Home of a 28-foot tall stalagmite known as the War Club. This 22 acre resort along the Elk River has some of the best fishing in West Virginia. Tags: Travel, US Vacations, Mid-Atlantic Vacations. West Virginia: Lost Gold, Hidden Hoards, and Fantastic Fortunes - Commander Pulitzer This book contains ten legends of 14 trillion dollars of lost treasures in West Virginia. However, in 1980, the teapot was shut down for business and after a decade later, it was moved to its current location. Including Hippodrome Cinema, Tampa Theatre, and Kinema in the Woods, Including Huanglong Travertine Pools, Socotra Island, and Morin-ji Temple. For those visiting Cass Scenic Railroad State Park with kids, previous visitors recommend the two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a former logging camp. The development of the mine started in 1905 and it was first put to use in 1906 for shipping coal. 3. One of the best parts of visiting a new area is finding all the surprisingly little spots that dont always make it into the guidebooks. Nicknamed the Mountain State, West Virginia is the only state situated entirely in the Appalachian Mountain region. Made popular over the decades, the Mothman has been the subject of many movies (the Mothman Prophecies) and shows on television. You will receive your first email soon. Read more here. Rumsey invented and designed the technology behind the steamboat in 1787, approximately two decades before Fulton demonstrated his Steamboat in 1807. Located in Anaheim, California, Club 33 is a secret place inside Disneyland for the exclusive elitewith no kids allowed. Attracted by the embalming procedure, the Smithsonian Institution offered to put his mummies on display, on the condition that Hamrick will have to share his secret procedure with the institution. Blooming rhododendrons. This wonderful construction is open to the public since 1973 and the owner boasts that inside this Mystery hole works against gravity. Get more stories delivered right to your email. The wonder of winter in West Virginia is filled with untouched fallen snow, scrapes of skates along fresh ice and snow-capped mountain views you have to see to believe. Learn how top attractions and experiences are selected. rock formations are some of the most unusual and unique geological structures I have ever seen. Dorsal, our tour guide, is a gifted story teller and knowledgeable coal mining expert. If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Experience a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes tour of the bunker that walks you through a fascinating period in the resorts history. Just down the road from the castle is this stunning garden and natural area. An abandoned coal mine reached by a steep hike. Visit a replica of the estate where Aaron Burr allegedly plotted a treasonous scheme against the United States. The Fine Dining Restaurant Hidden Under A Bowling Alley Participants must be at least 8 years old, and tours start at $72. Other highlights in Harper's Ferry include The Point, where you can see the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers; crossing the Potomac on a pedestrian bridge to access the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park towpath; and, better still, getting out on the waters in a river tube, cold drink in hand. However, its a secret place that arouses our curiosity a lot. The museum features original newspaper clippings, handwritten police reports, props used in the 2002 film and more. It is situated within the Appalachian region. The Secret Bunker Congress That Never Used For 30 years, it was kept secret. You don't have to be a guest of the luxury resort (or an A-lister) to get a glimpse of it guided hotel tours are offered but overnight guests enjoy upscale accommodations ranging from signature guest rooms to estate homes, a roster of activities for all ages, golf, a spa, restaurants, a casino, retail shops, seasonal events and more. The first American woman to win the Nobel Prize in literature came from the foothills of Appalachia. The Van Gogh Bridge is one of the most beautiful photoshoot locations in Northern Virginia and is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Virginia. Through her travels she was greeted with kindness, generosity, but many difficult circumstances, in some of the less known areas of the world. Tours provide a unique and in-depth look behind the hidden doors including dormitories, meeting areas and more. Tours start at $12 for adults and $6 for children. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. All Rights Reserved. One day a year it is legal to jump off of this astoundingly tall bridge that spans an Appalachian gorge. Get credit for your contribution by submitting a complete place entry with photos. For the price of admission this place is a must if in the area. Love West Virginia? Speaking of secrets, let us explore some of the hidden gems in West Virginia. Thank you! 11. The NBC show traveled south, camera crew in tow, to get exclusive access to the bunker and the people who had have been instrumental in the success of the bunker. The Endless Wall Trail to Diamond point is a must do hike with amazing views. Newspaper clippings from the time, toys, dummies, and other such artifacts are on display at the museum. Several rivers offer world-class rapids for experts, and others are well-suited to less experienced and learning rafters. We did several of the easy trails and all of them were beautiful! Inside the chambers, balls and water seem to roll uphill, humans stand at a slant, and furniture stands atop impossible surfaces. Wildflower hikes. Read More Unique Stays in Almost Heaven, West Virginia January 9th, 2023 As such, it offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, ATV riding, zip lining, hiking, rock climbing, and rappelling at state parks and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the country's newest national park. The Hidden Park That's West Virginia's Best Kept Secret Tomlinson Run State Park Tomlinson Run State Park is the perfect place for a weekend away. West Virginia has its share of famous spots that everyone visits, and for good reason these places are truly remarkable. There had been a prison that had 4 different sections ranging from well behaved prisoners to ruthless criminals. Several years later, George Washington discovered the healing powers of the springs and began visiting them regularly. Griffith also owns the towns pharmacy, Griffith & Fell Drug Store. 5. If there's only one place you can visit in West Virginia, let it be New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. If you get excited about the feel of a shiver down your spine, you'll. (Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism), Almost heaven, West Virginia. In a period where education was limited to a privileged few, the school was a huge success but only for a short period of time since free public schools soon began to emerge. E #435, Charleston, WV 25305, (Courtesy of Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine). This secluded restaurant gets most of their customers from ski resorts in the winter, but they also have farm-to-table dinners throughout the year. In 1942, the mill and the town were sold to Mower Lumber Company, however, in 1960, both were shut down for business as a result of a rapid decline in the timber industry in the area. [Read: The Best Tourist Attraction in Every U.S. Admission $22 for adults and $12.50 for those younger than 18 includes the tour and access to the camp and museum. A picnic space and restroom facilities are also available at the peak. It is located right at the crossroads of two mighty rivers- the Shenandoah and Potomac, and there is a large overlook that you can see Virginia and Maryland from known as 'The Point'. It's the season where Almost Heaven comes alive. It's a slower-paced adventure - which gives people ample time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. From the top of the Mountain, you can observe the picturesque vistas of the Germany Valley and North Fork Mountain in the east and the Allegheny Plateau in the west. And, his property was donated to the City of Wheeling. Apparently, the town was once home to more millionaires than anywhere else in America traders, tycoons, and gangsters. This is a fascinating tour IF you're interest in history, especially mid-20th C and the Cold War. As you plan your mountain road trip, explore one-of-a-kind stays and traditional comforts along the way. The Exhibition Coal Mine was founded in 1962 and it was the first sight to be dedicated completely to the study of coal mining. Looking to explore more of the Mountain State? She communicates her passion for traveling and discovering new cultures with an engaged public through her public speaking, photography and writing that has appeared in magazines all over the globe. Home Travel Guides United States West Virginia (WV) 25 Amazing Hidden Gems in West Virginia.