Discover 25 Hidden Gems to Explore in West Virginia

Located in the Appalachian region of the United States, West Virginia is officially referred to as the ‘Mountain State.’ It is bordered by Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, making it the 10th smallest state in the nation, having achieved statehood in 1863.

West Virginia is the sole American state completely situated within the Appalachian Regional Commission, and it is commonly referred to as “Appalachia.” The Mountain State is renowned for its stunning mountains, rolling hills, and pristine trout waters, offering numerous outdoor adventures and recreational activities.

Interestingly, West Virginia holds the title of the southernmost state in the northern United States and the northernmost state in the southern regions, making geographical orientations challenging!

Many might know that May 10th is observed as Mother’s Day globally, but did you know that this occasion was first commemorated in West Virginia on May 10th, 1908?

It is said that West Virginians possess an admirable ability to keep secrets; in fact, they successfully concealed a two-story bunker for three decades, designated for survival in the event of a nuclear attack. With that in mind, let us delve into some of the hidden treasures of West Virginia.

1. Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Rock

According to historical accounts, until 1783, Mercer County was predominantly populated by Native Americans; however, disturbances arose when a European family attempted settlement. One fateful day, Mitchell Clay, the patriarch of the European family, was hunting when Native Americans killed his youngest son, stabbed his daughter, and burned his eldest son alive. In retaliation, Clay took the lives of several Native Americans.

Years later, in the 1920s, Conley T. Snidow, a businessman, acquired Clay’s land and erected an amusement park. Tragically, it was not long before accidents took place: a young girl died due to a swing mishap, and a boy drowned in the swimming pool.

Subsequently, four more fatalities occurred through various accidents at the park, leading to its eventual abandonment.

Currently, the location attracts paranormal investigators and is reputedly home to the spirits of the children who lost their lives there.

2. Thurmond Ghost Town, Thurmond

Prior to 1921, Thurmond had no roads connecting it to the outside world—only a single railway line linked the bustling coal depot to external locations. However, by the time roads were constructed, most residents had already departed.

The prison compound was divided into four sections—“Alamo” for the most dangerous inmates, “mainline” for routine prisoners, “Rat Row” for the protection of informants, and “Honor Hall” for well-behaved trustees.

Throughout its operation, the Penitentiary witnessed a staggering 92 executions—83 through hanging and 9 by electrocution.

Today, the prison compound is primarily inhabited by the “shadow man,” a legendary apparition, alongside various spirits and ghost enthusiasts keen on exploring the century-old penitentiary.

3. Mothman Museum, Point Pleasant

Between 1966 and 1967, residents of Point Pleasant reported sightings of an enigmatic, manlike creature characterized by red eyes and large wings. The creature bore a striking resemblance to a moth, leading to its designation as the “Mothman.”

The Mothman Museum, a small storefront establishment, is regarded as the only collection globally dedicated to this legendary creature. Over the years, the “Mothman” has inspired multiple movies (including The Mothman Prophecies) and television programs.

Visitors to the museum can view newspaper clippings from the era, toys, dummies, and other artifacts. The museum owner has not only authored a book about the Mothman but also hosts an annual festival in its honor.

4. Congressional Fallout Shelter at the Greenbrier Resort, White Sulphur Springs

Until 1992, the Congressional Fallout Shelter, previously known as Project X, Project Casper, and Project Greek Island, remained classified to the public. Conceived to safeguard the U.S. Congress in the event of a nuclear incident, the shelter is located beneath the Greenbrier Resort.

Surprisingly, the shelter was exclusively intended for Congress members and their aides, while their families were expected to seek refuge elsewhere.

To maintain confidentiality, the nuclear bunker was overseen by a shell corporation known as Forsythe Associates. The facility included standard bunk beds, furniture, a television, an incinerator, and a special room for distressed personnel.

Today, the bunker operates as an office for a data storage company and offers guided tours on a weekly basis.

5. Nuttallburg, Fayetteville

John Nuttall, a coal prospector, anticipated the town’s rise in the coal mining sector and established the Nuttallburg facility. Approximately one hundred houses and a large ore refinery were added to the settlement.

In the 1920s, Ford Motor Company acquired the flourishing mining town, utilizing the mine’s output to supply power for their automotive plant in Michigan. Ford significantly expanded the mine, but, regrettably, operations ceased in 1928, likely due to railroad regulations.

Today, the mining facility and surrounding ghost town remain largely abandoned, although a few adventurous urban explorers occasionally visit the area.

6. Mystery Hole, Ansted

What would America be without its vast array of roadside attractions and oddities that have entertained families for decades? In Ansted, West Virginia, Donald Wilson opened the Mystery Hole to the public in 1973, claiming that the subterranean space operates contrary to the laws of gravity.

Inside the chambers, balls and water appear to roll uphill, individuals stand at an angle, and furniture rests on improbable surfaces. However, this room is not the only attraction in the vicinity.

Above ground, Wilson constructed a brightly painted gift shop adorned with bizarre yet captivating artwork, such as a large gorilla hovering over the store and an old Beetle appearing to crash into it.

Currently, new proprietors Will and Sandra Morrison manage the store, maintaining the charm reminiscent of the 1970s.

7. New Vrindaban Palace of Gold, Moundsville

Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, New Vrindaban is a religious community and an unincorporated village managed by the “Hare Krishna” organization. Founded in 1968 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the creator of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the community’s members aim to practice and maintain the teachings of the Hindu Lord, Sri Krishna.

At its zenith, the community housed over 400 permanent residents; currently, around 100 inhabit the village. The “Palace of Gold” was built in the 1970s and 1980s by untrained devotee volunteers, costing approximately $600,000 in construction materials, including onyx, teak, marble, and several 22-carat gold leaves.

Despite the Swami in charge being convicted of fraud and racketeering, receiving a 20-year prison sentence in 1996, current residents continue to preserve their culture and spiritual beliefs to the best of their ability.

8. New River Gorge Bridge, Fayetteville

The New River Gorge Bridge is celebrated as one of the premier mega-bridges globally and poses a significant challenge to motorists. However, every year, on the third Saturday of October, it becomes permissible for anyone to jump from the bridge!

Constructed in 1977, this passageway links both sides of the West Virginia Gorge, and until recently, it was the longest bridge of its kind in the world. With a height of 876 feet above the rapids and a length of 3,030 feet, the stunning bridge gained popularity among BASE jumpers just two years after its opening. Burton Ervin was the first to recognize its potential and made the initial BASE jump.

Currently, the “Bridge Day” is an annual event during which a select group of 450 BASE jumpers from across the nation and around the world convene here to leap from the bridge.

9. Mount Wood Castle and Cemetery, Wheeling

Wheeling, West Virginia, is rich in historical lore, once being home to more millionaires than any other location in America—merchants, magnates, and gangsters.

According to local legend, in 1925, the Mount Wood Castle property belonged to a physician who aspired to create a dream project for his spouse. Unfortunately, he became embroiled in drug trafficking and was incarcerated before the project could materialize. Subsequently, the property was donated to the City of Wheeling.

Adjacent to the property lies Mount Wood Cemetery, the final resting place of several early settlers of the city, with some graves dating back to the 1700s. While much of the castle and cemetery now sits in ruins, it still presents an intriguing site for ghost hunters and urban explorers.

10. Archive of the Afterlife, Moundsville

Known as the “National Museum of the Paranormal,” the Archive of the Afterlife boasts a collection of artifacts related to history and, in certain instances, the paranormal or the afterlife.

The museum houses items such as the lost execution cap belonging to “Old Sparky,” the execution chair used by the West Virginia State Penitentiary, battle-damaged relics from World War II, and a large room filled with items purportedly haunted or cursed. According to museum claims, certain displayed haunted items possess heightened “energy,” including the execution cap, the Annie portrait, and a defaced effigy doll.

Additional displayed objects at the Archive of the Afterlife include embalming tables, decorative caskets, and various signposts and promotional materials from several local funeral homes.

11. Curious Rock, Spencer

A 20-foot table rock formation in Spencer, West Virginia, has baffled onlookers for years; some assert that it is a geological formation, while others conjecture that it may serve as an ancient Native American totem.

A two-hour hike leads to Curious Rock, situated in an isolated region, resembling a “God” meditating on a mountaintop with a large stone cap.

While the exact age and history of the rocks remains uncertain, they belong to a specific classification known as a “table rock formation,” distinct from “Turnip Rock” or “Jug Rock.”

The area surrounding the rock is accessible to the public, but the current landowner continues to pursue definitive historical data regarding the rock’s origins.

12. Spruce Knob, Riverton

Spruce Knob, the pinnacle of Spruce Mountain, at 4,863 feet, stands as the highest point in West Virginia, surrounded by a dense spruce forest, hence its name.

Visitors can reach the summit via walking trails and a paved road, and enjoy panoramic views from the stone lookout tower. The peak also offers picnic areas and restroom facilities.

The term “knob” generally denotes the highest point along a ridge in the southern Appalachians. From the summit, one can witness breathtaking views of the Germany Valley and North Fork Mountain in the east, as well as the Allegheny Plateau in the west. Notably, Spruce Knob is the highest point in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

It is reported that the mountaintop receives approximately 180 inches of snow, making access nearly impossible from autumn through spring.

13. Cass Scenic Railroad, Cass

Located in Cass, West Virginia, the Cass Scenic Railroad is a state park encompassing an 11-mile railroad, the former Cass company town, and a segment of Bald Knob, the highest elevation of Back Allegheny Mountain.

Established in 1901, the town was designed to serve the state’s Pulp and Paper mill by transporting lumber and products to and from the Cass facility, once recognized as the largest mill of its type globally.

In 1942, the mill and town were sold to Mower Lumber Company; however, in 1960, both ceased operations due to a steep decline in the timber industry.

Today, the state park’s railway features heritage-converted log cars that operate along the original trail established in 1901. Visitors can embark on a two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a five-hour excursion to Bald Knob, or a five-hour journey to Spruce Ghost Town.

14. Berkeley Springs Castle, Berkeley Springs

Samuel Taylor Suit attained notable success in several ventures (politics, business, and whiskey distilling), yet his pursuit of love faced considerable challenges. Following the passing of his first wife during childbirth and the departure of his second wife after 20 years of marriage, Suit persevered. In 1883, he married Rosa Pelham and resolved to construct a castle for her.

The castle was designed to overlook the famous Berkeley Springs spa town, where the couple first met. Suit laid the initial stone of his ambitious project in 1885, but he unfortunately passed away in 1888, prior to its completion.

Following Suit’s death, Rosa continued the construction, finishing the castle in 1891, and enjoyed a life of luxury. However, she had not anticipated financial constraints, which ultimately led to the public auction of Berkeley Springs Castle in 1913.

Today, the castle is available for rent as an event venue.

15. Kenova’s Pumpkin House, Kenova

Situated in the westernmost part of West Virginia, Kenova has a population of approximately 3,000 residents. However, each Halloween, the town transforms into a haven for 3,000 pumpkins, used to decorate the former mayor’s historic home for a grand Halloween spectacle.

Ric Griffith, the former mayor and owner of the Queen Ann-style house on Beech Street, dedicates three weeks before Halloween to adorning his residence with pumpkins.

Griffith also owns the town’s pharmacy, Griffith & Fell Drug Store. The tradition reportedly originated at the pharmacy with just four pumpkins initially, as he resided above the establishment at that time. Eventually, Griffith relocated with his family to the house, and the number of pumpkins swelled to 500, then 1,000, reaching 2,000 by the year 2000. Although volunteers wanted to cap the number at 2,000, Griffith insisted on increasing it to 3,000—one pumpkin for each resident.

No fee or donation is required to experience the house, which has become a beloved attraction for nearly thirty years.

16. George Washington’s Bathtub, Berkeley Springs

When George Washington was merely 16, he worked as a surveyor’s assistant, frequently visiting the spa town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Eventually, he purchased property in the town and regularly frequented the bathhouse for a relaxing bathing experience.

Before the establishment of modern bathhouses in the 1780s, the primitive warm springs consisted of hollow trenches filled with spring water, maintaining a consistent temperature of 72 degrees, and lined with sand and stones. Bathing was segregated by gender, ensuring privacy.

Although the stone structure does not represent the original from Washington’s era, the bathtub continues to attract tourists, hikers, and locals. Each year, there is a celebration in mid-March commemorating the anniversary of the first visit of the United States’ first president in 1748.

17. Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Beckley

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, also referred to as Phillips-Sprague Mine in Beckley, West Virginia, is a historic coal mine that was established around 1889 as a drift mine. Development commenced in 1905, and the mine began operations in 1906 for coal shipment.

Regrettably, the mine was closed in 1953 and subsequently acquired by the City of Beckley.

Founded in 1962, the Exhibition Coal Mine became the first site entirely dedicated to the study of coal mining. The exhibition features 1,500 feet of restored walkways and 3,000 feet of historic tracks.

Included in the National Register of Historic Places since 1988, the exhibition coal mine provides daily tours, offering insights into the history of Appalachian coal mining.

18. Alderson Academy, Alderson

Inaugurated in 1901, the Alderson Academy served as a private institution for the town’s children during a period when educational access was limited to a privileged few. Initially a tremendous success, the school soon struggled as free public education began to proliferate.

In 1911, the academy was handed over to the West Virginia Baptist General and renamed the Alderson Baptist Academy. However, it continued to face operational challenges. At one point, a proposal was made to convert it into a junior college offering two-year academic programs.

After multiple attempts throughout the 1900s, the academy was repurposed as rental housing until the 1990s; however, the building currently stands in dilapidation, with collapsing floors and inaccessibility in certain areas.

19. Green Bank: A Town for ‘Wi-Fi Refugees’, Green Bank

In a world increasingly dominated by social connectivity and technology, one may occasionally yearn for respite from it all.

Green Bank, West Virginia, is a quaint town situated on the rolling hills of Appalachia, designed to accommodate individuals who experience “Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity.” Essentially, the town offers a safe haven for those desiring to evade the pervasive digital world that envelops us incessantly.

Residents not only feel disturbed but also face physical discomfort due to the electromagnetic activities present outside the town. Consequently, they are categorized as “Wi-Fi refugees.”

Ironically, Green Bank is home to the world’s largest fully directional telescope; however, all communications, including police and fire radio, must be strictly coordinated with the scientists at the research station.

While many researchers visit the town to detect signals from the universe, numerous residents come to take refuge within the National Radio Quiet Zone.

20. Mummies of Philippi, Philippi

Graham Hamrick dedicated several years to honing his embalming skills on fruits and vegetables before embarking on real corpses. Contrary to expectations, his techniques proved effective.

Upon completing the mummification, the corpses were included in P.T. Barnum’s circus. Attracted by Hamrick’s embalming process, the Smithsonian Institution offered to display his mummies, contingent upon Hamrick revealing his secret methods. He declined the offer.

Presently, two female corpses remain at the Mummies of Philippi, though there is uncertainty as to whether they are the original mummies crafted by Hamrick. One of the women, according to a letter from her brother, was a former resident of the Weston insane asylum. She appears predominantly wooden and lacks hair.

21. Grave Creek Mound, Moundsville

Located fittingly in Moundsville, West Virginia, Grave Creek Mound may initially appear as an unremarkable grass hill, but it serves as a prehistoric burial site, recognized as the largest of its kind in the United States.

Formed over a millennium, the Grave Creek Mound dates back to 250 to 150 BCE and is believed to contain remains of prehistoric inhabitants of West Virginia. Research indicates that constructing the 69-foot mound required approximately 60,000 tons of earth!

The mound was initially discovered in the late 1700s by Joseph Tomlinson, an English immigrant who built a home adjacent to it. His descendant, Jesse, unearthed human remains by digging tunnels into the mound, discovering two burial chambers.

Currently, the Grave Creek Mound boasts an adjacent museum and research center dedicated to the study and research of this prehistoric burial site.

22. John Brown’s Fort, Harpers Ferry

On October 16th, 1859, John Brown assembled 22 individuals, including his three sons and five Black men, and waged war on the Harpers Ferry federal complex in retaliation against slavery. The objective was to seize arms and ammunition from the complex to equip an abolitionist army for the fight against enslavement.

Brown and his brigade succeeded in their mission; however, they were apprehended by local militia the following morning, who encircled the group and obstructed their escape route. With no alternatives, Brown seized nine hostages from the raid and detained them in a smaller engine house within the complex, which subsequently became known as John Brown’s Fort.

After a fierce confrontation, Brown was ultimately captured and executed in 1859. Two years later, the Civil War commenced, and Brown’s actions are now seen as a significant catalyst for this historical conflict.

23. World’s Largest Teapot, Chester

This 14-foot high, 14-foot diameter teapot was originally installed in the 1900s as an advertisement for Hires Root Beer in Pennsylvania and was home to a small souvenir shop selling refreshments to visitors.

Unfortunately, in 1980, the teapot ceased operations; however, it was relocated a decade later. The structure underwent renovations, including the addition of a new spout and flooring. The glass ball “knob” atop the teapot was exchanged for a gold-colored basketball.

Endearing to the residents of Chester, West Virginia, this iconic structure has reclaimed the title of the largest teapot globally since 2015. After nearly five decades, the “teapot” has once again opened to provide refreshments to visitors.

Today, the world’s largest teapot stands alongside a small creamer and attracts guests from far and wide.

24. Whipple Company Store, Scarbro

Situated in the heart of the Appalachian mining regions, Whipple Company Store is a unique establishment, constructed in 1890 by a coal company to serve as the headquarters for its social, financial, and logistical activities.

Constructed in an octagonal design, the store remained operational until 1954. Following its closure, it changed ownership several times before being acquired by a local couple in 2006. Their vision was to restore the store to its original purpose as an educational space.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the abundance of coal and the associated trades significantly contributed to the development of the United States. The Whipple Company Store aims to honor the history of coal and the role played by laborers and their families in shaping the nation’s journey.

25. Birthplace of the Steamboat, Shepherdstown

While Robert Fulton is often credited as the inventor of the steamboat, this assertion is misleading. The steamboat he allegedly demonstrated was developed on the foundation of technology conceived by James Rumsey. Tragically, Rumsey passed away during a fundraising campaign for his groundbreaking technology, resulting in the oversight of his contributions. Nevertheless, in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, Rumsey is still recognized and celebrated as the true creator of the steamboat.

The Shepherdstown Museum houses a partially constructed replica of Rumsey’s steamboat. He invented and designed this technology in 1787, a full two decades before Fulton’s demonstration of “his” steamboat in 1807.

Although the two inventors were separated by a span of 20 years, it is undeniable that both were incredibly skilled, with each significantly contributing to American innovation.