West Virginia is home to spirited small towns, undiscovered hidden gems, world-class outdoor adventures and America’s newest national park — the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. In the Mountain State, country roads lead visitors far away from everything — and a little closer to heaven.

ALMOST HEAVEN, WEST VIRGINIA

Visitors can experience the great outdoors like never before in West Virginia. The Appalachian Mountains have carved a distinct landscape that is overflowing with outdoor recreation. Try your hand at climbing a craggy rock face. The Mountain State is one of the country’s premier climbing destinations along the East Coast.

West Virginia is also rich in public waterways, perfect for outdoor recreation. Whether you are looking to learn a new sport like stand-up paddleboarding or want to take the family on a leisurely boat ride, there’s something for everyone in West Virginia’s waters. Take to the depths and explore hidden caverns or hike to the highest point in the state for otherworldly mountain views. Or kayak along a peaceful lake.

AUTHENTIC MOUNTAIN MUSIC

The mix of multicultural musical roots that West Virginia’s early settlers brought together creates the state’s distinct Appalachian sound, with influences like folk, bluegrass, Celtic, African, blues, gospel and more. Join in on the jams at a selection of unique venues, festivals, events and even informal pickin’ circles where you’ll more than likely be asked to dance or strum along. Aside from authentic mountain music, you’ll be surprised at the variety of genres you’ll hear our musicians playing across the state to eager audiences.

Throughout much of eastern West Virginia, visitors can follow a special trail of unique, historic venues that make up what is known as the Mountain Music Trail. The venues along the trail are a diverse group dedicated to promoting and presenting the traditional music, dance and folkways of the Allegheny Mountain region.

The trail stretches along the Highway 219 corridor in Monroe, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Randolph and Tucker counties. As you make your way through the scenic New River/Greenbrier Valley and Potomac Highlands, you have the opportunity for adventure, exploration, fine dining, and of course, sensational live music.

BUY LOCAL, EAT HEALTHY

Rich, indulgent dishes are signatures of West Virginia’s deep mountain flavour. From distilleries to wineries to craft breweries, these businesses happily welcome visitors to get an inside tour and taste of their process. Each stop will have you longing for more sips of Cabernet Sauvignon or a hoppy IPA while sitting and relaxing against the stunning backdrop that is West Virginia.

The Mountain State has the highest percentage of family-owned farms in the nation, meaning farmers’ markets here offer some of the freshest and most varied produce selections anywhere. Small family farms and significant indoor marketplaces make it sustainable to buy local and eat healthy in West Virginia.

A HISTORY THAT’S RICH AND DIVERSE

From a former top-secret U.S. bunker to the home of John Brown’s famous raid, West Virginia’s history is rich and diverse. West Virginia was the only state to be born out of the Civil War and has since spent its years developing and promoting a culture that is filled with one-of-a-kind historical destinations you have to see to believe. Your version of history heaven awaits.

For all the latest destination details about West Virginia see https://travelsouth.visittheusa.com/en-ca/state/west-virginia.