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Celebrate West Virginia’s 162nd birthday in true Mountaineer fashion with adventures all across the state.
This story was originally published in the June 2025 issue of Wonderful West Virginia. To subscribe, visit wonderfulwv.com.
Written by Devin Lacy
On June 20, 1863, West Virginia claimed its place as the 35th state. For years, this day was honored with unofficial celebrations and time spent in the great outdoors. Finally, in 1927, June 20 was proclaimed West Virginia Day—a day to honor our past and make the most of the present, all while looking towards the future.
This month, locals and visitors across the state will be out playing in our beautiful wilderness. And since June 20 falls on a Friday this year, you have a whole weekend to get out and enjoy all our state has to offer—the perfect birthday gift.
To commemorate West Virginia’s 162nd trip around the sun, we’ve compiled a bucket list of things you can do to make the most of your summer in the Mountain State.
West Virginia’s Birthday Bucket List
- Hike, bike, or explore a rail trail.
- Wander through 4 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Harpers Ferry.
- Make some summer memories at Tygart Lake State Park’s Adventure Lake.
- Cast a line on the North Branch of the Potomac River.
- Gift a West Virginia State Parks gift card.
- Suit up and take an ATV ride along the Hatfield–McCoy Trails.
- Go scuba diving at Summersville Lake State Park.
- Take in the view at a scenic overlook.
- Visit French Creek Freddie and his friends at the West Virginia Wildlife Center.
- Pick up your new favorite souvenir from a West Virginia State Parks gift shop.
- Board the train for a ride at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
- Look up to the stars at our three International Dark Sky Parks.
- Walk the boardwalk to Blackwater Falls.
- Brave the whitewater for an unforgettable rafting trip in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
- Zip through the skies on Pipestem Resort State Park’s zipline course.
No matter how you choose to celebrate—or when—know that West Virginia’s wild hills and hollows are always waiting with new journeys to take and new memories to make! Check out a few of our favorites that highlight the beauty and fun of the state.
Hike, bike, or explore a rail trail.
West Virginia’s rail trails provide miles of recreation opportunities all across the state. Pathways once carved out for train tracks have been reclaimed and reinvented for outdoor enthusiasts to walk, hike, bike, and explore to their hearts’ content. While rail trails can be found throughout West Virginia, three of them are managed under the West Virginia State Parks system: the Elk River Trail, the Greenbrier River Trail, and the North Bend Rail Trail.
Winding over 50 miles through the wilderness of West Virginia from Gassaway to Hartland, the Elk River Trail is one of the newest additions to the State Parks system. Numerous trailheads and river access points along its path allow visitors to enjoy the trail where and how they please.
The Greenbrier River Trail runs from Caldwell to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park—roughly 78 miles. Stunning views abound along this former railroad path, as well as opportunities for your favorite outdoor activities year ’round, including horseback riding and cross country skiing.
Part of the American Discovery Trail, the North Bend Rail Trail is 72 miles of beautiful nature and unique landmarks. The railway that once operated along the trail dates back to the pre–Civil War era, switching hands numerous times before being sold to the state. The state repurposed and opened portions of the trail in 1991, extending it as time passed.
To learn more about the rail trails, visit WVstateparks.com.
Suit up and take an ATV ride along the Hatfield–McCoy Trails.
Down in the southern part of the state, ATVs rule the roads as they journey throughout the Hatfield–McCoy Trails system. Over 1,000 miles of trails wind their way throughout the region, open 365 days a year as “one of the largest off-highway vehicle trail systems in the world.” There are trails for all skill levels and all styles of rides. No machine of your own? Various rental outfitters can have you geared up and on the trail in no time! Visit trailsheaven.com to start planning your trip.
Take in the view at a scenic overlook.
Stunning views and scenic travels are a part of the DNA of West Virginia—there’s no escaping them, and we can’t imagine anyone wanting to! The Appalachian Mountains stand tall as ancient, silent sentinels, watching over their lands abounding with awe-inspired explorers and proud residents. Overlooks and scenic viewpoints can be found almost anywhere, from deep in a sprawling state park to right alongside well-traveled highways.
Hawks Nest State Park is one such location. The historical Lovers Leap overlook can be found here, the New River Valley expanding out to the horizon below the cliff’s edge. See the river cut through the valley at the Hawks Nest Overlook, a notable and often-photographed location for decades.
If you find yourself in Mountaineer Country, Coopers Rock State Forest has one of the most iconic overlooks in the state and gives visitors unparalleled views of the Cheat River Canyon below. Ravens Rock requires a hike along a forested trail, but the destination is worth the journey. For more accessible views, the main overlook can be found right off the main parking lot. Gaze in wonder from the boardwalk or make your way out onto the rocky outcropping for wide-open viewing.
Over in Lost River State Park, you can make your way up to Cranny Crow, a stunning overlook that allows you to look out over five neighboring counties as the view just keeps on going. Accessible by hike, the overlook can also be reached on horseback for an unforgettable experience.
Pick up your new favorite souvenir from a West Virginia State Parks gift shop.
You can’t explore the Mountain State without picking up a few souvenirs along the way! Whether you are looking for a park-branded keepsake, a piece of local art, or a gift for a special person in your life, West Virginia State Parks gift shops have plenty of mementos for every type of collector. Have a growing sticker collection on your laptop or go-to water bottle? Choose from dozens of designs. Love locally made products and wares? See what’s in stock near you. Need some gear for your time in the park? They have you covered.
Find a West Virginia State Parks gift shop at all lodge parks and selected parks and forests. Or shop State Parks online at shopwvstateparks.com.
Look up to the stars at our three International Dark Sky Parks.
West Virginia is proud to have three International Dark Sky Parks designations. Thanks to our remote locations and dedication to conservation efforts, Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest, and Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park are all prime destinations to experience the night sky without the effects of light pollution. The three parks are minutes from each other, making it easy to experience each one’s unique atmosphere.
According to State Parks, Watoga State Park’s name was inspired by the Cherokee word for “starry waters,” seemingly foreshadowing its October 2021 entry onto the International Dark-Sky Association’s awardee list. The soon-to-be 88-year-old park near Marlinton has two campgrounds for sleeping under the stars, as well as beautiful cabins for those who prefer a stay with more modern luxuries.
While staying at Watoga, visit nearby Calvin Price State Forest, which boasts thousands of acres of remote wilderness to explore. The abundant forest encloses you in the darkness of night, making the vibrant stars above seem to shine that much brighter.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Hillsboro is another must-stop destination for stargazers. The iconic observation tower offers visitors panoramic views of the region, but at night, it turns into your personal gateway to the cosmos.
Visit WVtourism.com/stars to learn more about our Dark Sky Parks and how to make the most of your nighttime watch party.
Check List Trails
Is this bucket list not long enough to fill your summer schedule? Then tackle some of the West Virginia Department of Tourism’s destination-filled digital trails to discover new locations all around the state—or check off each list as you travel by, adding a few extra stops to your next adventure!
✔ West Virginia Waterfall Trail
Don’t go chasing waterfalls—or maybe do. The West Virginia Waterfall Trails is your chance to take in the state’s scenic beauty and its most breathtaking natural landmarks. Simply register for your digital passport—free of charge—and start exploring.
WVtourism.com/west-virginia-waterfall-trail
✔ West Virginia Culinary Trail
Dine at some of West Virginia’s best eateries while enjoying some of the best scenic views. This trail includes 27 stops spread across the state, and prizes are waiting for the foodies who are up for the journey. WVtourism.com/west-virginia-culinary-trail
✔ West Virginia’s Almost Heaven Swings
Found in some of the top tourism locations throughout West Virginia, the Almost Heaven swings provide picturesque photo ops as timeless mementos from your journey—and more are being added. Can you snag a photo at each one on the list? WVtourism.com/west-virginias-most-instagrammable-views
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