Towering peaks. Charming mountain towns. Epic views. West Virginia’s Potomac Highlands is packed with photo-ready moments and unforgettable experiences. Here’s where to find them (make sure your camera is ready).

The Purple Fiddle

A red brick building houses the Purple Fiddle café and Mountain Trail store, with a patio, blooming white flowers, and a man walking on the wet sidewalk under a cloudy sky.

The Purple Fiddle in historic Thomas is a must-visit venue that combines good eats with incredible live music. Located inside the DePollo General Store, this unique space hosts over 300 live performances every year, from bluegrass to country, folk and indie bands (think The Avett Brothers, Sierra Ferrell and Afroman). Rock out to some of the best talent in the state paired with a local beer, glass of wine, or their must-try house turkey sandwich topped with homemade cranberry and cilantro chutney.

Blackwater Falls Overlook

Two people stand on a wooden walkway surrounded by lush greenery, overlooking a scenic, multi-tiered waterfall cascading into a rocky pool below. A second viewing platform is visible on the left side of the image.

Blackwater Falls Overlook is one of West Virginia’s most photographed spots, and for good reason. A short walk from the parking lot leads to the thundering amber-tinted cascade, which looks like a scene straight out of a movie. The park offers an accessible overlook, making it easy to view (and snap Instagram-worthy shots). Stay and explore the rest of Blackwater Falls State Park. You’ll find miles of hiking trails to explore, wildlife viewing, rafting, boating, and fishing.

Sirianni’s Pizza Cafe

A close-up of a freshly baked pizza topped with tomatoes, spinach, and melted cheese on a metal tray. A pizza cutter is used to lift a slice. Another pizza is visible blurred in the background.

After a day skiing the slopes, Siriani’s Pizza Cafe in Davis is the perfect spot to warm up. Known for delicious pies and shareable dishes, this cozy pizza joint is as much about atmosphere as flavor. Don’t miss the quirky memorabilia lining the walls (vintage postcards and more) while you enjoy a slice. It’s the ultimate throwback. And don’t skip the ooey and gooey spicy stuffed peppers loaded with cheese!

Canaan Valley Resort State Park

Aerial view of a snow-covered forested mountain, with ski slopes and ski lifts visible. The landscape extends into a valley with scattered trees and clearings under a bright blue sky.

Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Davis is a year-round playground in the heart of West Virginia. Winter brings pristine slopes perfect for beginners and seasoned skiers alike (it’s a great place to learn), while summer transforms the park into a haven for hiking, golfing, and swimming. Overnight guests can choose from lodge rooms, cozy cabins, or scenic campsites, all with easy access to the resort’s family-friendly activities.

Seneca Rocks Discovery Center

Two people sit on the hood of a silver SUV with open doors, smiling and talking, against a backdrop of green trees and a scenic, rocky mountain under a partly cloudy sky.

Once part of an ancient ocean floor, Seneca Rocks now rises dramatically from the mountainside, creating one of West Virginia’s most striking views. Adventurous visitors can tackle the steep hike to the summit or try rock climbing for an extra thrill. At the base, the discovery center offers engaging exhibits, souvenirs, and weekend programs in peak season, where Appalachian crafters and artisans demonstrate traditional skills. For a unique overnight stay, check out Fourth Moon Camp.

Smoke Hole Caverns

A well-lit cave interior features dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, with a metal railing along a winding path. The rocky walls and ceiling display intricate natural formations in warm, earthy tones.

In the mountains of West Virginia, Smoke Hole Caverns gets its name from the days when Native Americans used the front chambers to smoke wild game. Today, it’s a cool (literally) underground escape that comes with an hour-long guided tour full of stunning rock formations and stories from the past. Don’t forget a jacket — it stays chilly down there — and sturdy shoes are a must. Need more time? Book one of the cozy cabins right on the property.

Green Bank Observatory

A large radio telescope dish is silhouetted against a yellow sky at sunset, with scattered clouds and distant hills visible in the background.

Enter the land of silence at Green Bank Observatory, where cell service disappears and the universe takes center stage. Home to the world’s largest fully steerable radio telescope, this site has been unlocking cosmic secrets since 1957. Start at the Science Center for hands-on exhibits, a short film, and a guided tour that ends with an up-close look at the massive GBT. Afterward, recharge at the Starlight Café with coffee, salads, or burgers.

Cass Scenic Railroad State Park

A scenic train with green passenger cars emits smoke as it passes through a small town surrounded by autumn trees and hills. Historic buildings and parked cars are visible near the train tracks.

There’s no better way to experience fall in West Virginia than aboard a steam-driven locomotive on the Cass Scenic Railroad! Hop aboard a piece of history with a ride on the Greenbrier Express for a scenic 15-mile journey through the mountains. Train rides operate May through October, and if you want the full experience, book an overnight stay in one of the restored company houses that once housed the loggers.

Old Spruce Brewing

Three women wearing winter clothes sit at a wooden bar, smiling and laughing together. Drinks are on the table, and warm string lights create a cozy, festive atmosphere in the background.

Need to warm up after a day on the slopes? Unwind with a frothy brew and good grub at Old Spruce Brewing on Snowshoe Mountain. This laid-back local favorite serves up craft beer, comfort food, and live music almost daily. Sip on a Scotch Ale with notes of raisins and molasses, and order a plate of their famous candied cayenne bacon, and some beef brisket tacos.

Snowshoe Mountain

A skier in a bright yellow jacket carves down a snowy slope surrounded by snow-covered trees, with a scenic mountain landscape and cloudy blue sky in the background.

Snowshoe Mountain is where West Virginia brings the adventure year-round. In the winter, it’s all about skiing, snowboarding, and après vibes. Come summer, the mountain turns into a popular spot for mountain bikers with over 40 trails to explore. With restaurants, shops, and unique lodging options perched at the summit, you’ll find plenty of ways to fill your days (and nights). Just be sure to book early; this spot is buzzing in season.

Falls of Hills Creek

A waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff into a stream surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through the forest canopy.

Tucked in the Monongahela National Forest along the Highland Scenic Highway, the Falls of Hills Creek reward visitors with three stunning drops in a short 1.3-mile hike. The first cascade can be viewed from an ADA-accessible boardwalk, while stairs and forested paths lead deeper to 45- and 63-foot falls. In spring, rhododendrons bloom along the trail, adding bursts of color to the already lush setting. It’s a quick walk with a big payoff.

Cranberry Glades

A man and a woman walk on a wooden boardwalk through a lush, green forest with tall pine trees under a bright, partly cloudy sky.

The Cranberry Glades cover 750 acres of high-elevation bogs, a rare landscape you won’t see anywhere else in West Virginia. A wooden boardwalk winds right through the wetlands, making it easy to wander past mosses, wildflowers, and the occasional curious critter. Each season changes the scene, but autumn might steal the show when the bog transforms into a ruby-hued wonderland.

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Caroline Pete

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