West Virginia - Wild and Wonderful

About West Virginia

West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.

Business

West Virginia is full of opportunity for any business with a growing economy and a highly dedicated workforce. Whether you are running an existing business or thinking of starting a new business you can find all of the information you need throughout this business section.

Education

West Virginia is fortunate to have a tremendous education system with a high standard of excellence. Please use the information provided here to learn more about the wealth of educational opportunities in our great state.

Employment

West Virginia is home to one of the finest workforces in the country based on our hard work and commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for new job opportunities, enhancing your job skills or researching future employment trends you can find all of the information you need throughout this employment section.

Family

West Virginia offers the perfect balance of a rural and urban setting that suits a variety of lifestyles. This is a state where you can go whitewater rafting in the morning, go to an art exhibit in the afternoon and attend a concert in the evening. Whether you just moved to the Mountain State or your family has been here since it was founded, you are part of our community.

Health

Maintaining proper health is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible. West Virginia strives to provide one of the best health care systems in the country that is affordable and available to all residents of the state. This section contains numerous resources to assist you in accessing the health care services provided in the state.

Tourism

Exhilarate in the lasting beauty and natural wonder scattered throughout West Virginia. From unmatched outdoor recreation to world-class resorts, breathtaking scenery and a variety of cultural and historic attractions, West Virginia is an ideal spot to plan your next adventure. Discover for yourself what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful.

 Discover Ideas for Festive Fall Excursions from West Virginia Division of Tourism 

10/1/2009 

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As the verdant days of summer change into the vibrant hues of fall, the West Virginia Division of Tourism offers ideas to discover the attractions of the state during this season.

“Each season brings a special beauty of its own to the Mountain State,” said Commissioner of Tourism Betty Carver. “The rustling leaves and crisp air add a sense of exhilaration to hikes through the parks, cabin getaways, pumpkin picking and fall festivals throughout the state. Visitors to West Virginia are able to enjoy the fall celebrations and recreational opportunities in scenic surroundings.”

With an estimated 80 percent of the state covered in forests, visitors will have plenty of fall foliage to choose from. Typically prime leaf-peeping season in West Virginia extends from late September to late October.

Travelers can choose from a range of activities for fall. Information on events and attractions is also available by calling the Tourism hotline at 800-CALL-WVA, visiting www.wvtourism.com or stopping by any Welcome Center in the state.

Here are highlights from a range of fall attractions in West Virginia.

Driving tours to view brilliant fall foliage
Whether visitors take a leisurely week to tour different regions of the state or plan a quick weekend getaway, they are sure to see one of the most spectacular palettes of autumn colors in the country.

West Virginia roads made for motorcycle excursions
West Virginia is covered with rolling hills, scenic mountain vistas and winding curves made for cruising. What better excuse do you need to saddle up your motorcycle and ride? To discover the routes and explore the highlights in each region, visit www.wvmountainrider.com.

Pick your own fun down on the farms in West Virginia
From pick-your-own pumpkins, corn mazes and other autumn activities, the Mountain State offers a generous selection of family fun. Spend the day on the farm, select the freshest West Virginia grown fruits and vegetables at a local market or join in the fall festivities at events throughout the state.
 

Bridge Day jumps into 30th anniversary celebration
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Bridge Day offers plenty of thrills on the New River Gorge Bridge on Oct. 17. The event is regarded as West Virginia's largest one-day event and the largest extreme sports event in the world. Activities include BASE jumping, rappelling and zipping 700 feet down the high line,
a rope attached to the bridge’s catwalk to the Fayette Station Road below.

Catch a train to rail adventure
Whether you enjoy the thrill of a special-themed ride or just want to enjoy the autumn scenery, West Virginia’s railways offer a variety of options that are sure to please. The mild temperatures and vibrant leaf colors of autumn make it an ideal time to ride the rails.

Discover hot spots for cool West Virginia weekend getaways
West Virginia can accommodate your weekend getaway needs, whether you yearn for a relaxing retreat, a romantic hideaway, or quick vacation adventure.

Get in the spirit with West Virginia Haunting
You don’t need a psychic to foretell where to find hair-raising fun and spooky haunts in West Virginia! Simply pick up a West Virginia Hauntings brochure or visit www.wvtourism.com/hauntings. Ghost Walks, Haunted Tours and Mothman await you.

Welcome Centers remain open

All of West Virginia’s staffed Welcome Centers remain open. Staff at Welcome Centers located at key points throughout the state can assist visitors with brochures, answers to questions and reservations for West Virginia hotels, motels, state parks and bed & breakfasts.

Contact Information

Tricia Sizemore 
304-558-2003, ext. 319 
tricia.t.sizemore@wv.gov