West Virginia

West Virginia State Travel Guide

North America

According to abbreviationfinder, West Virginia is located in the eastern United States, between Pennsylvania (north), Virginia (south and east), Maryland (east), and Ohio and Kentucky (west). The state is divided into eight regions, namely Northern Panhandle, Mountaineer Country, Potomac Highlands, Eastern Region, MidOhio Region, Lakes Region, Metro Region, and Newriver Region.

The Mountain State has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The mercury easily reaches 30 degrees Celsius in summer, while temperatures hover around -5°C in winter. Annually there is about 110 cm of rain, and in the west about 50 cm and in the mountains about 125 cm of snow fall from the sky. May through September are the best months to go to West Virginia. The months of June and July are also holidays for Americans and Canadians, so expect sudden increases in waiting times and prices.

Flora and fauna

This hilly state can be divided in two, with the Appalachians on the east side and the Allegheny Plateau on the west. The many forests are filled with tree species such as oak, maple, poplar, walnut, hickory, birch, hemlock, pine and spruce. Rhododendrons, laurel, dogwood, redbud and pussy willow thrive on the ground. Mammals found here include white-tailed deer, skunk, rabbit and black bear, raccoon, marmot, oppossum, squirrel, and red and gray fox. Common bird species include hawks, owls, cardinals, tufted tits, tanagers, catbirds and thrushes, as well as game such as pheasants, grouse, quail and wild turkeys. Fish species such as brown trout, rainbow trout, black bass can be found in the waters. Venomous snakes, such as the copperhead and rattlesnake, also live here.

Main cities

According to countryaah, the state capital of West Virginia is Charleston, in addition to larger cities such as Huntington, Parkersburg, Wheeling, and Morgantown.

Nature

West Virginia is a dream for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Although it does not own a National Park, the state is overflowing with pristine nature. Monongahela National Forest (PHOTO ABOVE) hugs the backbone of the Appalachian Mountains and contains some of the region’s most rugged wildlife. In addition, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests overlap West Virginia in The Potomac Highlands and the South, respectively.

Rafting

Lovers of swirling streams and splashing water will head to the New River Gorge National River and The Cheat, a vicious stream in northeastern West Virginia, as soon as possible. The Gauley River is also a popular destination for rafting.

Harpers Ferry

Harpers Ferry National Historic Park is not only a beautiful place where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet, but also a historically valuable memorial. In 1859, black revolutionary John Brown started a revolt that was quickly and bloodily nipped in the bud. During the Civil War that followed, the town would change sides eight times and became a symbol of the battle between North and South.

West Virginia