5 Reasons West Virginia is the Perfect Screen-Free Summer Destination
While scrolling through stunning #AlmostHeaven content on your social media feed, have you ever wanted to jump through your screen and be here for yourself? West Virginia is the perfect place to disconnect and explore everything that makes the Mountain State a hidden gem.
Here’s why West Virginia is the perfect screen-free summer destination.
1. The views are incredible
West Virginia’s terrain varies between all nine travel regions, which means that there is a view that everyone can enjoy. At the end of the easy 1.6-mile (one-way) Long Point Trail at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, you’ll be stunned by the panoramic view of the New River Gorge Bridge. For a jaw-dropping view of the Cheat River Canyon, follow the stone pathway to the main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest. This iconic overlook is located less than 15 miles away from Morgantown.
Between these views and countless others across Almost Heaven, you’ll have no reason to check your phone anytime soon.
2. Outdoor recreation is everywhere
When you’re outside in West Virginia, you’ll find a way to become one with the peace and quiet. Go on a scenic hike in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area, and you’ll never want to leave. Seneca Rocks ascends nearly 900 feet and is a beloved destination amongst hikers and rock climbers worldwide. Go whitewater rafting at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve with local outfitters including Adventures on the Gorge and ACE Adventure Resort. For the ultimate off-roading adventure, head to Hatfield-McCoy Trail System – the most extensive trail system in the east. Made up of 11 trails and counting, this system cuts through the mountainous terrain of West Virginia and covers more than a thousand miles.
3. Historic towns take you back in time
When you step into a historic West Virginia town, time slows down, and your digital detox thrives. Charming Eastern Panhandle towns like Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown and Martinsburg have some of West Virginia’s most historic sites, with several buildings standing since before the state’s birth in 1863. Berkeley Springs in Morgan County is another landmark town worth exploring. George Washington was a regular visitor to the area and an advocate of the spring’s curative powers. Explore the Greenbrier County town of Lewisburg, famous for its variety of local dining options and historic theaters.
4. Locals love to show you around
Why scramble at the last minute on your phone looking at reviews for nearby restaurants and shops when you can hear more personal (and friendly) experiences from a seasoned local? Suppose you’re looking for a list of delicious dining options to plan your day in Fayetteville. In that case, chances are good that you’ll be recommended to the spirited Cathedral Cafe for breakfast, the trendy Secret Sandwich Society for lunch and a tasty Pies & Pints pizza for dinner. What about unique hotel options in Morgantown? Hotel Morgan and Euro-Suites Hotel will likely be among the first mentioned in the conversation. Feel like a local yet?
5. You’ll be busy checking adventures off your bucket list
Unless your home screen is a picture of Dolly Sods Wilderness or the view from your cat walk across the New River Gorge Bridge with Bridge Walk, it’s hard to see how a screen could rob your attention here. Ascend the mountains of the Potomac Highlands with NRocks Outdoor Adventures, where you can rock climb on the Via Ferrata. This climbing route contains metal rungs that stick out of the rocks and cables to hook into as you climb. You’ll also enjoy exploring Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park in Parkersburg, the only West Virginia State Park that’s on an Island. Take a 20-minute sternwheel riverboat ride to Blennerhassett Island – where you can tour a replica of the original 1800s Palladian mansion and go on a horse and carriage ride.
Bonus: you can go off the grid…literally
Want to explore somewhere without a signal in sight? Green Bank in Pocahontas County is located within the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ), designated to protect the sensitive Green Bank Observatory from radio-frequency interference. The 485-foot-tall telescope is the most accurate, versatile, large-dish radio telescope in the world and makes significant contributions to astronomy research. Let out your inner geek, take a bus tour of the unique campus and explore the entire observatory for yourself.
Are you ready for your screen-free summer adventure in Almost Heaven? Request your FREE West Virginia Vacation Guide and plan your trip today!
More Digital Detox InspoLess Screen Time, More You Time in #AlmostHeaven ☀️
This post was last updated on May 2, 2025