Group & International Travel
West Virginia. Some call it the Mountain State. Others know it as Almost Heaven. Discover the unique culture, breathtaking scenic views, inspiring country roads and so much more waiting for you here in West Virginia.
The Perfect Stop on Your Southern Road Trip
West Virginia is centrally located between the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast United States. Located within a day’s drive of more than 75% of the U.S. population, West Virginia is a great spot for a getaway. The state has seven commercial airports with many offering direct flights to major international hubs daily, which makes getting here easy.
Almost Heaven, West Virginia
Whether you’re familiar with our mountains or a first-time traveler to these parts, here are a few facts about Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
West Virginia is the only state completely in the Appalachian Mountain Range, which earned West Virginia the nickname the “Mountain State.”
West Virginia is the third most forested state. 75% of the state is covered in forested land.
West Virginia is the only state born from the Civil War. It was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863 under a proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln. West Virginia is also the only state to be admitted under presidential proclamation.
The New River Gorge Bridge in Fayetteville is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It spans a length of 1,700 feet. Every October on Bridge Day, the bridge is closed to traffic while individuals parachute and BASE jump 876 feet off the bridge.
Mother’s Day was first observed as a holiday at Andrews Church in Grafton on May 10, 1908. It became a U.S. national holiday in 1914.
West Virginia Travel Regions
Travel Regions
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West Virginia is the only state that lies completely within the Appalachian Mountain range, hence the nickname “the Mountain State.” Its mountainous topography varies, giving each travel region a distinct identity worth exploring. Indulge in the Eastern Panhandle’s warm springs that George Washington once enjoyed, said to have a variety of health benefits; climb rugged, steep mountains peaking at over 4,000 feet in the Potomac Highlands, including the state’s highest peak at 4,863 feet; and explore mountain towns that are so tucked away, the cultures of their early settlers still remain, like the Swiss town of Helvetia. From gentle rolling farmland to deep gorges and canyons, the unique experiences in each region are all connected by scenic drives on our winding, country roads.