Road tripping in West Virginia is so stunning! These are the best routes to take in the Mountaineer State.
West Virginia is the only US state whose borders are entirely confined within the region of the Appalachians, North America’s oldest mountain range that spans more than 1,500 miles of land.
The state’s proximity to these mountains and its humid climate have led to the development of a community surrounded by thriving natural beauty. This state is host to an unending array of stunning vistas and sprawling ecosystems, making it an excellent destination for road trippers.
Monongahela National Forest
If you are planning to travel to West Virginia with hopes of exploring the greatest feats of nature it has to offer, you would be remiss to not visit the Monongahela National Forest. According to National Geographic, the region is considered to boast some of the highest rates of biological diversity in the entire continental United States.
Avid hikers can expect to come across a myriad of hiking trails that cover a stunning selection of terrains and environments. If you choose to go RV-tripping, you might end up staying there longer than you’ve expected. That’s why you should prepare beforehand and take plenty of food and perhaps one of the Predator generators so that you don’t have to worry about the issues with electricity.
Rock climbing hobbyists will also find themselves at home in this region which offers several fixed-anchor climbing routes across the Appalachians.
Morgantown
A West Virginian road trip is not complete without a visit to Morgantown. As a student town, the area is host to countless bars, clubs, and restaurants where entertainment in the form of good company or performance art is in no short supply.
On most nights, one can find musicians performing to hearty crowds throughout the town. On most days, West Virginia University’s acclaimed art museum is open for exploration with no entrance fee.
Pocahontas County
For a completely unique road tripping experience in West Virginia, you could venture down south to Pocahontas County where you may enter the 13,000 square miles of the National Radio Quiet Zone located in the town of Green Bank.
What’s special about this place is the fact that no gadgets that transmit electromagnetic frequencies are allowed to enter its perimeter; this means no phones, no cellular service, and no Wi-Fi. While you may not be able to bring your devices to Green Bank, its observatory is open to the public and features an interactive exhibit.
Preparing for Your Car for the Trip
West Virginia’s roads are long and mountainous, meaning pitstops are sometimes sparsely situated. For this reason, you should make sure to inspect the state of your vehicle before beginning your journey through the Mountain State.
One thing people often neglect to check is the quality of the gas sitting in their cars. Gas typically has a shelf-life of approximately 3 months and can cause your car to develop serious mechanical issues if it’s not replaced before driving.
Before you set off, check that your gas hasn’t expired, that you have decent tread on your tires, that your oil and water are topped up, and your car is running smoothly. If you notice any issues that could jeopardize your trip, take your car to an automotive services shop to have them fixed.
West Virginia Is One of the Best Road Trip Destinations for Nature Lovers
The Mountain State has been on the map as a key destination in the American backpacker’s guidebook for decades, and nothing about this has changed to this day. If you are planning your road trip through America, make sure that you visit this state!
While you are here, check out these surprising West Virginia facts. How many of them did you know?
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