Vacation Rentals in West Virginia

West Virginia is a state on the eastern coast of the United States known for its civil war history and fantastic hiking opportunities. The area was once part of the larger Virginia State, which separated over disputes surrounding slavery at the time of the American Civil War. The state is bordered by five states including Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. The area is known for its mountainous terrain, part of which passes through the famous Appalachian Trail which runs from Maine to Georgia. Most visitors to West Virginia choose to take advantage of the area's rich natural beauty with many vacation rental cabins available in cities like Harper's Ferry, Roanoke, and Harrisonburg. The state is generally lacking in public transportation infrastructure, so it's advised that tourists arrange their own transportation vehicle to get the most out of their trip to West Virginia.

Lace up your boots and prepare for some of the most unspoiled scenery in the entire United States. West Virginia boasts the three closest national parks in the country, allowing visitors to completely immerse themselves in 100,000 acres of river valley. Seneca is one of the most popular destinations as it features both a complicated rock face for experienced climbers, as well as a labyrinth of limestone caverns which were once used by Seneca Indians.

Some of the most well-known battles of the Civil War were fought in West Virginia, which the state honors with many memorials, monuments, and reenactments throughout the year. The Civil War Discovery Trail operates 14 sites within West Virginia which focus on specific moments of the war including the Bulltown Historic Area, Jackson's Mill, Fort Mulligan, Cheat Summit Fort, and Harper's Ferry.

Being a coal-industry state, one of the most uniques souvenirs you can take home is a coal sculpture. Some of the items available for sale include jewelry and coal figurines of famous local characters. The best coal sculptures can be found along the Coal Heritage Trail which runs from Bluefield to Beckley and also features an Exhibition Coal Mine.

The Potomac Highlands in the eastern pan handle of West Virginia served as an important backdrop for many important events in America's history. Probably the most notable historical monument can be found at Harper's Ferry, a town who changed hands eight times between 1861 and 1865 due to its strategic location at the point where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet. The Potomac Highlands are characterized by rugged mountains and flat valleys, with several water gaps where rivers or streams have cut through to provide important historical transportation functionality. Some of the most popular outdoor hiking, climbing, and camping opportunities include Seneca Rock, Smoke Hole Caverns, and North Fork Mountain.

Made famous by noted travel writer Bill Bryson's memorial hike, the Appalachian Trail covers 2,200 miles of trails from Georgia to Maine. The main section of the trail which cuts through West Virginia is located near Harper's Ferry and also hosts the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center. Hikers should take note that there are no formal camping grounds at Harper's Ferry, though there are many vacation rental options within the city center.

Located in Charleston, the capital of West Virginia--this historic district is filled with eclectic architectural gems ranging from Queen Anne Victorians to Greek revival houses dating back to 1815. Easily spend an afternoon transported back into the states' intercultural history as you explore a mix of mainly brick-laid houses. The East End Historic District is located in the old heart of Charleston, close to many government administrative buildings, restaurants, museums, and parks.

Get that European vacation you're looking for right in Georgia's mountain peaks at the Swiss-themed town of Helvetia. The area was settled in 1869 by Swiss immigrants who worked tirelessly to keep their traditions and culture alive. Most visitors come to unwind and appreciate the slower pace of rural life. Helvetia features 10 meticulously maintained historic buildings, with annual events and celebrations such as the Maple Syrup Festival, Community Fair, and the Swiss equivalent of Mardi Gras named Fasnacht.