West Virginia Tourism

West Virginia Tourism: Official Promotion of the State of West Virginia

West Virginia Tourism is the entity responsible for the official tourism promotion of the state of West Virginia, known as The Mountain State. Its website, wvtourism.com, serves as a central platform to showcase the destinations, accommodations, routes, and experiences the state offers, with the slogan Almost Heaven.

Outdoor Activities and Experiences

The promoted offerings cover a wide variety of adventure and recreation activities: aerial excursions, Almost Heaven Swings, ATV and off-roading, biking, camping, caverns, fishing, golf, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, motorsports, rock climbing, scenic trains, skiing and winter sports, stargazing, the Waterfall Trail, watersports, and whitewater rafting.

Luxury and relaxation options are also promoted, such as natural springs, off the grid accommodations, resorts, and spas. In the cultural and lifestyle realm, the site highlights arts, dining and drinks, farm-to-table experiences, history and heritage, music, nightlife and entertainment, shopping routes, and an events calendar.

Featured Destinations and Regions

The site focuses on destinations such as New River Gorge, the newest national park in the United States, with over 70,000 acres and the 876-foot-tall New River Gorge Bridge. It also mentions Harpers Ferry, at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers; Berkeley Springs, known as America's first spa town; Lewisburg; Fayetteville, gateway to the New River Gorge National Park; and the Potomac Highlands. Scenic routes are featured, including the one through the southern part of the state, the Eastern Panhandle route, and the Potomac Highlands route.

Accommodation and Trip Planning

The platform provides information on accommodations including cabins and vacation rentals, campsites, bed & breakfasts, hotels and motels, resorts, state parks, and vacation homes. Travelers can request a free vacation guide and access featured destinations and deals. A SWINGO bingo-style challenge card is also promoted to encourage exploration of the state.

Parks, Forests, and Natural Areas

West Virginia has 36 state parks, nine state forests, one national park, and a national forest of nearly one million acres, according to the information provided. The site groups resources on parks and public lands, public waters, wildlife management areas, national forests, and mountain towns.

Seasons and Nature

Seasonal promotion is a central focus: fall, with vibrant foliage as the third most forested state; winter, with snow, ice skating, and snow-capped mountain views; spring, with blooming rhododendrons, wildflower hikes, and waterfalls; and summer, with wide open spaces to explore. The site includes the option to download a virtual passport for the Waterfall Trail and earn exclusive prizes.

Official Store and Media Resources

There is an official online merchandise store with products from state parks and the Almost Heaven brand. For press and media inquiries, the site provides the email westvirginiamedia@milespartnership.com.