Area Attractions
The Allegheny Mountain range raises its lofty spine, with peaks rising to 4,000 feet, right down the center of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands. Much of this eight-county region is devoted to vast tracts of national and state forest and wilderness areas where wildlife, wetlands and rushing streams abound. Huge rock formations thrust themselves out of the earth, and miles of caves tunnel underneath. All of that makes the Potomac Highlands an unrivaled destination for outdoor adventures.
The variety is endless. Downhill skiing at a major Eastern resort, or quiet Nordic paths through a backcountry wonderland. Whitewater thrills, or peaceful floats along a lazy river. Biking terrain that is fast gaining a reputation as the best in the East. Hiking through deep woods or along high ridges. Birding and botanical diversity to delight and inspire. Unparalleled fishing and hunting. Rock climbing and spelunking. Scenic rail excursions.
With natural splendor to spare, the Potomac Highlands also holds much for lovers of history, shopping, fine dining, science, art, music and those who just want to cuddle up in a cozy cabin for a few days. Great outdoor adventures and good living come together in the Potomac Highlands.
Winter Games
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Thanks to a natural snow belt created by the Allegheny Front and plenty of new snowmaking technology, West Virginia's winter playgrounds are
All Aboard
What better way to see the Potomac Highlands than from an open train car? Three excursion railroads operate in the region, offering distinctly different rides…
On a Roll: Biking in West Virginia
Bicycling is no longer West Virginia's best- kept secret-it's arguably the fastest-growing outdoor activity in the Mountain State. That's good news, but it gets better…
Two-wheel Travel
Mountainous terrain to make you breathe hard, and natural beauty to take your breath away…
High and Low
The sheer sandstone face of Seneca Rocks, lunging skyward some 1,000 feet…
Going Downhill – or Cross-country
For many people, the Potomac Highlands is synonymous with skiing. If you like the thrill of a steep downhill, make your way to…
Spruce, Bogs and Berries
The Monongahela National Forest stretches over most of the Potomac Highlands. Within its 901,000 acres are the rhododendron and…
Living Forests
The Potomac Highlands, once a prized hunting ground for several Native American tribes, still abounds with whitetail deer, black bear,…
Sweet Streams
Dozens of waterways dear to anglers and paddlers begin in the Potomac Highlands, among them the mighty Cheat,…
Fair Fairways
Golf attains another dimension in the Potomac Highlands. Try the naturally rugged setting (and challenge) of the…
Put It in Park
Near the state's eastern border, Lost River State Park is rustic and full of history.
Folkways and Fine Arts
Outdoor exercise must feed creativity, for music, dance and the arts flourish in the Potomac Highlands.
Swiss Ingenuity and Crafters' Creativity
In a remote southwestern corner of Randolph County, the Swiss village of Helvetia preserves…
A Writer's Residence
You'll find arts, crafts and old-time music at Morning Star Folk Arts, and step back in time at…
Something Old, Something New
The first recorded settlement west of the Alleghenies, in 1747, was at Marlin's Bottom,…
Ancient and Antebellum History
Visit the largest Hopewell Indian burial mound east of the Ohio River, dating from 500 to 1,000 AD, at Romney's Indian Mound Cemetery, also the site of…
War Stories
Romney had a hard time of it during the Civil War – reeling from Union to Confederate control no less than 56 times.
Wine Tours
In the area east of the Allegheny Front, a low humidity/rainfall phenomenon called rain shadow makes…
Bed and Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
In the Potomac Highlands, outdoor adventure meets comfort. Excellent campgrounds are found throughout the region, as are affordable…