Explore West Virginia United States

Explore West Virginia United States

What is the best time to travel to West Virginia

The best time to travel to West Virginia depends on your interests and what you want to do while you are there. Here is a general overview of what to expect during different seasons in West Virginia:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a great time to visit West Virginia if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and whitewater rafting. The weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak season in West Virginia, with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor festivals and events. This is a great time for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, and hiking.

Fall (September to November): Fall is one of the most popular times to visit West Virginia, as the leaves on the trees change to vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. This is a great time for scenic drives, hiking, and visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards.

Winter (December to February): Winter is a quieter time to visit West Virginia, with fewer crowds and the possibility of snow. This is a great time for skiing and snowboarding at one of the state’s ski resorts.

Overall, the best time to travel to West Virginia is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, each season has its own unique charms, so it really depends on your personal preferences.

How to get to West Virginia

There are several ways to get to West Virginia, depending on where you are coming from:

By Air: The major airport in West Virginia is Yeager Airport, located in Charleston. Yeager offers non-stop flights to several major cities in the eastern United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Other regional airports in West Virginia include Morgantown Municipal Airport, North Central West Virginia Airport, Greenbrier Valley Airport, and Tri-State Airport.

By Car: West Virginia is accessible by car via several major highways, including Interstates 64, 77, and 79. These highways connect West Virginia to neighboring states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia.

By Train: The Amtrak Cardinal line passes through West Virginia, with stops in Charleston, Huntington, and White Sulphur Springs.

By Bus: Greyhound and Megabus offer bus service to several cities in West Virginia, including Charleston and Morgantown.

Once you arrive in West Virginia, you can use a combination of transportation options, such as car rentals, public transportation, and taxis, to get around the state.

How to get around West Virginia

West Virginia has several transportation options for travelers:

By Car: Driving is the most common way to get around West Virginia, especially if you want to explore the state’s scenic backroads and small towns. There are several car rental agencies at airports and other locations throughout the state.

Public Transportation: West Virginia has several public transportation systems, including the Mountain Line Transit Authority in Morgantown, the Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority in the Eastern Panhandle, and the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority in the Charleston area. These systems offer bus service within the cities and to nearby areas.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in some parts of West Virginia, especially in larger cities like Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown.

Trains: The Amtrak Cardinal line passes through West Virginia, with stops in Charleston, Huntington, and White Sulphur Springs.

Airports: If you need to travel long distances within the state, you can fly into one of West Virginia’s regional airports and rent a car or take a taxi to your final destination.

While transportation options may be limited in some parts of West Virginia, a combination of these options can help you get around the state and see all that it has to offer.

National Airports

West Virginia has one major international airport and several smaller regional airports. The major airport is:

Yeager Airport (CRW) – located in Charleston, WV, Yeager Airport is the largest airport in the state, offering non-stop flights to major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington D.C.

Other regional airports in West Virginia include:

Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) – located in Morgantown, WV, this airport offers regional flights to several cities in the northeastern United States.

North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) – located in Bridgeport, WV, this airport offers flights to several cities in the eastern United States.

Greenbrier Valley Airport (LWB) – located in Lewisburg, WV, this airport offers regional flights to several cities in the eastern United States.

Tri-State Airport (HTS) – located in Huntington, WV, this airport offers flights to several cities in the eastern United States.

While these airports may not offer as many flight options as larger international airports, they can be a convenient option for travelers visiting specific regions of West Virginia.

Trains in West Virginia

West Virginia does not have any passenger train services within the state. However, Amtrak’s Cardinal line passes through West Virginia on its route between New York City and Chicago. The Cardinal stops at the following cities in West Virginia:

Charleston – Capitol Street Station

Huntington – Huntington Station

White Sulphur Springs – White Sulphur Springs Station

While the Cardinal line does not offer frequent service, it can be a convenient option for travelers heading to or from West Virginia along the eastern corridor of the United States.

Buses in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several bus options for travelers:

Greyhound: Greyhound offers bus service to several cities in West Virginia, including Charleston, Morgantown, and Wheeling.

Megabus: Megabus offers service to Morgantown, with connections to several other cities in the eastern United States.

Mountain Line Transit Authority: This is the public transportation system in Morgantown, which offers bus service within the city and to nearby areas.

Eastern Panhandle Transit Authority: This is the public transportation system in the Eastern Panhandle region of West Virginia, serving cities like Martinsburg and Charles Town.

Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority: This is the public transportation system in the Charleston area, offering bus service within the city and to nearby areas.

While bus service in West Virginia may not be as frequent or extensive as in larger metropolitan areas, it can be a convenient and affordable option for travelers looking to get around the state.

Accommodations in West Virginia

West Virginia offers a variety of accommodations to fit different budgets and preferences. Here are some options:

Hotels and Motels: There are many hotels and motels throughout West Virginia, ranging from budget options to luxury resorts. You can find familiar chain hotels in larger cities or small, locally owned properties in smaller towns.

Bed and Breakfasts: West Virginia has many charming bed and breakfasts located in historic homes or rural settings. These accommodations often offer a more personalized experience and can provide a taste of local culture.

Cabins and Cottages: For a more secluded and rustic experience, consider renting a cabin or cottage. These can be found in state parks, national forests, and other natural areas throughout the state.

Campgrounds: West Virginia has many campgrounds and RV parks, including those in state and national parks. These offer a great way to experience the natural beauty of the state and are often more affordable than other options.

Vacation Rentals: Vacation rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO offer a variety of unique and often affordable accommodations, from treehouses to farmhouses.

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, it’s best to book in advance, especially during peak season or if you are traveling during a popular event or festival.