West Virginia Geography

According to ehangzhou, West Virginia is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is therefore also known as the Mountain State. Once the northwestern part of Virginia, West Virginia separated from during the Civil War and henceforth formed an independent state. The capital is Charleston. The area of ​​West Virginia covers an area of ​​approximately 62,755 square kilometers. West Virginia is an average of 455 meters above sea level, making it the highest US state east of the Mississippi. At 1,427 meters, the Spruce Knob is the highest point in the state. The lowest point of West Virginia is 73 meters above sea level on the banks of the Potomac River.

West Virginia borders Ohio to the northwest. The northern neighbor state is Pennsylvania. To the northeast, West Virginia shares a border with Maryland. The state is bounded by Virginia to the east and south-east. In the southwest is Kentucky. Important border rivers are the Ohio and Potomac Rivers.

West Virginia lies entirely within the Appalachian Mountains and therefore shaped by the landscape of the massif. The Appalachians – Appalachian Mountains – are a wooded low mountain range in the east of North America. It extends over a length of about 2,400 kilometers and extends from the Canadian province of Quebec all the way to Alabama.

West Virginia has one of the densest karst areas the earth on. Its topographical diversity makes it popular with those looking for relaxation, athletes and scientists alike. West Virginia not only offers numerous opportunities for skiers, mountain bikers and fans of white water rafting, but with its waters and forests it is also a paradise for anglers and hunters. And cave explorers will find a wide range of activities in West Virginia.

More than 75 percent of the national territory is divided between the Cumberland Plateau and the Allegheny Plateau. The Cuberland Plateau occupies the southern part of the Appalachian Plateau. In addition to West Virginia, it extends over parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. With the Allegheny Plateau to the northeast, the Cumberland Plateau forms the western edge of the central mountain ranges of the Appalachians. The two plateaus owe their names to the largest rivers they flow through, the approximately 1,106-kilometer-long Cumberland River and the approximately 523-kilometer-long Allegheny River.

In the eastern part of the state, on the border with Virginia, lies the Monogahela National Forest. There is also the Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state. The Spruce Knob is part of the Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area. The New River George runs south of the forest area. Its 300 meter deep gorge can only be reached by water and is a popular place for rafting. Part of the gorge is managed by the National Park Service. There are only 15 rivers in the United States that benefit from such protection.

West Virginia Landmarks

Tourism plays an important role in West Virginia. The American state has a wide variety of sights and attractions to offer its visitors.

The Tygarts Vally Presbyterian Church should not be missed. This is a Presbyterian church near Elkins, built in 1883. Another Presbyterian church that is still in great shape today is the Old Stone Presbyterian Church. The church dates from 1796.

A visit to the New River Gorge Bridge is certainly interesting. This is a one kilometer long arched bridge right next to Beckly. The Bents Run Covered Bridge is a wooden bridge that is still used today. The special thing about the bridge is that it was built back in 1889. Another bridge that is worth visiting is the Herns Mill Covered Bridge from 1884. The bridge is 18 meters long.
It is also worth visiting the Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge from 1889. The bridge has a length of 33 meters.

You can learn about the history of West Virginia at the West Virginia State Museum.

The West Virginia State Capitol Complex is impressive. This is a capitol with a gold dome in Charlestown.

However, the American state also has natural beauty to offer. So you shouldn’t miss the New River Gorge. This is a well-known gorge three hundred meters deep.

Cathedral Falls is one of Beckley’s most spectacular waterfalls. The Seneca Rocks are an impressive rock formation near Elkins.

Beartown State Park is an eroded, rocky peaks near White Sulfur Springs that is not to be missed.

West Virginia Geography