The top historical attraction in the state is Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (tel. 304/535-6029; www.nps.gov/hafe), whose 2,300 acres actually cover three states, though the primary historic sites are in West Virginia, in the historic town of Harpers Ferry. It was here that ardent abolitionist John Brown launched a raid of the federal arsenal (which supplied guns for Lewis and Clark's famous expedition), as an attack on slavery. It was also here that Stonewall Jackson secured the largest surrender of Union troops (over 12,000 of them) during the Civil War. The town still looks as it did in the 19th century, and many of the historic buildings are open to the public; there are lots of quaint shops and restaurants on the premises as well. Stop in at the Cavaliers Visitors Center, off U.S. 340 (tel. 304/535-6298), for assistance in planning your visit.
Hikers should head for the Appalachian Trail Conference, 799 Washington St., Harpers Ferry (tel. 304/535-6331; www.appalachiantrail.org), the headquarters for the Appalachian Trail, for information, maps, and advice on hiking the famous trail.
Once you've worked your muscles into a frenzy, head to historic Berkeley Springs (tel. 800/447-8797 or 304/258-9147; www.berkeleysprings.com), a quirky town that's a haven for artists, and where massage therapists outnumber lawyers three to one. George Washington was among the first of many visitors who came to "take the waters" at the first spa town in the country. Today it's still a popular a place to kick back and relax. Berkeley Springs Historic State Park (tel. 304/258-2711; www.berkeleyspringssp.com), whose bathhouse opened in 1930, is still a working mineral spa today. Luxuriate in the Roman-style baths or take advantage of the health treatments; prices are extremely reasonable. Once you've soaked and relaxed, browse the town's many art galleries and antiques shops.
For those of a more scientific bent, the state's Potomac Highlands region is home to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Route 92/28 in Green Bank (tel. 304/456-0211; www.nrao.edu/epo), which houses the world's largest radio telescope and several hands-on exhibits dealing with radio waves and space exploration. Tours of the facility are offered daily in summer.
When it comes to outdoor recreation, West Virginia offers more activities and opportunities than most outdoor enthusiasts can hope to take advantage of. More than three million visitors a year take advantage of some of the best wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding in the state at the exceptional Monongahela National Forest, 200 Sycamore St., Elkins (tel. 304/636-1800; www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf). Civil War buffs can also drive the park's Auto Tour, featuring stops at historic sites such as Fort Summit and Camp Allegheny. Be sure to stop at the park's Seneca Rocks Discovery Center (tel. 304/567-2827), at the base of the exceptionally scenic Seneca Rocks cliffs off I-33, which attract rock climbers from all over the country.
Two state parks just north of the National Forest on Highway 32 -- Canaan Valley Resort (tel. 800/622-4121 or 304/866-4121; www.canaanresort.com) and Backwater Falls State Park (tel. 304/259-5216; www.blackwaterfalls.com) -- offer first-class downhill and cross-country skiing in winter, and fabulous mountain biking and hiking trails in summer. The best skiing in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states, as well as superior mountain biking trails, can be found at Snowshoe Mountain, 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe (tel. 877/441-4386; www.snowshoemtn.com), an 11,000-acre resort in the scenic Allegheny Mountains.
If you prefer watersports, head straight for the southeast section of the state to the New River Gorge National River Recreation Area, off I-64 (tel. 304/574-2115 or 304/466-0417; www.nps.gov/neri). Here you'll find the best white-water rapids in the eastern U.S., as well as numerous other recreational activities, from horseback riding and hiking, to fishing and boating. Be sure to stop at the year-round Canyon Rim Visitor Center, off Route 19 just north of the New River Gorge Bridge, where you'll find exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area, and several rangers who dispense valuable information and offer guided walks several times a year. Contact the Tourism Division for information on the numerous reputable outfitters who service the region if you're interested in a guided raft trip or other organized tour.
For a different sort of scenic tour, head over to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Route 66 (tel. 304/456-4300; www.cassrailroad.com), which encompasses a historic early-20th-century logging town, but whose prime attraction is a vintage steam train ride amid the West Virginia mountains. Head here in the fall for breathtaking foliage.
