Virginia/West Virginia Monongahela Forest


  • Miles:
  • 370
  • |
  • Begin: Hillsboro, WV
  • |
  • End: Nitro, WV
11
Attractions


The first place to visit along this tour of western Virginia and West Virginia is the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace Museum. The famous writer was the first woman to win both the Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes in literature. See Droop Mountain Battlefield, the site of the largest Civil War battle (November, 1963). Next, travel to the Monongahela National Forest and visit Cranberry Glades, a botanical area home to plants that typically grow only in the Canadian tundra. Continue north to Charleston and tour the state capitol building. The capitol boasts a 300-foot-high dome and is made of steel and smooth limestone. The building was designed by the architect of the U.S. Treasury and U.S. Supreme Court buildings, Cass Gilbert.

Pearl Buck Birthplace photo 1

Pearl Buck Birthplace

Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013

The home where the noted American author of The Good Earth and other books was born has been turned into a museum that takes people back to 1892. Guides in period costume lead visi...

Watoga State Park photo 2

Watoga State Park

Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013

This mountainous park covers over 10,100 acres. There are forty miles of hiking trails and separate skiing trails. The park maintains rental cabins, campgrounds with campsites (som...

Droop Mountain Battlefield photo 3

Droop Mountain Battlefield

Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013

This state park commemorates the last major Civil War battle in West Virginia, and presents a reenactment of the historic Battle of Droop Mountain on even numbered years. Its mount...

Monongahela National Forest photo 4

Monongahela National Forest

Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013

With one of the highest ridges in the state of West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest provides a wonderful backdrop to botanic wonders and wildlife. You'll have a chance to...

Cranberry Glades photo 5

Cranberry Glades

Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013

This cluster of wetlands is not only perfect for nature lovers – it’s an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll in West Virginia. You’ll be amazed to see the species of plants in the 750...

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine photo 6

Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine

Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013

The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Sites, comprises over 1500 feet of a subterranean coal mine that dates from the late 19th c...

Babcock State Park photo 7

Babcock State Park

Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013

Babcock State Park covers 4,127 acres. With waterfalls, a fast flowing trout stream, and mountainous vistas, the park has a hilly and wooded terrain that includes 20 miles of hikin...

Glade Creek Grist Mill photo 8

Glade Creek Grist Mill

Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013

The Glade Creek Grist Mill offers a relaxing yet rugged backdrop to nature. Completed in 1976, this mill was created by combining three existing mills, including one from 1890. Tak...

Charleston State Capitol photo 9

Charleston State Capitol

Last Modified: Apr 25, 2013

It took eight years and more than $10 million to build this architectural wonder, and with a dome engraved in 14 karat gold, this classical-style building was worth the effort. Off...

Charleston Cultural Center photo 10

Charleston Cultural Center

Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013

Open for more than three decades, this center proudly displays artistic, literary, and cultural masterpieces in West Virginia. The events and festivals offered are both educational...

Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center photo 11

Tri-State Racetrack and Gaming Center

Last Modified: Apr 24, 2013

They're off and running year-round at this track. Enjoy pari-mutuel wagering on live greyhound racing as well as simulcasts of Thoroughbred horse and dog races. Gaming opportunitie...

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