Things to do in West Virginia

If you haven't had enough fun at Mountaineer Adventure Park, there are plenty of other exciting attractions in the Franklin, WV area to explore. Extend your adventure by staying at the North Fork Mountain Inn just down the road.

Dry Run Spirits Distillery

Dry Run Spirits Distillery crafts small-batch, hand-distilled spirits in West Virginia. Guests can tour the distillery, learn about the distillation process, and sample unique Apple Pie Liqueur, Maple Moonshine, and Maple Nectar creations.

Video captured by Dale Boyce

Blackwater Falls State Park

Located in the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls. This 57-foot waterfall gets its unique coloration from the red spruce needles and tannic acid in the area. The falls are accessible from steps and several viewing platforms.

North Fork Mountain Trail

The most popular hiking trail in this area is the North Fork Mountain Trail. Offering ~24 miles of expansive ridge views, there are several route options and starting points. If you stay at the North Fork Mountain Inn, you can start the hike from the Inn to reach Chimney Top.

Spruce Knob

Located in the Monongahela National Forest, Spruce Knob is West Virginia’s highest point at 4,863 feet. Visitors can enjoy panoramic mountain views, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is a prominent 900-foot crag in the Allegheny Mountains, popular with rock climbers and hikers. Its unique formation offers spectacular views from the summit and a challenging scramble for adventurous visitors.

Nelson Rocks & the Via Ferrata

Nelson Rocks features dramatic sandstone cliffs and a thrilling Via Ferrata route, allowing climbers to safely navigate the vertical terrain using iron rungs and cables. Guided tours highlight the area’s natural beauty and rugged landscapes.

Smoke Hole Canyon

Carved by the South Branch of the Potomac River, Smoke Hole Canyon is a scenic gorge lined with cliffs and wildlife. Visitors can explore the area by hiking, kayaking, or simply taking in the peaceful vistas.

Seneca Caverns

Seneca Caverns is an underground wonder featuring spectacular limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Guided tours take visitors through the cave’s chambers, offering a cool, mysterious escape from the surface heat.