WV Entertainment

West Virginia’s nickname is the Mountain State for a good reason.  The Appalachian Mountains run through the eastern part of the state, and the rest of it is covered in their rolling foothills.   There are plenty of great sights in West Virginia, some of which are just a short drive from Morgantown. We list some of the better ones below.

Local Recreation

Coopers Rock State Park

Coopers Rock State Forest : Just 15 minutes from Morgantown, this is the best local sightseeing experience offering more than 50 miles of hiking trails that weave along overhanging rocks and beautiful scenery.  Visiting the overlook is a must.

Dorsey’s Knob : If you don’t want to leave Morgantown, head over to Dorsey’s Knob for  a short visit to the park’s “Sky Rock” that overlooks a large portion of Morgantown and the rolling hills that surround it.

Cheat River whitewater rafting : If you want to take a whitewater rafting adventure, then take a short drive to Cheat River.  Be sure to schedule ahead of time.

Whitewater rafting on the Cheat

Pricketts Fort : Great for history buffs or those interested in 1700’s settlers and Native Americans. This park features a fort built by the Prickett family, and has costumed interpreters who demonstrate what daily life was like at the time. Located in Fairmont.

Valley Falls : This local state park is a great way to relax after the wildness of a Mountaineer football game. It features natural waterfalls and whitewater overlooks that are great for picnics. The park also offers hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

WV Recreation

Blackwater Falls

If you are staying for an extra day or two, you may want to consider exploring a little beyond the borders of Morgantown and into West Virginia’s true wilderness. A large number of the following are found in the Monongahelia National Forest, so you may want to plan a trip there and see them all. Note: the Monongahelia National Forest is quite large, so there will be travel time between destinations.

Blackwater Falls : Country roads, take me home. You won’t understand those lyrics until you take a trip into the mountains, and making the trip to Blackwater Falls is the perfect opportunity.  At about 70 miles away, the trip will set you back 1.5 to 2 hours, but the total experience is well worth it.

Canaan Valley : A ski resort about 10 miles from Blackwater Falls.

Seneca Rock

Spruce Knob and Mountains : Not only the highest point in West Virginia, it is also the highest point in all of the Allegheny Mountains. If you are already making the trip to Blackwater Falls, you may want to drive the extra hour to see this as well. In the process, you’ll see more of the mountains that line the Monongahelia National Forest.

Smokehole Caverns and Seneca Rocks : One of the most iconic land formations in WV is Seneca Rock. Hiking and rock climbing activities are available. It’s also very close to Smokehole Caverns, which offers tours of the caves with some record breaking formations.

New River Gorge Bridge

New River Gorge Bridge : Another state icon, this one is featured on the WV State Quarter. Originally the world’s longest arch bridge, it is now the third longest and fifth highest in the world. Combined with the WV Mountains, it is a sight to behold. While this one is a bit further away (about 2.5 hours), it’s a great choice for fans making the road trip up through WV.

Snowshoe : A great skiing resort destination. Because of its location in the mountains, this one will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours from Morgantown.

The Greenbrier Hotel

The Greenbrier : Opened in 1778, this hotel has hosted U.S. presidents, tycoons, and stars as well as having historical significance, serving as a bunker for Congress during the Cold War. Visitors now play golf and enjoy the first-class spa. It is a top rated Forbes and AAA luxury resort. Located at the opposite end of the state, this one is an option for fans traveling up through the state.

Local Shopping and Entertainment

The nearest mall worth visiting is the Morgantown Mall with a cinema and food court. Take our word and don’t bother visiting the Mountaineer Mall. 
Suncrest Towne Centre is Morgantown's newest shopping development. It offers shopping and dining, and it is very close to the stadium. 

The University Town Center, just off the WVU exit of I-79 also offers shopping options and includes a movie theater.

The Glenmark Center offers some additional shopping options and is located just off of exit #7 on I-68.

Theaters and Music:

Coal Country Mini Golf

Hollywood Theaters

Carmike Cinemas

123 Pleasant Street (Nightlife—features great local music)

Bowling:

Suburban Lanes –close to the stadium and connected to Kegler’s Sports Bar.

Sycamore Lanes: a quieter alternative.

Mini-golf:

Coal Country : If you want to play a little putt-putt while learning about WV’s rich coal history first hand, then visit this oddity right off of I-79. It features obstacles made from actual mining equipment. 

Up next: Game Day, bring on the Mountaineers!

Or back to the guide.