We recently had the opportunity to partner with the West Virginia Department of Tourism on a trip to this beautiful state, and we can honestly say that it was an experience of a lifetime. The spring is a beautiful time to visit due to the blooming flowers, mild weather, and outdoor activities. We had the best time seeing vibrant wildflowers and mountains painted with colorful shades of green. The state is known for its scenic drives, and spring is the perfect time to witness them. I think we said the phrase “wow it’s so green” at least a dozen times.

Below, we have shared how to spend a weekend full of wonderful scenery, hikes, and dining.

Day 1: We flew into Pittsburgh and started our 1 hour scenic drive to Morgantown, WV. We then checked in to our hotel, Hotel Morgan.

Over its long history, Hotel Morgan in Morgantown, WV, has hosted many famous guests, such as John F. Kennedy. This is a gorgeous historical hotel with so much character.

We ended the day with dinner & brews at Mountain State Brewing Company and sunset atop Sky Rock at Dorsey’s Knob Park.

Day 2: We started the day with coffee & breakfast at Mountaineer Roasting Co. This spot had great açaí bowls and the coffee was freshly roasted.

We then headed to the West Virginia Botanic Garden. The Botanic Garden is a 82-acre facility that offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of natural habitats, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. The Garden is also home to several water features, including streams, ponds, and waterfalls.

Next, we had lunch at Iron Horse Tavern and had a wonderful BBQ sandwich. We then made our way towards Cooper’s Rock State Forest. This was our favorite part of the trip. The forest is home to several overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. One of the most popular overlooks is the Cooper’s Rock Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge

We also hiked Raven Rock Trail at Cooper’s Rock which was a 2.5 mile out-and-back hike. These cliffside views were amazing as we watched birds soar above us.

You can also grab an instagrammable photo at one of the Almost Heaven swings at Cooper’s Rock State Forest. We headed back to Morgantown and ended a great second day at Morgantown Brewing Company.

Day 3: We started the day with coffee and breakfast (of course) at River Birch Cafe. We had breakfast burritos and cake balls that were heavenly. Important note: cake balls and coffee might be the best combo of all times.

Next we headed to Prickett’s Fort State Park. This historical park historical park commemorates late 18th-century life and features a reconstruction of the original Prickett’s Fort, which served as a place of refuge during colonial times.

We then had a blast biking around the park and exploring the various trails.

Next, we headed to Valley Falls State Park. This is a great place to pack a picnic or take a leisurely stroll.

We headed back to Morgantown, made a very important stop at The Poky Dot, and ended the evening at Table 9.

Day 4: On our last day we had brunch at Terra Cafe and took a stroll around Cheat Lake. We were the only people at the lake. It served as a peaceful moment to reflect on our trip and take in the beauty of WV before we headed to the airport.

We are so thankful for our time exploring West Virginia. We can’t wait to be back soon.