Capitol Dome.  The dome of the West Virginia State Capitol Building, Charleston, West Virginia.  At 292 feet in height (four and one half feet taller than the nation's capitol), one of the most beautiful state capitols in the United States.  Here, the impressive gold and grey dome, framed by trees, is accentuated by the pure blue sky of a perfect June day.  The dome was completely refurbished in 2005, replacing the former all gold finish.

Glade Creek Grist Mill.  Probably the most often photographed scene in West Virginia, the Glade Creek Grist Mill is located in Babcock State Park in Fayette County, WV, and has become an icon for the Mountain State.

Built in 1976, Glade Creek Grist Mill was built as a recreation of the original mill, Cooper's Mill, which stood on the site of the present Administration Building at Babcock.  The mill was created by combining parts of three old mills originally located in various parts of the state.  The basic structure is from Stoney Creek Grist Mill (1890), which was located  near Campbelltown in Pocahontas County.  The water wheel came from the Spring run Grist Mill near Petersburg, Grant County, and other parts came from the Onego Grist Mill near Seneca Rocks in Pendleton County.  An actual working mill, visitors can watch cornmeal and buckwheat flour being ground and then purchase these products.  At the turn of the century, over 500 such mills dotted the Mountain State landscape.

Lindy Point, Tucker County, WV.  To reach Lindy Point, exit Blackwater Falls State Park via the Canaan Loop Road (near the cabin area).  Canaan Loop road is not maintained very well, and four wheel drive is recommended.  After a short drive, there is a small parking area on the right.  A short hike from here on an easy trail takes about ten minutes to the overlook.  The lone rock tower on the left is known as the Blackwater Sentry.

Sunrise at Grandview State Park, near Beckley, WV.  This is from the main overlook at the park, which offers a stunning view the New River Gorge.  Grandview is also home to the Cliffside Amphitheatre, which hosts the popular "Honey in the Rock" and "Hatfields and McCoys" outdoor dramas June through August.

Blackwater Falls, Summer.  Blackwater Falls, in Blackwater Falls State Park, Tucker County, WV.  The most familiar natural landmark in West Virginia.  Although not the highest waterfall in the state, the Blackwater River's spectacular five-story plunge is certainly the most picturesque.  A relatively short hike down a well-maintained boardwalk leads to various view of the falls.

The "black" in Blackwater is from the dark amber color of the water, caused by tannic acid, resulting from fallen red spruce and hemlock needles.

Upper Falls of the Left Fork of the Holly River, Holly River State Park, Webster County, WV.  A boardwalk and series of steps provide relatively easy access to these falls.

Holly River State Park has ten cabins (in a secluded setting of rhododendron and hemlocks), a restaurant, and one of the most popular campgrounds in the state park system.

Mansion Museum, Oglebay Park, Wheeling, WV.  Built in 1846 by Hanson Chapline, Oglebay Institute's Mansion Museum was originally an eight-room farmhouse and went through seven different owners before being purchased by Earl W. Oglebay in 1900.  Mr. Oglebay made the mansion and surrounding grounds his family's summer estate, which he named Waddington Farms.  Upon his death in 1926, he willed the estate to the city of Wheeling to be a facility for education and recreation.  The mansion became a museum in 1926.

Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest, Monongalia County, WV.  Coopers Rock gets its name from a legend about a fugitive who hid from the law near the present day overlook.  A cooper by trade, he continued making barrels at his new hideout among the rocks.

During the Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built numerous structures in the forest, including this, the main overlook, which offers a breathtaking view of the Cheat River Canyon.

Blackwater Canyon, Blackwater Falls State Park.  Blackwater Falls State Park features a rustic 54 room lodge and restaurant, with all modern amenities, and sits on the southern rim of the canyon, offering visitors and diners spectacular views of the canyon.

Seneca Rocks, Pendleton County, WV.  Made up of Tuscarora sandstone and towering nearly 900 feet above the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River, Seneca Rocks is a favorite destination of sightseers and rock climbers alike.  A beautiful and informative visitor's center sits at the base of the rocks, and a 1.3 mile trail leads to a viewing platform adjacent to the rocks.

Pioneer Farm.  Located at Twin Falls State Park in Wyoming County, WV, the Pioneer Farm is a popular tourist attraction at the park, but is also an actual working farm, utilizing only the methods and machinery of the early 1800's pioneers who originally settled in what is now West Virginia. 

Twin Falls State Park is a very rewarding tourist destination, boasting a championship 18 hole golf course, a beautiful, quaint 20 room lodge, a convenient campground, and nine hiking trails.

The Seneca Rocks Visitor Center, Pendleton County, WV.  This modern visitor center includes a variety of interesting exhibits and conveniences for visitors to one of West Virginia's most notable landmarks (see above photo).

Lower Falls of Hills Creek.  The Falls of Hills Creek, located in Pocahontas County, WV, consists of a series of three falls, the Upper, Middle, and Lower.  The Upper Falls does not present a very good photographic opportunity.  There is a good viewing platform at the Middle Falls.  However, the Lower Falls, the highest waterfall in WV, is the gem of this trio.  A trip the Lower Falls is a strenuous trek down a series of well-maintained boardwalks and stairs.  This view is from the Lower Falls' viewing platform.

New River Gorge Bridge, Fayette County, WV.  Opened in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge is an impressive 3,030 feet long, and 876 feet high.  The bridge is also home to the annual "Bridge Day Festival." Each October, BASE jumpers and bungee jumpers from all over the world and thousands of onlookers gather for West Virginia's largest festival.  NOTE: This is the only day of the year that jumping from the bridge is legal.

Tamarac -- The Best of West Virginia.  Located in Beckley, WV, Tamarac is an economic development project for the state of WV featuring  the products of numerous West Virginia artisans, who routinely demonstrate their skills at this impressive faciliity.  There is also a food court, conference center, and an Art Gallery.

Harpers Ferry, WV.  Located at the extreme tip of the eastern panhandle of West Virginia at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry is home to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (visible in this photo in the lower left part of town), providing visitors with tours, museums, and restored 19th century streetscapes.  The park is also home to abolitionist John Brown's Fort, the site of John Brown's Raid.