West Virginia is a rugged mountain state nestled in the Appalachians, celebrated as the whitewater rafting capital of the eastern United States. Known as the Mountain State, it offers extraordinary outdoor adventure—class V rapids on the New and Gauley Rivers, hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage in North America. Historic coal-mining heritage, Appalachian culture, artisan crafts, and a thriving outdoor recreation economy make West Virginia a destination of authentic character and natural beauty.
West Virginia is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime rates are below the national average in most tourist areas. The greatest risks to visitors are natural hazards: flash floods in gorges, mountain weather extremes, and wildlife encounters in backcountry areas. Standard precautions apply in Charleston and Morgantown.
Current safety advisory
Low-Moderate
No travel advisory. West Virginia is safe for domestic and international tourists. Exercise normal caution in urban areas and heightened caution in remote backcountry.
Last updated: 2026-06-15
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
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Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Always carry more water than expected—mountain exertion causes rapid dehydration
Tell someone your planned route and expected return before any backcountry excursion
Download offline maps (Gaia GPS) before entering Monongahela National Forest—cell service is near zero
Keep a basic first aid kit in the vehicle when driving rural mountain roads
In cities: standard urban precautions (secure valuables, avoid isolated areas at night)
WV has no state income tax on Social Security but has a high vehicle property tax—budget for parking and vehicle fees at resort areas
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Tick-Borne Illness
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- Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are present. Wear long pants, use DEET repellent, and check for ticks daily in grassy and wooded areas April-September.
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- Altitude
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- WV elevations are moderate (max 4,863 ft at Spruce Knob) and do not typically cause altitude sickness. Exertion at elevation can fatigue unacclimatized visitors.
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- Water Safety
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- Do not drink untreated water from streams or rivers—Giardia and other pathogens are present. Carry a filter or iodine tablets for backcountry water sources.
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- Hospitals
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- CAMC: 501 Morris St, Charleston, WV 25301 (+1 304-388-5432). WVU Medicine Ruby Memorial: 1 Medical Center Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506 (+1 304-598-4000). Summersville Regional (near New River Gorge): 400 Fairview Heights Rd, Summersville, WV 26651 (+1 304-872-2891).
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
West Virginia is very safe for solo travelers. Outdoor areas are generally unthreatening, and locals in small towns are welcoming to visitors. Always file a trip plan before backcountry excursions, as cell service is minimal in most wilderness areas. Solo hiking in remote areas like Dolly Sods and Otter Creek Wilderness is generally fine but inform someone of planned route and return time.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers report positive experiences in West Virginia. The outdoor adventure community is inclusive and welcoming. Standard urban precautions apply in Charleston and Morgantown at night. Avoid hiking alone on remote trails without informing someone of the route and expected return time.
Families
West Virginia is family-friendly in outdoor parks and resort areas. State park lodges are excellent family bases. Adventure activities have age restrictions—most whitewater outfitters require participants to be at least 7-12 years old depending on the river and rapid class. Keep children close on trails in bear country.
LGBTQ+ travellers
WV has limited legal protections for LGBTQ+ visitors compared to many states. Attitudes vary significantly between urban areas (Charleston, Morgantown) which have visible LGBTQ+ communities and bars, and rural areas which tend toward socially conservative norms. No specific safety threats, but discreet behavior may be advisable in small towns.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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