CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey celebrated West Virginia being named the second most naturally beautiful state in America by Travel + Leisure, the latest in a growing list of national honors recognizing the Mountain State as one of the country’s premier travel destinations.
“The rest of the country is discovering what West Virginians have always known: there is simply no place like Almost Heaven,” Governor Morrisey said. “In just the past few months, some of the biggest names in travel have recognized our mountains, rivers, waterfalls, small towns, and outdoor adventures among the very best in America. Every new visitor means more customers for our small businesses, more jobs for West Virginians, and more opportunity in communities across our state.”
Travel + Leisure highlighted a new study ranking West Virginia No. 2 among all 50 states with an overall score of 78.23 out of 100. It was the only state in the top 10 to perform consistently well across every category measured. The ranking cited West Virginia’s extensive forests, more than 6,600 miles of rivers, six National Park Service sites, and nearly 200 waterfalls.
The recognition follows Architectural Digest naming the New River Gorge one of the 11 most beautiful places in America, showcasing the Gorge’s dramatic landscape, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and outdoor adventures.
Other recent national honors include Southern Living naming Davis one of the best Southern mountain towns to visit this fall, U.S. News & World Report naming New River Gorge the nation’s best underrated travel destination, and Travel + Leisure recognizing West Virginia as one of the country’s top destinations for an extended fall foliage season.
The West Virginia Department of Tourism also recently received the U.S. Travel Association’s ESTO Award for Excellence in Print Marketing for the 2026 West Virginia Vacation Guide. More than 350,000 copies have been distributed since its January launch.
“West Virginia has incredible momentum, and these national honors show that people across the country are taking notice,” Secretary of Tourism Kayla Kessinger said. “Whether you’re looking for world-class outdoor adventure, a weekend in one of our mountain towns, or simply a place to enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in America, you can find it in Almost Heaven.”
The national recognition comes as West Virginia’s tourism industry continues to produce record results. The state has surpassed $9.1 billion in annual tourism economic impact, with visitor volume reaching more than 77 million. Tourism supports nearly 61,000 West Virginia jobs and generates billions of dollars in visitor spending that supports businesses and communities across the Mountain State.
