West Virginia State Maps

These maps show West Virginia State's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregions.




West Virginia County Map

The Counties of West Virginia and Their Name Origins






West Virginia County Sizes Map

West Virginia State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in West Virginia State

Hancock County: 86 sq miles

Largest County in West Virginia State

Randolph County: 1041 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in West Virginia State

Mean Area: 445.83 sq miles

Median Area: 414.95 sq miles






West Virginia Major Cities Map

Major Cities of West Virginia State and Their Locations

In West Virginia, most major cities are strategically located along river valleys or near coal-rich regions.

1. River Valleys

Charleston: The capital city, located on the Kanawha River, is a hub for commerce and transportation.

Huntington: Situated along the Ohio River, it serves as a key industrial and transportation center.

Wheeling: Located on the Ohio River, Wheeling has historically been a center for industry and transportation, particularly in steel manufacturing and coal shipping.

Parkersburg: Positioned at the confluence of the Ohio and Little Kanawha rivers, Parkersburg has long been a key city for commerce and river trade.

2. Historic Routes

Morgantown: Positioned along the Monongahela River, known for its proximity to coal mines and the West Virginia University.

Bluefield: Located in the southern part of the state, Bluefield is known for its coal industry and its historical role as a transportation hub along the Norfolk and Western Railway.

Beckley: Situated near the New River Gorge, Beckley serves as a central location in West Virginia’s southern coal region, with strong ties to the coal mining industry and tourism.



West Virginia State Shaded Relief Map

Topographic Tour of West Virginia


West Virginia is known for its rugged terrain, shaped by the Appalachian Mountains, extensive plateaus, and deep valleys.

1. Appalachian Plateaus

The western part of West Virginia consists of the Appalachian Plateaus, a region of deeply dissected plateaus and river valleys. This region is rich in coal and natural gas resources and is characterized by rolling hills, forested landscapes, and numerous rivers.

2. Allegheny Mountains

Running along the eastern part of the state, the Allegheny Mountains feature rugged peaks and are part of the larger Appalachian system. This area is home to some of the highest elevations in the state, including Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 feet.

3. New River Gorge

The New River Gorge, located in the southern part of the state, features steep, forested canyons carved by the New River. This area is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and is a popular destination for hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting. The New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, is a famous landmark here.

4. Greenbrier Valley

The Greenbrier Valley, located in southeastern West Virginia, is characterized by rolling limestone hills, rich farmlands, and numerous caves and karst formations. The valley is home to the Greenbrier River, which flows through a picturesque landscape that is popular for hiking, cycling, and fishing.

5. Canaan Valley

Canaan Valley, situated in the northeastern part of the state, is a high-elevation valley surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains. This area features wetland habitats and cool, alpine-like conditions, making it a unique ecosystem in the state. The valley is popular for skiing, hiking, and wildlife viewing, particularly in Canaan Valley State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park.






West Virginia Major Cities Map

Physiographic Regions of West Virginia

Appalachian Plateaus, Allegheny Mountain

This region encompasses some of the most rugged parts of the state, with high elevations and forested peaks.

Appalachian Plateaus, Kanawha

Characterized by deeply dissected plateaus and a network of rivers that carve through the landscape, including the Kanawha River.

Blue Ridge, Northern

This region extends into the northeastern part of West Virginia and includes lower elevation mountains compared to the Alleghenies.

Valley and Ridge, Middle

The Valley and Ridge region features folded mountains and valleys, part of the larger Appalachian system.

Valley and Ridge, Tennessee

This section extends southward and includes some of the most complex terrain in West Virginia.



West Virginia Major Cities Map

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in West Virginia

1. Monongahela National Forest

The largest federally managed land in West Virginia, the Monongahela National Forest covers over 900,000 acres and offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and nature observation. It is home to diverse ecosystems, including dense hardwood forests, bogs, and highland meadows.

2. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

Designated as a national park in 2020, the New River Gorge is known for its dramatic river gorge, offering some of the best whitewater rafting in the eastern U.S. The park also features one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world, the New River Gorge Bridge, a popular site for BASE jumping and Bridge Day festivities.

3. New River Gorge National River

The New River Gorge National River encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, providing a haven for outdoor activities like rock climbing, hiking, and bird watching. The river itself is one of the oldest in the world and offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and rafting.

4. Jefferson National Forest

Stretching across Virginia and extending into southern West Virginia, the Jefferson National Forest offers scenic landscapes, mountainous terrain, and forested trails. This area is perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. It is connected to the larger George Washington National Forest.

5. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is steeped in history. This park preserves the site of John Brown’s 1859 raid, a key event leading to the Civil War. Visitors can explore historic buildings, hike scenic trails, and take in the rich history of the area.

6. Cranberry Wilderness

Located within the Monongahela National Forest, the Cranberry Wilderness covers over 47,000 acres of rugged backcountry terrain. It is known for its remote forests, bogs, and streams, offering a pristine environment for backpacking, wildlife viewing, and backcountry camping.

7. Laurel Fork South Wilderness

This federally designated wilderness area is also part of the Monongahela National Forest. The Laurel Fork South Wilderness features scenic forests, peaceful streams, and diverse plant and animal life, making it ideal for hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

8. George Washington National Forest

The George Washington National Forest spans Virginia and parts of West Virginia, covering vast mountainous terrain. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife observation. The forest is rich in history and natural beauty, with trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail.

9. Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

This park, commonly referred to as the C&O Canal, runs along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland, with parts extending into West Virginia. The canal played a significant role in the 19th-century transportation of goods. Today, visitors can hike, bike, or walk along the towpath while exploring historical landmarks and natural scenery.






West Virginia Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of West Virginia

Allegheny Mountains Section

This region is defined by its forested highlands, cool climates, and rugged terrain, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Blue Ridge Mountains Section

Located in the eastern part of the state, the Blue Ridge Mountains are part of a larger system extending into Virginia and beyond.

Northern Cumberland Mountains Section

Characterized by steep slopes and ridgelines, this region lies on the southwestern edge of the state and extends into Kentucky.

Northern Ridge & Valley Section

Known for its rolling hills and fertile valleys, this region is home to diverse ecosystems and agricultural lands.

Southern Unglaciated Allegheny Plateau

This part of West Virginia consists of forested plateaus, with numerous rivers cutting deep valleys through the rugged landscape.