Reads

Franklin and Nantahala, North Carolina, deliver rushing cascades, layered mountain views and the kind of outdoor energy that surrounds you with the untamed beauty of the outdoors.

There’s something about the Midwest that surprises folks who only know it from highways and fast-food billboards. Strip away the interstates, and you’ll find rolling prairies, quirky small towns and landscapes that make your jaw drop if you slow down enough to notice. This isn’t the kind of road trip that hits the usual tourist traps—it’s about those tucked-away spots that feel like they were waiting just for you.

If your idea of adventure involves rivers, parks and trails that move at their own pace, then let’s head to West Virginia. Here’s a look at six counties that make the state a top choice for hiking and outdoor trips.