Capitol Dome.  The dome of the West Virginia State Capitol building, Charleston, WV.  At 292 feet in height (4 and one half feet taller than the nation's capitol), one of the most beautiful state capitols in the United Sates.  Here, the impressive gold and blue 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.

Ski Lodge, Canaan Valley.  Snow and ice cling to every branch atop Cabin Mountain above the ski lodge at Canaan Valley Resort State Park.  This high-elevation mountain valley, with its substantial yearly snowfall, makes it one of the most popular ski destinations in the east.

Canaan Valley Resort is one of the most popular ski destinations in the eastern United States.  There are 34 slopes, with a vertical drop of 850 feet and a longest run of 6,000 feet.  There is also a lodge at the resort with 250 rooms, and 23 cabins.

Canaan Valley Golf Course.  A unique high-elevation mountain valley, Canaan Valley offers year-round recreational opportunities.  Due to the high elevation, summer temperatures rarely reach 80 degrees, and the golf course is outstanding and always in perfect condition.  Wildlife is abundant, and the fall foliage is breathtaking, and outstanding views of the surrounding mountains are visible from every hole.   Whitetail deer and other wildlife are a common sight on the course.

Lodging is available in the 250 room lodge, 23 cabins, and modern campground.

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.

Valley Falls.  Valley Falls, on the Tygart Valley River in Marion County, WV, is located in Valley Falls State Park.  The Falls are made up of a series of falls, plunging over sandstone cliffs and around huge boulders.

Once the site of a lumber and grist mill community, remnants of these earlier structures can still be seen.  In the 1800s, this section of the Tygart Valley was a thriving railroad community.  During this time, Valley Falls had a railroad station, a grist mill, saw mills, a post office, a ferry, and numerous shops.  A fire destroyed the community in 1886, and it was never fully rebuilt.  The state park system acquired the falls area in 1964.

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.

When there is very little water flowing over a waterfall, use of a slow shutter speed makes it look like there is more water present.

Dolly Sods, Autumn.  The most unique natural area in West Virginia, Dolly Sods is a high elevation plain of boulders, Blueberry bushes, and stunted evergreens with branches on only one side from the incessant winds.  Reminiscent of northern Canada, and with miles of interesting trails, Dolly Sods offers the outdoor enthusiast a truly unique wilderness experience.  Fall colors are spectacular on Dolly Sods, usually at their peak around the end of September, first of October.  The Blueberry bushes, visible in this photo, turn vibrant crimson in autumn.

Caution is advised.  Dolly Sods is very a remote area, the trails are challenging, boulder-strewn, and usually wet, and the weather can be severe and changes rapidly.  The only facility of any type on Dolly Sods is the Red Creek Campground (primitive, pit toilets available).

Blackwater Canyon.  Just downstream from Blackwater Falls.  While this view is from Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County, WV, most of the canyon visible in this photo is in private ownership.  The eight-mile long Blackwater Canyon is one of the more unique and important natural areas in West Virginia.  The Canyon, for several years, has been, and continues to be, the source of much debate.  While logging interests threaten the pristine qualities of this delicate and unique area, various environmental groups fight for its survival.  Chief among these are the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and the Friends of Blackwater.  Currently, a campaign is underway to have the Canyon established as a National Park.

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

Seneca Rocks.  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.

A recent snow, combined with strong late afternoon lighting, accentuates the texture of the rocks, while the clear blue sky provides a nice contrast with the light-colored 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.  This modern visitor center includes a variety of interesting exhibits and conveniences for the visitor to one of West Virginia's most notable landmarks.