With population of 1,792,147, West Virginia is the 40th largest state among U.S. 50 states, and WV is the two letter abbreviation for West Virginia. Here, we provide a list of major rivers and mountains in the state of West Virginia.
Rivers in West Virginia
Monongahela River
The Monongahela River is approximately 206 km long and is a tributary of the Ohio River. The Monongahela River is formed by the confluence of the Tygart Valley River and West Fork River in the state of West Virginia. From there, the Monongahela River flows north until it joins the Ohio River near Pittsburgh.
Potomac River
The Potomac River originates in the Fairfax Stone Historical Monument State Park in West Virginia and flows into Chesapeake Bay near Maryland and Virginia. It forms the border between Washington and Virginia and between Maryland and Virginia, where the great Potomac waterfalls are located. It is approximately 650 km long, has a 7,000 km² catchment area and is the twenty-one largest river in the United States.
Shenandoah River
The approximately 240 km long Shenandoah River between the states of Virginia and West Virginia originates from Front Royal in Warren County in Virginia and flows into Harpers Ferry in the sibling state. It belongs to the Potomac River system and drains the valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The river valley mainly consists of limestone. Many caves have been discovered in this area, which are now used for tourist purposes. These are e.g. B. the Luray Caverns, the Shenandoah Caverns and the Skyline Caverns.
Mountains in West Virginia
Spruce Mountain
Spruce Mountain is located in the Allegheny Mountains in the east of West Virginia and is the highest mountain in West Virginia with a height of 1,482 m. However, Spruce Mountain does not immediately stand out from the surrounding mountains, as they all reach a height of around 1,400 m. There are several hiking trails through the Allengheny Mountains, such as the Huckleberry Trail, the Lumberjack Trail and the Spruce Mountain Trail.
Lakes and reservoirs in West Virginia
Bluestone Lake
Bluestone Lake is an 8.25 km² reservoir in the south of the state of West Virginia. Bluestone Lake has been through the Bluestone Dam since 1949. The dam primarily serves to protect against flooding. Due to its size, Bluestone Lake is a popular local recreation area, so Bluestone State Park can also be found here.
Summersville Lake
Summersville Lake is an 11 km² reservoir in central West Virginia. The Gauley River has been dammed here since 1966. This serves to control floods and generate energy. On the north shore of the lake is the Summersville Lake State Wildlife Area. Summersville Lake is a popular recreation area and an excellent opportunity for fishing, boating, but also diving and snorkeling. The Gauley River National Recreation Area and Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park are also close to Summersville Lakes.