Explore this West Virginia map to know everything you want to know about the thirty-fifth state of the US. Learn about West Virginia’s location in the USA. Check out its geography, time zones, history, major cities, name of the capital/largest city, area/zip codes, flag/seal, national parks, trails, frequently asked questions (FAQs), etc. 

About West Virginia

West Virginia is the thirty-fifth state in the United States. On June 4, 1863, it was admitted to the Union. Charleston is West Virginia’s capital city and the state’s largest city and metro urban area. In West Virginia, around 98% of the population speaks English. A tiny percentage of people speak Spanish. In the US, West Virginia is the 12th least populous state. 

The US state of West Virginia’s nickname is The Mountain State. Montani Semper Liberi (Latin), meaning “Mountaineers Are Always Free,” is the State Motto. Check Key Facts of West Virginia to learn more about this US state. 

West Virginia Flag 

The Union adopted the West Virginian flag on March 7, 1929. The flag is white with blue stripes as ba order on four sides. The West Virginia coat of arms is at the center, encircled by a wreath of rhododendron. On the top is an unfurled red ribbon reading “State of West Virginia.” 

West Virginia State Symbols

In September 1863, West Virginia’s Great Seal of the State was adopted. In front of the seal, right at the center, is a boulder with the writing June 20, 1863. This is the date on which West Virginia became a state. Just ahead of the boulder are two rifles crossing each other and a cap symbolizing the state’s fight for liberty. 

The two men on each side of the boulder stand for agriculture and industry. On the left is a farmer holding an axe and a plow before a cornstalk. Standing opposite them is a miner with a pickaxe. Behind him are an anvil and a sledgehammer. 

The outer ring has the text “State of West Virginia” and the state’s motto “Montani Semper Liberi”, (“Mountaineers are Always Free”). On the back of the seal is the Governor’s official seal. The motto says “Libertas E Fidelitate” (“Liberty out of Fidelity”). 

Learn more exciting aspects of the State from West Virginia Facts & Trivia.

West Virginia Location

West Virginia Location Map shows the exact location of the US state of West Virginia on the United States map. This map shows the US state’s boundaries, neighboring countries, and oceans. 

The State of West Virginia is situated in the eastern region of the United States. The Appalachian mountain flanks it on all sides.

• Pennsylvania (to the north)
• Maryland and Virginia (to the east)
• Kentucky (to the southwest)
• Ohio (to the northwest)

West Virginia’s precise location is 37°12′ N to 40°39′ N Latitude and 77°43′ W to 82°39′ W Longitude. Check the West Virginia Longitude and Latitude Map to learn more about the location.

West Virginia Time Zones

The time zone in West Virginia is UTC−05:00 (Eastern), and its Summer (DST) is UTC−04:00 (EDT). 

West Virginia Geography

West Virginia is spread across a total area of 24,230 sq mi (62,755 sq km). The state is also known as the Mountain State of the US. Its breathtaking views make this eastern heartland one of the favorite tourist destinations. West Virginia lies within the scraggy borders of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Landforms within this rugged country cover densely forested gorges. Major terrains in this state are:

•   Spruce Knob: This is the state’s highest point standing at 4,863 feet (1,482 m). It is a majestic peak of the Allegheny Front. Here you can see eroded mountaintops, red spruce, and open heath.
•   Rocky Plateaus: Segments of the Allegheny Front in West Virginia reveal themselves as rocky, semi-open plateaus. These places are full of rock ledges, knobs, and boulders.  

•   Gorges: West Virginia’s Appalachian highlands have several fantastic gorges. The New River in southern West Virginia, at 1,000 feet, is one of them. Up north, the Smoke Hole is another famous West Virginia canyon. 

•   Seneca Rocks: On the southwestern wings of North Fork Mountain, a line of eye-catching fins of quartzite contribute handsomely to a few of the Appalachians’ most impressive sceneries. 

Among these, the 900-foot Seneca Rocks stand out. This angry-looking cliff-face represents the Seneca Creek-North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River junction. 

•   Wetlands: West Virginia has most of the Appalachian Mountains’ sweeping wetlands. These fantastic, peat-coated bogs are usually found in northern New England and Canada. Check this West Virginia Topographic Map to learn more.

Check outLearn about the location of mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, ocean, and neighboring states from this Physical Map of West Virginia. 

West Virginia History

The history of West Virginia has its genesis in the 1861 Wheeling Convention. 

West Virginia became one of two American states created during the American Civil War, along with Nevada in 1864. 

The state was originally part of the British Virginia Colony (1607–1776), and the western part of the US state of Virginia (1776–1863). Western Virginia became isolated from the Union due to political issues, leading to the separation of West Virginia. 

The population of West Virginia grew during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the main reasons for this was the job opportunities that the coal and logging industries created.

However, from the mid-20th century, West Virginia’s population declined as its citizens left for better opportunities. West Virginia’s history has been deeply impacted by its mountainous contour, fantastic river valleys, and healthy natural resources. 

West Virginia Counties

West Virginia has 55 counties. Randolph County is the largest county, having a total area of 1040.2 sq mi (2,694 sq km). Hancock County is the smallest county, having a total area of 87.9 sq mi (227.9 sq km). Check the West Virginia County Map to learn more about the counties.

West Virginia Area Codes

The US State of West Virginia has two area codes currently: 

• 304
• 681

The West Virginia Area Codes Map helps you locate a particular area code. You can also use it to learn more about the area code boundary, county and state boundaries, and state capital. 

West Virginia Zip Codes

There are 703 active zip codes in West Virginia. The best zip codes to live in include 25314, 25304, 25303, 25443, 26508, and many more. You can locate a particular zip code’s location, boundary, state boundary, and state capital with the help of the West Virginia Zip Codes Map. 

West Virginia Major Cities

Learn about the state’s major cities from this West Virginia cities map. It also helps you to know the exact location of the state capital, other cities, state boundaries, neighboring states, oceans, and many more. 

West Virginia’s most prominent cities are Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Morgantown, Wheeling, Martinsburg, Weirton, Fairmont, Beckley, and many more. Check out the West Virginia Cities Map for more details.

West Virginia Airports

The busiest airport in West Virginia is the West Virginia International Yeager Airport. Huntington Tri-State Airport is the other airport. No international airport is there in West Virginia.

Check the location of different airports in the state on the West Virginia Airports Map. This map also shows West Virginia’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

West Virginia National Park and Trails

West Virginia has six national parks. Around 1.3 million visitors visited West Virginia’s national parks in 2021. The major national parks in West Virginia are Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and New River Gorge National Park. 

In West Virginia, you can enjoy more than 470 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). The five best hiking 

trails in West Virginia are Coopers Rock State Forest, Greenbrier River Trail, Spotted Salamander Trail, Maryland Heights Loop, and Allegheny Trail.

Check out the National Parks in West Virginia Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.

Check out the US National Parks Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.

West Virginia Climate 

West Virginia’s climate is warm with four distinct seasons. The winter is cold with extreme frost during December, January, and February. Spring extends from March to May, while the four months of summer have moderately high maximum temperatures.

• Fall: October and November are the autumn months in West Virginia. The season is comparatively short here. There is a sharp drop in temperatures as well as rainfall. No other month of the year in West Virginia is as dry as autumn (Fall).
• Spring: mid-to-late spring is one of the best times for you to travel to West Virginia. The temperatures are mild during these months (March to May). The foliage starts to wear color and liveliness in the air.

• Summer: In West Virginia, although the summers are hot, they are pleasant. During this time of the year, there is a lot of moisture. Rainfall is quite regular during this time. The average temperatures in July and August are never more than 32°C (90°F).   
• Winter: In winter, the average minimum temperature is around 20°F in the central and northeastern regions of West Virginia. However, in the far south, it is around 30°F. Central West Virginia receives 50 or more inches of rain or snow annually. In the west, in and around the Ohio River, precipitation is 40 inches.

To learn more about the climatic condition of West Virginia, check out the Key Facts of West Virginia. 

FAQs on West Virginia

FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is West Virginia? 

Ans: The time zone in West Virginia is GMT-4. It is officially in Eastern Daylight Time.

 FAQ #2: Where is West Virginia?

Ans: West Virginia is located in the Appalachian, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeastern regions of the United States

FAQ #3: Is West Virginia A Red State?

Ans: Yes, West Virginia is a Red state. Donald Trump won the state convincingly in 2020.

FAQ #4: What Is West Virginia Known For?

Ans: West Virginia is known for its beautiful mountains, recreation facilities, and nice and friendly people.

FAQ #5: What Is The Capital Of West Virginia?

Ans: Charleston is the capital of West Virginia

FAQ #6: What Planting Zone Is West Virginia?

Ans: In West Virginia, the planting zone ranges from 5 to 7

FAQ #7: Are there Any Mountains In West Virginia?

Ans: Yes, West Virginia is full of breathtaking mountains. That is why it is called the Mountain State. 

FAQ #8: What Is The Population Of West Virginia?

Ans: The population of West Virginia in 2020 was 1.81 million. 

FAQ #9: Who Is The Governor Of West Virginia?

Ans: Republican Jim Justice is the current Governor of West Virginia. He is West Virginia’s 36th governor. He assumed office on January 16, 2017. 

FAQ #10: Are There Black Bears In West Virginia?

Ans: Yes, black bears are found in West Virginia. There are around 14,000 black bears in the state now.