John Denver’s hit song make West Virginia famous across the world, but it’s only recently that people are grabbing there outdoor gear and enjoying what it has to offer. From high mountains to lush valleys the British in particular are making a comeback in this particular state.

The physical geography of this region is best described as “rugged”, made up of imposing mountains, white-water rivers and 36, yes 36 forested state parks, and it is this combination that is seeing it become the centre for outdoor pursuits in the whole of the mid-Atlantic area. As recently as 2012 however a survey found that almost a quarter of Americans were not even aware it was a state at all, and that even though it is only just over an hour’s travel from Washington D.C’s Dulles Airport, it hardly raised a flicker on the places to visit for foreign tourists.

This area of the USA once frequented by frontiersman Daniel Boone is now being rediscovered by those with a liking for the outdoor life and they are finding that there is a proud independent mountain culture to be experienced. Although until he released the song John Denver had actually never set foot in the state, and the song was originally intended to be about Maryland. The big clue is actually in the song’s opening lines, “Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River…”. The Shenandoah River is in the state for a grand total of about ten miles and likewise the Blue Ridge Mountains scarcely cross the state line, but it has been adopted by the State University as its unofficial anthem anyway.

However, there are mountains, rivers and forests aplenty to admire and enjoy, and some great towns to visit and recuperate in as well, which offer the chance to experience great food, drink, and entertainment. There is even a preserved steam railway to enjoy which takes in views of the highest point in the state, Bald Knob at a height of 4843ft.

So whatever you are looking for whether it is long hikes, white water sports, rock climbing our just admiring the view make sure you have your outdoor gear and head to this welcoming American state, it has it all.