Scenic Spots for Wildlife Watching in West Virginia
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on June 28, 2026
FROM THE WEST VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
A walk through the lush forests of West Virginia is sure to bring visits from all sorts of flora and fauna. From bird watchers to floral experts, there is a scenic destination is Almost Heaven for wildlife viewers of all kinds. Discover the types you may see out on the trail below.
Cranberry Glades
Many people come from all over the world to visit the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area. Being the largest bog in the state, it is home to many beautiful organisms. The state animal, the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) will wander around to forage for roots and berries. You can hear or even see the brightly colored feathers of the American Turkey (Meleagris gallopovo), as they gobble from the shrubs. The bog is also home to some interesting plants, such as the Purple Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea). Using its sweet-smelling nectar to attract its next meal. The acidic wetlands of the Cranberry Glades offer many unique species to make a hike worth the adventure.
Summersville Lake
What’s more fun than enjoying a day at the lake with the family and encountering some surprising wildlife? You may be shocked to learn that this mountainside lake is home to a special type of jellyfish. While only the size of a nickel, Freshwater Jellyfish (Craspedacusta sowerbii), are a great indicator of water quality. While on the water, you might also reel-in a Walleye (Sander vitreus), which are a real prize to catch. With a more bright and vibrant colored palate, the Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are a breathtaking sight you might encounter. Take a trip to Summersville Lake to see these beauties in person!
Sceneca Rocks Observation Deck
The towering deck overseeing the vast valley makes you really feel free as a bird. As you stand facing the crisp mountain air, you may see a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) diving with speeds up to 240 miles per hour. You may even see an elegant Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soaring high in the sky. If you take one of the many trails for a nice nature walk, you could stumble into a North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) looking for fresh berries to eat. It is never a dull moment in these vast valleys!
The wildlife watching of West Virginia offers much more than just an opportunity to see animals in their native habitat. It provides an opportunity to really slow down, explore the beautiful nature setting, and appreciate the wonderful biodiversity found although out the state. Whether you are hiking through the Cranberry Glades, fishing at Summersville Lake, or standing tall above the valleys of Seneca Rocks, every destination offers many unforgettable encounters with nature. Next time you explore The Mountain State, keep your eyes open-you never know what amazing creatures you may stumble upon.
