West Virginia Word Search

APPLES – West Virginia is the birthplace of the Golden Delicious apple, discovered in Clay County in 1905. This sweet yellow apple became the official state fruit and one of America’s favorites.

BEARS – American black bears inhabit West Virginia’s forests and mountains. The state has a healthy bear population, particularly in remote wilderness areas throughout Appalachia.

BLUEGRASS – Traditional Appalachian music genre deeply rooted in West Virginia’s culture. Features string instruments like banjos, fiddles, and mandolins, reflecting the state’s mountain heritage.

BRIDGE – The New River Gorge Bridge is West Virginia’s iconic steel arch bridge, once the world’s longest. It spans 3,030 feet and attracts worldwide attention each year.

BUCK – Pearl S. Buck, Nobel Prize-winning author born in Hillsboro, West Virginia. She wrote “The Good Earth” and championed humanitarian causes throughout her distinguished literary career.

CARDINALS – The Northern Cardinal is West Virginia’s official state bird, adopted in 1949. These vibrant red birds are year-round residents throughout the Mountain State’s diverse habitats.

COUNTRY – Reflects both country music traditions and rural Appalachian lifestyle central to West Virginia’s identity. The state embraces its country roots and mountain culture proudly.

DENVER – John Denver popularized West Virginia worldwide with “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in 1971. The song became an unofficial state anthem celebrating mountain beauty.

GLASS – West Virginia has a rich glassmaking heritage, including famous marble production and art glass. The state’s silica deposits and craftsmen created a thriving industry.

GORGE – The New River Gorge is a spectacular 1,000-foot-deep canyon. Recently designated a National Park, it offers world-class whitewater rafting and rock climbing adventures.

HATFIELDS – One family in America’s most famous feud along the West Virginia-Kentucky border. The Hatfield-McCoy conflict lasted decades, becoming legendary Appalachian folklore and history.

HILLS – West Virginia’s defining landscape feature. Rolling hills and steep terrain cover the entire state, earning it the nickname “The Mountain State” for its elevation.

KNOTTS – Don Knotts, beloved actor from Morgantown, West Virginia. Best known for playing Barney Fife on “The Andy Griffith Show,” winning multiple Emmy Awards.

MCCOYS – The opposing family in the legendary Hatfield-McCoy feud. This conflict symbolizes Appalachian history and has become a cultural touchstone for mountain communities.

MINING – Coal mining has been West Virginia’s backbone industry. Generations of miners extracted resources that powered American industry, shaping communities and family traditions statewide.

MOUNTAINS – The Appalachian Mountains dominate West Virginia’s geography. These ancient peaks provide stunning scenery, outdoor recreation, and define the state’s rugged character and culture.

PEPPERONI – Pepperoni rolls are West Virginia’s signature food, created for coal miners’ lunches. Soft bread wrapped around pepperoni sticks remains a beloved state culinary tradition.

RETTON – Mary Lou Retton from Fairmont became America’s gymnastics sweetheart, winning Olympic gold in 1984. She inspired generations and remains West Virginia’s most celebrated athlete.

RHODO – Short for Rhododendron, West Virginia’s state flower since 1903. These beautiful flowering shrubs bloom pink and white across mountains each spring, creating spectacular displays.

RIVERS – West Virginia features numerous rivers including the New, Gauley, and Potomac. These waterways provide recreation, natural beauty, and historical significance throughout the region.

ROADS – From John Denver’s “Country Roads,” celebrating West Virginia’s winding mountain highways. These scenic routes connect remote communities through challenging Appalachian terrain and valleys.

TIMBER – Logging and forestry have been vital West Virginia industries. Dense hardwood forests covering 78% of the state support lumber production and sustainable woodland management.

WILD – From the state motto “Wild and Wonderful West Virginia.” This word captures the untamed natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and spirited character of the state.

YEAGER – Chuck Yeager, legendary test pilot from Hamlin who broke the sound barrier in 1947. His courage and skill made him an American hero and aviation pioneer.