There’s a reason that John Denver described West Virginia as “almost heaven.” Nestled in the heart of the Appalachians—some of the oldest mountains on the planet—the state is filled with rocky peaks, deep cave systems, and rolling hills. More recent, human-made wonders are scattered throughout the rugged landscape, from the smallest church in the contiguous United States to a telescope that is a massive feat of engineering. These are just a few of the marvels you can find while exploring the hidden corners of the Mountain State.