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West Virginia is a state of the United States in the region of Appalachia, also known as The Mountain State. The state is noted for its great natural beauty, its timber and coal mining heritage and labor union organizing, mine wars in particular. West Virginia is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north; by Ohio to the north and west; by Kentucky to the west; by Maryland to the north and east; and by Virginia to the east and south. The Ohio and Potomac rivers form parts of the boundaries. It is the only state in the nation located entirely within the Appalachian Mountain range, and in which all areas are mountainous
On the southeastern state line with Virginia, high peaks in the Monongahela National Forest region give rise to an island of colder climate and ecosystems similar to those of northern New England and eastern Canada. The highest point in the state is atop Spruce Knob, which at 4,863 feet is covered in a boreal forest of dense spruce trees. About 75% of the state is within the Cumberland Plateau and Allegheny Plateau regions. Though the relief is not high, the plateau region is extremely rugged in most areas. West Virginia enjoys the four seasons, but depending on where you visit, they can differ dramatically. In the low-lying areas and valleys, including the western regions of the state and the Eastern Panhandle, winters are quite mild and summers warm. In the central, more mountainous areas of the state, winters are much colder, with greater amounts of snow. Summers are pleasant and mild.
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